PHOTO WORKSHOPS
Spectacular views unfold as we walk through wildflowers to dramatic waterfalls while exploring aspects of composition, perspective, depth of field, motion, color, lighting, and natural history of your subject. We will discuss the techniques of wide angle photography, macro, and telephoto to isolate and simplify a subject. All the best landscape and nature photographers produce consistently great images because they not only know the technical and aesthetic aspects of their medium, but they also know their subject. Likewise, participants will discover the elements of both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys that make them special from their geology, to the flora and fauna, and history. You'll apply your newfound technical knowledge coupled with your personal emotion/vision to create meaningful interpretations of both valleys. Tours last approximately 4 hours and may require up to 5 miles easy walking.
Minimum Requirements: Any camera which offers manual control over the shutter speed and aperture. Digital cameras preferred because they offer instant feedback. An SLR with a pair of lenses (i.e. wide angle zoom and a long telephoto) would be ideal. We frequently encounter wildlife in these areas so a long lens is handy to have on hand. A tripod is strongly recommended. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, rain gear, and sturdy walking shoes. Feel free to ask any questions about the content or requirements.
YOSEMITE EXPLORER MASTERS
ABSTRACTS & COLOR IN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
with Phil Schermeister
Date: May 13, 2011
Time: 2:30-7:30 pm
Price- $250 per person
Working with Yosemite's spectacular geography and distinctive setting, we will explore a variety of photographic techniques as we work with light, color, form, and motion to create our own works of photographic art. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will help you create visually unique images of many of Yosemite's outstanding features and teach you how to work with water, wildflowers, and other natural features of the park. Artificial light sources will also be discussed and utilized. Seminars will take place in Yosemite Valley and other areas of the park. Participants should bring basic camera equipment, a photographic flash, tripod, and your imagination.
*Classes are subject to a 2 person minimum.
RAINBOWS AND REFLECTIONS YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS PHOTOGRAHY SESSION
with Walter Flint
Dates: May 13, 14, 15, 16, 2011 (am & pm sessions)
Time: 6:30-11:00 am, 3:30-7:45 pm
Price: $175 per person
May is the perfect month to explore the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Copious amount of water, combined with the usually fantastic weather, create a stunning visual palette to photograph upon. We will concentrate of creating beautiful and lasting images of The Valleys iconic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Bridalveil Fall. You will be taken to prime and unusual locations to photograph these subjects. We will look to photograph our subjects as stand alone entities and also endeavor to combine other interesting visual elements in the scene to create photographs that are both interesting and artistic. Learn about what combinations of shutter speed and aperture work best for the subject at any given time. Also learn about filtration and other unusual creative decisions that you can make to help make your images be more unique and creative.
NATURAL HISTORY ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
with James McGrew
Dates: May 14, 15, 2011
Time: 7:30 am
Price- $175 per person
This
two-day program will compare and contrast the similarities yet striking differences between these two magnificent sister valleys. Subjects will include geology, natural and cultural history, aesthetics, art and photography. Bring a camera capable of manual control, your sense of discovery, and your creative side of your brain for a series of exercises that will open your eyes to new perspectives and unique way to see Yosemite's twin valleys.
Note: Day one is in Hetch Hetchy; Day 2 in Yosemite Valley. You may in enroll in either or both programs which will be complemented by James' Natural History Hike on May 14.
THE ART OF DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY IN HETCH HETCHY
with Joshua Cripps
Dates: May 14, 2011
Time: 2:30-7:00 pm
Price- $175 per person
This program will provide an introduction to the art of digital nature photography and will focus on the photographer's active role in the creation of beautiful nature images. It will emphasize taking the camera off of 'Auto' mode and using the more controllable manual modes. Topics covered will include aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, white balance, composition, and the artist's role in photography.
HETCH HETCHY FALLS AND FLOWERS
with Robb Hirsch
Dates: May 15, 2011
Time: 7:25 am - 12:25 pm
Price- $175 per person
With several striking waterfalls and colorful wildflower displays, Hetch Hetchy offers a multitude of potential subjects to photograph in a far less crowded setting than Yosemite Valley. Emphasis for this workshop will be placed on creating strong compositions, teaching techniques for shooting waterfalls and wildflowers, the art of pre-visualizing images to be more productive, and reading light to best utilize the current conditions. Learn how to become more creative with photography by manually choosing apertures and shutter speeds and shooting a scene in a variety of ways to isolate the subject or put it in the context of the surrounding environment. Come away with fine images of this intriguing landscape and more importantly the knowledge to better capture quality images of the natural world wherever you may be
YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS MASTERS PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Phil Schermeister
Date: May 15, 2011
Time: 7am-12pm
Price- $250 per person
Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.
*Classes are subject to a 2 person minimum.
All Workshops for this event require a certain amount of hiking to be determined by the artists.
The Hetch Hetchy Valley
by John Muir
(Sierra Club Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 4, January, 1908)
"After my first visit, in the autumn of 1871, I have always called it the Tuolumne Yosemite, for it is a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite, not only in its crystal river and sublime rocks and waterfalls, but in the gardens, groves, and meadows of its flower park-like floor. The floor of Yosemite is about 4,000 feet above the sea, the Hetch -Hetchy floor about 3,700; the walls of both are of gray granite, rise abruptly out of the flowery grass and groves are sculptured in the same style, and in both every rock is a glacial monument. Standing boldly out from the south wall is a strikingly picturesque rock called "Kolana" by the Indians, the outermost of a group 2300 feet high, corresponding with the Cathedral Rocks of Yosemite both in relative position and form. On the opposite side of the Valley, facing Kolana, there is a counterpart of the El Capitan of Yosemite rising sheer and plain to a height of 1800 feet, and over its massive brow flows a stream which makes the most graceful fall I have ever seen."
