Red Rock Nirvana
November 3-4, 2012
Red Rock Country, Sedona, Arizona
Price: $125* (day one only), $225 (full two-day workshop)
What better way to acquire new skills and creative approaches to photography than to receive expert, personal instruction in the sublime light and landscape of the Red Rock country of Sedona, Arizona. Whether you're a novice and your goal is to learn the basics of making better photographs, or you're an intermediate photographer wanting to elevate your skills to a whole new level, this workshop is for you.
Carl combines both classroom and field-based formats of instruction to optimize the opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and develop new skills in the art and craft of making beautiful and compelling photographs. You’ll learn techniques to control exposure to maximize the hues and tones present in a variety of challenging lighting conditions; learn how to convey emotion and portray a sense of motion through the creative application of depth-of-field and shutter speed—especially effective when photographing flowing water, moving clouds, or trees blowing in the wind; receive suggestions to help you to consistently create strong and interesting compositions, and much more. The workshop material is presented in clear, easy-to-understand language, and Carl adapts his delivery of instruction to correspond with your current skill level. The action-packed agenda of this photographic adventure is designed to educate, inspire, and help you to identify/develop your own style of interpreting the world through the lens of your camera as only you see it.
Register Here
DAY ONE
We'll kick off the day with a two-hour instructional seminar at the prestigious Troon Country Club, beautifully situated on the flanks of Troon Mountain in the Sonoran Desert, North Scottsdale, AZ. At the conclusion of this session we will depart for the Red Rock country surrounding Sedona. Here we’ll spend the majority of the rest of the day applying lessons learned endeavoring to capture images of the seductive beauty along Oak Creek and the cadmium orange-tinted canyon etched by the West Fork of Oak Creek. We'll end the day on top of a mesa affording magnificent 360-degree views of the Sedona area. From this location you’ll become aware of countless approaches to photographing the surrounding landscape as the warm light of the setting sun illuminates the evocative burnt sienna rock formations rising abruptly from the valley floor. As twilight emerges, you’ll be further rewarded with a full moon, which (weather permitting) will offer a truly special opportunity to create some unique photos as the moon rises over the mountainous horizon.
Note: * If you are limited on time, you may opt to end your participation in the workshop at the conclusion of this day. Of course, we’d prefer you stay for day two! The price for the day-one workshop is $125.
DAY TWO
Get ready to experience a full, but comfortably paced, day continuing to practice and build on the photographic methods and techniques learned the previous day as we venture out to photograph the waterfalls and reflective pools in the cool morning light along Oak Creek in Slide Rock State Park. From here we’ll caravan over to Palatki, where you’ll photograph the well-preserved Native American ruins and excellent examples of multi-culture petroglyphs. From here we’ll decide whether to head over to Schnebly Hill Road to experience the grand vistas this track offers, or strike out across the Verde Valley to the eccentric little mountain town of Jerome and its nearby Gold King Mine ghost town, which guarantees a great opportunity to photograph old mining structures and equipment, and hundreds of rare and vintage cars and trucks scattered about. It’s a truly interesting place. To top off the day we’ll head back to Sedona and settle in at Red Rock Crossings. It is here you’ll be positioned to capture your unique interpretation of one of the more iconic images: the last rays of light gracing Cathedral Rock as it reflects its vibrant color in the gentle flowing water and pools of Oak Creek.
Several days following the workshop on a date and time agreeable to our group, I will lead a critique via an Internet “webinar,” which will give participants an opportunity to share some of their favorite photos from the workshop with their fellow classmates, and to receive constructive feedback.
SEMINAR TOPICS
Prior to embarking on our workshops we’ll do some preparation, including demystifying some of the technical aspects of the tools and process of making photographs (handouts will be available). Topics discussed will include:
- Review of Camera Basics (ISO, white balance, color space, resolution, aperture, shutter speed, shooting modes)
- What is Camera Raw, and what advantages does this image format have over JPEG
- Exposure, the histogram, and dynamic range: understanding these terms, and getting the most from your camera’s digital sensor
- Key points on the elements of composition
- Choosing the right lens
- Color management, and the use of a grey card
- What is HDR (high dynamic range)
- The “digital darkroom”: using image interpretation tools such as Photoshop and Lightroom to really bring your photographs to life
- Getting the most versatility from your equipment while packing efficiently*
- Image storage and backup options*
- How to make your photos convey a powerful sense of place
- Sharing your digital photos with family and friends: overview of web services and PC/Mac software to publish photos to the web, create slideshows, calendars, books, and note cards
- Weather preparation*
- Equipment check list*
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Physical Fitness
Getting to the variety of wonderful photo locations during this workshop is not strenuous, but does involve a moderate degree of walking, including some hilly and somewhat challenging terrain. As such, it’s important to be in good physical condition. Please bring hiking shoes or boots and appropriate clothing to be prepared for the potential of a variety of weather conditions (details to be furnished upon enrollment).
Transportation & Lodging
Workshop participants are responsible for transportation during the workshop, local accommodations, and meals. Carpooling is encouraged, and I can accommodate an additional three people in my vehicle. There are numerous excellent dining and lodging options available, some of which will be furnished upon enrollment.
Register Here
