Death Valley & Joshua Tree
National
Parks
Photography Workshop
Stovepipe Wells, CA; Twentynine Palms, CA
March 5th - 11th, 2018 - Workshop Full!
Biennial Workshop
Instructor: Andy Cook
Andy will be leading a
photography workshop to capture the stunning beauty of the lowest place on the
continent and the unusual landscape of Joshua Tree NP. Join us as we photograph the best of each National Park.
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this workshop we may spend all day in the field, on other days we will
have a midday break. This workshop is geared for the intermediate to
advanced
photographer. However, beginners with a working knowledge of their
camera can gain a lot of experience and instruction. Each participant
is assisted at their level. We focus on helping participants create
the most appealing compositions of each location we visit. We also
delve into discussions on equipment, exposure, metering,
filters, post processing and personal tips. This is a workshop
environment, the
instructor is present to aid in the field and teach his
techniques for landscape photography. If you're an advanced
photographer he is happy to help or stay out of the way.
Additionally, for those who bring their laptops with Photoshop, Andy
will be available during some of the midday breaks to answer processing
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Itinerary
Outline
The
workshop
starts on Monday, March 5th, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. with an
introduction and orientation. We start shooting
on the morning of Tuesday, March 6th, 2018. The Death Valley portion of
the workshop ends after shooting on Thursday evening, March 8th, 2018. Friday morning is a
relocation period and no formal shooting is scheduled. This is a great
opportunity for participants to re shoot a Death Valley scene that may
have suffered due to weather or other issues. Those continuing on to
Joshua Tree NP will regroup in the lobby of the Fairfield Inn in
Twentynine Palms, CA at 2:45 P.M. on Friday, March 9th, 2018. Drive
time to relocate is just over 5 hours. Workshop ends after photographing sunrise on Sunday morning, March 11th.
First Lodging Location: Monday, March 5, 2018 (Check-in) - Friday, March
9, 2018 (Check-out): Stovepipe Wells Village, Hwy 190, Death Valley,
CA. Phone # 760-786-2387.
Relocate to
Fairfield Inn, 6333 Encelia Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA. 760-361-5000
Check-in Friday, March 9, 2018; Check-out Sunday, March 11, 2018.
Generally, one can expect to be at a
shooting location for the start of civil
twilight (about 5:15 A.M.) and we'll stay at that location
through sunrise. We
will go to a late breakfast after the morning shoot. On some
days we've
scheduled a midday break allowing participants time to download, nap,
process images... We will
provide breakfast bars and
water for the early mornings. In the evenings we will
head back out into the field and shoot through sunset (approximately
5:45 P.M.) and on some evenings we may photograph into the stars. We do have
a picnic dinner in
the field or late
dinner in a restaurant scheduled for each evening.
COST:
$1,290.00 per participant - Death Valley & Joshua Tree National Parks
$895.00 per participant. (only Death Valley National Park)
Why
two prices? Depending upon clouds, photography in Joshua Tree NP may be
very challenging. If it is clear then only about 45 minutes at sunrise
and sunset may be fruitful and compositions can be difficult to find
until the light is right. At this national park our group will tend to
spread out in search of compositions. Therefore, the instructor may not
be able to offer aid to every participant during prime light. Only
participants confident with their ability to compose should consider
continuing on to Joshua Tree NP.
Deposit
Amount: $300.00
due at time of registration. This
deposit becomes non refundable 90 days in advance of the workshop.
Full Payment of the
workshop is due 60 days prior to the start of the
workshop. If final payment is not received when due, we reserve the
right to treat the reservation as canceled, please review the
cancellation policy on the registration page.
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This workshop does involve some
hiking into the dunes and cross country walking to arrive at certain
shooting locations,
while other shooting
locations will be just beyond the parking lot. The hiking may
be deemed easy to moderate activity based upon one's
condition. Walking surfaces beyond the parking lot are generally
uneven, hiking boots are recommended; bring old beat up boots as the
environment is rough on shoes. One doesn't have to be in
tip-top shape, but one's enjoyment
will be
enhanced by good health and preparation. Please consult with your
doctor before attending our workshop.
Proper hydration is a must with outdoor activities. We will provide
bottled water in the field.
Be prepared for possible temperature
extremes and sudden changes in
weather. Be aware that mornings can be cold and midday very warm. Often
we will be out in darkness before sunrise and after sunset, please
bring a flashlight.
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More
Information
LODGING: The workshop is being held during high
season, lodging often fills to capacity months in
advance. Participants need to contact lodging directly and
reserve their room upon registering for the workshop, if not earlier.
Even if one has not registered for this workshop but is
considering it, we recommend making reservations (be mindful of the
cancellation policy).
In Death Valley we have several
rooms reserved. If you're having difficulty securing reservations,
please let us know; we may be able to provide a room (additional fee).
For details, call 719-635-6268.
TRANSPORTATION:
Most people flying to this workshop will find flying into Las Vegas, NV
(about 2.5 hours to Death Valley; about 4 hours to Twentynine Palms) to be the best choice.
Driving
Conditions:
We will usually be driving on paved roads and well maintained dirt
roads, however, our itinerary takes us to The Racetrack to photograph
"the moving stones". The road to The Racetrack is a bit rougher,
sometimes requires an SUV or other capable higher clearance vehicle.
For this reason we recommend renting a higher clearance vehicle. Note: Road conditions vary from year to
year and roads can close due to rain (mud). Andy will provide participants with a hand
radio to communicate while driving. When possible we prefer that participants
car pool with each other to help limit our impact and get to know the
other participants. If you wish to share a vehicle with another
participant during the entire workshop, please let us know and we will
put you in contact with others who wish to do the same; coordinate
travel arraignments directly with them.
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Equipment Recommendations:
Bring all camera
equipment
including
the camera's manual. We recommend using a polarizing filter with many
photographs on this workshop. To blur cloud motion on a bright day,
consider bringing a 9 or 10 stop neutral density filter, this filter
can be the screw on type. Andy does not recommend variable ND filters. Andy combines
images of various exposures in post processing (HDR). Andy will be
happy to
teach participants his field technique for capturing high dynamic range
images (requires a cable release with some cameras). A lens
range
from 16 mm to 200 mm after the lens multiplication factor is
recommended. However, we think participants should bring their
entire range of lenses. We recommend shooting with a sturdy outdoor
tripod
that
can adjust from standing height (without cranking up a center
post)
to very close to the ground. This type of tripod does not have
attachments from part way down the legs to the center post; i.e. the
legs can move independently. Please use a cable release or know how to
work the camera's timer delay to avoid camera shake. If you have Photoshop questions, then please bring a
laptop with Photoshop loaded and updated.
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The Fine Print
We do not guarantee the weather. Workshop fee does not include
transportation, lodging or meals. Maximum number of participants is 10.
Our itinerary may fluctuate year to year. We may not visit every
location at the same time it was visited in previous years. We require
an acknowledgment of risks be signed before going
into
the field. We will send the acknowledgment of risks upon
registration, please return it at the start of the workshop.
In the
event Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography, Inc. (RMRPI) cancels a
workshop due to unforeseen circumstances such as inability to obtain
permits, instructor injury, death… Then, RMRPI will refund fees
collected by RMRPI for the affected workshop. In the event of a natural
disaster, government closure or other happening of this nature that
causes a workshop to be canceled, RMRPI may be unable to refund
workshop fees. If this happens then funds collected by RMRPI will be
applied as credit toward a future workshop of the participant’s
choosing. RMRPI will not be held responsible for other expenses
(airline tickets, hotel deposits, rental car…) that may be associated
with any canceled workshop.
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BRING
Flashlight
Tripod
Spare Camera Batteries
Camera's Manual
Lots of Memory
Filters
Extra Shoes and Socks
Hiking Boots
Warm Clothes
Oh Yes! Don't Forget the Camera
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View workshop videos and photos.
Membership not required. |
Rocky Mountain Reflections
Photography,
Inc. is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the
Interior, to conduct services in Death Valley & Joshua Tree National
Parks.
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