Digital Photography Workshop
Hosted by the Seabeck Christian Conference Center
Friday afternoon, Sept 12th to Sunday, Sept 14th, 2008
Our May workshop was a big success! Because we could not accommodate all those who wanted to attend, we are offering this same workshop a second time in September.
Join nature photographers Don Paulson and Laurie Usher for an exciting three day exploration of Nature Photography in a Digital Age. This special workshop will be based in beautiful Seabeck, Washington at the Seabeck Conference Center.
Whether you are a beginning or intermediate photographer, these classroom presentations and in-the-field instructions are designed to help you become a better photographer. You will learn how to take full advantage of your digital camera's features.
Classroom time will include presentations on landscape and macro photography as well as digital workflow techniques from image capture to computer processing. In the field, Don will share his passion for landscape and macro photography. We will discuss composition, guide you through difficult exposure problems, and explain digital photographic techniques.
Day 1: 1 - 3 PM: Check in. 6 PM: dinner
Don will be available during this time for a private consultation and critique of your work. If interested, bring a selection of your photographs for this private portfolio review. Classroom instruction begins at 4PM.
Evening presentation: "The Art of Making Great Photographs", with an optional "evening light" field session plus separate instruction for those needing extra help with camera basics.
Day 2: Optional "morning light" field session including a field trip to Miami Beach Gardens. 8 AM: breakfast, midday lunch, 6 PM: dinner
The day will be split between in-the-field and classroom instruction. Topics include "Macro Photography", "Mastering Exposure", "Histograms Demystified" and more. Our field exercises are carefully designed to put into practice what we learn in the classroom. Laurie will offer separate instruction for those needing extra help with camera basics.
Additional classroom instruction will be centered around the computer aspects of digital photography (bring your laptop and card reader). Laurie and Don will assist in downloading the day's photos, and will discuss file formats, digital workflow.. Optional instruction will be offered on RAW file processing and conversion. Optional "evening light" field session.
Day 3: Optional "morning light" field session. 8 AM: breakfast, midday lunch.
The morning will be spent in the field practicing what we've learned in the classroom and trying new and creative ways to photograph. Throughout the workshop we will remain flexible in order to take advantage of current conditions.
2-3 PM: Assistance in downloading and processing the day's photos. We will end our workshop by projecting and discussing some of your photos taken during the workshop. Don will be conducting additional private portfolio reviews if needed.
Beginner to Intermediate Photographers: This workshop is designed to help beginners learn about how to use the features of their digital camera to make better nature photos. You will also learn how to download, store and archive your photos on your laptop. Intermediate Photographers will be inspired by Don's personal techniques and nuances for capturing dramatic images of nature. In the classroom you will learn helpful tips about both creative and technical aspects of digital imaging.
Beginners will have the opportunity to sign up for Laurie's easy to understand Camera Basics sessions, while Don presents more advanced subjects such as RAW file conversion and processing.
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.
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.
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 - $350 per person based on double occupancy. Double occupancy encouraged - Single occupancy cost is $390. An accompanying guest not taking the workshop is $155 (meals and lodging only).
Maximum number of participants is 20. In the unlikely event that there are less than 10 participants there will be a $25 surcharge for workshop participants payable upon registration.
Register: To register for this workshop please contact 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. Contact 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 (Don will be away leading photo tours in Alaska Aug 21 through Sept 10, 2008)
Payment: Contact the Seabeck Conference Center. Once your registration is confirmed you will receive a packet of detailed information about the course and what to bring.
Previous Workshops:
May 8 - May 10, 2008 at Seabeck Conference Center
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.