Garden & Macro Photography Workshops

Hosted by The Bloedel Reserve

Instruction by Don Paulson & Laurie Usher

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 "Garden Photography for Beginners"

Tuesday, May 25th. 2010 "Creative Macro and Flower Photography"

Join photographers Don Paulson and Laurie Usher for an enjoyable time learning techniques for photographing in the garden.  These workshops will be based at The Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Attend one or both days. Our classroom presentations and in-the-field instructions will help you improve your photography skills.  You will learn how to take advantage of your digital camera's features.  Don and Laurie will share their passion for photographing garden scenes and close ups of flowers. We will discuss composition, guide you through difficult exposure problems, and explain digital photographic techniques.

Workshop Outline

Tuesday, May 18th, Garden Photography for Beginners

 8:30 - 9:00AM Check in.  

9:00AM to lunch:  Classroom presentations and discussions on understanding the basics. We will learn about basic digital camera operation and settings. If you are new to photography, Laurie and Don will put you at ease with their knack for clear and simple explanations to your questions.  We will end the morning by helping you find the settings on your camera and how to best set up and use your tripod.  

Lunch: Bring your own sack lunch

1:00PM to 5:00PM: Don will start the afternoon with an inspiring presentation, "Creative Garden Photography". The bulk of the afternoon will be spent photographing in the gardens with help and tips from Laurie and Don.  Our emphasis will be on garden scenes rather than macro photography.  We will wrap up the day with a review of any problem areas or questions that remain. 

Tuesday, May 25th, Creative Macro & Flower Photography

 8:30 - 9:00AM Check in.  

9:00AM to lunch: Review and discuss basic digital camera operation and settings used for macro photography. We will learn how to understand and use your camera's histogram. Don will give an informative and inspiring presentation on "Macro Photography".

Lunch: Bring your own sack lunch

1:00PM - 5:00PM: The afternoon will be spent photographing in the gardens with an emphasis on macro and flower photography. Don and Laurie will help you through the technical aspects and inspire you to try new and creative methods. We will wrap up the day with a review of any problem areas or questions that remain. 

Beginning to Intermediate Photographers:  The May 18th workshop is designed to help beginners learn about how to use the features of their digital camera to make better photos. You will appreciate Laurie's extensive experience in teaching photography at all levels.  The May 25th workshop will build on the basics with a more in-depth look at macro photographic techniques.  Intermediate Photographers will be inspired by Don's personal techniques and nuances for capturing beautiful flower photographs.  In the classroom, you will learn helpful tips about both creative and technical aspects of digital imaging. 

A sturdy tripod is highly recommended to get the most from the field instruction for both workshops.  Macro lens, extension tubes or close-up attachments will be useful but no special macro equipment is necessary for the Creative Macro & Flower Photography Workshop.

Directions: Driving directions are listed here.

About the Instructors:  Learn more about Don Paulson on this website. You can view examples of Don's photographs in the Portfolio section. Be sure to check out Don's amazing flower photographs. 

Laurie Usher began her career as an action photographer, focusing on women’s sports. She owns ENVIRO-ED, an environmental education business, for which she has won numerous awards.  As a ranger for Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks, she developed an appreciation for the importance of the historical role of photography in establishing and protecting our parks. Currently, Laurie teaches digital photography at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA.

Cost:  Garden Photography for Beginners Bloedel Members $79 per person, Non-members $89 per person. Maximum number of participants is 16.  This workshop is full

Creative Macro & Flower Photography Bloedel Members $79 per person, Non-members $89 per person.. Maximum number of participants is 16.   May 25th session is full - second session scheduled for June 1

Both workshops: Bloedel Members $150 per person, Non-members $170 per person

Register: To register for this workshop please call The Bloedel Reserve at 206-842-7631 or email at email@bloedelreserve.org. 

Questions: Workshop related questions please contact Laurie or Don. 

Laurie: PhotoLacrosse@earthlink.net or call 360-373-1079

Don: don@donpaulson.com  or call 360-830-2212

Payment: Call the Bloedel Reserve at 206-842-7631.  Once your registration is confirmed (a few weeks before the workshop) Laurie or Don will send you via email a packet of detailed information about the course and what to bring. 

        Previous Workshops:

Sept 12 - Sept 13, 2009 at the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival

Aug 22 - Aug 23, 2009 Sailing on the Schooner Lavengro, Brownsville - Click to see photos from this workshop

May 8 - May 9, 2009 at the Seabeck Conference Center

May 8 - May 10, 2008 at Seabeck Conference Center - Click to see photos from this workshop

July 20 - July 22, 2007 at Olympic Park Institute - Click to see photos from this workshop

August 31 - September 2, 2007 at Olympic Park Institute -   Click to see photos from this workshop   Click to see Participants' Photos! 

        Testimonials:

Letters of Appreciation:

"Since the workshop all Sue talks about is taking pictures. You sparked Sue’s excitement in taking pictures and now we can enjoy doing it together. Thank you so much." Eric Overholt

“Thank you both for a wonderful workshop.  You work so well together, complement each other and really work to meet the needs of every student - you have mastered quite a challenge.”  Mary Westerback

“I am still talking about how much I learned at the workshop and how much fun it was for me.  I anxiously await the next class. Thanks again for a spectacular class.”  Barbara Lippert

“Thanks for the fabulous photo workshop!  Lilly and I are inspired!”  Rick Ransdell

“I had such a good time at the workshop and feel that I learned a lot about my camera and about taking better photographs.  It was well worth the money and effort to come.”  Kathy Miller

“Thanks for all the help – it was invaluable – Thoroughly enjoyed it.”  Karen Ebersole

Course Evaluation Comments:

Incredible class!  I was constantly challenged and learning.  The instructors were delightful, very experienced, and extremely patient.  Thank you!

I wish I had taken this class years ago.  Very clear explanations and visuals.

I am so excited about all that I’ve learned!! I think I understand more now. Yippee! 

Greatly appreciated the excellent presentations and very helpful teachers with great experience to share – very approachable and encouraging. Loved it, Thank you.

I thought the workshop was terrific and covered many different levels of skills. I never felt embarrassed by my lack of skill or equipment. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone wishing to improve there knowledge and skills.

Excellent class sessions – overall seminar was excellent. Great help from assistants.

Realizing I rated the value to all categories as “5-Exceptional”, I’m hoping it doesn’t indicate a lack of effort on my part.  I found the course, location and instruction exceptional. I greatly appreciate Don and Laurie’s patience and teaching attributes.