As a beginning photographer I went on many of these workshops to learn from someone who makes their living in photography, if they are capable of making a living from their photography then it only stands to reason that they have a knowledge beyond my own and I can learn from them. Most professionally led workshops not only offer guidance to premier shooting locations, but they also entail “classroom” time during off shooting hours to help with photography techniques. It is during these off shooting hours that the learning photographer should not only pay close attention to what is being offered but, be sure to ask as many questions as you can about what concerns you have.
When choosing a workshop there are some details you’ll want to investigate before signing up to be sure you get what you want from the leader and the trip. If there is a particular location or subject matter you’re interested in, chances are someone offers guided workshops for this type of photography. Many are formatted for photographers who are just learning their cameras and the art of photography while looking for more specific or advanced technical photography techniques to those who are more advanced in the operation of the camera itself and the general idea of composition, exposure and lighting.
Knowing your personal abilities, skills of photography and equipment should be taken into account when looking into a photography workshop; realize your physical abilities, photographic skills and travel limitations. This is important for you to get the most out of the workshop –if you’re in need of help with camera operations or compositional issues- be sure to understand what you will get from the workshop. And if you do desire this type of help while getting photographs of the area be sure to do your research, this can be very frustrating if the trip you’ve planned doesn’t give you the help you’re looking for.
Not all photo workshops are for everyone, I urge you to find out as much as possible about the leader/leaders before signing up. Talk to workshop leaders either by email or other means and make sure they, as well as you, understand what is to be offered. Most are well versed in all formats of image capture but if you are very defined in your shooting format- choosing a workshop leader who also uses this format can be important. Go online and join a group that is specific to your interests; being a nature photographer I belong to a number of sites dedicated to nature photography. The forums are wonderful not only for solving problems but locating a workshop service and getting feedback from past attendees.
Even though you’re scheduled for a guided photography trip, do your homework before leaving. A basic understanding of the location and possibilities is important; maybe you can arrive early or stay beyond the workshop-usually preferable. A stay at your destination beyond the workshop dates to revisit particular highlights or, with your newfound notes find something new can add to the success of the trip. Workshops are designed for groups of people and are therefore sometimes limited in where they can take these groups, ask about other photo ops and leaders will usually offer as much help as possible for an extra day or two of shooting on your own.
Most workshops are limited in size to ensure personal attention, if there are to be twenty photographers to one guide and you’re looking for a lot of instruction this may not be the workshop for you. However, most that I know of limit the size to 8-10 people for each leader, some even less – these are far better suited for novice photographers to get one on one instruction while out shooting. Something else to think about is; does that workshop leader/s photograph for themselves while on the tour? Some do and some don’t, there are those that don’t even bring a camera of their own along or only use it to demonstrate technique. Other workshop leaders will be shooting along with you to add to their files while offering help and advice along the way. Exotic locations are usually the later and rightfully so, these are costly trips for everyone including the leader. Provided you can get the instruction you need then it’s a win-win situation.
If you’re looking for intense technical guidance in basic camera operations, lighting, composition etc, consider a one or two day “seminar.” Many are held at various locations throughout the year in the larger cities by many of the same people who lead extended photographic workshops. These are classroom sessions and therefore not about going home with photographs, but going home with a far better understanding of how to get that photograph on your own.
Besides the wealth of information to be learned at a seminar I feel there is an even better reason to take seminars; you get to know the photographer before paying for an extended workshop. During the breaks and after the sessions are both good times to inquire about the workshops this person leads, find out as much as you can to help decide if the workshop is for you. Over the years I’ve found these seminars to be very rewarding and inspiring events and always seem to leave with at least one or two techniques to try out on my next outing.
I am all for the photography workshops offered today, being in the presence of and learning from professional photographers who are willing to take learning photographers to locations while teaching the intimate skills of the art is a great opportunity. When looking into a workshop the prices may be daunting – on the other hand imagine the quantity and quality of photographs you would be able to take on your own in an unfamiliar location; you will surely return home with many more images and a greater understanding of photography by being with a group led by a professional photographer.
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If you’ve ever been to that once in a lifetime location with the perfect photograph right before your eyes only to find out later that your exposure was incorrect, you’re not alone. All meters are designed for one thing; middle tone. But, when you stop and consider the vast tones of colors in nature not everything is middle tone, actually very few are and this is the most common cause of improperly exposed images. I’ve been through this far too many times with wasted film, missed photographs and that sinking feeling when the image on the light table is destined for the trash.
My Color Zone TM Metering cards have been developed through years of learning how to manually meter subjects based on tonality. Coupled with an accurate light meter, Color Zone TM takes the guesswork out of exposure adjustments leaving you- the photographer - to compose and photograph.
The Color Zone TM cards are conveniently sized and secured together to fit in a shirt or vest pocket and are completely weather resistant. Each cards color is a full 2-1/4” x 3-1/2” in size with a representative name and the amount of adjustment to be made. Simply choose the correct color tone and fire away! It really is that easy when you know where to start.
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Please stop by to say hello and see current images and new releases.
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New features are coming soon - along with recent works being added to the galleries. When all is done, the site as a whole, will be greatly improved.
This was a new venture for Expressions of Nature with some good exposure and a chance to meet with other Midwest artists. The new Marriott hotel in Coralville, IA. hosted the event for its second year; a very nice venue for artists as well as attendees.