Introduction to Making Great Photos – A Focus on the Importance of Seeing

grazing tule elk (72x1024)

TWO PART WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 23 & MARCH 23

Part 1: Learn to Improve your Images by using the art of "Seeing" within each Step of your Photographic Process

Date: Sunday, Feb 23, 2025, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Viewpoint Photographic Art Center

This workshop is designed for the beginning to intermediate photographer who knows the basics of their camera but is looking to improve the quality of their images. We will emphasize how your ability to see will help you improve your photos at each step along the way by using a combination of important photographic techniques and considerations. It isn’t easy to pre-determine how someone may interpret your images, but you can create photos that speak clearly, letting others know who you are and your artistic intentions.

Using specific examples during this fun and interactive presentation, we will explore:

  • how does a camera "see"
  • it's all about the light
  • capturing the moment & creative interpretation
  • photographers' thoughts on photography
  • allowing imagination and intrigue to exist
  • using composition to convert a 3-D world
  • how post-processing can bring images to life
  • capturing an image’s importance
  • (and more...)

Join us for a morning of photographic exploration and discovery. Bring a computer or note-taking materials and something to drink as you wish.

Am River Granite Block BW (72x1024)

Part 2: Taking Your Camera for a Walk - Exploring the American River Canyon (Auburn area)

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Meet at Quarry Road Trail Parking Lot, American River Canyon, Auburn State Recreation Area.

Part 2 of this workshop will take place at the Auburn State Recreation Area, providing a practical opportunity to utilize some of the techniques learned in Part I. Workshop attendees will meet at the Quarry Road Trail parking lot at 8:45 a.m. At 9:00, we will begin walking along an old haul road following the Middle Fork of the American River while exploring and making images. We will use the morning light and the shadows of the north-facing slope to explore multiple shooting conditions along the trail for about a mile and a quarter to the picnic area, where we will stop for lunch and explore the area further. During the walk, we will see wildflowers and ferns, forest trees, riparian and chaparral plants, views of the river from above and near the shore, birds and wildlife, canyon geology, historic structures, and various canyon views, and changing light as we head back to the parking lot in the early afternoon.

Please plan to arrive at 8:45 a.m. so everyone can park and be ready to go at 9:00.

Bring water, lunch, trail snacks, and any camera you want. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers (it can be chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon). Cell signal is "spotty" at best in the canyon. We hope you can join us on this special walk in the canyon.

For more information on our photography location, please check out:

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