Fall in Acadia National Park Photography Workshop

A workshop for fall and coastal scenery
October 13-15, and 18-20, 2013
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 experiences. October offers 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 outstanding range of photographic subjects and opportunities for learning field techniques. Robert will individually instruct and share his knowledge, experience and vision, while demonstrating the key techniques for photographing both the grand vista and intimate landscapes. The teaching is not just limited to the subjects at hand, but will also encompass his many years of experience working as a professional natural history photographer in Southern Africa.

View some images taken by Robert during previous workshops.

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 critique and review sessions of the days shooting, together with discussions on Photoshop^TM techniques for image optimization in the evenings.
• The workshop is aimed at amateur nature photographers with moderate skill levels; it is less suitable for raw 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, or 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 and technical development as a natural history photographer.
• Attending the Workshop should be viewed as an investment in your future growth as a photographer. 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 wishing to discover some of Acadia’s most attractive scenic locations for possible future visits to the region. However, please note this should not be viewed as a traditional Acadia photographic tour.

What is the focus for the Workshop?

• Carefully selected locations will be used to demonstrate a range of photographic concepts and techniques, and to encourage and develop the participant’s photographic vision.
• The primary focus is learning how to capture or distill the very essence of the scene – by recognizing and isolating the key elements, and successfully incorporating them. For instance, by using sweeping foregrounds, selective cropping or focusing techniques, getting closer or backing off.
• The pros, cons and use of different types of light and atmosphere will be discussed.
• Teaching and developing techniques for composing both the grand vista and intimate landscapes, using a wide array of lenses from wide angle to macro and telephotos (the landscape photography “tools”).
• Special attention will be given to perspective and depth of field control using tilt/shift (T&S or PC) lenses. This is specifically for attendees wishing to learn large format techniques and apply them to 35mm imagery.
• 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”!
• In order to be able to put the inner vision into practice, the tools of compositional development such as visual aids, the rules of thirds, the Golden Mean and achieving compositional balance and structure will be discussed and demonstrated.

What can the attendees expect from the Workshop?

• Tuition on how to best photograph the many aspects of Acadia in fall – 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.
• Above all, compositional development and balance with a view to developing a landscape photographic vision will be emphasized. To support the artistic development, techniques for scenic and macro photography will be demonstrated and discussed. For instance: control of exposure, depth of field, use of natural light and flash, maximizing the use of digital and lens technology, polarizing and graduated neutral density filters, and composite images.
• Learning how to use the technology for what it does best – but not letting your approach be dictated by it. Technology is not a crutch for fine art landscape photography, it a tool to be used – or not.
• 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 possibly some 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 either during or after each days shooting.
• 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.
• An introductory presentation on fine art natural history photography will be held on the afternoon and evening prior to the first day of shooting.

How is the Workshop different from others?

• The teaching, discussions and photography are centered on field techniques; not the classroom. The workshop is about fine art landscape photography and using specific techniques to achieve the desired image, where the field techniques will encompass the use of equipment and how to get the best out of it.
• 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 12 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 on location, for both the learning experience and ensuring the attendees take away some creative and unusual images.
• 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.
• Robert’s extensive knowledge of animal ecology and ethology, together with many fascinating experiences of working with large game in Africa, make for great discussions and stories to share over dinner.

Fall in Acadia National Park Workshop details

If you have any questions, please contact us at (937) 291-1733, or email at nni@nunningtonimages.com Places fill up quickly so reserve your spot today!

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