Notes From the Field
Steve Kossack is an accomplished photographer, writer and workshop instructor. I first met Steve after he purchased one of our Ultimate Ballheads and wrote an article about it for the Luminous Landscape website. We have since become friends.
Although Steve is no longer affiliated with Luminous Landscape, his workshops continue to be popular. I am excited to be able to provide Acratech web site viewers the opportunity to read Steve’s new monthly column Notes From the Field.
Check out Steve's website to find information about his workshops at
http://www.f-8andbethere.com/workshops/workshops.htm
knowing and going ... a workshop
F/8 and be there? I wish it were that easy!
When planning a workshop a lot goes into the consideration of place, time and the people involved. Much different from an informal shoot when most elements can be adjusted or changed during the course of a trip, a workshop, a good one anyway in my opinion, must have a heart and soul plus a body and mind. In short, it is and needs to be treated as a world its own. It is an event different in scope and structure and unlike anything else I have done in photography.
When - Where - How
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A workshop participant in Death Valley takes advantage
of being - in the right place at the right time- |
The Considerations.
First and foremost, I would not take anyone anywhere I've not been previously, and certainly not photographers, where I had not been successful myself. The number of times that I have been in a location and the number of images coupled with the enjoyment of the area will bolster its standing with me for possible inclusion in a workshop schedule.
Time is a major consideration, or the lack of it mostly. When people dedicate as much as five days, or more, it is essential that the most be made of that time. Yes, a 10 mile hike to an area for a great image is something that I do personally all the time, however, this is my time! If an area can be reached more easily and quickly and will lend itself to many set ups and many images, this is what I think should be offered.
A workshop is only an introduction!
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Sometimes it is difficult to find time
to do the group photo! |
There is no logical way in my option to see, learn and know an area in the time allotted to any workshop, no matter what that time frame may be! It can only serve as an introduction. I fully expect that the participants will return again on their own or with another of our workshops at a later date, at least if I've done my job correctly they will! One of the most heartfelt explanations I render is the one that explains -why I brought you here-.
If the area has many opportunities for photography I will try and bunch the time so that those options are varied and can be accomplished in movements that will allow for both travel and photo time. A break can be anything from a meal to driving to a new location that helps divide the day so that both the participants and the locations stay fresh. The energy needed is considerable and timing is all important.
Photographing in great light is ideal. Some places on the planet provide this almost 24 hours a day but sadly, most don't. There is no guarantee of anything especially on a short term basis in which a workshop takes place. Dawn and sunset usually provide the best chances and I'm not one to throw away any opportunity so peeking out a door to see stars before heading out is only neck exercise and never an excuse to cancel a shoot.
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A workshop participant in
the distance deep in Grand Canyon.
Location, location, location! |
From before sunrise until after sunset.
In order to learn and scout, you must scout to learn! There can and will be many days when light turns blue in the shadows made by a bright clear day. This happens, and happens more than we'd all like. The solution for lack of "good light" is stronger composition. The only thing I know for sure about photography is that if you don't open the shutter you get no images!
From years of experience I've learned where I might want to be when that "good light" presents itself by being there when it didn't. Knowing what may be on certain roads and trails and how to negotiate them makes photographing possible when the elements come together. Yes, I've stumbled on a few good images that translated to prints, but in the main, knowing where and then when, and then how to get there, has been of more help to me than anything I've learned from anyone, in anyway .... period!
Crown of Creation
There is nothing in my experience that can match the creative spirit that develops from a group of like minded people doing the same thing together with no outside interference or interruptions. I personally don't have a cell phone and I am reminded constantly while doing workshops, of the peace and tranquility, this -lack of culture- provides me! No divided attention to other things elsewhere, instead just the thought of what I'm seeing and how to capture it. -A clear mind on a clear day!-
Make New Friends
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Working together as a group over an extended
period provides many things;
among them are friendships and photographs. |
Photography for most I feel, is a solitary sport, played alone and usually in the dark! The dedication needed and the time consumed are only available when approached in this manner. I have tried to incorporate a family travel outing, or even a business trip with photography to almost total failure. Taking off the busman's hat in haste can be more of a problem in most situations than I can handle. Being rushed or half hearted in most things results in very mixed results for me. The old adage about a bad photograph serving a useful purpose.. that is to show that a good one was possible ... I have proven over and over in this situation! -If only I had- ... is usually followed by the realization that I was in a hurry, didn't know the terrain well and was on my way somewhere else. A good workshop eliminates all of these distractions and concerns. With a workshop you share ideas, thoughts and strategies, try different methods and make friends with people that share your passion and desire for landscape photography. I'm told often that it would take months, or even years, to learn the places we see in just a few short days and when done alone you seldom meet or talk with anyone for days. The workshops are fun!
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| See the making of this image from our Death Valley workshop on DVD |
Door - to - Door
A good workshop eliminates the anxiety and tension over how, when and where. It is usually a difficult undertaking, after the decision has been made. to do a landscape photo shoot alone. OK, but what now? When to go? Where to go? How to get there? What to actually do and when ... after I finally arrive?
I feel if all that is left for the workshop participant to do is arrive at the airport at a pre-determined time, the flow and fun are will start immediately. The pressure is off and the questions asked elsewhere need not be considered.
"What kind of vehicle will I need and how far is the ride to our meeting destination"? No worries, I know a successful experience depends on our experience and not yours. Instead our participants are picked up at the airport and we spend the rest of the workshop riding and working together. This is part of the workshop experience and included in the fee. At the conclusion of the workshop we drop you back at the airport! There is no need to book and pay for your own room and no concern about that room being available when you arrive. Your room is again part of your workshop fee. We stay together, so as to further heighten the workshop experience!
Let me introduce you!
Having scouted an area with a workshop gives the participant time to become familiar with the surroundings and see, sometimes in conditions not conducive to landscape photography at that moment, the possibilities for a return visit that will take advantage of this new knowledge. Going home with thousands of images also adds to that data base! It's much easier to have a further dialog once you have been introduced!
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Mono Lake at Dawn as photographed on our 2003 Sierra Fall Color workshop |
Come on out and join our next workshop. We'll be chasing light and color soon in these great places!
Archived Notes From the Field
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