Welcome to Composition and Subject! This workshop is for students who have become familiar with the functions of a camera and how to control their exposure, and now want to find natural subjects to take pleasing pictures of. The art of photography relies heavily on composition, which is the way a subject is framed and treated in your image. What kinds of compositions fit your subject, how to manipulate the frame to make sure it draws the eye, and what sort of lighting to look out for will all be covered. Equally important will be the training of your eye to find compelling subjects in a wide world of competing colors, textures, and light. If you want to progress past basic competence with a camera but have lacked practice or an appropriate environment, this class is for you.

A large part of this workshop will be the environment itself as we take a long walk through the hills of the Phoenix Mountains. We’ll touch on topics like the seasonal tendencies of plants and animals, how to follow the life zones of the desert, and what kind of gear you may want, or want to avoid, to aid your photography. Sights and conditions will change with the season, providing constant variation to test your skills.

This is a five-person workshop, and will typically be held every other Saturday. It will meet at the 40th Street Trailhead at 3pm and run until 6pm to give us ample light with the possibility for a beautiful sunset. I recommend arriving with some spare time, as parking can often become crowded. As with the other three workshops it is only available to students at least 18 years old, and requires the signing of a liability waiver before participating. This waiver is available for you to read through in advance HERE, and a paper copy will be provided to sign on the day of the workshop.

Signups for the next round of workshops will become available two weeks before their start date, so if you plan on attending a future class be sure to check back and reserve your spot in time!

Be Aware

Weather in the desert can vary from day to day and from hour to hour, so check the forecast for your workshop and plan accordingly! If rain is expected make sure you have a weather-safe covering for yourself and your equipment, and if heat is a concern then a hat and extra water are a necessity. Most weather will not deter us from having a productive time outdoors, but if severe conditions are expected I may have to delay the workshop to a later date. If this happens and you’re already signed up, I will contact you by email to reschedule or refund at your option.

What to Bring

• Film or digital camera with appropriate media (SD card or rollfilm), preferably with manual exposure controls.

• Carrying system for your camera, which could be a strap, backpack, clip, or hand-leash.

• Appropriate hiking attire for the season. Recommended gear includes strong boots, a hat, and full-length lightweight pants.

• Enough water for three hours of walking and hiking, at least one quart/liter.

Covid-19 Awareness

The safety and health of all workshop participants is of the highest priority, and this includes preventative measures against spread of COVID-19. Because these classes are held in a public preserve I cannot enforce mask-wearing, but I can recommend it, especially when we stop along the trail to talk. I understand the discomfort caused by hiking while having your face covered, so I must leave this to your discretion. If you do not want to risk being around others, or if you are showing any symptoms of illness, I ask you to refrain from signing up until you are back to health. Anyone who arrives to a workshop visibly ill may be denied participation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in respecting the concerns of all participants.

Workshop Date: 12/26/2020