Light & The Landscape

Course Requirements

This workshop is primarily directed at serious photographers with a passion to improve their craft in the area of landscape photography. You will be required to own a split graduated neutral density filter (rectangular) as you will be taught how to use this essential piece of equipment. If you have questions about your experience level, please email us or phone 630-852-8448.

BASIC COURSE PREREQUISITES

Truthfully, this course is really not that technical, in that you should be able to apply most of what you'll learn even if you don't completely understand everything at first. However, there are certain things that you must already know before attending the class. The great thing about this course is that it's about recognizing the light and using it in fantastic ways. The only technical part is calculating the exposure, but, nowadays, most digital SLR cameras can calculate the exposures for you. This is not going to get you off the hook in the class, but even if you don't understand it completely at first, you should still be able go out and "get the shot."

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. Basic Understanding of Exposure: 18% Gray, etc.
2. Knowledge of how to use f-stops and shutter speeds to set the exposure and how aperture effects depth of field.
3. Full Working Knowledge of Your Camera: You need to know how to perform exposures manually with independent control of f-stops and shutter speeds.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

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

1. 35mm or Medium Format SLR or DSLR Camera: These are cameras with interchangable lenses. If you own a serious point and shoot camera that has the features below, then you might be alright.
2. Camera with Spot Metering Capability: You may also use a handheld spot meter.
3. Camera with Manual Exposure Controls: You must be able to select BOTH f-stop and shutter speed.
4. Tripod (and a shoulder strap might help): Long exposures are the norm and you must be able to carry it without a backpack.
5. Split Graduated Neutral Density Filter, Filter Holder, and Adapter Ring for your landscape lense(s): I recommend a 2-stop medium for starters. If you want to get more, a 2-stop hard, 3-stop soft, and 3-stop hard are also possible. I may be able to help you acquire these filters. Please call if you don't have any yet.
6. Fresh Camera Battery: Make sure your camera battery is freshly charged and have a backup with you. Be prepared.
7. Film or Memory Card.
8. Shutter Release Cable: This is not necessarily 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.
9. NO Backpacks: Too cumbersome. They block narrow trails and crush fragile plants. See "In the Field" below.

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. The park where we will practice may not be in bloom so I actually bring along some big plastic flowers. It looks a little goofy, but it's about all about learning (remember!)

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!

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Due to the nature of the course, it's important to have good light during the field session. In case of inclement weather, the field session will be rescheduled to the following day. As a rule of thumb, the Saturday session is always postponed to Sunday. And, if this Sunday session is postponed, it'll be offered on the following Sunday (and so forth).

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