It’s been a week since I returned home from the Find Your Focus Photography Workshop at Yellowstone National Park, and I’ve finally spent some time with my images today. It was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever taken, and it was the first time I’ve traveled solely with others who share this same passion for nature and wildlife photography. I met some incredible people and made some very special new friends, and it was an experience I’ll long cherish.

An unfortunate health issue on the way home mandated a trip to the hospital in Bozeman, Montana, but I’m slowly regaining my strength and getting back into the daily routine, including this rather overdue blog post.

I had planned to document my experiences in detail, but I now see that goal may be a bit too daunting at this point. I’ll just encourage anyone interested in my experience on such an adventure to check out Cris and Deanna Duncan’s website where they describe their primary goal: “Find Your Focus hosts an annual photographic experience for photographers to refresh, recharge and renew their passion for photography.”

Unlike many other workshops, this one is geared toward the professional photographer. While there were those whose primary roles were to help educate those of us with less experience in some areas and lead the way, it was a true collective experience where everyone was encouraging and supportive of one another. I quickly discovered I was among super talented photographers from a variety of genres and from throughout the country, and it was an honor to stand beside them this week.

During the final evening’s awards program and image celebration, there was abundant laughter and tears as everyone celebrated the week’s accomplishments, which were many. From challenging hikes surmounted (affectionately dubbed “slight inclines” by some!) to exceptional wildlife experiences to new skills mastered, there were so many special moments that it was rather overwhelming.

I wish I could remember more details about the week, but, unfortunately, some of them were erased at the end. I hope they return at some point, but I have many special photos to remind me of those moments and experiences and, of course, the many new friends I made.

Here’s a small gallery of some of my favorite images so far, with many more to come.

Trout Lake

Thermal Morning