Landscape Photography Workshop  Petit Jean State Park

May 21-23 2021

This workshop was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed due to covid 19 shutdowns. I have opened the discounted registration for photography clubs of $199 to all since most photo clubs have been shut down and not having in person meetings. 

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During this weekend photography workshop we will spend time in both a classroom setting and in the field photographing so that you immediately put into practice what you learn in the class.

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic, a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park and with it our state park system. The park mirrors the mountain’s rugged beauty with its rustic-style, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933. The CCC built trails, roads, bridges, cabins, and the focal point of the park, historic Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon.
Landscape photography shows spaces within the world, sometimes vast and unending, but other times microscopic. Landscape photographs typically capture the presence of nature but can also focus on man-made features or disturbances of landscapes.

Learn to take fantastic landscape photos in this weekend workshop.  We will have time in the classroom combined with several landscape photo shoots allowing us to go from an idea to a finished photo.  We will go through the process of finding a location, photographing, and then complete the image with post processing in Adobe Lightroom.

• Learn to create sun starbursts in your photos.
• Learn to research a location.
• Learn to use composition to create a stronger image.
• Learn to build panoramas.
• Learn to create natural HDR images.
• Learn how to make tack sharp images.
• Learn when and how to use filters.

Location:

Our meeting location and all classroom work will be at the CCC Barracks in Petit Jean State Park.

The barracks were built about 1936 and provided more permanent housing for camp foremen, who had previously been living in tents. After the camp closed, this building was moved from its original location and later served as a park superintendent’s house and visiting workers’ quarters. While the majority of the CCC camp buildings were intended to be temporary, this was one of the few “permanent” buildings from the camp. In 2005 it was restored to its original appearance/footprint and now serves as a small conference center/meeting space.

 

 

Workshop Itinerary

 

Friday May 21

Meet and greet at Mather Lodge for dinner at 5 pm followed by a sunset photo shoot.

 

 

Saturday May 22

We will meet at Petit Jean Gravesite Overlook  at 5:00 am for a sunrise shoot overlooking the Arkansas River below. When we finish the sunrise photo shoot we will take a break for breakfast and begin with classroom work at the CCC Barracks. we will take a break for lunch about 12 noon, return for more classroom work until about 5 pm.  We will break for dinner followed by  a sunset photo shoot which will complete the day.

Sunday May 23

We will begin the day with another sunrise photo shoot (same time and place) and then return to the classroom to learn to  post process our images using Adobe Lightroom Classic.  We will break for lunch around 12 noon and then go to a mid day HDR shoot, return to the classroom for more processing and wrap up the workshop around 4 pm.

 

Changes to the Itinerary

In order to offer the best experience possible for the workshop participants we reserve the right to alter the itinerary when our judgment warrants it.  This could be due to unforeseen circumstances, closures, weather or other conditions beyond our control.  We may also alter due to new or unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise.

Turtle Rocks are some of the most unique in Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton Arkansas.
Mounded polygonal structures resembling a turtle shell were carved in thick Hartshorne Sandstone.

Equipment:

To get the most from the workshop you should have a Digital Single Lens Reflex  (DSLR) or mirrorless camera, tripod and an assortment of lenses.  That being said, it is the photographer not the camera that makes the photo.  You will need a laptop computer to use, remember to bring all software, drivers, cords, and camera manuals when attending any workshop.  Have Adobe Lightroom Classic software installed and ready to use. (30 day free trail will be fine for the class).

As far as equipment goes, if you have it bring it.  You will need a good tripod to shoot waterfalls, if you do not have one let me know and I can bring an extra.     For shooting the waterfalls I recommend having  neutral density filter, I will have additional  neutral density filters that you may use.

The rock Water Tower at Petit Jean State Park was built by the CCC in the 1930’s. This unique rock structure held a water tank in it’s upper level and supplied the lodge and cabins with drinking water.

Workshop Policies and Information

About the Workshop

Our workshops are based on digital photography, the assistance that I can provide and the immediate feedback of digital make “in the field” workshops one of the most effective teaching formats available.  Whether finding the correct exposure, looking through the viewfinder for the perfect composition, or learning how to use the equipment, you can’t beat real world experience.  Classes are kept small, it’s all about personal, individual attention.

Digital offers a number of benefits for learning photography including:

  1. Immediate feedback on exposure and composition
  2. Immediate critique from the instructor an other participants
  3. Ability to do reviews and projection
  4. Automatically capturing all shooting information (Meta Data)
  5. Ability to manage work flow while still on location

 

Cost

The full cost of the workshop is $299 per participant.

 

Changes to the Itinerary

In order to offer the best experience possible for the workshop participants we reserve the right to alter the itinerary when our judgment warrants it.  This could be due to unforeseen circumstances, closures, weather or other conditions beyond our control.  We may also alter due to new or unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise.

 Transportation During Workshop

We do not provide transportation on workshops, carpooling will be done among participants for these workshops.  This helps to keep down the number of vehicles on the road and to keep parking simpler, as well as the opportunity to make friends with the other participants.  If you are riding with others, you are expected to compensate the driver for expenses.

What is Not Included

Transportation to and from the workshop, meals, lodging, entrance fees, incidental expenses, gratuities, and items of a personal nature.

Meals

Meals will be the responsibility of the participant, we may eat as a group or you are free to eat on your own.  We will probably eat several meals at the restaurant in the lodge, click here Breakfast Menu.pdf and here for the Lunch & Dinner Menu.pdf.

 

Lodging

Lodging is not provided for the workshop.  There are several options in the park including Mather Lodge, near the lodge are 33 cabins (21 with kitchens) located along the bluff with views of the canyon. The 125 park campsites (35 Class AAA and 90 Class B) are near Lake Bailey. Other options include a group camp area, rally-style area, and four Rent-A-Yurts.

For lodge and cabin reservations, contact:

Mather Lodge
1069 Petit Jean Mtn. Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
Telephone: (501)727-5431 OR 1-800-264-2462

For camping reservations, information, park hours,
fees and programs, contact:

Petit Jean State Park
1285 Petit Jean Mtn. Road
Morrilton, AR 72110
Telephone: (501)727-5441 (Park
e-mail: petitjean@arkansas.com
www.petitjeanstatepark.com
Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501)682-1191
www.ArkansasStateParks.com

Other options near the park:

Health and Physical Considerations

All participants should be in generally good health, walking and moderate climbing may be necessary in outdoor workshops and you will be responsible for carrying of your own equipment on location shoots.  If you are taking any medications be sure to bring a supply sufficient for the duration of the workshop.

If you have any concern about your ability to participate in a workshop please contact me before registering.

Registration, Payment, and Refund Policy

You can register any way you like, just so I get your information, you can use the online registration, the contact form, email,  postal mail, or call me on the phone (479-414-6889) either to register or just ask a question.  Registration is done on a first come basis, so register early to secure your space.   A deposit of $100 is required to reserve your space, and full payment is due  by May 15, 2021. Enrollment is limited in our workshops, so once you have been accepted your participation is important to us – we are counting on you to attend.  All workshop require a minimum number of participants or they will be canceled

If you must withdraw from a course, we must receive written notice of your cancellation, and then apply the following refund policy:   We do not make refunds on workshop fees. We do not make partial refunds for unused portions or services of a workshop for any reason whatsoever.  At our option we will give full or partial credit towards another workshop.

 

Cancellation Policy

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid, in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or an e-mail to you at least 30 days prior to the beginning of a workshop other than an emergency. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely matter due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation.

All workshops have a minimum participation level which must be met or the workshop may be canceled.

Sunset looking over the Akransas River Valley from the CCC overlook at Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas

Liability Waiver

All participants will be required to sigh a liability waiver before beginning a workshop.  We will not be liable for injury, accident or theft resulting from participation in our workshop program.

Weather

The more the better, at least as far as the photography goes.  Workshops will not be canceled and no refunds will be made due to weather, we will not be responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred by weather delays or cancellations due to weather, flight delays, or other. Participants should come to the workshop prepared for all weather conditions. We will generally update everyone within a few days of the workshop so that they know what type of weather to expect.

Trip Extensions

We may be able to extend your trip in the area, if you would like more time and personal instruction.  Please contact us for more information and rates before the workshop.

Smoking

We prefer that you do not smoke, however if you must please abide by the following guidelines.  Smoking is not allowed in or near vehicles, during instructional sessions, during group meals, or at other times when in close quarters with other workshop participants.

All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.  

Great Places for Great Photos

 

Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!

 
 

Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.

Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.

All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need.  Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.

If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom.  This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance.

On March 31, 2021   /   Past Workshops & Classes   /   Leave a comment

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