Fall in Acadia National Park Workshop – 2012

A workshop for fall and coastal scenery, led by Robert Nunnington

This is an exciting opportunity for nature photographers to hone their skills in the unrivalled scenery of Acadia National Park. Robert has photographed this region extensively and knows the premier locations for a diverse range of imagery and learning opportunities. October presents unique opportunities for photographing the glorious fall colors of hardwoods and berry bushes, reflections in beautiful ponds and lakes, together with the always popular rugged coastal scenery for sunrise and sunset images. For such a small park, Acadia and its surroundings has an amazingly diverse range of photographic opportunities for learning field techniques. Robert will individually instruct and share his experience and understanding, together with the key techniques for photographing both the grand vista and intimate landscapes. The use of a wide array of lenses from wide angle to macro and telephoto will be demonstrated as landscape photography tools. Other subjects could include flowers, insects, mammals and birds. The techniques are not just limited to the subjects at hand, but will also encompass those learned from many years of photographing in Southern Africa.

View some images taken by Robert during the 2010 workshop.

Read testimonials from participants on recent Workshops.

Who should attend?

• This is a hands-on workshop for photographers who prefer to have their tuition in the field, rather than in the classroom. However, there will be opportunity of critique and review of the days shooting and Photoshop techniques for optimizing images in the evenings.
• The workshop is aimed at amateur nature photographers of moderate to advanced skills; it is less suitable for beginners. However, because of the small group size, individual attention can be given to attendees, irrespective of experience or expectations. Digital or film shooters are welcome.
• Wonder how that shot was made, what do I need to know to nail that picture or effect? Robert will share his experiences and the professional techniques to help in your creative development as a natural history photographer. Attending the Workshop should be viewed as an investment in your future development as a nature photographer.

What is the focus for the Workshop?

• Specific locations will be used to demonstrate techniques and develop individual photographic vision. Please note this should not be viewed as a traditional photographic tour to shoot the typical Acadia images.
• The primary focus is to learn how to capture the scene to the very best effect; to distill it into its most important elements, by using sweeping wide angle foregrounds or selective cropping or focusing techniques.
• In order to develop these techniques, the tools of compositional development such as the rules of thirds, the Golden Mean and achieving compositional balance and structure will be discussed and demonstrated.
• Included in the techniques will be the creation of multi-layered images with sweeping and interesting foregrounds using wide angle or ultra wide angle lenses. This can be considered as “photography from the ground up”!
• The workshop is suitable for both photographers on a tight schedule, or those who wish to spend more time on learning techniques in detail over several days. The workshop is also valuable for those who wish to learn some of the most interesting scenic locations for possible future visits to the region.

What can the attendees expect from the Workshop?

• Excellent opportunities to learn how to best photograph many aspects of fall in Acadia; from the top of Cadillac Mountain to the spectacular woodlands of Wonderland, the elegant stone bridges and, of course, the stunning coastline. Other opportunities to photograph insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians will be taken as they arise. Specific topics of interest can also be accommodated, such as harbors or lighthouses.
• Techniques specific to macro and general scenic photography will be demonstrated and discussed; including control of exposure, depth of field, use of flash, maximizing the use of digital and lens technology, graduated neutral density filters, composite panoramas and much more. Above all, compositional development and balance with a view to developing a landscape photographic vision will be emphasized.
• We make the most of the daytime opportunities, and are out well before dawn for the first light on the ocean. We will then concentrate on intimate scenics, plants and wildlife. A rest break will be taken during the day, depending on the weather, followed by an afternoon session and sunset locations. The day is paced to maximize the photo opportunities, and the schedule is flexible to maximize the best light.
• Note that some of the locations will involve fairly short (normally a mile or less) but steep hikes, so a reasonable degree of physical fitness is required.
• Feedback and critique will be given after each days shooting.
• In addition, a full list of topics which will be covered during the workshop, together with a suggested packing list will be forwarded to attendees prior to the workshop.

Why is the Workshop different from others?

• The teaching, discussions and photography are centered on field techniques; not the classroom.
• Robert will share his knowledge, techniques and pro-shooter tips with the group members. There is no substitute for experience and the ability to pass it on. He has 20 years of knowledge and experience of shooting in Southern Africa, together with nearly 10 years of shooting in the US, and brings a somewhat different perspective to the art of nature photography.
• Knowing the region is a key aspect of teaching in a new location, for both the learning experience and taking away some creative and unusual images.
• The workshop is about photography and using techniques to achieve a desired image, where the field techniques will encompass the use of equipment and how to get the best out of it.
• The teaching is tailored to an individual’s aspirations and requirements, and can cover other techniques not specifically associated with the subjects or theme of the workshop.
• His extensive knowledge of animal ecology and ethology, together with many fascinating experiences of working with large game in Africa and the US, make for great discussions and stories to share over dinner.

Fall in Acadia National Park Workshop details

 

Back to Workshops