This 3-day Nature Photography Workshop, limited to 12, will utilize Assateague for photography fieldwork. Focus on strategies and techniques required to produce high quality wildlife images while capturing moments in nature. 

 

Designed for those with a basic knowledge of the operation of a 35 mm SLR digital camera, an interest in nature photography, and who desire to improve their photographic skills and optimize the use of their camera. Program includes field sessions on Assateague Island, instructive slide programs, and critiques of participant images. Topics discussed include 1) equipment selection and operation, 2) composition, creativity and perspective, 3) metering and exposure, 4) lighting, 5) digital media and image storage, 6) basic image manipulation and 7) locating, approaching and photographing wildlife.

 

During the Friday evening orientation, departure times, current field conditions, potential subjects, equipment needed, safety, field ethics, and other logistical topics will be discussed. Prior to dawn on Saturday, the class participants will depart for the beach to photograph sunrise and take advantage of the soft, warm early morning light. Potential subjects include the sunrise, sand dunes, shells, the surf, beach vegetation, fisherman, the wild horses of Assateague Island, and local wildlife including whitetail deer, fox, raccoons, herons, rails, geese, ducks, shorebirds and other resident and migratory species. There will be a mid-day critique of participant images on Saturday followed by a field session that includes sunset. The final critique will be on Sunday. See the schedule for details. Note: Timing of excursions will be adjusted as needed based on the weather, subject availability, and desires of the class participants. Orientation, lectures and critiques will be held in the Environmental Education Center.

 

The number of participants is limited to 12. A pre-class assignment will be provided via e-mail along with guidance for submitting images for Friday night’s orientation.

 

Assumes a basic knowledge of your D-SLR digital camera and familiarization with basic terms such as F-stop, ISO, & exposure plus the ability to download your image files to e-mail or a thumb drive for the critique sessions.

 

Registration for this class is $300 and includes all instruction sessions, use of classroom space, drinks and snacks. Lodging and meals are not provided in the registration fee. Lodging options are available upon request and include camping on the island and hotel accommodations are available within 10 miles of Assateague Island National Seashore.