INTO THE FOREST I GO, TO LOSE MY MIND AND FIND MY SOUL.
Deviating from the beaten path of iconic destinations, our journey leads into a realm untouched by mainstream tourism. Plunge into this world of natural wonders and hidden gems, exploring through the eyes of those who discovered this landscape that inspired many of the greats. You’ll find towering peaks with enchanting valleys below, embellished with richly colored wildflowers laid out as a natural tapestry. Step into an rugged alpine grove, where ancient trees stand tall like wise sentinels, observing the world below for centuries. Stray further and you’ll discover glistening lakes, reflecting the splendor of surrounding peaks. This unparalleled adventure will leave an indelible mark on your soul, escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary, for the Eastern Sierras beckons those with a thirst for exploration and a yearning for the unknown.
TRIP DATES
June 26 - 30, 2024
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to a small group size of 10 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
All experience levels are welcome
HIKING REQUIREMENTS
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 3 miles) through rocky or sandy terrain
LANDSCAPE KALEIDOSCOPE
Ah, the magnificent Eastern Sierras! It holds a special place in our hearts because it's a world of endless wonders. You see, what makes this place truly extraordinary is the mind-boggling assortment of scenes it offers. You’re stepping into a whimsical kaleidoscope of diverse ecosystems, each with its own distinct character and charm, just waiting to be captured through your lens.
You will marvel at majestic peaks, towering above and enchanting valleys laid out below, adorned with colorful carpets of wildflowers, natural creativity unleashed upon a grand floral canvas.
Then transport yourself into an alpine forest, where tall, ancient trees stand like wise guardians, their branches whispering secrets to the wind. And as you venture deeper a shimmering lake reflecting the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding peaks saluting you from afar.​
Beyond the forests and mountain peaks lie the high desert. Here you’ll find yourself standing beneath colossal stone arches, with graceful curves framing the boundless reaches of the Eastern Sierras. As you wander through this marvelous landscape, you can't help but feel like you've stumbled into a different realm where the laws of physics take a backseat to pure imagination.
ITINERARY
Pre-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
Prior to the start of the workshop, we will hold a zoom classroom session. We will show examples of images from the locations we will be visiting so you know what to expect and how to best compose images using advanced techniques, focus blending and other tips and tricks to make for the best composition. We only get to visit each place once and we want you to be fully prepared so you can get the best images possible while in these iconic places.
Day 1
Meet and Greet, Sunset, Blue Hour, and Milky Way
After a short meet and greet, we head out for sunset, blue hour, and Milky Way at the iconic Mono Lake tufas.
Day 2
More Iconic Locations & Classroom Session
A morning sunrise at an iconic overlook. After a short break, our first classroom session begins.
Another sunset, twilight and Milky Way shoot among the lakes and mountains of the Sierras.
Day 3
Sunrise, Sunset, Blue Hour & Milky Way
Starting the morning with boulders and mountain alpenglow. Then to the very top of the mountains to capture the ancient bristlecones during sunset, blue hour. Plus a special night shoot with timelapse opportunity.
Day 4
Personalized Editing Instruction, Sunset, Blue Hour, Milky Way
Starting with a late morning classroom session editing your favorite images, we will spend time with each student individually. Then one last sunset and night under the stars together.
Day 5-6
Sunrise & Send Offs
Our last spot is one of the most iconic places in Death Valley, so we're arriving early to immerse yourself in the experience. Our last morning together will be spent chasing light in a cactus garden before saying our final goodbyes
Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
Instead of sacrificing locations, we will hold our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on seeing the best and most iconic places Death Valley has to offer, we chose to prioritize locations over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will hold a live online classroom session answering any questions you may have.
Planning your shoots
Scouting and evaluating conditions
Composing an image to grab the viewers attention
Composing an image with a person in frame to show scale tell a story
Utilizing apps for more efficient planning
Choosing the right lens and filters for the job
How to shoot with plan or vision or editing
Capturing your image
How to capture intimate details and abstract images
Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images
Exposure control - how to use ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed in different scenarios
Bracketing, Perspective Blending and Focus Stacking
Long Exposure - how to capture blue hour
Bringing the image to life
Lightroom and Photoshop - learn our post-processing workflow
Luminosity Masks
Dodging and Burning
Blue-hour Blends
Understanding layers and masks
Finishing touches using clone stamp and removing distractions
Creating Orton glows and painting with light
Build Social Media Presence - how to maximize engagement
MEET THE TEAM
Jess Santos
Jess calls the desert her home and first love, but she is a wanderer at heart and is constantly on the road to the next adventure.
Her photography is driven by a desire to share the stories of these wild places and her experience through her imagery. She spends sleepless nights chasing the vibrant colors of desert landscapes and the distant glow of the Milky Way.
She is very proud to belong to the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective as a Sony Alpha Brand Ambassador and an official B&H Creator. As well as Slik Tripods, Cokin Filters and F-Stop Camera Bags.
Ryan Oswald
Ryan is a full time travel photographer & digital artist based out of St. Louis, MO, but is constantly on the move. He is often on the road for months at a time exploring the back roads and capturing iconic views.
His love for the outdoors and endless wanderlust has fueled his obsession for photography. Pursuing his passion has led to traveling extensively all across the globe and teaching photography workshops. Whether it’s chasing that perfect light or the Milky Way, Ryan is in his happy place as long as a camera is in hand!
Our goal is to leave you confident, motivated and passionate about photography with a new set of ideas and perspective! We will teach simple and actionable techniques to scout out incredible compositions and the process of how to approach and execute unique photos in any environment or conditions. The classroom portion of this adventure will teach you combination of Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and methods that allow you to create some powerful images we decided to keep the group small and intimate, thus allowing us to focus and give you much more access to the 3 instructors and 1-on-1 attention. Instructors will be with the group providing thoughts and real time critique as the light changes from sunset to the enchanting night skies.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All Lodging Accommodations Included
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop. Each student will have their own single occupancy room reserved.
Nearest Major Airport
You will want to fly into MAMMOTH LAKES or
LAS VEGAS AIRPORT
Meeting Location
We will be meeting in the town of Mammoth, California. This is a 5 hour drive from Las Vegas. We will meet at 3PM.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Transportation
Flights and car transportation are not included.
We are helping attendees source capable and equipped vehicles if they do not own their own.
If you would like help finding a suitable vehicle, please let us know.
Meals & Drinks
You will be responsible for your own meals and drinks for the duration of the workshop.
Travel Insurance
With any trip/adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies.
Cost: $2,999
Deposit: $900 to reserve your spot
Space is limited and filling up quickly on a first come, first serve basis. With three photography instructors present for the duration of the workshop, you will have plenty of opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction to improve the skills you feel you need to work on!
Join Our Tribe and Invest in Your Passion!
* Please read the workshop F.A.Q. section to learn more about cancellation policies or if you have any other questions.