Springtime in Glacier National Park Workshop – July 2012

A workshop for stunning scenic and wildlife photography, led by Robert Nunnington

This is a new and exciting opportunity for nature photographers to hone their skills in the unrivalled wilderness of Glacier National Park, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and for good reason. Some of the world’s best opportunities for dramatic Alpine photography can be found in this region of the northern Rockies. This single park offers unparalleled photographic opportunities for snow capped peaks, reflections in pristine mountain lakes, dramatic ice carved valleys and alpine wildflowers. It also offers the opportunity to photograph the fascinating mammals (large and small) associated with the Rocky Mountains, often with stunning scenic backdrops. While this is primarily a landscape photography workshop, some time will be devoted to animal photography in several specific locations, depending on the activity of species such as moose, goats or sheep. When the opportunities arise to photograph bears (or other carnivores) in a safe manner – these will be taken as appropriate. Part of the workshop will focus on matching photographic techniques with the understanding of animal behaviour, together with techniques for photographing wildlife in their environment.

Specific scenic locations will be used to demonstrate individual photographic concepts and techniques (both traditional and innovative) and to encourage and develop individual photographic vision. The timing of this late spring workshop is geared to the blooming of wildflowers and snow still being present on the high peaks, together with the chance to photograph this year’s newly-born animals.

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.

Note that we will hike to some locations, including some steep uphill stretches, so some degree of physical fitness and preparation is required. This is particularly so as the trails lie between 6000 and 9000ft, and the cumulative effect of altitude on physical exertion should not be underestimated. 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.

View some images taken by Robert during the 2011 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 discussion of Photoshop techniques for optimizing images during rest periods.
• 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 and technical development as a natural history photographer. Attending the Workshop should be viewed as an investment in your future growth as a 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 Glacier 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 to isolate the key elements in a scene.
• 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”!
• Developing specific techniques and skills for wildlife photography: capturing high speed action, use of high speed autofocus, when to use image stabilization, manual focus techniques, panning for blurred backgrounds, projected telephoto flash and fill flash techniques, matching flash and sunrise/sunset backdrops, control and selection of depth of field and pre-focusing.
• 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 the many aspects of late spring in Glacier; from the top of Logan Pass to the spectacular waterfalls and still waters of the many lakes. In addition, we will spend some time at specific locations to photograph the various large and small game of this area.
• Techniques specific to scenic photography will be demonstrated and discussed; including manual control of exposure, depth of field, use of flash, maximizing the use of digital and lens technology, using polarizing and 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.
• Photographing the grand vista and intimate landscapes, using a wide array of lenses from wide angle to macro and telephoto. When to get closer and when to back off.
• 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 a 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 mountains. 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.

Why is the Workshop different from others?

• The teaching, discussions and photography are centered on field techniques; not the classroom. 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.
• 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 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 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.

Springtime in Glacier National Park Workshop details

 

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