Getting Started

PURCHASING AND SCHEDULING

You can purchase prior to scheduling or schedule after your purchase. Either way, I will email you and we will figure out the best time and location to fit your needs and our schedules. Before we get into the field I like to discuss your photography state and goals so we can make the workshop a successful one.

TRANSPORTATION

We will meet at a designated location and no transportation will be provided to, during and from the workshop, unless previously arranged with Chris.

LOCATIONS

Locations are usually discussed with you and based around your compositional desires, skill set, weather, light, tides, waves, season, etc. I have lived in the Los Angeles area for 37 years and have a great understanding of the local climate and locations throughout Southern California and beyond. I’ll put us in the best place possible, based upon all factors, to make your session enjoyable and fulfilling. All workshops will be conducted within a 6 hour range of Los Angeles. If you’d like to explore areas further away we can customize something for you. California has an abundance of public, state, and national park lands to explore. The Southwest and beyond is possible as well through customization

• Note: Please make me aware of any physical limitations and/or conditions that might factor into our location choice.

Curriculum

BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE

I am a big believer in fundamentals in the development of any skill, photography is no different. I start all my workshops by ensuring that we have a good foundation to build on. Below you’ll find some sample topics:

• Shooting in Manual Mode

• Understand The Exposure Triangle and how each affects the image (aperture, ISO, shutter speed)

• How to Meter and Expose for best results

• Compositions made simple

• Understanding and using camera settings and menu options

• ND’s, Polorizors and Grads - Which to use and when to use it

• Tips and Tricks for easier workflows and shooting experience

ADVANCED

Those who have a greater understanding of their cameras will get some more advanced shooting techniques to focus on light, location and making good decisions to make the most of the variables. Some advanced topics are listed below:

• Exposure bracketing and blending

• Focus stacking for depth of field and sharpness

• Creative blending to bring the vision to life

• Tracking Weather, Light, Tides, and Surf

• Composing for interest, depth and focus

MAIN THEMES

Subjects vary, but the following are common themes for all skill levels:

• Exposure Balancing

• Long Exposure

• Water Motion

• Shooting Changing Light

• Use of light

• Composing for connection, interest and clarity of subject

Results and Expectations

SUMMARY

Your satisfaction, enjoyment and educational experience is important to me.  The goal of this workshop is to get you further acquainted with your camera, filters, and how to capture richer shots. You should come away with a much greater understanding of what tools are needed to come away with better captures as you continue to gain experience and practice your skills.

WEATHER

You don’t need perfect weather to learn how to use light, your filters, and your camera. While I want all my students to have an epic weather day, this isn’t always possible. I can push off workshops for better weather as my schedule will allow. If you would like to know about availability before purchase please reach out to me.

EXTENDED EXPERIENCES

If you are looking for a more immersive experience in or outside of the Los Angeles Area, reach out to me. I am well traveled throughout the state of California and can guide you through it’s finest outdoor locations (Yosemite, Big Sur, San Francisco, Eastern Sierras, Mojave Deserts, etc.) Customizations are possible to bring your photo experience to life.

POST PROCESSING

Up to 3 hours of private post processing instruction is included with this workshop. Editing is done via the internet after or session. It is recorded and available for download shortly after the session is complete. Instruction is given in both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop as you should prefer. Topics of post processing will vary upon your skill level. Common topics below:

• Lightroom and Photoshop Workflows

• Maximizing your RAW captures

• Keys to clean editing

• Stacking for depth of field and noise

• Use of Luminosity Masks

• Blending methods

• Finishing an Image

• and much more...

NOT INCLUDED

Workshops do not include the following:

• Transportation

• Food/Water/Lodging

 Things to Bring

It’s always good to know what equipment you need. If you have any questions about the necessities I’m here to help, but here is a list of essentials:

• DSLR / Mirrorless camera and lenses (recommend a wide angle and a telephoto)

• Tripod

• All filters you have, if any

• Remote / cable camera shutter

• Empty memory cards

• Spare camera batteries

• Head torch (for any night photography sessions)

• Footwear and clothing appropriate for the location and weather

• Food, Water, and all other essentials. No Food or water will be provided before, during or after workshop.

Missing something? I might have something you can use and am always happy to suggest purchases if you need to make it.