DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 2013--- FULL DAYS!

Jack Graham Photography Workshops
Photography workshops in the field®
 
2013 DEATH VALLEY
NOW 4 full days!!!

We will meet on Thursday afternoon Feb 28th about 4.00PM 

March 2-6 2012
 
COST: $ 795.00
(travel, meals, etc. not included)
Limited to 8                

Please consider coming to Death Valley in March 2013. Instruction, unbelievable subject matter and great results are guaranteed!!!
 
Please contact me at Jack@jackgrahamphoto.com or by phone 503-625-1430 if you have questions. Referrals and workshop FAQ’s can be found AT WWW.JACKGRAHAMPHOTO.COM. Registration forms and discounts are found at the end of this information sheet.
_________________________________________________________________
Death Valley National Park spans over 3.3 million miles making it the largest national park in the US. The closest major city is Las Vegas; Death Valley’s some of the most expansive terrain offering unique and inspiring landscapes in the world.
Photographing in Death Valley offer so many completely different areas to photograph. We will photograph the expanse of the playa (dried up sale flats) to the many canyons within the park. Based on many years of leading workshops and photographing here in Death Valley, we’ll be at prime field locations, taking advantage of the atmospheric and light conditions that provide endless photographic opportunities, As a rule, bad weather can create good light, so we’ll hope for some degree of bad weather. 
 I have chosen to visit Death Valley NP this time of year in order to take advantage of the friendly temperatures ( highs average 75 and lows 48 degrees), as well as the low angle of the light allowing for many hours of quality photography. This time of year, the Panament Mountains typically have some snow left on them. Also, early March can bring some uncertain weather that offers dramatic skies and conditions. In past years getting out to the playa at Badwater made for dramatic sunset and sunrise images.  Early March can also be wildflower season adding to the beauty of this National Park.
 
Death Valley is a study in patterns and textures. We'll work on all of the obvious techniques that go into making quality photographs, but we'll also work on learning to see, and slowing down in order to make the most of our time in this magical area.
 
Death Valley is a great area to work on our photographic skills. One must take light into consideration more than anywhere else. Side lighting, back lighting will be discussed and used to capture images in Death Valley. Early March commonly offers dramatic low angle light. We’ll work on images that portray depth, use leading lines and other graphic elements that are used, as much as knowing the light to make some great images.
 Within the park are some old mines, and wooden structures that we’ll photograph as well. Locations including Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Golden Canyon, Badwater, Dante’s View, Devil’s Golf Course, Artist’s Palate, and the Race Track are all no the agenda. In addition we’ll visit the ghost town which features a three story bank, a jail house and train depot. now in ruins.
In addition, the moon is perfect this week in its waxing faze, leading up to a fill moon at the end of the week. You want this moon, not the full moon to get out to the dunes at night for some wonderful exciting night photography.
I am a great believer in preparation, understanding where I am photographing and becoming part of the land and environment. Nowhere is this more important than in Death Valley.
Unless we just get lucky to get out of out vehicles and hit on some really dramatic light, we’ll take some time and bond with our surroundings. I guarantee that unless you’ve been to DV you will be overwhelmed with its inert beauty. Rushing to make photographs will result in mediocre results. Decide what strikes your eye or what is perhaps creating dramatic detail...Understand where we are, appreciate the inert beauty and slow down……..take all in …. And I guarantee that you’ll come away with great images
 
WHAT MAKES PHOTOGRAPHING IN DEATH VALLEY DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER NP’S and what we will work on during our workshop?
 
 
Death Valley is spacious, that is an understatement. Unlike no where else in the United States does this become as intimidating as here. In addition, texture and patterns create photographic opportunities all over the park.
 
 
1)     I always try to find a foreground---mainly because of the vastness in many location
2)     I am always looking for depth in an image using a wide angel lens. WE will work on hyper focal length, which is absolutely necessary to get the depth of field you want. You have to get low to the ground lots of times to get the correct depth and angle you need for a dramatic image.
3)     PRS-----I always look for patterns, repetition and simplicity
4)     Again because of the expanse, you need to pay attention to your backgrounds and make sure they don not take away from the scene.
5)     Exposures can be tricky in DV because of the dramatic and sometimes contrasting light. Learning to meter using your spot meter is very important. Using graduated Neutral Density filters can compensate for quite common lighting difficulties.
 
_______________________________________________________
 
 
Skill Level: Attendees should have a good understanding of their equipment. As outlined below, we’ll be working on both the creative aspect of photography as well as the techniques used to create outstanding images. If you have a laptop or iPad by all means bring it along.
 
WHAT WILL WE BE WORKING ON?
 
We will take our time, and look for the inner beauty to capture in our photography. We’ll use the combination of water and the amazing plants to create some wonderful images. Patterns and foregrounds are the order of the day. We will stress simplicity and use all aspects, including Depth of Field, proper exposure and more to improve your overall photography as well as come away with some wonderful images in excellent venues.
 
 
1)      Improving your photography skills within these “hands-on” workshops
2)      Composition, exposure and essential elements needed to make a great photograph and to bring out the story within the image
3)      Use of color combinations, how to use color make the image stronger
4)      Other techniques including, learning about how tonalities, negative space, balance, framing, emotional impact and flaws affect your images.
5)      Seeing an image, working a scene, making the image a strong image
6)      Choosing the look of the final image in the field, not after the fact. Taking an image knowing how you will be processing.
7)      Making Panorama’s, Helicon Focus and HDR techniques simple
 
8)          Basic processing, workflow, how to use available programs together. Use of NIK Software.
 
The majority of instruction and nature photography tips and techniques will take place right there in the field. There’s no need to take notes. After the workshop you’ll receive a complete 50+ page syllabus containing everything we do in the field and more.
 
We take time in the evenings and periodically during the day to review our images in informal critique sessions. Special presentations concerning nature photography will also be made during these sessions.
 
My workshops are sponsored by NIK SOFTWARE, Singh-Ray, Photograph America Newsletter, Think Tank Photo Bags, Lensbaby , Hunt’s Photo and Video and the Really Right Stuff. Discounts and some freebies are included in your workshop “pack” that you’ll receive upon arrival.
 
Evenings will consist of informal sessions to discuss information on photographing in the area, critique sessions of your work shot during the workshop as well as general photography information.

As with all our workshops, this is primarily a field workshop. We do not sit in a classroom during the daytime. We are out shooting & learning about photography in the field, not behind a desk. However, it is critical as well as being very informative, to take time to review your work, and discuss important aspects of making quality photographs
TRANSPORTATION:
 
Transportation is not included in the workshop cost. We will car pool as much as possible during the workshop. Quite frequently, there are folks who do drive here and have room, so before you rent a car please call or email me.
 
I may have room for one other photographer in my vehicle. This may eliminate you from having to rent a vehicle. This offer is on a first come, first serve basis
 
ITINERARY
 
A complete itinerary will be sent out prior to the workshop. We’ll meet in the Zabriskie Point parking lot on Saturday afternoon March 2nd. We’ll go over our goals, itineraries and other information necessary to make the workshop a success. After that we’ll shoot Zabriskie point at sunset. We’ll be out in glorious Death Valley through about noon on March 5th, that’s 4 full days!
 
 
We’ll set out in the dark each morning to capture the unbelievable soft light in Death Valley during the morning’s golden hour. The balance of the day will be filled at other locations, ending in a sunset location each day.
 
 
In addition to visiting the locations already mentioned, we’ll spend time reviewing our images and have in depth photographic discussions, based on what we are learning in the field in Death Valley.
 
 
 
WHAT TO BRING:
 
ESSENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT: (besides camera gear……I carry lenses from 24-300mm plus a 1.4 teleconverter)
 
 
1)      TRIPOD, LENS SHADES & CABLE RELEASE
2)      GRADUATED NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTERS
3)      POLARARIZING FILTER
4)      BACK UP BATTERIES
As we get closer to the workshop information regarding weather etc. will be sent out. What to bring clothing wise will slow sent out as well.
 
 LODGING
We will be basing out workshop out of STOVEPIPE WELLS RESORT in Death Valley NP         
Please visit www.escapetodeathvalley.com or call Stovepipe Wells Village directly at 760-786-2387.  
PO Box 559
Death Valley, California 92328
Physical location: Hwy. 190 
Death Valley, California 92328 
Phone: 760.786.2387
Fax: 760.786.2389
Other Accommodations can be found at Furnace Creek (about ½ drive from Stovepipe Wells)
Furnace Creek Resort
PO Box 187
Death Valley, California 92328 
Physical: Highway 190, Death Valley, 92328
Phone: 760.786.2345
Fax: 760.786.2514
 
 
Travel
Remember:
We are meeting in the parking lot at Zabriskie Point on Thursday Feb 28th at 4pm. Please plan accordingly. The workshop will end around Noon on Tuesday March 5.
Out of State
Fly into Las Vegas Mc Carran International Airport. Death Valley is about 150 miles or 2 ½ h hours. You take SR 160 north to Parumph, NV. Follow the signs to Death Valley Junction, CA and from there take SR 160 into Death Valley. Continue to Furnace Creek
Southern California
Death Valley is about 350 miles from Southern California. Take I-15 north to Baker. From there head north on SR 127 to Death Valley Junction. Turn left on SR 160 into Death Valley. Continue to Furnace Creek.
______________________________________________________________
FOOD/DINING
During the day, we should carry energy bars and maybe a few candy bars. There is NO water available when we are out in the park photographing. However there are stores in Furnace Creek where we can stock up and near Stovepipe Wells, near the Mesquite Sand Dunes and Mosaic Canyon locations. Staying hydrated is my primary concern and I will make sure we all have the proper supplies to avoid complications.
 
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are available at our Furnace Creek Location.
 
Eating is not a problem on this workshop.
 However, we are here to photograph and often the best light is at breakfast and dinner. Please know this in advance.
_______________________________________________________________
 
Please consider coming to Death Valley in March. Instruction, unbelievable subject matter and great results are guaranteed!!!
 
Please contact me at Jack@jackgrahamphoto.com or by
Phone 503-625-1430 if you have questions