Workshops
These photography workshops are designed to work for small groups of participants. Ulike my photo field trips which adjust to individual needs, workshops focus on specific topics and subjects. They’re a wonderful way to learn about a specific subject matter or location. While they are designed for groups participantion is limited to a maximum of four to insure everyone receives adequate attention.
Following the photography workship you’ll be encouraged to work-up your five favorite images and submit them via email for critique. Using an online meeting system, I will arrange a time to view and discuss the submissions with the group. During this session we can talk about composition, post-processing and shooting techniques to improve your results.
Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks Photography Workshop
An uninhabited barrier island, views of one of America’s most iconic lighthouses and wild mustangs that have lived here for nearly 500 years! There are few photographic opportunities along the east coast that can rival this. The workshop focuses on techniques to safely find and photograph these wild mustangs. We’ll catch a ferry out of Harkers Island that will take us to the island. Once on Shackleford banks participants will learn how to safely navigate the salt flats, beaches and creeks that the wild horses call home. We’ll also discuss compositional techniques and camera settings required to create compelling images of these majestic animals. There will likely be a chance to photograph some shorebirds as well! This is a half-day workshop and includes ferry fees and lunch following the morning’s expedition. Cost is $180 per participant.
2012 Dates:
- April 14, 2012
- May 20, 2012
- June 20, 2012
Intro to Kayak Photography Workshop
Without question a kayak if my favorite photographic tool. Sitting close to the surface of the water provides a unique perspective to any pohtographer’s images. During this workshop we’ll explore the waters around the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, photographing shore birds, seascapes and wild horses. This workshop isn’t aimed at teaching you how to kayak. Previous paddling experience and a reasonable level of comfort in a kayak is required. Topics will include keeping gear dry and safe, approaching wildlife, and appropriate photograhic techniques for shooting from a kayak. Kayaks rentals are availalbe in the area. This is a half-day workshop and the fee includes an after paddle meal at a local eatery. Cost $150 per participant.
2012 Dates:
- April 22, 2012
- May 12, 2012
- June 20, 2012
Wild Horses of the Crystal Coast Photography Workshop
The Cyrstal Coast is blessed with two herds of wild horses. One herd, living on Shackleford Banks, has been here for nearly 500 years! The other, living within the boundries of the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, has a much shorter history. Still, that second herd offers some wonderful possibilities to nature photographers. Combined these two herds present photographers with an unparalleled opportunity to photograph horses in the wild. This workshop takes place over the course of two days. During the outings participants will learn how to safely navigate the salt flats, beaches and creeks that the wild horses call home. We’ll also discuss compositional techniques and camera settings required to create compelling images of these majestic animals. While not our primary subject, there may be a chance to photograph some shorebirds as well! We’ll start the first morning by visiting the horses of Shackleford Banks. After a short ferry ride to this unique barrier island we’ll spend a few hours photographing these wild mustangs in their natural habitat. The group will then return to the mainland and meet in Beaufort for a quick lunch, then head over to the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve for some more wild horse photography. The next morning we’ll return to Shackleford Banks to apply what was learned the previous day and to build on the first day’s lessons. This is a one and a half-day workshop and includes ferry fees and lunch following the morning’s expeditions. Cost is $340 per participant.
2012 Dates:
- April 14 & 15, 2012
- May 19 & 20, 2012
- June 23 & 24, 2012
Photo Field Trips
Private instruction is a great way to improve your photography skills. You get answers to your specific questions and needs with the focus being on what you want to learn. These informal classes provide a learning opportunity while exploring a natural environment. The locations offered were selected for being consistent producers of workable subjects. Of course when dealing with live creatures their cooperation can never be 100% guaranteed. These instructional field trips are available at $35 per hour with a two hour minimum required. If you have a friend or family member that would like to come along the charge for an additional participant is only $25 per hour more.
Following your outing you’ll be encouraged to work-up your five favorite images and submit them via email for critique. Using an online meeting system, I will arrange a time to view and discuss your submissions with you. During this session we can talk about composition, post-processing and shooting techniques to improve your results. By using the online meeting format I can not only discuss your images but can show them to you with compositional grids overlaid on them, and demonstrate Photo Shop techniques to enhance them.
Beach Birds
We’ll visit Fort Macon State Park in the evening to photograph Sanderlings, Sea Gulls and other shore birds as they scurry along the edge of the surf searching for food. Be prepared to get a bit sandy and possibly even a little damp in the pursuit of photographing these fascinating little birds. A skimmer ground pod or tripod capable of getting within 18 inches of the ground is recommended though hand-holding your camera is acceptable. This course is best suited for SLR cameras with a telephoto lens with 300mm of reach or more. Wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid sand sticking to your skin. Light tans and browns are the best color choices for this experience.
A March through the Marsh
The Croatan National Forest’s Tideland Trail provides easy access to an estuarine environment. Gravel covered paths and wooden foot bridges lead through the marsh unveiling a variety of photographic opportunities. You’ll find opportunities for shooting landscapes, abstracts, macro images and birds both large and small along this trail. You may want to choose one or two subjects to concentrate on. When visiting this location it’s always a good idea to bring a variety of lenses to cover all bases. This outing is best suited for a SLR style camera with interchangeable lenses. The course can be scheduled for early morning or late evening to fit your needs. As with most nature outings earth tones are the best choice for clothing color. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the season.
Horsing Around Rachel Carson Reserve
Carrot Island and Town Marsh are the islands directly across Taylor’s Creek from the town of Beaufort. Part of the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, the island is known for its herd of feral horses. For this field trip we’ll need to arrange for a ferry ride from Beaufort to the Island. There is an option to hiring a ferry service. If you own a kayak we can paddle to the island that way as well. If we use a ferry you’ll not only be responsible for your transportation fee but have to cover mine as well. The island is a rich photographic environment. Several hundred species of birds have been identified within the Reserve. It’s also not unusual to see foxes and raccoons early in the morning or late in the evening. The reserve consists of three islands and several shoals. The horses do move about from spot to spot. While there are usually at least a few horses on Carrot Island it is always possible they won’t be there or we’ll fail to find them. I recommend bringing a variety of lenses in case we have to shift to a secondary subject. The hiking here will include sand and muddy areas. Choose footwear accordingly.
