Nature Photography Workshops




 
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Nature Photography Classes, Workshops and Instruction

Longer Photography Workshops

The Magic of the Redwood Coast

River RedwoodsA 5-day photography workshop exploring the coast redwoods and shoreline of California's northern coast.

The specific itinerary is under development and will be subject to conditions and weather, but likely locations include Jedediah Smith State Redwoods Park and it's astounding Howland Hill Road, Del Norte State Redwoods, Prairie Creek Redwoods, Redwood National Park's tide pools, Trillium Falls, Edderts Beach and Fern Canyon, with possible ventures north across the Oregon border to the one of the only natural groups of coast redwoods outside the state of California.

Workshop dates are Wednesday, May 7 - Sunday, May 11. These days were selected with an eye both towards the rhododendron bloom and morning low tides.

Redwood Trunks and RhododendronsThis workshop is limited to no more than eight participants, emphasizing opportunities for individual attention and fun.

In addition to timely critique of digital work during the workshop, participants will be encouraged after the workshop to share images using a private on-line discussion group for additional feedback.

Tuition for the workshop is $775, does not include transportation, lodging or food. A $100 deposit will be required to register, which is refundable until 90 days before the workshop. Workshop participants should expect to be able to carry their gear for walks on unpaved trails for distances up to 1-2 miles.

To register, print out and complete the registration form and liability waiver and send both along with your deposit of $100 to Joe Decker, 1733 Hudson Drive, San Jose, CA 95124-1737. For more information, call my cell at 408 439 2963 or contact me via email.

 

Exploring the Oregon Coast -- Under development

A 5-day photography photographic workshop along the southern and central Oregon coast. Details and itinerary are still under development.

Workshop dates are Wednesday, November 12 - Sunday, November 16, 2008.

Tuition for the workshop is $825, does not include transportation, lodging or food. A $100 deposit will be required to register.

To register, print out and complete the registration form and liability waiver and send both along with your deposit of $100 to Joe Decker, 1733 Hudson Drive, San Jose, CA 95124-1737. For more information, call my cell at 408 439 2963 or contact me via email.

Short Photography Workshops

Enjoy the outdoors and learn to improve your photography! I often offer photographic workshops through the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, or separately. These workshops usually consist of two class meetings. First, a "day out shooting" in a beautiful location such as the San Mateo County coast, Pt. Reyes, or the Marin Headlands. Workshops tend to cover a number of different locations, with the exact schedule being determined by the light and weather conditions. The second workshop session will typically include a review of prints shot by students during the field session. These critique sessions offer a real opportunity to learn not only from your own successes and mistakes but those of your fellow students as well.

Classroom sessions are usually held at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, California. There are no prerequisite classes, you'll need to bring your camera and other photographic equipment, including a tripod, for the field session. You should be familiar with the basic functions of your camera, and I recommend bringing the manual for your camera in case questions arise.

Upcoming workshops include:

June 7-8: San Mateo County Coast. Join me as we explore the beautiful coastline near Pescedero, California, along with the Pigeon Point lighthouse and possible trips inland to the redwoods and streams of Butano State Park. Registration is now open.. Sign up now on-line through the Pacific Art League.

August 30-31: Marin Headlands Join me as we explore coastline and historic ruins of the Marin Headlands, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Registration is not yet open.. When it is, sign up on-line through the Pacific Art League.

I was in this class with Joe, and as I write, 10 days later, I am still buzzing from the experience. I can hardly describe how wonderful it was to go out with a group of serious students, shoot on a variety of locations and then meet the next day to review our photos. Joe has a unique ability to tune in to what his students want from the class and provide appropriate guidance. I will be learning from this for quite some time.. --Rob M.

For more information, please contact me directly.

 

Photography Classes

Pete Zivkov and I are offering a 10-week class starting January 10, 2008 on "learning to use your digital SLR." The class will be held Thursdays, registration is open through the Pacific Art League.

  1. Camera features (introducing all the buttons and what they do) Sensor sizes, resolution and quality
  2. Manual and Auto Focusing (common problems and how to resolve them)
  3. Exposure (ISO, f-stop, shutter speed, histogram, basic metering)
  4. Aperture and Lenses (sensor multiplier, angle of view, perspective, depth of field)
  5. Shutter and Motion (ISO, shutter speeds, tripod, panning, freezing action w flash)
  6. Manual and automated exposure modes (P S A M, example of when to use each) Bracketing
  7. Camera maintenance (sensor cleaning, shooting in wet cold, hot dusty environments) Color and white Balance Filters (UV and polarizing, ND) Accessories, misc camera bag stuff
  8. RAW format vs JPEG (typical workflow, generic steps: raw file, work file, print file, archival)
  9. Basic post processing steps w Photoshop (adj layers for exposure, color, crop, sharpening)
  10. Output options (web, commercial printing, home printing, CD, web, etc)

Each class will include some lecture, discussion, a simple shooting assignment and group critique. Class size will be small and will encourage group interaction and personal attention.

 

Photographic Coaching

Have a particular technique or location you'd like some assistance with? Do you learn better in one-on-one learning situations? I'm happy to work with you to fulfill your photographic goals. I charge $55 for a single hour, $175 for 4 hours, or $300 for 8 hours, plus travel time and expenses if necessary. Contact me for details or scheduling.