Macro & Garden Digital Photography Workshop

Hosted by the Seabeck Christian Conference Center

Friday afternoon, May 8th to Saturday, May 9th, 2009 (Full)

Second Session added:

Friday afternoon, June 19th to Saturday, June 20th, 2009

 Join nature photographers Don Paulson and Laurie Usher for an enjoyable time learning techniques for photographing in the garden.  This workshop will be based in beautiful Seabeck, Washington at the Seabeck Conference Center with a visit to beautiful gardens nearby. 

Whether you are a beginning or intermediate photographer, our classroom presentations and in-the-field instructions will help you learn the art of macro photography.  You will learn how to take full advantage of your digital camera's features for taking close-ups.  Don and Laurie will share their passion for photographing flowers. We will discuss composition, guide you through difficult exposure problems, and explain digital photographic techniques.

Workshop Outline

Friday: 4 - 5 PM: Check in.  

5 PM: Introductions - Discussions on basic digital camera operation and settings used for macro photography

6:30 PM: Dinner

Evening presentation: "Macro Photography", including instruction for those needing extra help with camera basics.

Saturday:  8 AM: breakfast, midday lunch

Our day will begin with a visit to the beautiful Miami Beach area a short drive from the Seabeck Conference Center.  Here we will spend the morning hours photographing in the beautiful gardens.  You will learn new and creative ways to photograph flowers and garden vignettes. Separate instruction will be offered for those needing extra help with camera basics.

In the afternoon we will return to the Conference Center to download and view our photos (bring your laptop and card reader).  Laurie and Don will assist, including help for those who do not have a laptop.  Each participant will have the opportunity to make a Mother's or Father's Day greeting card using your favorite photo taken during the workshop.

3 - 4  PM: We will end our workshop by projecting and discussing some of your photos taken during the workshop.  

Beginning to Intermediate Photographers:  This workshop is designed to help beginners learn about how to use the features of their digital camera to make better close-up photos.  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. 

Students will benefit most if they bring a laptop with a photo editing program.  A sturdy tripod is highly recommended to get the most from the field instruction.  Macro lens, Extension tubes or close-up attachments will be useful but no special macro equipment is necessary for this workshop.

Accommodations:  Our rooms have private baths and with linens and towels provided.  Many of the buildings on the campus are historic structures that offer great photographic opportunities.   We will be free to roam and photograph the expansive grounds, stroll forested nature trails, enjoy the waterfront picnic area, or even row a boat on the lagoon.

Directions: Driving directions are listed on Seabeck Conference Center  website.

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:  Workshop with meals and lodging  - $195 per person based on double occupancy.  Double occupancy encouraged - Single occupancy cost is $215.   Maximum number of participants is 15.  

 Register: To register for this workshop please call or email the Seabeck Conference Center

Email:  seabeck@seabeck.org or call 360-830-5010;   206-842-0346 (from Seattle)

Questions: Workshop related questions please contact Laurie or Don. Call the Seabeck Conference Center for questions relating to meals and accommodations.

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

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

Payment: Call the Seabeck Conference Center.  Once your registration is confirmed you will receive (a few weeks before the workshop) a packet of detailed information about the course and what to bring . 

Previous Workshops:

Sept 12 - Sept 14 at the Seabeck Conference Center

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

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

August 31 - September 2, 2007 at Olympic Park Institute -   Click to see photos of 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.