Digital Nature Photography Workshop
July 20th, - July 22nd, 2007 - Click to see photos of this workshop
August 31st, - September 2nd, 2007 - Click to see Participants' Photos! Click to see photos of this workshop
(Please contact us to be notified of 2008 workshop schedule - coming soon)
Join nature photographers Don Paulson and Laurie Usher for an exciting three day exploration of Nature
Photography in a Digital Age. This special workshop will be based at
Olympic
Park Institute's historic Rosemary Inn on the shores of Lake Crescent in Olympic National
Park.
Whether you are a beginning or intermediate photographer, these classroom presentations and in-the-field instructions are designed to help you become a better photographer. You will learn how to take full advantage of your digital camera's features.
Classroom time will include presentations on landscape and macro photography as well as digital workflow techniques from image capture to computer processing. In the field, Don will share his passion for landscape and macro photography. We will discuss composition, guide you through difficult exposure problems, and explain digital photographic techniques.
Workshop Summary (This is a preliminary 2008 schedule):
Friday: 1 PM: Check in. Dinner at 5 PM.
You may bring 3-5 printed enlargements. Don will be available between 2 PM -5 PM for a private consultation and critique of your work.
Evening presentation on "How to Make a Great Nature Photograph", with an optional "evening light" field session.
Saturday: 6 AM: Optional "magic light" field session. 7 AM: Breakfast and pack sack lunches.
The day will be split between hands-on instruction in the field and classroom instruction. Topics include "Macro Photography", "Mastering Exposure", "Histograms Demystified" and more. Our field exercises are designed to put into practice what we learn in the classroom. Laurie will offer separate instruction for those needing extra help with camera basics.
5 PM: dinner. Evening classroom instruction will be centered around the computer aspects of digital photography (bring your laptop and card reader). Laurie and Don will assist in downloading the day's photos, and will discuss file formats, digital workflow considerations and demonstrate RAW file processing and conversion. Optional "evening light" field session.
Sunday: 6 AM Optional "magic light" field session. 7 AM: Breakfast and pack sack lunches. 8 AM: Hike through the timeless old growth forest along Barnes Creek and Marymere Falls. Don will demonstrate how to get that beautiful silky look when photograph running water.
12-2 PM: Assistance in downloading and processing the day's photos. We will end our workshop by projecting and discussing your best photos taken during the workshop.
Beginner to Intermediate Photographers:
This workshop is designed to help beginners learn about how to use the features of their digital camera to make better nature photos. You will also learn how to download, store and archive your photos on your laptop.
Intermediate Photographers with DSLRs will be inspired by Don's personal techniques and nuances for capturing dramatic images of nature. In the classroom you will learn helpful tips about both creative and technical aspects of digital imaging.
Students will benefit most if they bring a laptop with a photo editing program such as Adobe Photoshop. A tripod is recommended to get the most from the field instruction.
Accommodations:
The workshop will be based at the Olympic Park Institute's historic Rosemary Inn on Lake Crescent.. The heated cabins provide basic sleeping arrangements with two students to a room (bring your own sleeping bag or linens available for an additional fee). You may request a private room for an additional fee. Separate bath and shower facilities are just a short walk away. You will enjoy delicious and healthy meals served family style in the Inn and sack lunches in the field.
Map and Directions:
The Olympic Park Institute is located on Lake Crescent 16 miles west of Port Angeles. Map and Directions are provided on the Olympic Park Institute website.
About the Instructors:
Learn more about Don Paulson on this website. You can view examples of Don's photographs in the Portfolio section of this website.
Laurie Usher began her career as an action photographer, focusing on women’s sports. She owns ENVIRO-ED, an environmental education business, for which she has won numerous awards. As a ranger for Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks, she developed an appreciation for the importance of the historical role of photography in establishing and protecting our parks. Currently, Laurie teaches traditional and digital photography at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA.
Cost: Workshop with meals and lodging - $375
Register:
To register for the course please contact Don Paulson at:
don@donpaulson.com or call 360-830-2212
Payment:
Contact Don Paulson for payment options. Once your registration is confirmed you will receive a packet of detailed information about the course and what to bring.