High Sierra: Ansel Adams Wilderness

Ken Lee

Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.

We understand plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following policies apply :

Deposits are NOT refundable but may be transferred to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from date of cancellation in accordance with the following schedule:

• Regardless of when you cancel, if we fill your spot*, you will receive a refund of all fees paid less your deposit and $150 processing fee.

If we cannot fill your spot, the amount of your refund is based upon the cancellation date:

• Cancellation 120 days or more from workshop start date: 100% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable up to 24 months

• Cancellation 90 – 120 days from workshop start date: 50% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.

• Cancellation less than 90 days from workshop start date: No refunds.

*Canceled spots are filled after the workshop reaches full capacity

All cancellations must be made in writing. Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made. 

Payments made for private workshops that you arrange with us are not refundable.

Q: How much riding experience do I need?

A: Prior horseback riding experience is helpful but not required. However, this is no "Sunday trail ride at the county fair". Be advised:

• Riding horses/mules and wilderness travel are inherently risky activities that include the possibility of serious injury or even death. By registering for this trip, you explicitly accept and assume all such risks

• We move at a walking pace, but the mountain trails we travel on can be rocky, dusty, steep and less than perfectly maintained in places. Even experienced riders are often amazed by the terrain we travel through

• We are traveling in the wilderness where there is no cell phone reception and medical assistance may not be immediately available.

• Those with an extreme fear of heights probably should not join this trip.

• We spend a fair amount of time in the saddle on traveling days, up to ~6 hours (including lunch and breaks). Having said all that, we have had many novice riders complete this trip with nothing worse than stiff legs or a sore bum. The horses are gentle and surefooted and the RCPS crew are experts at matching your mount to your riding abilities. Helmets will be provided to all participants for your protection.

If you any questions about whether this trip is right for you, please contact us to discuss your concerns.

Q: What should I pack?

A: A detailed packing list will be provided to participants after registration.

Q: What photo gear should I bring?

A: A digital SLR or mirrorless body with 2 or 3 lenses and a lightweight but sturdy tripod is our basic recommendation but we’ve had participants achieve outstanding results with high end point and shoots or even “just” their smartphone camera.

More specific photo gear recommendations will be provided to participants after registration.

Q: How should I pack?

A: A medium duffel bag (e.g. large gym bag) or stuff sack(s) are ideal for your clothing & personal items. Sleeping bags & pads should be in their own bags. A compact camera bag or backpack (no giant photo backpacks!) for your camera and lenses will complete your kit.

Q: How much stuff can I bring?

A: There is a strictly enforced 35 lb weight limit per person. This includes all photo gear, luggage, sleeping bag & pad. Items that will be on your person during the rides (raingear, water bottle, etc.) are not part of your weight budget. Note: The RCPS website says that the weight limit for pack trips is 30lbs but our group is allowed an extra 5 lbs.

Q: What kind of photo opportunities can I expect?

A: This territory is named after the most famous landscape photographer who ever lived so expect world class alpine landscapes. But mountain landscapes are just one of many subjects that may attract your attention.

Other types of photography that you can explore include:

• Wildflowers & Macro – we'll encounter a variety of mountain wildflowers, especially near water and in shaded areas. Typical species include Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Shooting Stars & Leopard Lilies.

• Night Photography – there will be outstanding opportunities to create images of the Milky Way, Star Trails, and Moonscapes after the sun. Ken will cover the basics of night photography in one of our group sessions. Don’t forget your tripod!

• Black & White – Contrast is one of the keys for great black and whites so when the sun gets too high and harsh for good color images, it's often perfect for black and whites. This is Ansel Adams country after all so why not give it a try?

• Equine & Cowboys/Cowgirls– our horses and the wranglers who take care of them make great subjects for western/mountain 'lifestyle' photos and you can't beat the backgrounds.

• Wildlife – critters tend to be very shy, especially around groups as large as ours. We may get lucky, but this is not a wildlife photo trip.

Q: Will I be able to charge batteries?

A: Yes, we will have a power station (i.e. giant power bank) to charge batteries, but the 'juice' supply is limited and once gone, it's gone. Bring (at least) several extra fully charged batteries. Don't forget your battery charger & cables!

Q: Can I take photos while riding?

A: No, for safety reasons, we cannot allow large cameras (i.e. any interchangeable lens camera), backpacks or anything with a neck strap to be on your body while riding. If you want to take a quick snapshot with your phone during a ride, wait until we are stopped. Both hands should always be on your reins while we are moving.

Q: Can I bring my own camping gear?

A: Some people prefer to bring their own tent, which is fine. If you choose to bring your tent, it will not be counted against your weight allowance.

Q: What is the bathroom situation like?

A: Picture a pop-up port-a-potty with a wooden toilet inside

Q: What will the weather be like? What kind of clothing is appropriate?

A: Average daytime temps are usually in the 60’s with typical overnight lows in the 40’s but it will feel a lot hotter in the sun and much colder when standing around doing night photography. Also, these are the mountains, anything is possible – we’ve seen hale/snow on more than one occasion and thunderstorms (usually brief) are not uncommon. Be prepared.

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Q: Will we be in one place or move around?

A: This is a moving trip with multiple camps in different locations but we also have 3 layover days where we don’t move cap.

Q: How many people will be on this trip?

A: The maximum number of guests we can bring on this trip is 11.

Q: Which airport should I fly into?
A: The closest airport is Mammoth-Yosemite (MMH), a small regional facility. The next closest airport of decent size is Reno, NV (RNO) which is about 3.5hrs from Mammoth Lakes. If you are flying in, you will need to rent a car or arrange other transportation to get to our meeting point near the town of Mammoth Lakes.

Q: Where do I leave my car?

A: You can leave your car in the pack station parking lot for the duration of the trip. Don't leave ANY food inside to tempt the local bears!

Q: Where should I stay before/after the trip?

A: There are many motels/hotels to choose from in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Other nearby towns/areas with lodging include Lee Vining, June Lakes and Bishop and as well as many US Forest Service and private campgrounds in the area.

Q: Will there be any cell phone reception during the trip?

A: No. None. Zero.

Q: What is the elevation range of the trip?

A: Approximately 7500 ft to 11,000 ft. Our camps are all under 10,000 ft elevation.

Q: How bad are the bugs?

A: Depending on the year, the mosquitos can range from just annoying to vicious, especially near the water around sunrise and sunset. In addition to bug spray, you may want to bring a head net. We've also found Thermacell devices to be pretty effective

Q: Can we fish?

A: Yes, many lakes in the area are filled with hungry trout, mostly pan-sized. However, a CA fishing license must be purchased in advance. Licenses are not available at the pack station or in the wilderness.

Q: Is there much hiking required?

A: We don’t have any planned hikes but you will want to explore the territory around our camps to find your perfect photo location and just to see what’s around.

Q: Is there a maximum allowable weight for participants?

A: Yes, for the safety and welfare of the riding stock, participants must weigh no more than 230lbs. Some exceptions maybe possible based on availability of specific animals. Please contact us before signing up if your weight exceeds 230lbs