Eloquent Images by Gary Hart

Photo Workshops

New Zealand Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Iceland Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Grand Canyon Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Yosemite Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Hawaii Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Death Valley Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Eastern Sierra Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

Pacific Northwest Photo Workshops

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

FROM GARY'S BLOG

Watch Your Backup

Sunrise Gem, Diamond Beach, Iceland

A funny thing happened to me on the way to this image. And when I say “on the way,” I don’t mean taking the picture, I mean after it was safely loaded onto my computer and fully processed, it seems that someone (who wishes to remain anonymous), accidentally overwrote it with a completely different image. Oops.

Establishing a backup mindset

Overwriting an image is an easy thing to do; without a backup, it’s lost forever. In this case I still had the raw file, but I’d have lost all the time and effort I’d put into processing the image, with no guarantee that I’d ever perfectly duplicate my original processing. Not the end of the world, but a real pain. Instead, since I did have a backup, I was simply able to restore the image and go about my business.

Though whole experience was just a blip in my day, it made me think about the data management practices that made it a non-event. These data practices I acquired in my previous life in the tech industry (way back when megabytes were big), but practices that might not be quite so second nature to others (especially those who don’t yet know the devastation of lost irreplaceable data). Which led me to thinking that perhaps...

Photo Tip: Manual Exposure Simplified

Sunset, McWay Fall, Big Sur, California

Metering and exposure is more about results than technique: If you’re getting the exposures you want, it doesn’t really matter how you got there. But if you’re one of those photographers who avoids manual exposure because you're overwhelmed by all the settings choices (and even the word "manual" induces flashbacks of your dad teaching how to drive a stick-shift), let me assure you that manual exposure is really quite straightforward.

Some exposure facts

Understanding the following basic facts is the cornerstone to controlling your camera's exposure variables...

First and foremost, photography must be a source of pleasure. For many, photography's pleasure comes from the simple joy of experiencing nature in the right place, at the right time; for others, it's the thrill of capturing a special moment worthy of printing large and hanging above the sofa; or maybe you're not happy unless you return from a photo trip with a collection of images that enhance your professional portfolio.

For over a dozen years, I've helped photographers of all skill levels achieve happiness with their cameras by offering photo workshops in my favorite locations, at the absolute best times to photograph there. In these workshops, not only do we get to my favorite spots (some well known, some rarely visited) at the best times, there are no secrets: I'll teach you my approach to crafting an image, how to see the scene the way your camera sees it, and the focus and exposure techniques that maximize your camera’s unique vision. I’ll also help you get the most from each capture by sharing my digital workflow and processing approach.

I only schedule my workshops for the times I’d be there myself. Most are timed to coincide with a special event in nature, such as a moonrise in Yosemite, lightning at the Grand Canyon, the Milky Way in New Zealand, or the northern lights in Iceland. And as a life-long astronomy enthusiast, I love sharing my love for photographing the night sky with anyone who will listen.

No Secrets

To ensure that you’re ready from the start, your training begins  months before the workshop, with material to help you prepare and educate yourself. Training during the workshops is a mix of in-the-field and classroom, plus multiple image review sessions. You’ll also benefit from small groups, and a second, qualified nature photographer assisting me.

Beginner or expert, these workshops are for you if you like the idea of spending several sunrise-to-sunset (and sometimes later) days in a world-class location, with an enthusiastic group of like-minded photographers, guided by an expert who knows the area and loves photography as much as you do.

Workshop locations include New Zealand, Iceland, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, the Eastern Sierra, and the Pacific Northwest (Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast). Sign up now to see why these workshops always fill, many a year or more in advance, with nearly 70 percent repeat participants. Not only will you come away with great pictures, you'll become a better photographer. You'll also have a lot of fun.

 

WORKSHOP REVIEWS

Perfect Workshop

Thank you for a perfect workshop. Totally perfect. It was just incredible, all of it.

—S.P., Vermont

Superb and Invaluable

Thank you for planning and instructing a wonderful workshop. Your planning, knowing where to go when and instructional skills were superb and invaluable.

—RW, Indiana