Spring Photography Workshop
May 3 – 5, 2024
Limited to 4 participants
This will be a two day field workshop near Jasper Arkansas. Just about all of our time will be spent photographing the endless possibilities of this unique area, with personal instruction from Greg Disch. During this workshop we concentrate on getting great landscape and nature photos in this beautiful area of Arkansas. We will cover everything from basic camera settings to specialized techniques with an emphasis on composition.
One of the primary objectives of this workshop will be photographing waterfalls and to learn the techniques necessary for obtaining beautiful silky smooth waterfall photos. In Arkansas, April-May is generally the spring rainy season and a good time for shooting waterfalls. However, the weather is very unpredictable and in Arkansas waterfalls generally have water only in wet periods. There will be no guarantee that we will actually be able to photograph waterfalls with flowing water. On the other hand, we may have too much water being unsafe traveling to the locations to photograph the waterfalls. In case of either of these conditions we will have alternative subjects to photograph and we will still be able to cover the techniques of photographing waterfalls.
We will also learn how to capture great close-up and macro shots using the abundant spring wildflowers as our primary subjects. The area is also home to many great old barns and cabins with a rich history.
Our primary goal is photography and our will be spent either taking photos or discussing techniques while driving, there will be very little hiking with our locations being near where we park.
Workshop Itinerary
Friday May 3
We will meet at the Ozark Cafe on the square in Jasper at 6:00 pm for dinner and to get acquainted with everyone in the group. We will discuss preparations for our morning shoot on Saturday, and be sure everyone has transportation.
Ozark Cafe
107 E Court St.
Jasper, AR
72641
US
The Ozark Cafe is on of Jasper is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the second oldest restaurant in Arkansas and is located near the Buffalo River on the square in Jasper Ar.
Saturday, May 4
We will meet for breakfast at the Ozark cafe in Jasper at 8:00 before departing on our shoot Saturday morning. Plan to bring a picnic style lunch, snacks, and drinks for during the day Saturday as we may not have anywhere available to stop for lunch.
We will do in the field training on how to photograph waterfalls, to obtain the smooth silky appearance that we all like to see in waterfall photographs. In addition, there should be a great variety of wildflowers that we will be able to photograph, there are number of unique techniques that will we explore to capture great flower photos in the field.
We will return to Jasper and meet for dinner to discuss the days photo opportunities and have a question-and-answer session.
Sunday, May 5
We will again meet for breakfast at eight o’clock at the Ozark Cafe in Jasper. After breakfast we will venture out to another waterfall location. After shooting at this location, we will journey to a second location for another shoot. We will complete our photography sessions at around 4 pm Sunday afternoon completing the workshop.
In addition to shooting wildflowers and waterfalls, we may have the opportunity to photograph the elk in Boxley Valley, numerous old barns, and other landscape opportunities.
Kayaker going over Six Finger Falls in the fall on Richland Creek in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.
Equipment:
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. We may have opportunities for various wildlife with a long lens if you have it. We will be doing some close-up photography and if you use Canon equipment you will be able to borrow and try some of my equipment. For shooting the waterfalls I recommend having neutral density filter, I will have additional neutral filters that you may use.
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:
- Immediate feedback on exposure and composition
- Immediate critique from the instructor an other participants
- Ability to do reviews and projection
- Automatically capturing all shooting information (Meta Data)
- Ability to manage work flow while still on location
Cost
The full cost of the workshop is $595 per participant.
Group Size
We keep our group size small, this provides for a high degree of personal attention and a great amount of flexibility in making the workshop the best possible experience for the participants.
This workshop is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.
Falling Water Falls in the fall on Richland Creek in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.
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
I will provide transportation during the workshop, 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 wish you may follow in your own vehicle, but depending on road conditions you may need a high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle for some locations.
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 eat most meals at the Ozark Cafe in Jasper and this will be our meeting location for the workshop.
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 $200 is required to reserve your space, and full payment is due by April 10, 2024. 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.
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.
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