MAJOR WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT!! Landscapes, Close-ups and Photographic Design with Bill Fortney, Mikes Moats and Jack Graham, Townsend Tn/ Summer 2010

LANDSCAPES/ CLOSE-UPS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN

Take your Nature to the Next Level……………

WITH Bill Fortney, Mike Moats and Jack Graham

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Townsend, TN   (Great Smokie National Park)…….

July 29 – Aug 1st                                                                  $ 1050.00

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Photography is a medium that is heavily reliant on lots of equipment. Though having competent equipment and properly using it will give you the chance to make a great photography, there are certain rules, practices and concepts that one must adhere to in order to be able to produce consistently good images. In many ways consistency is what separates the professional Nature photographers (and non nature photographers as well!) from the pack 

Poppy Abstract ©Mike Moats 

When the format of this workshop was in its formative stages, we talked abut wanting bring to you a different kind of workshop. Rather than photographing in a location, coming back to the classroom and talk about why the image was photographed at F8 at 1/ 125 sec etc… the main focus for these 3 days will mainly consist of what goes into the thought process in making winning photographs. Though there will be some of that, the emphasis will be more on the concepts of thinking and photographic Design than what F stop you might have used. 

This workshop will be conducted in a classroom environment as well as some time in the field. Learning from three established, award winning nature photographers is invaluable. Both Close up photography and Landscape photography will be covered, as much of the subject overlaps. 

Rarely will you find three photographers, all in one workshop at the expertise of Bill, Mike and Jack. We hope you can attend this practical as well as inspirational workshop. 

Blue Door, Santa    Fe NM   © Bill Fortney 

We will spend time discussing the basic’s that we’ve all come to know the importance of, however we will cover some of the more challenging aspects of making quality nature photographs. We will talk about the many situations that often come up when in the field photographing and how to avoid the tough ones.  

Foggy Sunrise in the Marsh  ©Jack Graham                                         

Finding inspiration will also be part of our workshop. Experiences that Bill, Mike and Jack have all learned from will be included in this discussion. Nature photography is not just about what F-stop to use or what ISO to shoot at. It’s about dealing with artistic nuances, getting motivated when frustration jumps in and how you grow as a nature photographer. 

We won’t guarantee that you’ll walk away and become the next Galen Rowell in one weekend, but the theories and thoughts that you’ll be exposed to will allow you to go home, practice your craft and take your photography to the next level. 

These topics and more will be covered by Bill, Mike and Jack 

>how to put yourself in the proper frame of mind, preparing 

>how to find subject matter, learning how to look and see 

>elements of a great photograph, tonalities, emotional impact, balancing, framing and more                         Foothills Parkway,  ©Bill Fortney 

>how to compose a great photograph 

>how to choose the right lens and perhaps filters 

>how to properly “work” the scene 

>developing your personal style 

>how to evaluate your images 

>yes, we will discuss both compositional & proper exposure technique as well 

……………..  and more 

You will be able to view many of our images; we will go into depth on how each image was made. In addition we will be doing critiques of images we’ll be asking you to bring along. 

Blue Hen Falls, Cyuahoga National Park, Ohio  ©Jack Graham 

In addition, we will take time in the mornings, and late afternoon/ evenings to escape into The Great Smoky National Park where will apply all we have been learning. You will work side by side with Bill, Mike and Jack and be able to ask questions, set up scenes and continue the classroom discussions, there I the field.  We will then look at your images back in the classroom and offer our input. 

This is not a post processing seminar; however we will touch on how to use post processing to your advantage to take your image to the next level. 

LOGISTICS etc… 

  

  

HOTEL LOCATION 

The workshop will be based in Townsend TN 

Nearest Airport:   Knoxville, TN 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotel Information: 

Townsend, TN
Valley View Lodge
865-448-2237 

A TYPICAL DAY 

Daily itineries will be sent out a few weeks prior to the workshop 

Thursday: July 29   — Meeting at the hotel about 7PM 

Friday        July 30 ——– Morning shoot, morning classroom Lunch Break, Afternoon Classroom, late Afternoon/evening shoot/ evening classroom session 

Saturday,   July 31——– Morning shoot, morning classroom Lunch Break, Afternoon Classroom, late Afternoon/evening shoot/ evening classroom session 

Sunday,     Aug 1^st——– Morning shoot, morning classroom. 

The workshop will end around Noon-1pm for those who need to travel home on Sunday. 

Transportation 

Each participant is responsible for their own transportation; however car-pooling is encouraged both to minimize the number of vehicles at shooting locations and to get to know one another better. 

FIELD WORK, hands on with Bill, Mike and Jack 

If you need or want help, just ask. As we make our rounds, we may ask “How are you doing?” If you say “OK”, we’ll move along. If you say for example “What do you think, am I using the right lens for this scene, or am I composing this correctly? …we will do everything we can to answer your questions so you fully understand the answer. Sometimes, we might even ask to take a peek through your viewfinder. In other words, we will give you as much, or as little, attention as you feel you need. 

SUGGESTED EQUIPTMENT 

 .   Camera body (a spare if you have one)
·   Lenses from 20mm up to 200mm in prime and/or zoom combinations (don’t forget lens shades)
·   If you own a macro lens, bring it along 

·   Tripod and head
·   Shutter release or cable release, if you have one
·   A backpack or a fanny pack will be very helpful.
·   Filters: polarizer, neutral density filters, warming filters (not as mandatory for digital photography, but if you have them, do bring them along)
·   Lens cleaning items – air blower, brush, etc
·   Sufficient memory cards and a good backup system for those cards…. Lots of film for you film users (yes film is still around and can provide excellent results)
·   Camera manual (just in case there are any technical questions with your equipment)
·   Laptop (Digital users)
·   Spare batteries
·   Proper clothing; 
·   Insect repellent…. drinking water and snacks for the car
·   Alarm Clock  

If have a small headlamp you might just want to bring it along as well. 

WEATHER 

Summer in this are is typically hot and humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early mornings are cool and dewy. Though humidity, a bit of rain and dew can be somewhat uncomfortable, these conditions often produce some amazing images. We will provide you with project weather conditions as we come close to the workshop dates. 

Included in the workshop: 

1)      Each participant will go home with a copy of an edition of the Photograph America Newsletter, published by Robert Hitchman. One lucky participant drawn out of the hat) will receive one year’s subscription FREE. 

2)      Discounts on Lensbaby, Nik Software and Think Tank products will be passed on to all ( for example is you buy the Nik Software suite you’ll receive a 15% discount, which is somewhere in the 75.00 dollar range. 

HOW DO I REGISTER? 

1)      You can go to http://jackgrahamphoto.com/tours.php?osCsid=85cdf891db7905a0a82cc8c6c83282da 

 And click on the registration document link towards the bottom of the page 

2)      You can contact Jack Graham (information below) and I’ll email you           

For more information, please feel free to contact Jack Graham at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com                                                                                                    Spider Web Abstract         ©Mike Moats 

Or at 503-625-1430 

A deposit of 250.00 is required to reserve your space. Checks and credit cards are accepted, Deposit refund information can be found on the registration form as well. 

REG FORM F M&G 

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We hope we see you all in Townsend for what we know will be a memorable, informative and fun workshop. 

Sincerely, 

Bill, Mike & Jack 

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 ABOUT BILL, MIKE AND JACK 

  

  

  

BILL FORTNEY 

  www.billfortney.net 

                                              http://web.me.com/bfortney/Pilgrims_Chronicles/Pilgrims_Chronicles_Blog/Pilgrims_Chronicles_Blog.html  

Bill Fortney is a professional photographer of 38 years experience. Bill has been a newspaper and magazine photojournalist, & sports photographer, (He was the official photographer for the Washington Redskins in their strike shortened Super Bowl Championship season). Bill has done medical photography, commercial, annual report work. For the last fifteen years Bill has been one of America’s leading nature photographers, founding the Great American Photography Workshop Company. 

A much sought after speaker, Bill was once called in a newspaper article, “the Will Rogers of Photography”. His best selling books include; The Nature of America, America From 500 Feet, American Vision, and Bill Fortney’s Great Photography Workshop, “Getting Serious About Outdoor Photography.” Bill’s book sales well exceed 100,000 copies, making him one of the top photographer/authors in America. America From 500 Feet was one of the largest selling aviation photography books of all time. Six years ago Bill joined Nikon as a Nikon Professional Services technical representative. He covers the Southern U.S. and is Nikon’s liaison representative for the natural history market for all of America. In 2003 Bill was been named a Fellow by the North American Nature Photographers Association. Bill lives in Corbin, Kentucky, (when he is not on a Delta jet), with his wife Sherelene. He has three adult children and six grandchildren. 

  

  

  

MIKE MOATS 

www.tinylandscapes.com 

                                    www.mikemoatsblog.com 

Mike Moats is an award winning, professional Nature Photographer from Sterling Heights, Michigan. I started shooting as a hobby in 2001 and it quickly grew into a full time business. To date Mike has had articles and images published in, Outdoor Photographer Magazine, Natures Best Magazine, PC Photo Magazine, Nature Photographer Magazine, Photo life, Whisper In The Woods, Michigan Game Finder, NANPA’s Expressions Books, Pure Michigan Book, and Fujifilm’s Newsletter (Cable Release),write for Tamron’s blog, and two images on front covers. 

Mike has won numerous local and international awards, and in 2006 was asked to join the Fuji Pro Talent Team. In 2009 Mike was added as a Macro Master on the Tamron Website. 

Mike moderatos the Macro galleries at www.naturephotographers.net  and www.birdphotographers.net   

In 2006 Mike began offering Close-Up/Macro Photography Workshops. 

Mike’s first book was released in Oct 2008 and is called Tiny Landscapes.  Mike now has authored 

Three e-Books sold through on his website. www.tinylandscaped.com 

The bulk of Mike’s income comes from sales of my prints which I market through art shows, art consultants, exhibits, and online through my website. www.tinylandscapes.com www.MikeMoatsBooks.com & www.MikeMoatsBlog.com 

Jack Graham 

 

   www.jackgrahamphoto.com 

                                                        www.jackgrahamsblog.com 

Jack Graham began photographing nature in the mid seventies while living in the New York City/ New Jersey metropolitan area. While attending Indiana University Jack began to explore the rural landscapes of Southern Indiana. Here is where the appreciation of the natural world began. The rolling hills of Southern Indiana became the integral backdrop and formation of what would lead establishing the vision that is present within Jack today. 

Jack now resides near Portland Oregon, in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. 

Jack has led his own photo tours in California, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, the Midwest as well as the Pacific Northwest. He has been a field instructor with numerous seminars and photo tours led by many famous nature photographers. By photographing and learning, from such photographers as John Shaw, Jack Dykinga, Art Wolfe, Galen Rowell, Frans Lanting, David Muench, Bill Fortney and others, both his inspiration as well as technique has, and continues to be cultivated. 

Jack now leads his own “Photo Classroom in the Field®” workshops throughout the United States as well as others for the Great American Photography Weekend organization. Recently Jack and Mike Moats have joined forces in developing the Macro & More photo workshops stressing both macro as well as landscape photography in some of the best locations around. Jack also offers single day, workshops for extensive one on one instruction. Jack’s workshops are sponsored by Nikon, Really Right Stuff, NIK Software, Think Tank, Lensbaby, Digital Foci Photograph America Newsletter and NANPA. 

Jack has been successful in publication and stock photography as well. Credits include Outdoor Photography, Nature’s Best Photography, NANPA”S Expressions 2009, California Wild, Current’s (NANPA) and many DNR publications, Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Chicago Wilderness and Sierra Club publications as well as many calendar credits. Corporate work includes prints and stock applications for internal as well as publication use.   

Jack is a member of NANPA( North American Nature Photographers Association), and serves on NANPA’s Awards Committee;  FNAWS (Federation for North American Wild Sheep, Mono Lake Committee, & SUWA (Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance). Jack can be contacted for workshop as well as speaking engagements via E-Mail at jack@jackgrahamphotography.com

2010 WORKSHOP INFO and some newly processed images and other notes…

Greetings everyone….                                                                                                                                                      

I’m getting caught up on a lot of projects prior to my workshop season getting going.

Here are some workshop updates:

DEATH VALLEY–FEB 19-23 with Ralph Nordstrom  2 spots left  Death Valley Workshop Announcement                                                                    

JOSHUA TREE — MARCH 12-14 ( could be great this yer with all the rain SO Cal has been getting!) JOSHUA TREE NP WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

SOUTHWEST WORKSHOP (Page AZ, Slots, Lake Powell Area and Monument Valley& more) APRIL 15- 18– SW PHOTOWORKSHOP_2010

MACRO & MORE–COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE & OREGON COAST with MIKE MOATS–JUN 10-14 –MACRO & MORE COL RIVER GORGE_ORE COAST_JUNE 2010

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE LANDSCAPE & DSLR VIDEO WORKSHPOP with Greg Duncan, a SLR video expert!!

JUNE 3-6 2010

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, Washington–JULY 7-11 2010—  OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK_JULY 7011_2010

OREGON COAST–AUGUST 19-23 2010  COAST WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW 

EASTERN SIERRA FALL COLOR WORKSHOP ( new itinerary from previous years) EASTERN SIERRA 2010WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

FALL COLOR in the NAPA VALLY and the SF BAY AREA( including the coast!) with Ralph Nordstrom NOV 4-7  NORTHERN CALIFORNIA-WORKSHOP INFO NOV 2010

WYOMING WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI–(Yellowstone, Teton NP’s and Big Horn Sheep in Cody!!) DECEMBER 7-14 2010      2010 WYO GEN INFO

HOW TO REGISTER:    REG MASTER 2010

WORKSHOP FAQ’S DW_GENERAL WORKSHOP QUESTIONS_FAQ’S INFORMATIONv32010

( remember–repeat attendees gat a 10% discount on all futuer Jack Graham Photography Workshops

ALL ATTENDEES get discounts on Lensbaby, NIK Software and Think Tank products as well as feww merchandise from Photograph America Newsletter)

NANPA Members also receive an additional 10% discount ( almost a one years membership!–see below)

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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING AS WELL:

Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com ) , Bill Fortney (www.billfortney.net )  and I will be conducting a 4 day workshop in the Smoke’s  (Townsend Tn.)from July 29 through August 1st. Details will be available shortly. PLease send me an email nd I’ll put you on the list to send this info out as soon as I get it together. ( in about 1 week) This workshop will be focusing on PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN for FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY both in Landscape photography as well as Macro Photography. We will be conducting 2 field sessions per day with enough time to critique images and give direction in all aspects of designing fine are photographs. This will be a very special workshop. 

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Again this year, I’ll be conducting a workshop in the COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE from May 19-23rd gor the GAPW (Great American Photography Workshop) folks. Information and registration can be found at www.gaphotoworks.com or by calling  Rhonda at 866-747-4279

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I’ll be doing an entry here soon about the new upgraded program from the NIK Software folks www.niksoftware.com ; VIVEZA2 which was recently released.

Remember you can get a 15% discount on all NIK software by entering the code JGRAHAM in the coupon window upon checkout.

Also, they are going to be holding their 1st annual NIK Summit in May–details can be found here www.niksummit.com.  I’ll be there for sure!!

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Anyone going to the NANPA ( North American Nature Photography Association) Summit in Reno NV. in Feb? I’ll be there on Wed & Thurs Feb 17-18. Let me know.. and say hello!    

www.nanpa.org

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SOME RECENTLY PROCESSED IMAGES ( trying to get caught up)

YEllowstone NP 36 2009 ©Jack Graham

The Icon TETON NP ©Jack Graham

Red Tailed Hawk ©Jack Graham

Mono Lake B&W 2009 ©Jack GrahamIconic Teton NP ©Jack Graham

PHOTOGRAPHING TWO GREAT LOCATIONS IN SW UTAH and SE NEVADA

JAN 2010

ALL TEXT and IMAGES © Jack Graham/ All Rights Reserved

LITTLE    FINLAND—— but in the NEVADA DESERT

I was recently chatting with my good friend Robert Hitchman of the PHOTOGRAPHIC AMERICA NEWSLETTER (www.photographamericanewsletter.com ). I told him I was planning a trip to southwestern Utah. He informed me that his next newsletter ( #113) would be covering some little explored but strange in interesting landscapes in an area known as Little Finland ( or Hobgoblins or even Devils Playground).

FIRST LET ME THANK BOB HITCHMAN … for getting us there and out using his upcoming newsletter (#113) on this area.

This area has been photogrphed by some well know nature photographers, but not many.

Most folks know the area called the Valley of Fire State Park; not far out of Las Vegas, but this little know area can offer something special. Beware though… this area is not for the casual photographer, let alone driver… it’s far off the beaten path in the South Eastern part of Clark County, NV. You will drive about 80 miles from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. After exiting you have about another 40 miles (about a 2 hr drive AFTER exiting the interstate) of some really tough driving even when it’s dry. I WOULD NOT ATTEMPT THIS LOCATION WHEN IT’S RAINING.

I am not going to go into a lot of detail here for one main reason. I could not do a better job, nor will I try, as Bob did in this issue of the Photograph America Newsletter (#113) entitled……………………SECRETS of the NEVADA DESERT.

I’ll just make a few points .

1)       You don’t necessarily need 4 wheel drive, but it would be very helpful. High clearance vehicles would work. Make sure you have good tires, all terrain if possible.

2)       The unpaved part of the trip can be very bumpy. Bob does make a good point that since this area is so remote…traveling with another vehicle is recommended incase you break down. There is no cell service, food or drink and few road signs (remember your portable GPS)… so you know the drill.

3)       We arrived with about 1 hr of decent light. Unfortunatly, we had almost cloudless skies, making for not so hot photography, but this weas really more of of a exedition and fact finding excursion. Boy, we were pleased we went. I plan to go back here and camp overnight, and be there for early AM and sunset. Midday light is tough.

Why is this called Little Finland?   This nothing to do with Finland… it’s called this because of the rock formations that can seem to look like fins. You’ll love seeing the mysterious faces of people and wild animals that have been formed by the eroding sandstone, making for endless photographic possibilities. You can really let your mind wander in this remote and mysterious place.

Well that’s enough…. Get a hold of this issue of PHOTOGRAPH AMERICA (and all the others for that matter). Bob will tell you what equipment to bring and offer minute details (his odometer reading are 100% correct and GPS coördinates are included—AND YOU BETTER BRING A PORTABLE GPS!)………… This is certainly not the easiest place to get to, but well worth it. Make plans to visit the Little Finland Area in the SE Nevada desert.

Though we are there in tough light for much rewarding photography, you’ll get the idea of what’s out there.  I suggest camping ( DO NOT ATTEMPT DRIVING THERE IN THE DARK!) out there to get the sunrise and sunset light that makes me look forward to getting back there soon. Imagine some of these rock creatures silhouetted against an orange sunset!  Here are just a few images I shot last week.

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS contact WWW.PHOTOGRAPHAMERICA.COM . The new issue due out anytime now (#113) has everything you need to know and more on this area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SNOW CANYON, Southwestern Utah’s Hidden Gem

While the crowds of photographers are invading Zion, Bryce Canyon and other natural wonders of the southwestern part of Utah, reasonably close by Snow Canyon State Park, offers some simply amazing photographic opportunities, which dwarfed  by some of the the icons and National Parks in  the area, to me , is every bit as wonderful, and certainly less crowded!

Located about 11 miles from the center of St. George Utah (about 2 hours NE of Las Vegas) is Snow Canyon State Park. I’ve visited there a few times with my friends and fellow photographers Bob Kulon (www.bobkulonphoto.com) and Gerry Emery (ex- pats if Ohio). Every time has been a real pleasure resulting in some interesting images, this gem of a state park is easily accessible via the many paths that offer some diverse landscape and flora. The landscape photography is as good and productive as anywhere I’ve been to on the southwest, yes including all the iconic areas.

Within a short and easy hike of your vehicle.  A paved two-lane road (formerly UTAH SR 300 enters the park from the town of Ivins on the south, winds up the canyon a ways, then climbs up the eastern edge to the bench above Snow Canyon, where the road joins UTAH SR 18 Ancient lava flows spill over the eastern edges of Snow Canyon from above, where the road climbs out of the canyon valley. Facilities include a 35-unit campground, modern rest rooms, hot showers, electric hookups, sewage disposal station, and a covered group-use pavilion and overflow campground.

The highest point in the park, according to a topo map, is a peak of 5024 feet nearly due west of the southern cinder cone, standing above the eastern edge of the east fork of Snow Canyon. Park elevation is just over 3000’

I suggest trying to explore Snow Canyon during the winter, spring or fall. Summer can be very hot however; the monsoon storms in July and August can produce dramatic light. As always in the canyon/slick rock areas of the American Southwest, always be alert to weather as flash floods can put you in peril. Early spring and fall use of the park is especially appealing due to southern Utah’s moderate winter climate. Don’t forget to bring some water and snacks.

Wear good hiking boots with good tread. Walking on even dry slick rock can be dangerous. There are some drop-offs of hundreds of feet and one slit could be catastrophic.

Though the images you are viewing here are representative of the area, I’ve never been there  with really dramatic light that storms and unusual  Utah weather can produce. Both Bob & Gerry have some great images shot here under those conditions.

This park, like many other Southwestern Locations is what I can a “Sweet Light” park, meaning pre sunset through an hr or 2 after to sunset through an hr past. There are red rocks walls face west and allow the early morning sunlight to shed its warm sweet light upon them. These red and white stunning towering sandstone cliffs and peaks also encircle many valleys of jumbled black lava rock interspersed with serpentine sandy washes. Macro photography of the many lichens is most interesting.

I would suggest doing a bit of scouting before arriving at Snow Canyon to photograph. This will insure you are somewhat familiar with the area before arriving in the dark and looking for a spot to set up. Both the east and west sides of the road have been productive for me during the few visits I’ve been lucky to have been taken there by Bob and Gerry who both know the area and shoot there often.

So, if you want to beat the crowds at Zion or Bryce, take a short picturesque drive over to Snow Canyon. You won’t be sorry.

FYI—there isn’t a lot of snow there. The canyon is named after 2 settlers named Snow.

 Here is the park brochure:

PARK BROCHURE:   http://static.stateparks.utah.gov/docs/SnowCanyonBrochure.pdf    and a few more images…..JG / Jan 2010

  

Though the following image was NOT shot in Snow Canyon, there are many dirt roads off the main paved roads that contain some great vistas. This is one and is one of my favorites from the day out with Bob & Gerry. This is a valley scorched by fire with the mountains in the background. Don’t miss this area when you travel to Zion & Bryce!

DSLR VIDEO and MORE Workshop 2010..and a few recent images

DSLR VIDEO and MORE ……        COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP  2010           

with Jack Graham and Greg Duncan     

 www.jackgrahamphoto.com        www.grdphotos.com

            JUNE  3-6  2010                            COST: 695.00 (travel, meals, etc not included)

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One of the most picturesque areas in the lower 48 states is the backdrop for the Columbia River Gorge Photo & DSLR Video Workshop 2010.

Bridleveil Creek                                                                                                               ©Jack Graham

The Columbia River is the largest river in the West. During the last ice age, about 13,000 years ago, glaciers retreated north, releasing ice & boulders that headed west towards the Pacific Ocean. Along with the creation of the Cascade Mountains came the beautiful, seventy five mile long, thousand foot deep Columbia River Gorge.

Unlike the past workshops, this workshop will feature both landscape, & close up still photography, with equal time given to videography using the DSLR camera system. Video is rapidly becoming part of the every day experience with the advent of new technology by both Nikon and Canon. We will spend time discussing proper camera settings, proper accessories for sound and more. We’ll also discuss editing techniques and everything you need to know (lots that the manuals don’t include) to make your video experience as rewarding as your normal photographical experience.

 With the addition of video to this workshop in the Columbia River Gorge this year, Greg Duncan will be with us as our video instructor. Besides being a great photographer Greg has mastered all aspects of the DSLR video systems. Greg is part of Apple’s soon to come, “My living Desktop” project.

I have photographed in this area in all seasons. My favorite time is in early June. If you like green this is the place to be. Moss wrapped trees, dense forests, and spring wildflowers, near or at peak. The many waterfalls in the area are in prime time in early June fed by the snow melt of the cascades. Some of these falls drop over 550 feet!!! We will be using both the still photography and video mediums in selected locations.
We will be in the field shooting all day during this workshop, from sunrise to sunset. However, we will spend time during the workshop to evaluate and critique our work as well as discuss general aspects of image processing.

Please contact me for more details jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

Greg at Work

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THE PAST FEW DAYS…………………..

After finishing up another year of workshops and more it was really nice to get to spend a few days over this past weekend with my good friend and fellow photographer Greg Duncan. Greg came up from the San Diego area to “hang out” and spend some time photographing in the area.

December is Oregon’s rainiest month of the year so we needed to take advantage of the light and weather conditions that we were dealing with.

 On Friday morning we headed out to the coast. When we left my home it was a balmy 11 degrees above zero. Heading over the coastal mountains things began to warm up. Though temperatures on the coast were only about 40 degrees, the lack of wind made things palatable. We stated out at Ecola State Park just north of Cannon Beach. This park features lots of primeval forest locations along with great seascape possibilities.

This image is looking south toward Cannon Beach from an overlook. The light was really tough as the sun was to my left, at a low angle, due to the time of year. The marine layer served to really enhance the light and draw the eye into the image. Lot of times, we use leading lines, s-curves etc to draw us into an image. This is an example of using light to accomplish the same.

Oregon Seastacks from Ecola State Park                                                  ©Jack Graham

The forecast was for rain to overspread the area in the late afternoon. By about 3 pm we were pretty sure we would get a decent sunset, just ahead of the incoming storm, we lucked out by about ½ hr. Just as the last light disappeared the clouds rolled in and ended any light that was left. Timing is everything.

Here is an image shot by Greg at Cannon Beach looking north toward Haystack Rock. This is a good use of foreground. The small amount of pink alpenglow also enhanced this image. Greg used a 3 stop Singh-Ray Neutral Density Filter along with a 2 stop reverse grad on his wide angel lens. www.singh-ray.com

Last Light, Cannon Beach , Oregon                                                                                                    © Greg Duncan

Sunday morning was very foggy after a cold rain during the night and then clearing at sunrise. Not far from my house, out in the farmland of the Willamette Valley there are many old and abandoned barns, houses and other structures. This is one such building. Greg was trying to show the environment and convey a mysterious feeling aided by the fog, not just the building itself. In the processing of the image, Greg converted this photograph into black and white using Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro. www.niksoftware.com  We both highly recommend this program.

Mysterious                                                                                                                                                         ©Greg Duncan

Finally, in late morning we drove up the hillside to about 1600’. Bald Peak State Park is a small park which is known for its towering spruce trees and the vistas of the coastal range to the west and Cascades to the East. On a clear day one can see ( looking north to south) Mt Rainer, Mt St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt Jefferson all at once. This image is looking east toward the peak of Mt Hood rising from the valley fog. I used 5 stops of Singh-Ray Graduated neutral density filters www.singh-ray.com  to make the mountain, sky and clouds look natural, as the sky was about 4-5 stops brighter than the trees.

Mt Hood, out of the fog                                                                                                  ©Jack Graham

These 4 images were processed using Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop CS4 along with Nik Software

Define 2.0, Viveza and Silver Efex Pro(B&W)

Jack–Nikon D700

Greg Canon 5D MkII

Visit Jack Graham Photography at FACEBOOK  www.facebook.com

GRAHAM and SON

I spend a lot of time conducting photography workshops all over the United States. I spend time with many return customers who have become friends over the years. I spend time with lots of new faces. Yes, I also spend a lot of time in my office (sometimes too much!) when I am not traveling in one form or another, and not nearly enough out by myself exploring and shooting like I would like to. Recently, I had time to not only get out shooting, but doing so with my son Matthew.

One happy guy.... ©Jack Graham

 About a year ago, I received a call from Matthew (who lives on the east coast) to tell me he acquired his first decent DSLR camera and he was really interested in learning how to properly take photographs. During what I would call his “initial plunge” into photography, he quickly learned that taking quality photographs isn’t nearly as easy as one may believe and that being outside, exploring the natural world is pretty cool.

Looking up the Columbia River ©Matthew Graham

Enter the old man………..Over the past months Matthew and I have spent lots of time looking at both his work and mine. I recommended him buying all the John Shaw books and others, and get out and enjoy photography. We’ve discussed all the things that I typically do on workshops and closely critique images. In the beginning of Matt’s foray into photography, I kind of left him to his own a bit to see if he was really serious… well, he’s serious alright!

The Pacific, from Yaquina Head, Oregon © Matthew Graham

 Matthew has upgraded his equiptment and is now shooting the Nikon D300 with some decent glass, a good tripod and quality ball head etc.

 Matthew is one of the busiest tattoo artists in the New Jersey, New York City area.

I really didn’t take his job this too seriously until I realized how good he is at it, how seriously he takes it and how he makes a decent living at it. It truly is an art form. (I have yet to receive my 1^st tattoo yet, and I rather doubt I will). Going back to his childhood, Matthew’s artistic ability was amazing, primarily focused in drawing when mine was initially driven towards music. I can hardly draw a stick figure. His work is amazing and is a gift.

 Check his work out at on his website  www.njinkworks.com  (Click on Photo Gallery to see more of his photography)

Ochre Sea Stars, Seal Rock State Park tidepools, Oregon © Matthew Graham

                         

One of the things he quickly realized was that the basic principles of drawing and art overlaps into Photography. Perhaps this why his eye has developed as quickly as it has.

 While in New Jersey last summer for his sisters wedding, we made plans for him to come to the Pacific Northwest for a few days when we both could get out and shoot, and learn (Yes I am still learning everyday!). Recently Matthew came on out, and we spent many hours of driving, photographing and enjoying each other’s company. More importantly, it was a good time for us to spend time together… photography just made it more fun.

Latourell Falls ©Matthew Graham

Frankly, I was quite blown away on his vision and technique, for only been working on his photographic skills for such a small amount of time. He knows he has lots more to learn, but then again don’t we all. I have little doubt he’ll grow in photography. Trust me; Matthew rarely does anything half way.

Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge © Jack Graham

                              All of the images found here in this posting were taken on our too quick few days together.  The weather herein the Pacific NW has been changeable to say the least. However we dodged a few bullets weather wise, and made the best of what we had to deal with.

 I can’t wait for volume 2 of our photographic journey together… who knows you may even see him on a workshop next year… that is if he can get away from his busy job!

 Thank you Matthew for coming out, and for being you. Keep shooting; keep being critical of your work.

 I am proud of you!

 

 

 

Abstract, tree trunk ©Matthew Graham

 

 

Anderson Viewpoint, Oregon Coast ©Matthew Graham

        

Hood RiverValley Patterns, Fall Color ©Matthew Graham

Veins © Matthew Graham

Veins © Jack Graham

On the Ground © Jack Graham

Green Sea Anemone © Matthew Graham

Early October in the Eastern Sierra.. Images and thoughts

Earlier this month (October 2009) I spent about a considerable amount of time in the Eastern Sierra of California, which is one of my favorite places to photograph. I conduct photograph workshops in this location every year about the same time ( 2010 will be no different). However, this year represented some challenges which haven’t occurred in many years. The fall color not only was late, but in some of the usually top image producing locations, the color looked looked like it would fizzle out.

Oh well, just being in this location is special…… color or not. The smell of the sage is like no where else.  The vistas and areas around Mono Lake and Bishop are great anytime of year. It was also great to catch up with some friends who are usually there in October as well.

California has received little rain the past  2 years and this past summer was very hot. Many of the locals as well as seasoned photographers I met there agreed that the aspens and cottonwoods were stressed and probably would just go from green to brown. I know my attendees were expecting some color so I set out to find some. Since this workshop was a Macro &More  workshop, with my good friend Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com) finding color and subject material was even more important.

 

Sage & rabbit bush close to Mono Lake

After camping  on Thursday night along Tioga Pass  with fellow photographers Preston Birdwell and Michael Gordon ( both great large format shooters…  www.gildedmoon.com and www.michael-gordon.com ), I met  another good friend, and a veteran of many past photography workshops Greg Duncan on Friday www.gregduncanphotography.com … a few days prior to the workshop to do some scouting.  Many of the images below were results of scouting the area from, Bishop, north to Lee Vining to find some interesting locations. We were pretty successful.  

Sunrise at North Lake, west of Bishop Ca.  Note the green cottonwoods right next to the almost yellow aspens!

Greg headed over to Yosemite on Saturday with another good friend and fellow workshop instructor Ralph Nordstrom ( www.ralphnordstromphotography.com) (Ralph and I will be joining forces once again for our 2nd annual Death Valley workshop in Feb 2010!). Though I drove over with them, for  a lot of reasons I decided to get back over the “east side” before the impending storm hit later on Saturday night…. and yes it hit!.

Sunday morning brought temperatures in the teens and up to 6-7″ of snow, depending where you were. Tioga and Sonora passes were closed until Tuesday and Greg was stuck in Yosemite ( I can think of worse places to be stuck in. He got some amazing images there… check them out at www.gregduncanphotoraphy.com)

But I was in paradise… new snow, clearing sky’s, all in my one  of my favorite locations with a day or two to shoot before my attendees got into town!  This is a good example of reading the weather, being prepared and being there in the right light and conditions, not only  to get some decent images, but enjoy this unique location.

Some of these images were taken before the workshop and a  during. I’ll discuss what drew me to these images and why they work for me. There compressed JPEG images don’t do the original files justice. I’ll share some thoughts I had when I took them as well as looking at them here.

I’m  already anticipating next year in the Eastern Sierra.

 

 

 

 

This image was taken in the morning at North Lake as well. The reflections were great . What drew me into this images however, was the one tall pine tree, which added another dynamic to the pastel colors of the surrounding trees. Imagine this image without it. I would not have taken this image without it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image on the right was taken not far from North Lake in a small stream on the road to Lake Sabrina. Greg and I took lots of time here and got some other interesting shots. This was taken using my Singh Ray VARI-ND filter ( www.singh-ray.com ). This is about a 6 second exposure. it really adds to the texture of the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON the left is another image made with the Singh-Ray Vari-ND.

 This was a 10 second exposure. One note on the leaves… I am not one to add things to images that aren’t there. 2 of these leaves were there, right side up. Did someone else put them there? Maybe… I added the 3rd to make the image stronger.

The repeating patterns of the water coming over the rocks in a hook like fashion along with the deep coloration of the water makes this image work for me.

 

 

 

 

  Is there anything better than the late afternoon pastel light as the sun goes down at Mono Lake?

 Lenticular clouds sometime are a signal of weather changes. They occur only over very tall mountain peaks and are quite common in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. This one however,was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. There were major lenticular all over the Owens Valley and Mono Basin this Saturday afternoon. The storm hit Saturday night and this cloud was  forbearing of what was to come.  This location is right over Crowley Lake off HWY 395. I really like the shadow of the cloud against the yellow grassland near Crowley Lake. Blue & yellow always works well.

  Monday morning brought a totally different look to Lundy Canyon. Gone were the clouds and the contrast became somewhat of a problem. This is actually a pan image made from stitching 2 images together. Having the snow here added to the image. If only the aspens were changing as they should have been! I did not use a polarizer here for 2 reasons. Ore, you never use one when taking pan images and two, the sky would have been a dark navy blue at this elevation, looking very unrealistic

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Lundy Lake.  The subject to me here is the pattern of the snow meeting at a point in the reflection in the water. This may be my favorite image of the trip. I’ve never seen the water this flat with these kind of weather conditions in this canyon. If you look close on the mountain side, you can see some of the yellows of the aspens emerging between the patterns of the snow and the mountain. It impossible for you a viewer , who may have not been to this location like this to understand the majestic and the overall size of this canyon and lake. The pine trees on the mountain side are upwards of 100′ high. They look like twigs in this image. 

The water on the lower beaver pond was frozen on Monday morning. This log is about a foot under water. I was attracted to the white dots of ice embedded in the ice itself. The patterns of the ice as well as the color added attracted me to make this image as well. 

While scouting Convict Lake, for about 20 seconds a ray of sunlight sent a beam of light onto these aspens on my left. I underexposed the background to enhance the glow of the trees both on the land and especially in the water. Literally 10-20seconds later this light disappeared. 

 

 I really like to photograph the earthy tones on some of the trees in the area. I was attracted to the patterns of the wood with the slight hint of yellow in the texture. This was shot with my Nikon 200mm  F4 Macro lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is another, but somewhat busier. Finding patterns in the tree bark isn’t as easy as you may think. You really have to work the subject.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This images was made with my Nikon 200mm Macro + a 6T (62mm) diopter. The lichen is nearly perfect in shape. The Orange color works well against the rock face. These images are found all over within the “grand scenic” type images , you just have to look around.

 

 

This images was taken with my Nikon 80-200mm Lens. I liked how this leave fell onto this rock, which in and of itself would have made an interesting macro image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent some time photographing Bodie, the old ghost town just south of Bridgeport and North of Mono Lake. I only took a few images. The first is a reflection of one of the old buildings in Bodie and the sky from a window. The torn window dressing really tells a story and adds to the image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a photograph taken through an opening in the door, exposing the newspaper lined wall paper of one of the rooms in this house. I guess they used newspaper for added insulation. Bodie is about 9000′ elevation and has very harsh winters. The newspaper was in good enough shape that you can make out the words and type very well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These old bottles were lined up and photographed through a window. I don’t like shooting through windows since the clarity is often diminished. I chose to use a large aperture in order to make the bottles in the back less sharp than the front. ( Check out Greg Duncan’s shot on his web site.. he took the opposite approach, both have redeeming qualities).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took an afternoon up above 10,000′ in the White Mt’s to photograph the ancient bristle cone pine trees. These are the oldest living “things” on the planet. This tree might date back over 3000 years. Like some other photographs, I know this one would be a black & white images as well when I took it. The subject of the tree is interesting and the clouds bending in a directional pattern adds to the overall drama of this image.

Finally, a Mono Lake Sunrise and Sunset.

 

There was just a hint of fog on the water during this sunrise which made things a little more interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sunset image was shot after almost everyone left, thinking that the light was over. There must have been over 100 folks with cameras ( note I did not say photographers) at Mono Lake this afternoon.  There was literally not one parking spot in the lot when we arrived. We had to park along the road leading into the lot. When things appeared to have fizzled out all but a handful left. We were rewarded with some wonderful light and alpenglow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, on October 4th the moon was full. However the lake was choppy due to a strong wind blowing from the north. As slow shutter speed allowed me to create the smooth form of the water. Here the full October moon is rising from the east. 

 

 

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HELPFUL TIPS for FALL PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKE THE MOST of AUTUMN PHOTOGRAPHY….

 TIPS for FALL PHOTOGRAPHY

©Jack Graham

Let’s face it, we as photographers….pro’s, amateurs’ or just casual shooters all look forward to the fall color display to get out and capture all that nature has to offer.  Once that cool air come in for the 1st time, increasing rain beging and fall color starts, we get that rejuvenated feeling and grab our camera bags and get out to make the most of what can sometimes be a short period of vibrant color. Paying attention to the weather and being prepared can go a long way in succeeding when it comes to fall photography.

Fall photography to me,  is all about color, and how to make the most of it. Here are some pointers that can help you come home with the best images possible during this magical season of color.

Pear trees in the fall…. Hood River Valley, Oregon

• Overcast and even rainy weather provides the best lighting for both landscapes as well as for close-ups of fall leaves, ferns, mushrooms, berries, and other fall details. Bright sunny weather creates harsh highlights, blocked shadow details, and even a blue cast due to reflected light from the blue sky.  A cloudy sky minimizes the blue cast, reduces contrast, and increases color saturation.  Rain and wet conditions serve to even increase the color saturation. A credo of nature photography is that “Bad weather makes for great photography”. Streams, rivers, waterfalls and forests are great subjects to photograph when it rains. In fact when tree trunks get wet they become darker, sometimes even black. This only enhances the color in the leaves. Take care to keep your equipment dry as well as yourself and get out and shoot in these conditions.

 

This is Tinkers Creek, Bedford Reservation, just south of Cleveland Ohio. This image was taken in the pouring rain.The rain enhanced the colors dramatically.

 

 

 

 

 

• You can use a circular diffuser, such as a Photo flex, to soften direct sunlight, simulate an overcast sky, and thus improve the lighting for your fall close-ups.

 

 

 

The use of a diffuser made this images possible

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Early morning and late afternoon lighting on sunny or partly cloudy days can provide dramatic lighting for scenic fall vistas taken in the open.  Weather fronts, which often occur in fall, can also provide sensational light, especially when areas of fall color are sunlit against a dark storm sky.

 

• Let’s talk about sky. John Shaw’s sky rule: “If the sky adds nothing to your image… LEAVE IT OUT”!!!  White or overcast, less than dramatic sky is like poison to an image.

 

 

 

This is Conway Summit off HWY 395 about 10 miles north of Lee Vining and Mono Lake in California.

Note the lack of sky in this image. The color is the subject NOT the sky

 

 

• Sunny weather is also the best lighting for photographing reflections of fall foliage in lakes, rivers, and streams.  The reflections are most dramatic when the fall color is sunlit and the water is in shade.  Try using slow shutter speeds to create abstracts from fall foliage reflected in the moving water of rivers and streams. Be careful if you are using a polarizer. This can detract from the reflections that you really want, of the color in the water.

 

• Misty, damp days can provide wonderful, moody lighting for fall color and waterfall photography.  The air is usually still, eliminating the problem of wind movement, and the moisture on leaves and rocks intensifies their color.

 

• Look for different subject matter.. think out of the box. For example, my good friend Mike Moats www.tinylandscapes.com pointed pout to me that is you look closely around still water where decaying leaves are present, there is often a color effect in the water that looks like a sheen of oil around the leaves and the water itself

Bacteria in the water , caused by decaying leaves is a very common phenomena. The bacteria can often have a rainbow color, a color that is commonly associated with oil sheen that is seen in a parking lot afer rainfall.

This image was taken with my Nikon D700 and a 200mm F4 Nikon Macro lens. Very little saturation in Photoshop was added.

 

As with snow scenes where you must open up 1 1/2 stops or more to make the snow white you must do the same in foggy conditions. Relying on your camera’s meter may result in misty scenes that are most times too dark,  so you may need to open up by  1 f-stop to retain the foggy light and luminosity that permeate these foggy fall days.

 

• A polarizing filter can be used to intensify colors and reduce reflections on wet rocks and leaves.  An exposure increase of 1 to 2 f-stops will be needed( remember to always check your histograms and expose for the right), depending on the amount of polarization.  Your camera meter will adjust the exposure automatically when you attach a polarizing filter.  With most modern digital cameras, a “circular” polarizing filter is needed to ensure an accurate exposure reading. Don’t forget your graduated ND’s as well.

 

• Use color to your advantage. Complimentary colors add to impact images. Green foliage combined with the reds and oranges work well. So does yellow aspens against blue skies in autumn.

 

• Keep your compositions as simple as possible. Remember, don’t try and write a novel in your photographic composition, write the sentence that tells the story. Always remember  the rule of thirds, graphic lines and make your image using a key element as the anchor ( basic good compositional technique).  Keep it simple!

The internet is filled with sites to monitor fall color in all areas of the country

www.foliagenetwork.net

www.calphoto.com ( great information on California’s fall color)    

www.weatherchannel.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/

www.wxnation.com/fallfoliage

For  serious photographers www.photographers.net is a site I frequent. There are regional groups that are informative with updated color information from members in specific areas.

 

 

SEE YOU ALL DOWN THE ROAD———-JG

2010 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE / ONE on ONE Individual Field Instruction / THINK TANK CAMERA BAGS and MORE!

Below is my 2010 Schedule.

 This will include new locations such as the Smokies Mountains, (late April and again in Late July), where Mike Moats www.tinylandscapes.com and I will be doing a MACRO & MORE workshop with the folks from the Great American Photography Workshop

 Also I’ll be doing workshops both in the fall and winter in Teton and Yellowstone NP’s

One workshop what I am really looking forward to is in July when Mike Moats and I will be teaming up with Bill Fortney ( wwww.billfortney.net ) for a 4 day workshop , again in the Smokies called “ Landscape and Macro Photographic Design “ . This will be an intensive classroom as well as field workshop where all aspects of photographic design will be covered. You will be working with three professional instructors, who will cover, in depth, different aspects of design and technique needed to consistently create first rate images, As there are three of us, and you will receive the one-on-one attention we believe will make your time well spent. All of the information and first hand knowledge from Bill, Mike and me, will result in your ability to improve your skills and creative processes in order to grow as photographers.

I’ll once again be partnering up with Ralph Nordstrom www.ralphnordstromphotography.com  to do our 2nd annual Death Valley workshop in February and then a very special workshop in the Napa Valley, and the San Francisco Bay area, (including time on the coast) in early November 2010.

Those registering for workshops prior to January 1 2010 will receive a 10% discount. I addition I offer an additional 10% discount for those who have already participated on any of my workshops over the years. Lastly, if you are a current member of NANPA (www.nanpa.org ), you will receive an additional 10%…. so you can receive up to a 30% discount if you meet these criteria’s!

SCHEDULE:

JAN 21-25          OREGON COAST   5 DAYS         $795.00

 FEB19-23       DEATH VALLEY         4 DAYS $795.00      with Ralph Nordstrom

 MAR 12-14    JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK          3 DAYS       $550.00

APRIL 15-18          SOUTHEWST (SLOT CANYONS, MONUMENT VALLEY, VERMILLION CLIFFS, LAKE POWELL AND MORE) 4DAYS        $795.00

APRIL 29-MAY1      MACRO and MORE —-IN THE SMOKIES WITH JACK GRAHAM & MIKE MOATS GAPW EVENT (REGISTER WITH GAPW www.gaphotoworks.com )     4 DAYS      $795.00 (Note that the discounts below DO NOT APPLY to GAPW workshops)

 MAY 19-23-      COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE —GAPW EVENT     4 DAYS       $795.00 GAPW EVENT (REGISTER WITH GAPW www.gaphotoworks.com ) (Note that the discounts below DO NOT APPLY to GAPW workshops)

JUNE 3-6           COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE and MT HOOD REGION, OREGON          4 DAYS              $795.00

JUNE 10-14                 MACRO and MORE IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE & OREGON COAST WITH JACK GRAHAM & MIKE MOATS                4 DAYS $795.00

JUNE 17-20           SPRING in the PALOUSE         4 DAYS       $795.00

JULY 7-11             OLYMPIC PENINSULA           4 DAYS         $795.00

JULY 15-19          OREGON COAST                       5 DAYS            $795.00

JULY 29 – AUG 1            LANDSCAPE, COSEUPS and PHOTOGRAPHIC DESIGN—THE SMOKIES—BILL FORTNEY, JACK GRAHAM and MIKE MOATS 4 DAYS $1050.00

AUG 6-8                         MT. RANIER NATIONAL PARK WILDFLOWERS AND LANDSCAPES       2 DAYS            $395.00

AUG 19-23                     OREGON COAST            5 DAYS                $795.00

 AUGUST 27TH           ONE DAY EVENT THE DAHALIAS OF SWAN ISLAND, OREGON         1 DAYS          $120.00

SEPT 24-29            AUTIMN IN THE TETON’S AND YELLOWSTONE         6 DAYS            $895.00

 OCTOBER 7-10          FALL IN THE EASTERN SIERRA ( MONO LAKE, BODIE, BISHOP AREA, BRISTLECONE PINES)  4 DAYS                         $795.00

 OCT 28-31                FALL IN NW OREGON & SW WASHINGTON (MT HOOD, MT ADAMS, COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AREAS 

                                      4 DAYS 695.00

NOV 4-7                   FALL IN THE NANP VALLEY AND SF BAY REGION  WITH RALPH NORDSTROM       4 DAYS   $795.00

 THE WORKSHOPS BELOW ARE OFFERED AL LA CARTE— IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN ALL 3 THE TOTAL CHARGE IS $1680.00

DEC 7-8            WINTER IN YELLOWSTONE                    2 DAYS $695.00

DEC 10-11       BIG HORN SHEEP, CODY WYOMING  2 DAYS $695.00

DEC 13-14         WINTER IN THE TETONS                       2 DAYS $695.00

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ONE on ONE INDIVIDUAL DAY CLASSROOM in the FIELD INSTRUCTION

These single day, one on one “PHOTO CLASSROOM in the FIELD”™ photography workshops will offer the beginner or advanced photographer a personalized photographic experience that will offer tutorial information regarding all aspects of photography. All aspects of photography will be covered within this one on one experience. The full day workshop experience will be customized to the individual based on skill level and needs.

 All instruction and discussions are done in the field, not in a classroom in some of the most scenic locations in the world. The day starts with a sunrise shoot and ends with a sunset opportunity. This IS a full day of emersion into photography.

 Advanced photographers can expect as much or as little instruction as desired. I can guarantee that you will get to the best locations here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, at the best times to capture some great images.

The itinerary will be customized to your needs and desires while accounting for the time of year, lighting and weather conditions

Transportation is provided. I drive, you don’t. The time in-between locations also serves to continue the discussion from a prior location and provide hints and tips about what’s ahead, or any specific questions you may have.

 The One on One, single day “PHOTO CLASSROOM in the FIELD”™ PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS charge is $300.00. This includes transportation from your location (or a pre selected meeting point) and back.

ONE on ONE , individual field Workshops are available here in Oregon. We shoot sunrise to sunset. Cost is 300.00 per day. This includes transportation in the field.

ONE on ONE  individual workshops are also available out of the area as well. Cost is $300.00per day + travel expenses. Customer arranges transportation

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I’ll be working closely with the folks at THINK TANK in 2010. THINK TANK is definitely on the cutting edge when it comes to backpacks, roller packs and other accessories for today’s’ digital photographer. The Think Tank Airport SecurityTM V2.0 or the slightly smaller Airport InternationalTM V2.0 rolling bags make it easy when travelling in airports as well as serving as carry-ons. If you need a larger backpack (you can also carry these on airplanes easily), check out their lineup of backpacks. THINK TANK has recently updated their already fantastic website. To view and understand which THINK TANK product is for you, or purchase Think Tank products, click here: www.thinktankphoto.com/affiliate and then enter this special code: AP-371. When you order merchandise totaling $50 or more you will receive a free Think Tank bag. You view the choices here: https://secure-services.net/thinktankphoto/purchase/choose_gift.html

 

And finally please consider Hunt’s Photo for you next purchase. These are really good folks to work with. Their pricing is as good as it gets. Their service is the best and most importantly, if you call them, ask for Gary Farber, (and tell Gary I recommend you). Gary actually answers his phone, and returns calls, something not common in today’s photo retailer world. Often he has special purchases available that are quite amazing. Call Gary at 800-924-8682 x2332. Later this month, I’ll be posting images shot in 2009 using the Lensbaby products. (www.lensbaby.com) I am having lots of fun creating images that I never though possible using their accessories. They open up a whole new world of photography and allow the photographer to really stretch his or her imagination.

Ahead to 2010, …The value of a Photo Workshop..Canon G10 in UTAH….. REALLY RIGHT STUFF ACCESSORIES… and MORE!!!

Images and text ©Jack Graham  All rights reserved

LAST CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!EASTERN SIERRA WORKSHOP OCTOBER 2010

                                                 We have one space availibe for our workshop in the Eastern Sierra next month. Please contact me if you are interested. Details can be found at www.macroandmore.com  or by contacting me at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com
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COMING in 2010!!!!

Now that summer is coming to a close, it’s on to 2010.
I’ll be announcing  next week my 2010 workshop schedule. This will include new locations such as the Smokies (late April and again in Late July), where Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com ) and I will be doing a MACRO & MORE workshop with the folks from the Great American Photography Workshop( www.gaphotoworks.com). (The workshop in late July will also feature Bill Fortney www.billfortney.net  along with Mike and me).
I’ll once again be partnering up with Ralph Nordstrom www.ralphnordstromphotography.com to do our 2nd annual Death Valley workshop in February and then a very special workshop in the Napa Valley, and the San Francisco Bay area, including time on the coast) in November 2010. I’ll be posting my 2010 schedule here on the blog soon.

                                                                                        Mike Moats having a quick lunch 

 There will be discounted pricing for my workshops for early registration as well as for NANPA www.nanpa.org  members.

 

 

 

THE VALUE OF A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP–KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

As I continue to conduct workshops all over America, it has become more apparent that lots of folks need training in using today’s modern cameras and lenses in order to get the most out of them. Often I see the person who goes out and buys equipment, sometimes very expensive equipment and neglectes to find out how to use it correctly.  I recently had a customer  who bough a Nikon D3, and had every settings adjusted to:  Program mode, automatic metering and auto focusing. This is all well and good, and this camera, set in these modes will often product superb images. His comment to me, when I offered some advice on how manually metering might help in a certain situation, or by shooting in aperture priority would be a benefit was  … ” I just paid all this money so the camera would do everything I need automatically”. Well folks… as most of you know, no matter how much you pay, YOU… the photographer make it happen and make a big difference in the quality of images you produce.

Having said that, I suggest to everyone who is either new to photography, or is upgrading to newer more specialized equipment, to include in their budget some training, in properly useing your  equipment in the field. Weather you do one of my workshops (andI hope you will ) or someone elses, please do yourself a favor and include training $$$ in your budget. It is really important now more than ever. Remember, good equiptment will GIVE YOU THE CHANCE to get good images. The photographer makes it happen. Knowledge is Power.

Also buying the right equipment and matching it to your needs is very important. A few weeks ago I saw a fellow using a Nikon D700 ( not a cheap camera) with a really average after market lens. How did this happen? ell he went into a camera store, and was “sold” this combination by what was probably an experienced sales person, or someone who really didn’t know or care about this customer. That’s why I encourage you, if you have questions about equipment to consult folks who do. Reputable dealers t you can talk to with knowledgeable staff still easiest. Stay away from the big box stores our the chains if you want information you can count on and people you can call back in a month or year if you have questions. (See my comments about Hunt’s below).

Just my $ 0.02

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I’ll be working closely with the folks at THINK TANK www.thinktankphoto.com  in 2010. I’ll also be announcing ways for my attendees to receive discounts in Think Tank merchandise as well.

And finally please consider Hunt’s Photo www.huntsphotoandvideo.comfor you next purchase. These are really good folks to work with. Their pricing is as good as it gets. Their service is the best and most importantly, if you call them, ask for Gary Farber ( digitalguygary@wbhunt.com ….and tell Gary I recommend you). Gary actually answers his phone, and returns calls, something not common in today’s photo retailer world. Often he has special purchases available that are quite amazing. Call Gary at 800-221-1830.

Later this month, I’ll be posting images shot in 2009 using the Lensbaby www.lensbaby.com products. I am having lots of fun creating images that I never though possible using their accessories. They open up a whole new world of photography and allow the photographer to really stretch his or her’s imagination.

Well, hopefully in a week or so, I’ll be back at 100% after my “event” in Olympic National Park. I would personally like to thank everyone for their good thoughts, especially my good friend Bill Fortney from Nikon  who has been there for good council and support.

 

And as always remember to check out Photograph America  for the BEST in where, when and how to photograph www.photographamerica.com. Tell Bob I said hi!
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Canon G10 at SNOW CANYON, UTAH……. ADOBE TRAINING……………… and more!!!

I recently spent some time visiting some friends in St. George, Utah. After what happened in Olympic National Park (see past blog article) I went through a time when I was pretty unmotivated to do anything, let alone photography. At the urging of my wife and a few close friends, I decided to travel down to St. George for a few days as planned a month or so earlier. This trip was a combination of R & R with my good friends, Bob Kulon, Gerry Emery as well as Bob’s kind offer to work on Photo shop & Lightroom with me in order for me to gain more knowledge in properly using these programs.

Though most of us have our own ways and theories on how to post process. I am always searching out input from those “in the know” to help me  to be better at processing my images. Bob is one such person. Bob is as good as it gets, for post processing knowledge and his ability to teach it  When it comes to CS4, Lightroom, Elements, and lots of other programs we all may use ( or should!),  Bob can, without question,  guide you in attaining the best results possible. ( And by the way he’s not a bad photographer either!).  For those of you in the Las Vegas, or the Southwestern US area ( St/ George is only about 1 hour from Las Vegas!) and even for those not lucky enough to be located there, I would strongly encourage you to get with Bob and learn his techniques.                     It would be well worth it http://bkulon.wordpress.com/
  Bob’s Online Gallery –  http://www.bobkulonphoto.com

As I am waiting on a replacement Nikon D700 and a few lenses that were unfortunately rendered unusable in the wreck in Olympic NP last month so I took only my Canon G10 with me. What a great little camera. (A new G11 was announced this week!). We spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday (it was over 100 degrees during the day….Sunday turned out to be nice & cool after some rain on Sat!) working inside on CS4 & Lightroom. However, on Sunday morning we ventured out just a short distance from Bob’s to Snow Canyon State Park  to do some shooting, only about 10 miles from St George.

Red sandstone rocks along with white hills make up the cliffs on each side of the valley. These areas are particularly colorful and provide excellent and endless photographic opportunities. If you like patterns along with amazing color, this area is as good as it gets. Desert plants add lots of color to the area as well.  Only occasional hikers and photographers are around, which makes things even better for those of us who enjoy working an area looking for some good images. It surly isn’t a crowded park by any means.

 

All images were made using the Canon G10, Really Right Stuff  “L“  bracket and Gitzo Tripod. They were shot in RAW and post processed in Adobe CS4.

ABOVE & LEFT  : Endless pattern offer great photographic opportunities.

 

 

 

The image below was taken using the G10’s Macro setting. The “L” bracket, ball head and tripod was necessary to get this sharp.

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I always enjoy telling my workshop attendees the benefits of using the right equipment. Having a good camera and good equipment gives us the “chance” to make a good photograph, and using many of the products from The Really Right Stuff  Company  www.reallyrightstuff.com is almost a must. As most of you know, who know me, know I preach how important a tripod is. It is maybe MORE important with a small point & shoot like the G10 as with a full sized DSLR. The G10 and it counterparts are small, light and even harder to keep from moving than DSLR’s. In steps the really Right Stuff. Along with plates and “L” brackets for every DSLR and lens available these folks actually make an”L” bracket for the G10 (the G11 bracket is on is way!).

An “L” bracket makes it easy to move from horizontal shot to a vertical shot.  I used this bracket; a sturdy tripod and a good ball head (Yes the RRS makes the best!) all the time to make these images. There is NO WAY they would be  sharp without a tripod, ball head and this bracket.

In other words, there is NO FREE LUNCH when it comes to a sharp image. CS4, Light room or any other software you may try will not help if your images aren’t sharp to begin with. (The rumor is that the RRS is coming out with a new tripod that will challenge anything on the market… stay tuned.)

Why not get on their mailing list?

“L” bracket tor Canon G10 by the Really Right Stuff

A word to the wise…. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE NEXT CURVE!

Last Friday, a good friend and I left my Sherwood (home) for a weekend of photography. The purpose was 3 fold. One, to see the wildflower display up at My Rainier (it was AWESOME!) and then drive over to Olympic National Park.  Second, was to show my friend, and fellow photographer from San Diego,  Greg, areas he hadn’t seen and get some good images. Third, was to shoot some video for workshop promotion and other projects (which we did and was pretty funny in itself at times). This was not a workshop but rather a few days out shooting in some of the nicest, but remote areas in the country.

We got up to Mt Rainier late on the morning in Friday. The mountain was socked in (fog) but we did get some great images of the wildflowers and the area. Since we exhausted the possibilities there due to the weather, we left after lunch for Olympic, via Seattle, and Port Townsend ferry for Olympic National Park.  We spent the night in Port Angeles. Saturday’s sunrise at Hurricane Ridge wasn’t great but much better than we thought or expected.  We then shot over in the Sol Duc area, as well as the Hoa Rain forest on the west side of the Olympic peninsula. We spent Saturday night in Kalaloch.

 On Sunday am we drove up  to 4^th beach to shoot some decent tide pools at low tide. Again we got some good images.  After the tide pool shoot we planned on heading back to Portland and home.

 

 

 

We took a few detours through some forest service roads to look for more shots and decided to take the loop around Lake Quinault.

 

The lake is about 15miles long and has a north road and south road. We got to the point where the road was about 17 ‘wide with loose gravel.  We were about ¾ around the lake when we came into a pretty big curve (about 45 degrees). About ½ way through the curve a motor home (most of you know how I feel about them) came barreling toward us, really fast and I mean fast!.

 The choice was to hit the RV head on or try and avoid him. We had a shallow part of the river, which feed into the lake on our right and about a 20-25’ embankment. I had a split second to make this decision. Well, I decided to try and avoid the RV and swerved to the right. My front right tire went over the embankment.

 

Both Greg and I though it would stop the truck by bottoming out but the dirt was so loose on the embankment that we went into a roll , sideways down the embankment, and landed tires up in about 2-3′ of water, in the river that feeds into Lake Quinault. We rolled at least once and maybe twice.

 

I gatherd some important papers and the Canon G10 I carried along and began to try and get out of the water. Greg followed. We managed to climb up the embankment ( again,about 20-25′). The soil was really dry and not easy to get hardly any traction in, but we made it. The RV drivers wife was standing there and she asked if we were ok. I indicated I didn’t really know! ( What I wanted to say was…” Yea, I’m feeling great, how about you?” but for once I avoided saying the wrong thing.

Here is the amazing part. It was drizzling lightly and I was standing there pretty shocked, wet, in a short sleeve shirt and wet pants. The RV folks were in a big hurry to get out of there, before any rangers showed up.  Instead of saying, why don’t you guys come on in and stay dry etc….The RV guy (driver) took off pretty quick after we made it up the embankment.  I practically had to beg him for his name & phone #. When I asked him for it, he asked me “why do you need my name # phone #”  duhhhhhhh?????…..I really don’t like to (well I guess I do) pre judge folks but this guy knew he caused the accident and hi-tailed it away as soon as he could.  His wife actually told him to give me the info… he didn’t want to. He scribbled it down on a paper plate as he looked at me and again says…”I don’t know why you need this”.

… there they go!

 

This road is only 17′ wide… Why are RV’s even allowed in this section of the road? . I grabbed my Canon G10 (as you can see) and took a lot of images of the road and everything else (and the license plate of the RV guy!)

                                                         

 Keep in mind we were 5-8 miles from the nearest building, 15 miles or so from the nearest little ( and I mean little) town, out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service. After a while the ranger came by and did his thing. He was super nice and extremely friendly and helpful. Next time you all get into the National Parks, be courteous to these folks. they are here for you, as I witnessed in person. In fact he had one of his other rangers personally drive us south about an hour to deal with the car in tow and meet my wife, who drove up 4 hrs from home to get us. They were really helpful and get me through the afternoon. Thank you George!!! About 2 hours later the tow truck arrived (they were located 1 hr 15 minutes south in Aberdeen!) and they somehow pulled the truck up the embankment.

                                                                                            I can tell you on thing … both Greg and I are convinced that this vehicle saved our lived.

 

It was built in 2002 and did not crunch in during the roll. I bet the newer vehicles would have not held up as well. Thanks Ford!

So here’s the bottom line

1)      We are both OK. Greg is just a little sore and so am I. My back is pretty screwed up but we both had seat belts on (l don’t wear mine a lot of the time. I was lucky)

2)      Camera bags were scattered in the water as were a lot of the truck’s contents flew out of the blow out windows.

3)      We have 2 dead cameras, a few dead lenses (due to water), both all memory cards survived and images were intact.

4)      My good old Explorer is totaled and begin the process of dealing with the insurance company etc.

 BUT…………

 We are both in a lot better shape than we could have been.  Most everyone who was there was surprised we were walking around and not dead. It’s really funny what goes through your mind in the 20-30 seconds of this kind of an event. It’s like your life replays itself in really fast motion. It was a very weird feeling, one I hope you all never have to experience.

SO………….

Since I know a lot of other travelers and photographers might read this……            I have a few things for you all to consider:

I know we all get out to some pretty remote areas. This accident happened in one. Don’t take anything for granted. Be prepared. We had lots of food, water and supplies in the event we got stranded.  Let someone know where you are going. I had called my wife about 2 hrs before the accident, and told here we would be back around 4-5pm and where we were when I called. Always let someone know where you  are if you can.

This truck of mine had 145,000 miles on it and it was in tip top condition. It’s been to some very remote areas and frankly was in great shape with good tires and up to date everything.  This was the 4^thFord Explorer I’ve driven so I bet I’ve driven over a mjillion miles in some crazy areas without an accident (this was y 1^st and almost my last), so maybe the odds were that I was due.  If you think you might be due as well, be extra careful. I was reminded of another photographer friend, Garry Crabbe who sustained much worse injuries than us in Death Valley earlier this year when he slipped off a ridge. Understand where you are and please be careful. Could I have avoided this accident? Probably not but it could have been a lot worse. 

As my dear friend Bill Fortney of Nikon told me….. This was a message from above, that God’s trying to get my attention….  well He did… big time! That’s why we survived.

Be careful , fellow photogrphers as well as other who venture out into these kind of areas.. You never know what’s around the next curve.

JG