Explore the beautiful White Mountains with professional photographer John Slonina. We will be visiting several places to explore the beauty of the White Mountains. To get the best lighting we plan on photographing predawn to sunset with a mid day break. Most people think as one of the best fall locations in the US. But a local secret is the spring. We will have some great opportunities to photograph spring waterfalls and rivers raging from the winter snow melt, fields of Lupine, great mountain vistas and covered bridges. These are examples of some of our subjects we that makes this area a photographers delight. We will visit some little known spots. The crowds this time of year is minimal.  As a resident of New England, John has been photographing and exploring the White Mountains for several years.

WHEN:

June 18-20, 2010  Friday-Sunday

 WHERE:

White Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas.

http://www.visitwhitemountains.com

PRICE :

$450 per person includes all instruction in the field and transportation

$395 is paid by April 1

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Anyone with a interest in photography from a beginner to professional photographer who has a love of being outdoors and nature. Both Digital and or Film shooters are welcome.

GROUP SIZE:

Our groups are small in size and are normally limited to 6-8 people. This group size allows for flexibility in our plans if interesting and unexpected photo opportunities present themselves. Also it will allow us to work with each participate to provide complete, informative, helpful lessons. This also ensures that no question is left unanswered.

 GOALS:

 The entire workshop is devoted to capturing the best nature images possible on digital camera or film. John draws upon his decades of experience as a professional photographer to offer several methods to improve your nature photography. John will share numerous proven beginner thru advanced techniques.

Why waste your time looking for the best hidden spots to photograph moose, waterfalls, best foliage etc. Hunters and fisherman use guides all the time. We do take participants to some well known locations as well as many secret spots only a few locals would know. We will put you in the right spot in the right time to help you produce top quality images.

On location, John will demonstrate how you can best use your equipment. We will do our best to help you get beautiful professional high dynamic quality images which will make nice prints on your wall.

Before and after each workshop we will access each participants needs, interests and skills so we can teach techniques that will help each participant. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro we will help you grow as a photographer.

Some of the topics we will cover includes: Proper exposure, previsualizing images, composing great shots, different lens for different perspectives, close up and macro photography, using just your camera meter, specific landscape and wildlife techniques and tips. Autofocus techniques, extension tubes, converters, tripods and tripod heads. The advantages of using Manual vs. Autoexposure modes and how and when to use each one, Fstops etc.

 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY:

Are you overwhelmed by the digital photography?

Digital photography has expanded the potential for every photographer to develop this own creative photographic vision. But serious photographers must deal with a huge selection of digital camera bodies and features and equipment. Also multiple choices from various software applications for converting, processing, and organizing images. With all these new choices it’s no wonder that many consumers rate digital photography as the most confusing electronic devices to use.

We will explain file formats, memory cards, RAW capture, image transfer and archiving, white balance, 16-bit color depth and histograms, RAW vs TIFF vs JPG, and digital workflow.  We will help you quickly and easily understand digital photography. We will explain the myths and mysteries of digital photography. At the end of the workshop you will be able to comfortably apply these tools and start your own unique style.

ITINERARY:

 Participating in a workshop is a great way to improve your photography. We believe in capturing the best light some our workshop include sunrise and sunset shoots (weather permitting). Early morning and later afternoon has the best lighting for photography. It’s also the time wildlife is most active. Also early morning has some other advantages less traffic and people and less wind.

Friday Afternoon: Group meeting and introductions then evening Photoshoot

Saturday Morning: Sunrise Photoshoot then breakfast at a locally favorite restaurant. 

Mid Day: Because of the extensive daylight hours at this northern latitude at this time of year we will have a mid day break. We can still expect long days in the field. This is a great time to relax, eat lunch, sleep to get recharged for the afternoon shoot. This would be a great time to review your images and John will be available for questions and critiques.

Saturday Afternoon: We will be doing an afternoon shoot till sunset and dinner.

Sunday Morning: Sunrise Photoshoot

TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation to field locations is included. We might need help and ask a independent driver to use their own car and maybe take an additional passenger or two.

  NON PARTICIPATING SPOUSES:

 If space permits spouses who don’t shoot images are welcome to attend field trips are welcome to come for 1/2 price.

 WEATHER:

 Rainy conditions can provide some the moodiest and diffused lighting of any photography trip. You can get some unique opportunities in these conditions that you could not get on a sunny day. The overcast sky acts like a umbrella to diffuse the light which is great for photos like waterfalls etc. Unless the weather conditions pose any danger to group we will still stay out. 

FOOD:

Not included. We will visit some local restaurants.

LODGING:

Not included in this tour. We will provide a list of hotels and/or campgrounds. 

GETTING THERE:

Plane:

Here are the major airports that are nearby

Manchester Airport NH (MHT): 1 hours

Logan Airport, MA (BOS): 2 hours

Burlington, VT (BTV): 2 hours

Portland, ME (PWM): 1.5 hour

Car:

 Coming Soon

CANCELLATION POLICY:

 If you cancel with 60 days of trip full refund.

RESULT:

We will help you create beautiful images and have fun but also teach skills and techniques you can use to take your photography to the next, higher level! When the weekend is over, attendees will have a solid understanding of nature photography and your camera.

ABOUT ME:

John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has been photographing the nature for over 25 years. He estimates he has taken over 150,000 photos.  He has a love of natural history as well. You will receive education not just in photo technique, but also in the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.