Light & The Landscape

Course Requirements

This class is aimed at photographers who already feel very comfortable with their cameras and who aren't grappling with a lot of technical issues. The class is about creative issues like learning about light, not about how to meter and fiddling around with your camera.

This workshop is directed at serious photographers with a passion to improve their landscape photography. You will be required to own a split graduated neutral density filter (rectangular, not circular) as there will be a review of how to use this essential piece of equipment. Note, however, that using this filter must not bog you down and get in the way of the purpose of the course: learning how to use the light. 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

Here is a list required items in order to fully participate in the course:

1. 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.
2. Wide Angle Lens with MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE FOCAL LENGTH of 28mm (35mm format equivalent) after taking crop factor and camera format into account.
3. Tripod & Head: Long exposures are the norm and you must be able to carry it without a backpack.
4. Fresh Camera Battery: Make sure your camera battery is freshly charged and have a backup with you. Be prepared.
5. Memory Card or Slide Film (not negative film)
6. Please try to leave your photo backpack behind. It's cumbersome, gets in the way on narrow trails, and often damages fragile plants.
7. OPTIONAL: Split Grad Filters (rectangular), Remote Shutter Release, Polarizing Filter

WHAT TO WEAR, ETC.

1. Hiking Boots, if possible
2. Long Pants: Protects your legs against injury and from insects like ticks and mosquitoes.
3. Brimmed Hat: It's really hard to compose a picture when the sunlight is getting into your eyes. But, you also want to protect yourself from the sun.
4. Jacket: Have something warm to take along with you, just in case.
5. Sunscreen
6. Insect Repellant: Wearing the recommended clothing will also help you a lot.
7. Snack & Liquids: It's important to keep hydrated.

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

Due to the nature of the course, it's important to have good light during the field session. In case of bad light or inclement weaather, the field session will be rescheduled to the following day. The lecture will still be held as scheduled. If light is a problem on the following day, then the session will be held one week from first field session. Example: Saturday is the field session, which is the 10th day of them month. The first postponement date is on Sunday (the 11th). The 2nd postponement date is the following Saturday (the 17th). The 3rd postponement date is the following day, the 18th, and so forth.

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