Turret Arch Sky, Arches NP
I’m finally back from 10 days in Moab, Utah leading the Arches in Spring Workshop. It was a great experience with a wonderful group of enthusiastic students that all captured some amazing images during our 5 days there. Although we all shoot together in the same locations, it’s always amazing to see the variety and differences in the images, which reflects each persons vision, experiences, and unique perspective on the landscape. Some students focused on the grand view, others were fascinated by the small details and intimate landscapes, but regardless the possibilities were infinite and it showed during our photo critiques.
We had a special opportunity on our first day to take a guided tour of the Fiery Furnace, an area of Arches National Park that can only be explored with a special permit. Lead by a National Park Service ranger, it gave all of the students a much greater appreciation of the area, including the geology, wildlife, and natural significance of the fragile ecosystem. I’m a big advocate of understanding your subject matter as much as possible, and this was the perfect way in which to do it.
Our days were very long and physically demanding, starting at 4:30am and ending at 10pm. Based on the strength of the group, I decided to visit some of the more remote locations in the area, so we did a fair amount of hiking including several 3-4 mile strenuous hikes to hidden arches, lush canyons, and amazing rock formations.
We also visited Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park, which offer fantastic views of the classic southwest landscapes. Again and again I stressed to the students how these iconic locations can be as personal as you make them depending on how they make you feel and what you want to convey. Just because they have been photographed countless times does not mean the possibilities are limited, and each of us has a unique perspective that is as worthy of expression as anyone elses.
During the photo critiques, I asked all of the students to comment on each others images. I think this provides the best possible learning experience since we all share our common knowledge and way of seeing. Of course I provided my own instruction and perspective, and as each day passed, I noticed each student utilizing more and more of my instruction in their images. It’s great to see progress in such a short period of time, mostly due to the concentrated nature of this kind of workshop. Having the camera in your hands in an inspiring environment for 5 days straight is easily the best and fastest way to take your photography to the next level – just ask the students!
For me the highlight of any workshop is seeing the passion and excitement that students get from nature, and exposing them to something greater than their images. It is the feeling, the emotion, and ultimately the inspiration that these places create in all of us that I believe make us better photographers and creative individuals. The hours, days, and many miles of hiking all seemed to pass effortlessly because we were all moved to express ourselves as best we could through the wonderful language of photography. Each one of these experiences adds to our vocabulary, and all of us became better photographers because of it.
More than anything else, I want students to come away from a Beyond the Lens Workshop with one main theme, and that is that I care deeply about their images, their progress, and most of all each of them as photographers and people. I obsess over every detail of a workshop; the locations and starting times, the direction of the sunlight at sunrise and sunset, the variety of opportunities, the food we’ll eat, and of course the safety of each student. I don’t believe in “secrets”, so I volunteer as much information as I can to make the trip successful for everyone. Because I treat each workshop like I treat my own personal photo trips, I know I have a chance to offer students something really worthwhile.
A big thank you to all of the students for their trust and confidence. I’m looking forward to returning to Utah next year for the 2013 edition of the Arches in Spring workshop.
Anthony's Nose, Hudson Valley
“The challenge is to focus on the work, not on the fear that comes from doing the work.” – Seth Godin
The ability to accomplish anything in life is directly tied to your convictions and confidence. The talent lies not in some innate genetic disposition, but in learning to see past the minds own limited perspective. But there is another element that is often overlooked – generosity.
Many of my accomplishments were the result of throwing caution to the wind, trusting my instincts, and slowly learning that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to – regardless of my fear. Here are two ideas to commit to heart – NEVER doubt yourself and think BIG – things I’ve done throughout my life. There will be significant setbacks and disappointments, but out of that growth and experience, the kind that really makes a positive difference.
BUT, I still struggled and wondered why it was so hard to do what I loved to do – photography. Then I started to think differently about my goals, my failures, and started focusing on what matters – doing the work. Now when I see others that have the ability but fail because of commitment or execution, it makes me frustrated, but more than that, it makes me want to help.
Much of what I have learned has come from asking for help. When I have asked for help from others, I accepted that help without reservation and didn’t let my ego interfere. This serves two purposes – it keeps me humble, and it reminds me to help others along their path. And nothing will bring you closer to achieving your goals than generosity. Sure it may take longer, and in our culture of instant gratification, this will not be a popular option. But the results will be so much more valuable and lasting.
The Importance of Generosity
On a workshop
In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being generous, and I have not been disadvantaged by this in any way whatsoever, on the contrary it has enriched my work and my life. I give my knowledge freely and without waiting for anything in return. Then I try and accomplish my own goals, no matter how far fetched they are – simple concept, yet not always easy to practice.
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them. – The Law of Compensation – Little Go-Giver Book
Think about what you want to accomplish in your life – whether that involves photography, work and business, or personal issues. Then think about how you can help someone else in some small way. I can guarantee you from personal experience that once you think this way, you goals will begin to move towards you faster than ever before.
When: Thursday Sep 27th – Sunday Sep 30th
Where: Lake Placid, New York
Max Students: 8
FEE: $595.00 / 50% deposit to reserve |
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Summary
Discover the drama and beauty of the Adirondacks in upsate New York, where we’ll spend 4 long and intense days photographing the mountains of the High Peaks and surrounding lakes, streams, rivers, and forests. Limited to 8 students.
As one of my favorite locations to photograph, you’ll have the opportunity to capture views from up high as we hike onto mountain summits to enjoy morning light. We’ll also visit majestic lakes and mountain streams that offer limitless opportunities for creativity and interpretation. A classic landscape location that is inspiring and will surely make you want to return over and over again.
What You Will Learn
I will demonstrate my approach to capturing dramatic and expressive images, and help improve your ability to make successful images. The techniques that we’ll work on in the field will be reinforced in the classroom, helping you improve while still on location. We’ll be visiting many locations during the weekend, which I’ll be selecting based on weather conditions. These include Heart and Mirror Lakes, Pitchoff Mountain, Baxter Mtn, John Brown Farm, Keene Valley and the Ausable River and other great locations.
Classroom sessions is where we’ll spend time learning to develop images in Adobe Lightroom, and viewing slideshows of the day’s images from all students.
Topics Include
• Composition
• Understanding and using light creatively
• Seeing photographically
• Camera techniques
• Using different tools to achieve your vision
• Using graduated neutral density and polarizing filters
• Making the most of your camera’s functions
• The advantages of RAW files and digital darkroom techniques
Skill Level
This workshop is designed for serious photographers – beginner to advanced – who want to improve and expand their creative potential. If you have a question about your suitability, please contact me for more information. This workshop is only open to eight participants so please book now to reserve your space!
If you want to take your photography to the next level, this 4 day workshop will allow you to work closely with a passionate professional dedicated to help others develop their own personal vision.
Laptop computer with Lightroom 3 is highly recommended.
Hiking – there will a fair amount of hiking on this workshop, with a few moderately difficult hikes, and one possible strenuous hike. If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact me.
Lodging
We’ll be staying at the centrally located Northwoods Inn in Lake Placid NY, where you’ll have stunning views of the High Peaks. The Northwoods Inn is situated on Main Street, a short walk to the Olympic Arena and Oval, public beach, numerous restaurants, movie theater, and quaint shops of Lake Placid.
*Lodging and food not included in the workshop fee. There will be a complimentary group dinner after the last sunset shoot.
Please call to make your reservation asap, as this is a busy time of year.
• Read past workshop reports from students
• Cancellation Policy and FAQ’s
