Glacier National Park
Photography Workshop
June 28 - July 3, 2009
Andy Cook will be leading a photography workshop for Nature Photo Tours to photograph Glacier Nat'l Park. Explore Montana's fantastic Glacier National Park and photograph it's amazing scenery.
Join us as we photograph magnificent Glacier National Park. Our focus will be to shoot the brilliant greens of early summer in the lower elevations against a back drop of dramatic mountain tops still laden with snow. We will concentrate on the lakes and streams of the park and take advantage of wildflowers when they are present. While our primary purpose is to photograph the landscape of the park we also intend to take advantage of wildlife opportunities when they happen.
This workshop is geared for the intermediate to advanced
photographer.
However, beginners with a working knowledge of their camera can gain a
lot of experience and instruction. Each participant is assisted at
their level. We focus on creating the
most appealing compositions of each location. Additionally, we cover
equipment, exposure, metering, filters, Photoshop, and personal tips as
needed. If you have images you
wish Andy to critique, please bring them.
Generally, you can expect to be at a
shooting location for
the start of civil twilight and we'll stay at that location through
sunrise. Some days we will go to a late breakfast after the morning
shoot on others we will relocate and shoot until midday break.
Typically, we will schedule a midday break allowing you time to
download, eat lunch, nap, discuss Photoshop... We will provide
breakfast bars, granola
bars, muffins, juice and water for the early mornings. In the afternoon
we will head back out into the field and shoot through the end of civil
twilight after sunset. This does not leave much time to eat dinner
after the evening shoot so we will provide fixings for ham, turkey and
salami sandwiches on wheat bread, chips, fruit, water and diet sodas
for field/late dinners. If you have a special dietary need or request
please tell us.
This workshop does involve some trail
hiking to arrive at certain shooting locations, while other shooting
locations will be just beyond the parking lot. The trail hiking may
deemed vigorous activity or light activity based upon your condition.
Trail hiking surfaces and those beyond the parking lot are generally
uneven, hiking boots are recommended.
You don't have to be in tip-top shape, but your enjoyment will be
enhanced by good health and preparation.
Consult your doctor before venturing to higher elevations. A standard
liability release form will be required before departure.
Be prepared for possible temperature
extremes and sudden changes in
weather. Be aware that mornings can be very chilly snow is always a
possibility.
Itinerary
Outline:
We prefer that participants check in with
Andy Sunday (June 28th) in the hotel lobby at 6 P.M. and join him for
dinner. We may shoot afterwards if the clouds look promising. You may
arrive later but please check in with Andy.
Location: Swiftcurrent
Motor Inn, Glacier Nat'l Park (east side) 2-4 nights here exact
details firmed up in July, 2008.
More Information
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn - June 28th, .... TBD exact details firmed up in July, 2008.
Rising Sun Motor Inn - TBD exact details firmed up in July, 2008.
East Glacier - Mountain Pine Motel (possibility, TBD)
TRANSPORTATION: Most people flying to Montana for this workshop will find flying into Kalispell or Great Falls to be the best choice, others will find Helena, Butte or Billings to be adequate. Please investigate the various options to arrive at one that best suits your needs. For those flying to Kalispell do consider that the road through Glacier National Park (Going-To-The-Sun Road) is slow driving and may suffer rare closures due to natural events and construction. The southern route around the park usually remains open.
Driving Conditions: Driving conditions will consist of mainly paved roads and an easy dirt road or two. When possible we prefer that participants car pool with each other to help limit our impact and get to know each other. A standard rental car will be sufficient.
Equipment Recommendations: Bring all of your camera equipment including the camera manual. We recommend that you have a polarizing filter to use with most of your photographs on this workshop. A 1 stop and a 2 stop, hard edge split-neutral density filter will also be useful; these filters should be the rectangular type that can fit in the "P" size cokin filter holder or a larger Hoya filter holder (do not buy screw on split-neutral density filters). If you combine high dynamic range images in Photoshop these filters may not be necessary. A lens range from 28 mm to 70 mm after the digital multiplication factor is recommended for the landscape portion and a long lens 300 mm or longer for shooting wildlife. However, we think that you should bring your entire range of lenses, which will hopefully include macro capability for close-up work. You should shoot with a sturdy outdoor tripod that can adjust from your standing height without cranking up a center post, to very close to the ground. This type of tripod does not have attachments from part way down the legs to the center post; i.e. the legs can move independently. Please use a cable release or know how to work your camera's timer delay to avoid camera shake. Also bring hiking boots and a flashlight to the field portions of the workshop. We will be walking in pre dawn and post sunset darkness. Consider bringing your laptop with Photoshop CS3 and calibrate the monitor.
Proper hydration is a must at higher elevations. Without it you will lose strength, energy and may develop a severe headache. To avoid dehydration you MUST drink beyond your thirst; drink even though you are not thirsty. We will provide bottled water in the field, please drink it.
The workshop is in the field, so be prepared for possible temperature extremes, adjustment to higher elevations, and sudden changes in weather. Hey, it's outdoor photography!
BRING
Flashlight - For hiking before sunrise and after sunset.
Tripod
Spare Camera Batteries
Camera Manual
Lots of Memory
Cable Release
Filters: Polarizer, 2 stop Split-Neutral Density (rectangular, if you have one)
Extra Shoes and Socks
Pepper Spray - This is grizzly country carry spray if it makes you feel comfortable.
Rain Gear
Hiking Boots
Umbrella (for shooting in the rain)
Oh Yes! Don't Forget Your Camera
Questions?
Visit Nature Photo Tours at www.NaturePhotoTours.com and contact them directly.
or
Call us toll free 866-630-0136
or
e-mail: andy@rockymountainreflections.com
Click Here for the Main Workshop Page