Workshops

Workshops & Tours

 

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 $250 per participant.

 

Dates:

  • By special request only.

 


 

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 $45 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.

 

A sanderling on Atlantic Beach

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

A sanderling on Atlantic Beach

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.

 

Banker Horses
 

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.