DAY HIKES, SUNRISE/SUNSET TRIPS

  DAY HIKES, SUNRISE/SUNSET TRIPS

On this adventure, we will start by venturing a few miles before selecting the picture-perfect sunrise or sunset location.  We will arrive before golden hour, run through some photo tips/tricks on getting the perfect shot and guide through capturing magic as Colorado serves up a colorful dose of majestic Rocky Mountain golden hour. 

Along the way, you’ll learn essential photography techniques to elevate your skills, including:  

• Landscape photography tips and tricks to bring out the best in your images.  
• Composing shots with your iPhone for stunning photos on the go.  
• Creating more impactful and powerful images through thoughtful composition and lighting.  
• Capturing a sense of scale in nature by incorporating people into your shots.  
• Planning and photographing epic Colorado sunrises or sunsets with breathtaking results.  

Let us guide you through a memorable day on Colorado’s trails, sharing our expertise as a professional landscape photographer and outdoor guide. Together, we’ll create images that not only showcase the beauty of nature but also tell a story. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this hike is designed to inspire and challenge you.  

Starting at $399 USD per person. 

*Hiking gear can be included if needed. Prices do not include guide gratuity*

  ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS

  ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY    TRIPS

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the night as we hike beneath some of the darkest skies in Colorado, capturing the wonders of the cosmos. Buena Vista’s remote trails offer exceptional stargazing and astrophotography opportunities, making it the perfect place to learn and create stunning images of the Milky Way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, these guided experiences will elevate your skills and connect you with the beauty and awe of the night sky.  

During your trip, you’ll learn essential astrophotography techniques to expand your skillset, including:

• What to bring & the best camera equipment/lenses for astrophotography.
• How to take incredible night sky images using just your phone and a tripod.
• How to plan your astrophotography mission, including learning to use apps, maps and environmental conditions to predict the best times and locations for capturing the Milky Way.
• Understand how to track the moon phases and weather conditions for the perfect shots.
• Identify the ideal camera settings for capturing the vast night sky and celestial landscapes.
• How to enhance nighttime shots with the power of storytelling, including adding elements such as a glowing tent, a human subject, or a reflective alpine lake to create dramatic and engaging photos.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

🌲 Night Hike to an Alpine Lake – Experience the thrill of hiking under the stars as we make our way to a high-altitude lake, where we’ll set up for a night of astrophotography. Along the way, we’ll cover essential night hiking safety skills, including navigating in the dark, using red-light headlamps, and wildlife awareness.

⛺ One-Night Backpacking Trip – For those wanting a deeper experience, we’ll backpack to a remote location, setting up camp under pristine night skies. This gives us more time to capture the stars, experiment with different techniques, and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the night.

🏕 Multi-Night Backpacking Expedition – Increase your chances of photographing the Milky Way by spending multiple nights in the backcountry. This adventure allows for more time to refine your skills, scout different compositions, and experience the magic of astrophotography in a variety of landscapes.

Night Hikes: Starting at $299 USD per person. 

Backpacking Trips: Starting at $950 USD per person. 

*Hiking gear can be included if needed. Prices do not include guide gratuity*

  BACKPACKING TRIPS

  BACKPACKING    TRIPS

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Colorado’s backcountry on a multi-day backpacking trek designed for photographers and adventure seekers. This guided experience blends rugged exploration with hands-on landscape and adventure photography lessons, giving you the skills to capture stunning, scroll-stopping imagery in some of the most breathtaking alpine environments.

We handle all the logistics and provide all the backpacking gear (except personal camera equipment) so you can focus on your craft and the adventure ahead. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Landscape Photography Lessons – Learn how to compose and capture breathtaking images of mountains, lakes, and dramatic natural scenes. Master lighting, perspective, and storytelling to create impactful photos that stand out.

• Adventure Photography Techniques – Develop the skills to document the essence of the journey itself: hiking, setting up camp, and moving through the landscape with an eye for dynamic, authentic storytelling.

• Scroll-Stopping Composition & Editing – Discover how to shoot images that grab attention, using composition techniques and post-processing insights to bring out the best in your shots

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

⛺ One-Night Backpacking Trip – For those wanting a deeper experience, we’ll backpack to a remote location, setting up camp under pristine night skies. This gives us more time to capture the stars, experiment with different techniques, and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the night.

🏕 Multi-Night Backpacking Expedition – Increase your chances of photographing the Milky Way by spending multiple nights in the backcountry. This adventure allows for more time to refine your skills, scout different compositions, and experience the magic of astrophotography in a variety of landscapes.

WHAT MAKES THIS EXPERIENCE UNIQUE?

📍 Multi-Day Immersion – Spend multiple days in remote alpine landscapes, giving you the chance to capture different lighting conditions, weather changes, and epic golden hour moments that most day hikers miss.

🥾 Hands-On Learning – Unlike a traditional workshop, this is a fully immersive experience where you’ll actively shoot, receive real-time coaching, and refine your skills in the field. This is more than just a photography trip; it’s an opportunity to push your creativity, explore remote wilderness, and come home with portfolio-worthy images from an unforgettable adventure.

Backpacking Trips: Starting at $950 USD per person. 

*Backpacking gear and meals included. Prices do not include guide gratuity*

SHELBY MANN | OWNER, HEAD GUIDE

Hi there, I’m Shelby!

I’m a professional hiking guide and outdoor educator in the Land of Giants: Buena Vista, Colorado.

From the moment I first laid eyes on the Rockies, I felt more at home than I ever had my entire life. I had never felt more called to anything than I did to these mountains. I picked up my entire life in the midwest, and within two weeks was living in Colorado. Fast forward almost a decade, and now the mountains are the place I know best. These mountains hold their own magic, and they truly changed my life.

I grew up camping, fishing, shooting, hiking, and spending countless hours in the woods. Since moving to Colorado eight years ago, I have hiked thousands of miles, most of them as a solo female hiker. I have eagerly learned as much as possible out here and am constantly expanding my knowledge, nature being the best teacher of all. 

My passion for the great outdoors has led me on numerous unforgettable experiences that I would never have lived had I not taken the first step out of my comfort zone. These experiences have enriched my life, and I know they can do the same for you. My goal as a hiking guide is to show you how special nature is. 

I wanted to find a way to show others how healing the mountains can be, how much they can teach you about yourself and life, and to educate you with the tools you need to get outside so you can get out and explore on your own.

Certifications: 

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• Wilderness Anaphylaxis Trained (WAT)
• CPR
• AIARE 1

FRANKIE SPONTELLI | ADVENTURE GUIDE & PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi there, I’m Frankie!

I’m an experienced outdoor guide, adventurer, and landscape photographer based in Buena Vista, Colorado. Originally from Ohio, just like Shelby (and an Ohio State Buckeye), I’ve spent over a decade exploring Colorado’s breathtaking parks, rugged wilderness, and hidden gems, capturing the beauty of the outdoors and creating unforgettable experiences along the way.

My journey in the great outdoors began as a passion for adventure, chasing golden light and photography. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands and tourism boards, including National Geographic, Outside Magazine, Backpacker Magazine, Visit Colorado, REI, and Visit Boulder. My camera has taken me across some of the most incredible landscapes, but my heart always leads me back to Colorado’s iconic mountain ranges, serene alpine lakes, and sweeping valleys. 

When I’m not behind the lens or guiding hikes, I’m out exploring Colorado’s backcountry with my wife, Ashley, and our trail-loving pup, Rizzo, who enjoys backpacking just as much as we do. Together, we’ve tackled some of the state’s most jaw-dropping treks, including the Four Pass Loop, Conundrum Hot Springs, Blue Lakes, and Crater Lake—each adventure deepening our love for the wild places that make Colorado so special.

Through hundreds of miles hiked, I’ve learned that nature is the best teacher—and oftentimes, the best therapist too. My goal as a guide is to not only help you navigate these awe-inspiring places but also to share the healing and transformative power of the outdoors. Whether it’s your first adventure or your hundredth, I’m here to make sure you feel safe, inspired, and equipped with the knowledge and confidence to explore on your own.

I believe that every hike and adventure is a chance to connect with yourself and the natural world in a deeper way. Let’s create unforgettable memories together while immersing ourselves in the beauty and magic of Colorado’s wilderness. Check out Frankie Spontelli Photography.

Certifications: 

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• Wilderness Anaphylaxis Trained (WAT)
• CPR