General:

• Understanding and using creatively Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO (F Stops Ect)

• How to get proper exposure for any subject

• Metering : Incident, Reflective, Spot

• Exposure modes:  Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual vs Auto

• Hyperfocal distance

• Histograms: Reading and correctly exposing for shadows and highlights.

• Autofocus vs Manual Focus (when to use each one)

• Previsualizing images

• Composing great shots for impact

• Different lens for different perspectives

• Specific landscape and wildlife techniques and tips.

       Digital

• File Formats: Raw vs Tiff vs Jpeg

• Memory cards

• RAW capture

• Bit Depth

• File Structure

• Noise

• Resolution

• Image transfer and archiving

• White balance

• Backing up files

• Digital Workflow

We will help you quickly and easily understand digital photography.

We will explain the myths and mysteries.

       Composition

• Rule of 1/3

• Breaking the Rules

• Leading Lines

• Background

• Foreground

• KISS Rule

• Symmetry

• Patterns

    Equipment 

Note:  We realize you may not have some of the Equipment listed below or even know what it is.

However it is important to cover this to help you make future buying decisions.

• Using your tripod effectively

• Tripod Heads

• Quick Release Systems

• Extension Tubes

• Macro Photography

• Teleconverters

• Long Lens Technique

• Bean Bags

• Diffusers

• Reflectors

• Filters: Which ones are important (even with digital)

At the end of the workshop you will be able to comfortably apply these tools and start your own unique style.

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.

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 gorgeous 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.

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 trip 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 for over 25 years. He estimates he has taken over 250,000 photos. John has a love of natural history as well. You will receive information on photo technique and the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.