Workshops and much more!!!

Spring is finally here….. Though today we are back in the high 50’s and showery, we had temps approaching 80 degrees last weekend so things are looking up and coming on strong.

 

I’ll be spending some time photographing in the Columbia Gorge, Hood River Valley and surroundings before heading back to Arizona and Souther Utah in late April.

 

Spring here in the Pacific northwest gets going in May & June. The wether is very conducive for great photography  in these parts and the water, from the snow melt makes the streams and waterfalls awsome to not only witness, but capture in photography. The rhododendrons and other plantlife add even more to the photographic experience. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Columbia Tiger Lily ©Jack Graham                              Rhododendrons at Multnomah Falls               © Jack Graham

 

Rainbow in the gorge                                                                                                                   ©Jack Graham

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Here are some important updates and information regarding my Photoworksps for the balance of 2009. There are still spots open in all workshops.

 

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE 2009

APR	30-May-03	SOUTHWEST/ PAGE AZ	Slot Canyons, Vermillion Cliffs,Escalante,Mon.Valley	$695.00
JUNE	4-7	Macro in the GORGE/COAST w. MOATS	Waterfalls & Macro-Gorge-Seal Rocks Cape Kawinda-Coast	$675.00
JUNE	11-14	SPRING in the PALOUSE	Southeastern Washington State, So.of Spokane	$695.00
JUNE	25- 29	OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK	Olympic Peninsula, Washington/ Hoa Rainforest	$795.00
JULY	22-27	OREGON COAST	Cannon Beach-Bandon	$795.00
AUG	6-9	HARVEST in the PALOUSE	Southeastern Washington State, So.of Spokane/Base in Colfax	$695.00
SEPT	16-21	OREGON COAST	Cannon Beach-Bandon	$795.00
OCT	8-11	Macro & More / Fall Eastern Sierra, CA w. MOATS	Mono Lake,Bodie, Bristlecone Pines, Lundy Canyon,Hot Creek,June Lake Loop	$725.00
OCT	22-25	FALL COLOR-3 SISTERS WILDERNESS	Pacific Crest Trail. Sisters, Oregon, Santuim Pass, Waterfalls	$795.00
OCT	29-NOV1	FALL IN NW OREGON& SW WASHINGTON	Columbia River Gorge, Mt Hood & Mt Adams Areas	$695.00
DEC	3-6	BIG HORN SHEEP-WYOMING	Shoshone River, NW Wyoming	$795.00

 

1)       Please note that the Eastern Sierra workshop in October has been changes to a “MACRO & MORE” workshop, with Mike Moats. This will be a VERY unique experience. Visit www.macroandmore.com for complete information.

  

       WHAT’S AHEAD in 2010…?

 

Yes, it planning time again. Based on the success so far, we plan on doing at least 3 Macro & More Photography Workshops in 2010. We look to expand these workshops new locations. Some of the locations targeted include Acadia National Park, Olympic National Park, Upper Michigan Peninsula, Cuyahoga National Park, or somewhere TBD in the American Southwest. If you have any suggestions, please send them along.

 

If you haven’t checked out Mike’s work, do so at www.tinylandscapes.com. 

 

 

Day Lily before the bloom

©Jack Graham    

 Great American Photography Weekend (www.gaphotoworks.com )…. I am sure lots of you have either heard of these folks or maybe have even attended a workshop over the 17 years that the GAPW has been around. Not because I am on their faculty, but believe me, they run 1^st class workshops with really top instructors. I am privileged to be part of their facility.

 

I will be doing a workshop here in my backyard, in the Columbia River Gorge May 27^th through May 31^st. A complete description and information is found on their web site. You can fee free to also contact me (jack@jackgrahamphoto.com) or Rhonda in the GAPW office 866-747-2479. In today’s economy, there is NO better value than a GAPW workshop.

 

We will explore the waterfalls, wildflower areas as well as some of the lesser visited locations to come away with not only some amazing images, but with lots of new tips and general knowledge that will make you a better photographer.  Living here close to our locations allows me to monitor weather and make sure that we get to the prime spots during the spring here in Oregon……………….Consider joining us!

 

  2) DISCOUNTS:  Remember, anyone who has ever participated in on of my workshops is entitled to a 10 % discount on any of these workshops through this colander year. ( This does not apply however to the GAPW workshop in May)

 

 3) MORE DISCOUNTS: In addition to this discount, everyone who attends a workshop will be entitled to discounts and even some give a way’s supplied  by some my workshop sponsors. For example, at each workshop, one person will win a complete catalog of every issue of Photograph America Newsletter™ (www.photographamerica.com ) to date, as PDF files on CD. A free year’s subscription ( print only)  will also be given away. Discounts from Digital Foci™ (www.digitalfoci.com) ;  Lensbaby™ ( www.lensbaby.com ) and ( www.ononesoftware.com) are also made available to attendees.

 

   Those of you who have done a workshop with me always see some new products ranging from perhaps a new camera to that “got to have” accessory. I am working with Gary at Hunt’s Photo on a program that will actually list the equipment I recommend and offer, through Hunt’s an additional discount to as much as 20% off their already super competitive pricing. (www.huntsphotoandvideo.com)

 

So keep this in mind when thinking about doing a workshop….. There are lots of bonuses!

 

 

4) ALSO: I am now accepting Master Card, Visa and Discover Cards not only for workshops but for print sales as well. Workshop registration forms are located in the “workshop” are of my web site www.jackgrahamphoto.com . Please contact me if you have any questions regarding these workshops etc.

 

In addition to these workshops listed above, I am available for individual one on one workshops here in Oregon and elsewhere. These one on one hands on days in the field are $300.00, which includes transportation. Individual one on one field workshops out of the immediate Portland area are available however the charge is 300.00 per day plus expenses.

 

I have done many of these over the past few months and I can provide references if needed.                Springtime in the Palouse, Eastern Washington            © Jack Graham

 

PRINT SALES: SPECIAL SPRING PRICING:

Prints of any image found here on this blog or at www.jackgrahamphoto.com as well as on my email blasts are available. All prints are produced using the OEM manufacturer’s original K3 pigment inks and custom profiled to the very highest standard to present an outstanding work of art.  All my prints are digitally prepared, color corrected, fine-tuned, and printed by me. I use professional Epson pigment printers for print longevity if this print is matted; the final print was mounted on archival acid-free board, over-matted with archival acid-free white cotton museum rag, and hand-signed.

Print Size	Print Only	Matt Size	Matted Print
8 x 10	22.00	11 x 14	44.00
11 x 14	48.00	16 x 20	74.00
13 x 19	89.00	22 x 30	133.00

 Again, Master Card, Visa & Discover are accepted. These prices DO not inlude shipping.

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RIGHT in MY BACKYARD: Literally about ¼ mile away is the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=13600 . I’ve literally driven by this amazing are hundreds of times on my way to and from my home I am now amazed I never stopped by. If you are in the area and enjoy these refuges check it out. There is currently a pair of nesting bald eagles that have produced young eagles. They have been pretty active recently.

I’ll be presenting a photography program for the Friends of the Refuge on May 7^th at 7PM.

 

COMING SOON: I’m shooting lots of images with the new Lensbaby™ www.lansbaby.com  products and with new Singh-Ray Vari-ND Filter ( www.singh-ray.com ). Both of these accessories are really great products. Stay tuned for more information in the next blog update in about 2 weeks. I’ll also be showing you some amazing images I’ve been getting with the little Canon G-10.

 

See you in the field!!!

 

Jack

 

Falls at Sweet Creek, Southern Coastal Range, Or     ©Jack Graham                                           

2009 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Folks,

Below is my 2009 Workshop schedule. Workshop descriptions and information will be available soon at www.jackgrahamphoto.com. You can always email me at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com to request further information, sign up information etc. I have managed to keep my costs relatively consistant in light of the econmomy.

HOWEVER………… I HAVE A PRE 2009 OFFER  of a 10% discount FOR THOSE WHO SIGN UP PRIOR TO JAN 1 2009.

IN ADDITION…………. NANPA MAMBERS receive an additional $50.00 Discount (www.nanpa.org). NANPA membership must be confirmed.

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2009   JACK GRAHAM PHOTO WORKSHOP SCHEDULE   /”photo classroom in the field”©

FEB  5-7       DEATH VALLEY NP             LIMIT 12             $795.00

FEB 18-22    NANPA SUMMIT (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

MAR 5-8      JOSHUA TREE NP             LIMIT 12             $695.00
MAR 20-22  NFRCC CONVENTION (Buffalo NY)  www.nfrcc.org

APR 23-26   SOUTHWEST/PAGE AZ/SLOTS             LIMIT 8             $695.00

MAY 14-17   COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE                    LIMIT 8            $695.00
MAY 27-31   COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE            GREAT AMERICAN WEEKEND PHOTO WORKSHOP                                                                                        www.gaphotoworks.com

JUNE 4-7    MACRO & MORE with MIKE MOATS——COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE & OREGONCOAST…………………………………….                LIMIT 14   $ 675.00

JUNE 11-14  SPRINGTIME in the PALOUSE–  South Eastern Washington          LIMIT 8   $695.00

JUNE 25-29  OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — OLYMPIC PENNINNESULA–WA    LIMIT 8  $795.00

JULY 15-20 ORAGON COAST – Cannon Beach to Bandon OR.                           LIMIT 8  $ 795.00

AUGUST 6-9- HARVEST in the PALOUSE, Southeastern Washington                 LIMIT 8  $ 695.00

SEPTEMBER 16-21–OREGON COAST-Cannon Beach to BandonOR                  LIMIT 8   $ 795.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPT 24-29/ MACRO and MORE with MIKE MOATS   SITE TBD                         LIMIT 14   $ TBD

OCT 7-11 EASTERN SIERRA   MONO LAKE, Bodie, Bristlecone Pines, Alaabama Hills ………………………………………………………………………………………………..  LIMIT8    $ 725.00

OCTOBER ???  FALL in NE OHIO  Bob Kulon Leader  www.bobkulonphoto.com

OCTOBER 28-NOV 1 –FALL COLOR 3 SISTERS WILDERNESS , OREGON —-LIMIT 8      $795.00

NOV 5-8  FALL COLOR–COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, MT HOOD AND MT ADAMS AREAS  …………………………………………………………………………………………….LIMIT 8       $695.00

DEC 3-6  WYOMING BIG HORN SHEEP WILDLIFE SAFARI– CODY WY             LIMIT 5       $795.00

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In addition

I am available for Speaking engegements as well as presentations. Contact me for further information.

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

WORKSHOPS and Speaking engagements are SPONSERED BY:

 www.photographamerica.com

 

__________________________________________________________________

 Jack Graham

jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

A LOOK AHEAD to 2009 / Photography Workshops

 Now that we are just more than half way into 2008, it’s time to sit own and schedule out 2009.
I’ll be finalizing this by about August 1st with any luck.

             

      Lower Antelope Canyon, AZ                           Haceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon Coast
With gas at an all time high as well as other travel expenses, I am doing all I can do to keep my prices in line with the  overall experience. I have really looked closely at the other workshops being offered and I can say without hesitation you will get a great workshop at a fair price with me.  When I update my web site next month I’ll be putting some testimonials up as well. References (many attendees are return attendees!) are always available on request. I intend to keep my workshops small ( 8 or less), so I can continue to provide the individual attention that you have grown to expect.

                                         A Stream in the Columbia Gorge

As of now I am scheduling:
LOCATION                        TENTATIVE TIME FRAME
Columbia River Gorge –      May and October (late in the month)
Oregon Coast _                  June and September
Slots, etc (Arizona, Utah) – April
The Palouse ( Eastern Washington) – June (prime growing time)
The Palouse ( Eastern Washington) _early August (Harvest) l
Eastern Sierra –                  October
S. F. Bay area –                   November
Big Horn Sheep Photo Safari in Wyoming – Early December

                                            The Palouse in June

SPECIAL EVENTS

Macro & More in the Gorge & Oregon Coast with Mike Moats _ mid to late May
Macro & More — in a surprise location with Mike Moats ———–TBD

     www.tinylandscapes.com  for Mike’s fine work

Here is Mike working with one of this years attendees

OTHER TENTATIVE WORKSHOPS ARE:

Monument Valley & Slot Canyons (special event to include wild horses in the Valley!) – Mid Feb.
Olympic National Park – June
The BIG ISLAND—Hawaii in mid January

As of now I am not scheduled to be back in the Ohio area in October however that may change.

Stay tuned for 2010—I am working on two international workshops. One in Europe and the other in China.
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In addition to this schedule, I offer 1 on 1 photographic instruction here in Oregon. Details can be found here on my blog in the March 29, 2008 edition or by contacting me directly.

As always, please send me an email for details at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

JG

 North of Cape Blanco, Oregon

PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Time for a little selfless promotion!

It seems like this time of year is when most of my fellow photographers are planning their itineraries for the rest of the year. With that in mind I just want to talk about my photo workshops a bit.  ( Much more information can be found at www.jackgrahamphoto.com) . I have quite a lot planned this year, all in places I have been many times, places where I know where to be at the right time of day.

The southwest is a great place to be in the spring. It is nice and cool and more importantly the crowds are gone, the wildflowers are blooming and the low angles of the spring light makes for a great time to be in the red rock country of NE Arizona, Southern Utah and Monument Valley. Please check out more details on my web site, www.jackgrahamphoto.com

Horseshoe Bend, close to Page AZ.

After that May brings me back here to Oregon. Mike Moats ( www.tinylandscapes.com) and I are combining our efforts in a workshop called “Macro & More in the Gorge”  in mid May. I am really excited about this one.

Columbia Tiger Lily, Oregon

After that late May & June features workshops on the Oregon Coast, the Columbia River Gorge as well as the Palouse in mid June. Just prior to these workshops, Bob Kulon will be here in Portland with me to do his DSLR Boot camp over a 2 day period ( May 31 & June 1). This is an invaluable session that will get you up to speed with the new technology offered in CS3, Light room, Elements and other processing programs that we all need these days. Some field work is also included. You can find more details on my site or at www.bobkulonphoto.com. This is an outstanding value. If you are attending one of the workshops in early June, why not come out a few days early and attend the Bootcamp as well?

Latourell Falls, oregon

Cannon Beach Sunset, Oregon

If you like fall color, you need to come to the Eastern Sierra with us in October. The Aspens are usually at peak at this time. We shoot in the canyons and lakes in the Eastern Sierra close to Lee Vining California on HWY 395. We also get to Bishop and up into the White Mts to photograph Te Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Mono Lake, Eastern Sierra, CA.

Bodie State Historical Park, Ca.(Ghost Town).

Right after the Eastern Sierra trip, I’ll be heading back to Ohio for the Fall Photo workshop that has been so successful over the past few years. I have the management of this workshop over to by good friend Bob Kulon, but I will be there as in the past. Be sure to access 2008_neo_fall_workshop_flyer_v01.pdf for FULL information. We will once again have full access to shooting right on an Amish farm for a few hours on one of the days of the workshop. This is truly an unique experience. Please read the PDF found here.

Amish Farm, Ohio

In November we travel to the S.F Bay Area for a photography workshop . The timing of this works well with the wine harvest, great color in Napa Valley and  great weather in the Bay area and on the California coast. We will shoot in Napa, down along the coast and in and around San Francisco and the Marin Headlands.

Marin Headlands, just north of San Francisco, Ca.

Pebble Beach State Park,CA

Finally My 14th annual Wyoming Big Horn Sheep Photo Safari concludes my workshop calendar for 2008. We base in Cody Wyoming and shoot the Big Horn Sheep found in the area. This is a great time to be there as the snow on the mountain tops forces the animals down to the lowlands to eat. What a great way to end the year!!!

Big Horn Sheep, Wyoming

Again all sorts of information is on my web site. General information and registration forms are found below. If you have other questions please send me an email at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

general-information.doc      reg-master.doc     assumption-of-risk.doc

Come join us!

JG  

AFTER YOU PRINT—-WHAT THEN?/ Matting,Mounting and Framing

A few years ago, I began selling some of my prints. I took the easy and cheap way out, only to find there is only one way to do it, the right way.  While living in Ohio, I had all my work done by GALLERY OF FRAMING in Fair Lawn.  For my Ohio friends, I highly recommend them. Lori and Aileen do a great job. (137 Ghent Road, Fair Lawn, OH  44333 (330-835-3046).  

When I relocated to Oregon last summer, Lori referred me to a local shop that does great work as well. I recommend Julia & Brooke at framed Art studios, in the Raleigh Hills area of Portland.

Julia and Brooke are always there to help. I can’t recommend them enough….. and thanks Lori!

 It’s always important to be able to talk to the folks doing your work. How many times have you brought a picture into a “factory” and never seen the same person twice? 

Framed Art Studios, L.L.C.
7417 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway
Suite 700
Portland, Oregon 97225 phone – 503-493-2880
art@framedartstudios.com 

I am often asked about mounting, matting and framing prints. Much like everything else in photography, everyone seems to have an opinion far as how to accomplish this in the most effective way. Like most things, effectively accomplishing proper matting, mounting and framing isn’t that complicated. First of all, unless you have the proper equipment to accomplish this you need to find a reputable, high quality framing establishment that doesn’t cut corners in order to “do it right”.

 If you don’t and take the easy and less expensive way out, you’ll end up with unhappy customers or end up with bubbling images or worse down the road. When in the field, I frequently see many photographers will buy a great camera and use a cheap lens, or bur a great lens and use a cheap filter. This makes no sense to me. The same goes for printing and framing. Most of us print our images on high quality paper, and use the best inks available on high quality photo printers, Why not do it right?

 So now you have a greet looking print coming off your printer. Let’s look at the proper steps necessary to get it from the printer to your wall. There are sprays and other adhesives that will adhere your print to some sort of backing. This is fairly cheap and keeps your costs down. However to mount, mat and frame an image that will last for many years you must follow standards and practices used by artists and photographers to ensure longevity. 

 Trillium Lake Reflection,Oregon

First, let the print dry at least a day. It is important to allow for the out-gassing of the inks on the paper.  I’ve had prints that I’ve dry mounted and framed after drying for a day, and later the inside of the glass became fogged from the continuous out-gassing. I now wait a minimum of two to three days with paper on top of the print to help speed up the process.  If you can wait for a week that would be even better.  Prints mounted directly on cardboard (non acid-free material) backings are vulnerable to damage by the acidic paper pulp of the cardboard. Over time, acids can migrate from the backing to the print paper, causing discoloration and deterioration. Acidic mats can create the same problem from the front. Always use acid free materials.

 It is amazing how even a spectacular photograph can be even more enhanced by a tastefully selected mat.  The folks doing my work here in Oregon (framed Art studios)—see address etc below) are much better than me in choosing the right inner mat color. (I usually double mat my prints). I always use bright white outer mats, not adhered to the backing, so the customer can replace that white with a mat of their choice. I usually allow about 2.5”- 3” on each of the 4 sides of the mat. For example an 11” x 14” print typically goes in a 16” x 20” frame. Allowing more space on the bottom of the mat (this goes for verticals as well as horizontals) will accentuate your image and make it stand out even more.

 Still Creek, near Mt. Hood, Oregon

 Frame prices vary due to size and quality. Special framing options are always available, including the use of archival framing materials and techniques. I do not offer framed prints for sale. I leave that to the customer and the framing experts. I  Extreme care is required in handling the photographic prints during matting and framing, since the mirror-like surface clearly reveals fingerprints, abrasion, and any dents or wrinkles that might occur. Precautions must be taken to ensure that no surface defects exist when the prints leave the shop. This is why I recommend professionals. 

Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Now, you done it all right and you hang you print on the wall. Where you hang it can also cause some problems, especially if you don’t mat, mount and frame it correctly. Where you hang your print is also important. You should hang your prints in locations that offer protection from the damaging effects of heat, moisture, and light. Always, hang your framed prints out of the line of direct sunlight. In sunny environments or in areas that are lit with fluorescent lighting, using UV acrylic or glass will minimize the effects of harmful ultraviolet rays. You should also never hang your prints over a heat source, or in an area that will be high in humidity such as a steamy bathroom, though wood mounted pieces are fine in humidity. Heat and humidity can cause serious damage to your framed print. Clean the surface regularly with the proper cleaner. Spray the appropriate cleaner on a soft cloth first not the surface of the framed piece, to avoid pooling and damage to the frame, mat, and art.  Where to avoid hanging prints if possible on outdoor walls, over a usable fireplace, in bathrooms, or in direct sunlight., exterior walls or walls adjoining garages , by heat/cooling ducts and over fireplaces or in high moisture areas such as bathrooms (Wood Mounted, Laminated pieces)
Climate controlled environments are best.  

 Dahalia

The best way to clean the glass of framed prints is to leave the framed print on the wall or lay it flat on a table. Spray glass cleaner on a paper towel and rub the glass gently. Do not spray water or cleaner directly on the glass! It may seep between the frame and glass, causing moisture damage to the print, mat and backing. If you’ve framed your print using clear acrylic (Plexiglas) instead of glass (not recommended), clean it with a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with a mild solution of soap and water. Paper towels could actually scratch the soft surface. Glass cleaners, especially those containing ammonia, can turn acrylic milky. Use a soft dry cloth to dust the frame. Moisture could damage paint, or other special finishes on your frame.Again, I recommend using professional folks to complete your work. Most of the time the old adage is still accurate…… more is less!!. JG

Framed Art Studios, L.L.C.
7417 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway
Suite 700
Portland, Oregon 97225 phone – 503-493-2880
fax – 503-493-2883
art@framedartstudios.com 

Gallery of Framing137 Ghent Rd
Fairlawn, OH 44333(330) 835-3046