Scenics Sampler

Here's a few tips on capturing great scenics. I'll share the rest in class and on-site.

• As you scout locations and scenes to photograph, visualize what they will look like when the light is different, when the sun is in a different place, or if clouds might make a more captivating image.
• Your best light is just before and after dawn, and just before and after sundown. These are the "golden hours" because the light has a warm, glowing quality that is "golden" in its opportunity.
• If your scene is to the west, have your camera set up before dawn. Likewise, if your scene is to the east, come back later when the sun is about to set.
• If your scene has interesting foreground, use wide angle and minimum aperture to capture the maximum depth of field. If your scene's background is more interesting, use telephoto.
• Shoot from an angle that is unusual. Unusual gets noticed!

Want more? I mean a LOT more? I'll tell it all... in class and on-site.

Yankee Boy Basin

Picture this: acres and acres of incredibly beautiful wildflowers blooming all around you.  Not only that, but a creek running through all this glorious color and with multiple waterfalls! 

I'm going this year, my 3rd time, and taking 4 other photographers with me.  Let me know if you want to be one of them.

 Here's what you get on this Yankee Boy Basin Photo Excursion, 2010:

1. The chance to TRAVEL and SHOOT some sumptuous scenery with other nature-loving photographers.  Think of all we'll learn from each other!
2. TWO DAYS OF SHOOTING and 3 nights of camping in Ouray, (aka the Switzerland of America)
3. TWO HALF-DAY CLASSES covering Composition Techniques, Exposure Secrets and Digital Photography Fun-da-Mentals.  Check out my "mini-sites" on these courses in the Links section of this "mini-site."  They're called Five Factors for Fantastic Photography, Exposure Expose' and Digital CameraOlogy.  These are given before the trip to prepare you for max camera fun.  (We'll cover HDR and some basics of macro and scenery photography, too!)
4. The BOOK and MANUALS for these courses.  The 175 page book for the Five Factors course sells for $50, but is included at no extra charge.
5. ONE-ON-ONE COACHING, as requested, on-site. 
6. ASK me (and others) ANYTHING you want (about photography)  around the campfire and while travelling.

You get all of the above for less than $399.  No kidding.

P.S.  If you've got the right kind of 4WD that you're willing to drive us into Yankee Boy, your price will be a whole lot less.  I can either pay you or a Ouray Jeep rental outfit.

 Want to see some websites that'll make your your shutter finger itch and put your imagination into overdrive?  Check these out: 
http://colorado.naturephotographers.net/hotspots/yankeeboybasin/index.shtml 
http://www.hanselmannphotography.com/nTarge_newsletters/NewslettersOld/YankeeBoyBasin.html


Somebody just asked me where Ouray is. Not everybody knows? It's a little south of Montrose, in the southwest part of Colorado, and a little bit north of Silverton.

Takes about 5 hours to get there. 

Day One, Tuesday, July 20th: Get there, set up tents, visit the spa*, talk photography around the campfire, hear my Legend of the Lost Lens story*. 
Day Two: Early up! Grab some breakfast and head toward Yankee Boy for a day of shooting.
(Yes, there are Mens' and Ladies' rooms there)
Finish the day with dinner in camp, visit the spa*, fun and chatter around the campfire. Show each other our best shots on a laptop* and get feedback from your Camera Coach (PhotoFeedback as requested)
Day Three: Repeat Day Two or go to another location. Group decides. Finish the day with dinner in camp, spa, campfire, PhotoFeedback.
Day Four, Friday, July 23rd: Get up when we feel like it, grab some grub, strike camp, head home feeling great about what we shot and what we learned.
* - optional, your choice