Welcome to Advanced Technique! This workshop is for those students who have become confident in the use of their camera to find interesting subjects and capture them in a purposeful manner, and now wish to branch out into more difficult environments and techniques. We’ll be talking about long exposures, specialty lenses, tripod use, filters, and even focal plane manipulation as useful tools to expand what is possible in your art. We’ll also talk about the inherent drawbacks to these and other techniques so that you can make informed decisions about what gear is right for you in various situations. This is an excellent opportunity to bring an unfamiliar tool or idea to try out which will be educational to you and your fellow workshoppers alike.

Along with discussions about technique this workshop will embark on a more challenging hike than previous levels. Be prepared for steep terrain, narrow trails, and all the exciting possibilities of places more rarely visited. It is my hope that this more difficult path will provide inspiring subjects and vistas for your creative enjoyment. This difficulty of access, as well as unforgiving conditions and the joys and pains of working through them, will be critical discussion points as we tackle our hike together.

This is a four-person workshop, and will typically be held every other Sunday. It will meet at the Dreamy Draw 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 of your choosing.

• Carrying system for your camera and any gear you wish to bring.

• Seasonally appropriate clothing for desert hiking. Recommended gear includes strong boots, a hat, and full-length lightweight pants.

• Enough water for a challenging three-hour hike, 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: 12/20/2020