Art of Landscape Photography

Course Requirements

This hands-on workshop is for those who feel very comfortable with their cameras and who aren't grappling with a lot of technical issues. This is a creative class that deals with creative issues. Therefore, it's important that you are able to concentrate on your compositions and not on how to operate your camera. If you have questions about your experience level, please email us or phone 630-852-8448.

BASIC COURSE PREREQUISITES

You should be fairly comfortable with your camera's operations and controls. If you've taken a class with us before, you probably qualify. However, this outing is not for people who are using their cameras for the first time. Instead, we offer very nice fundamental photography classes designed for your needs like Get to Know Your Camera.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Film or Digital SLR, Medium Format, Large Format Cameras: No point & shoot cameras. If you shoot film, it will be your responsibility to have your images scanned (digitized) and ready for the follow-up feedback session. Overall, a digital camera will greatly aid in learning when you're in the field.
• Wide Angle Lens with MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE FOCAL LENGTH of 28mm (35mm format equivalent) after taking crop factor and camera format into account.
• Tripod & Head: Long exposures are the norm and you must be able to carry it without a backpack.
• Fresh Camera Battery: Make sure your camera battery is freshly charged and have a backup with you. Be prepared.
• Memory Card or Slide Film (not negative film)
• Please try to leave your photo backpack behind. It's cumbersome, gets in the way on narrow trails, and often damages fragile plants.
• OPTIONAL: Split Grad Filters (rectangular), Remote Shutter Release, Polarizing Filter

WHAT TO WEAR, ETC.

You need to be ready for all weather conditions to protect yourself and your equipment. As with any outdoor situation, it is highly recommended that no cotton clothing of any sort be worn. If in the morning or in the springtime, you'll probably need to wear gloves. It's often very common to get wet in morning dew. Here's a brief list of what you should bring:

• Boots: Assume muddy and wet conditions.
• Brimmed Hat to keep the sun out of your eyes when looking through the viewfinder and to protect from insects.
• Long Pants: Protect your legs from the plants, branches, insects, and falls you may have.
• Hat, Gloves, & Jacket for morning shoots or cooler weather.It's always cooler
• Rain Jacket & possibly Rain Pants: For morning shoots, the prairie is covered with dew and you can become completely saturated. Think "Wet Photographer Contest." On second thought, don't think it!
• Synthethic Undergarments will keep you warm and wick away moisture from your skin.
• Snack & Liquids: It's important to keep hydrated and keep your energy.
• Insect Repellent: Use a DEET repsllent to hold the mosquitoes and ticks at bay.

IN THE FIELD

When we're in the field it's important to have what you need for landscape photography. For instance, if you have a wide angle zoom, that's the only lens you'll need. But, it's also important to respect the home of these very special living plants and creatures. So, we all need to tread lightly and be careful not to damage or crush plants. Therefore, if you normally use a backpack, try to go without. If you absolutely cannot, then please be extremely careful about where you place it when you're shooting.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Unless there's a downpour, we're shooting. But, if for some reason the weather prevents us from shooting, the field session (only) will automatically be rescheduled for the same time on the following day. However, the initial classroom session will be held as scheduled.

If you have further questions about Mike MacDonald workshops just email or phone 630-852-8448.