Digital Photography Basics, Mono Lake, June 22-24, 2012
This workshop is designed to demystify the technical terms and functions of your digital SLR camera and enhance your picture-taking abilities in a warm and supportive learning environment. Learn how to get good exposures, read your histogram, understand different f-stops, shutter speeds, shooting modes, ISO settings, depth-of-field, white balance, lens choices, and much more. In addition to mastering the technical aspects of creating images, we will explore the artistry of photography with an emphasis on composition. Through guided practice sessions, field trips in the Mono Basin, coaching in the field, and review of images, you will learn to create better images with visual impact. Participants must bring digital SLR cameras; no point-and-shoot cameras. Limited to 8 participants. Offered through The Mono Lake Committee.
The Art of Wildflower Macrophotography, Mono Lake, July 20–22, 2012
Learn to take creative and beautiful close-up images, further develop your artistic vision, and enhance your photographic skills in the supportive learning environment of this workshop for beginning to advanced amateur photographers. The weekend will emphasize the artistry of macrophotography and the technical means to render such images through classroom instruction, demonstrations and individual coaching in the field. This is not a course in botanical identification. Limited to 8 participants. Offered through The Mono Lake Committee.
More 2012 Workshops – Dates To Be Announced:
Big Sur is famous for its breathtaking coastline. Explore the magic of Big Sur as we photograph iconic and lesser known yet visually stunning locations. This weekend workshop emphasizes photographic technique and composition to enhance your own “visual voice.” Individual coaching in the field, with image processing and image review sessions included. Limited to 8 participants.
Night PhotographyExplore the exciting and challenging world of night time photography. Learn to create compelling images through attention to technique and composition with individual coaching in the field. Bring a sense of fun and adventure. Follow up session for processing and review of images. Limited to 8 participants.
Learn how to capture compelling images both indoors and out as we explore California missions and monasteries. Missions provide a look back into the history of the Monterey area and are challenging to photograph indoors because of low light conditions. We will practice techniques for overcoming such challenges with individual coaching in the field.Included is a follow-up review session of images taken in the field. Limited to 8 participants.
Tour the back roads of Salinas Valley capturing a slice of the rural and cultural history that made legends. Learn compositional techniques and tools to create compelling images as we photograph rustic old barns and buildings, farm equipment, agricultural fields and mountains, old towns, and other treasures that formed the background for John Steinbeck’s writings. Individual coaching in the field. How specific locations relate to Steinbeck’s novels will be provided throughout the workshop by David Laws, author of Steinbeck Country Guidebook. Included is a follow-up review session of images taken in the field. Limited to 8 participants.
Workshop Approach
I typically keep workshops small (8-12 max) in order to provide more individual attention to each person. I take a more hands-on approach in helping you achieve your vision and developing your skills by providing feedback and coaching if desired. I typically look through your camera’s viewfinder to see what you are trying to do and then talk to you about it and offer suggestions for things to pay attention to and to think about. In essence, I am there for you. I do not photograph during the workshop unless something pulls me strongly to do so and then only after asking everyone’s permission. Workshops typically combine classroom instruction, demonstrations, time in the field, and feedback on participant’s work. Each workshop participant is responsible for their own lodging, transportation, and meals. Digital photographers are encouraged to bring a laptop computer with them to review work.
Tour
Photography tours are available for individuals and groups and usually last for either 2 or 4 hours. Tours typically include coaching/instruction on composition and technical concerns. Participants/groups provide their own transportation and use their own camera gear and equipment. We would discuss particular locations ahead of time based upon your interests and time available; some locations include Big Sur, Pt. Lobos, Monterey wharf and adobes, Salinas Valley, Pinnacles National Monument, among others. Tour rates are $225 for 2 hours, $375 for 4 hours, $550 for a full day (prices may change without notice; please for current rates). A group photo can also be provided to each participant for a small additional fee per print. A deposit of 50% of the total amount is requested at the time of booking with the remaining amount to be paid by the day of the tour.
Photo Adventure Outings
Our photo adventure outings are designed for one person or a couple. We provide all the necessary equipment and coaching instruction during a 2- to 2-1/2 hour outing in spectacular locations. Included in this offering is one 16×24” archival print of one of the images created during the outing and a CD of 15-20 of the best images. This has been a very popular photo adventure. Cost: $400; paid at time of booking.
Individual Coaching
My goal is to help you develop your own visual voice. I see myself as a coach and cheer leader to help support, encourage, inspire and guide you along your photographic journey. Whether participating in a workshop or an individual session, I am there for you. Individual sessions last either 2 or 4 hours; longer sessions can be arranged. Rates: $225 for 2 hours, $375 for 4 hours, $550 for a full day (prices may change without notice; please for current rates).
Refunds
If you need to cancel your participation in a workshop, tour, or individual session, please notify me at least 30 days or more before the start of our time together. I will then refund your deposit, less a $25.00 cancellation fee. If notification of cancellation is made less than 30 days before the start of the workshop, there are no refunds. However, the full amount may be transferred to a future outing. If I need to cancel a workshop, tour or individual session due to inadequate enrollment or other factors, all funds are fully refunded, or may be transferred to a future outing. If a workshop is sponsored through a group or organization, please contact them for their refund and transfer policies.
Testimonials
“I learned so much from the class…Your unending patience was incredible. Your attention to detail and attention to each student was so great” – Kathy C., Bakersfield, CA
“We had such a great experience – learning lots and having a great time doing it” – Jeff W., Monterey, CA
“Thank you so much for the photography session, and for being so generous with your advice and so patient. We enjoyed it tremendously…” – Grace C., Arlington, VA
“We were very much inspired by our time spent with you” – Leanne T., Racine, WI
“Thanks, David and the rest of the group, for a fun, thought-provoking and educational experience–I’m hooked!” – Jenn T., San Luis Obispo, CA
“Your workshop… had such an impact on my photography. In addition to your photographic talents, you have a very supportive teaching manner that is rare.” – Judy K., Palo Alto, CA