Dramatically Improve Your Nature Photography
2-DAY HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

Course Requirements

This workshop is aimed at the beginner who is in a position to get fast results and be catapulted yoo the next level.

You must have a solid grasp of your camera's controls and operation, as there will not be time to help you figure out your own camera. If you think that this will be an issue, read your camera's manual and practice before the class. Otherwise, consider learning more and take the class the next time around.

If you have questions about your experience level, please email us or phone 630-852-8448.

BASIC COURSE PREREQUISITES

This is not a technical course. Much of the time is spent on composition and how to make better pictures. This class will not help you make better exposures. That's another topic altogether. However, most modern SLR cameras do most of the work for you.

Ultimately, you must have some basic knowledge of photographic principles and a certain amount of technical competance to take the course. Here is a very short list of things that you should already know well before taking this course:

1. Knowledge of f-stops and shutter speeds.
2. Full Working Knowledge of Your Camera.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

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

1. Just about any camera, though a digital camera is the best for learning and getting instant feedback.
2. Tripod
3. Shutter Release Cable or Electronic Shutter Release: This is not mandatory, but this will make your pictures sharper. Depending on your camera, a manual or electronic version may be used. If your camera does not support this feature, you'll be fine.
4. For the second class, you'll need to bring CD or thumb drive with your images on it. If you shoot film, the lab can scan your pictures for you as a normal part of the processing.

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

This a teaching class and it's about learning and practicing, not about getting the perfect shot. You'll have plenty of time to do this the next time you go out.

So, when we go out in the field on the second day, it's important to only take what you need. No backpacks in the field. They are too cumbersome. They block narrow paths and damage fragile plants. For instance, fling your camera over one shoulder and have a strap on the tripod to fling it over the other shoulder. Then, have a fanny pack for your filters, film or memory cards, a spare batter, lens cloth and brush, and your set!

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