2018 WORKSHOP AND FIELD SESSIONS
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
Current information listed is from our 2018 Summit.
We will be updating our website with 2021 Summit information as it becomes available.
For major updates and announcements be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
We will be updating our website with 2021 Summit information as it becomes available.
For major updates and announcements be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
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-Field Session: A class that takes place in the field.
-Seminar: A class that takes place in the classroom. -Workshop: A class that spends time in both the classroom and in the field. -Track Session: A class that takes place over the course of 2 or 3 sessions with the same instructor and participants. These sessions include a note about which part they are (Part I of II, Part II of III, etc.). You must register for all portions of this class. |
**Adjustments may be made to the schedule and classes may finish earlier depending on travel time, weather, and faculty goals.**
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th
Conference Registration Opens 12PM-5PM
Chincoteague Bay Field Station Education Center
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th
Pre-Summit Seminar
Exposure and Composition: The Foundation of Every Image
Type: Seminar
Instructor: Brian Zwit
Start Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Education Center Classroom TBA
Description: A great photograph begins with the basics—proper exposure and thoughtful composition. Moreover, the ability to set the right exposure and frame your image needs to be instinctual to capture the fleeting moments that make for great images. This class will cover how to...
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Determine proper exposure and select the exposure that gets you the image that you envision: -Set the f-stop, shutter speed, and ISO -Calculate equivalent exposures -Choose the right exposure out of many to capture the image you see |
Use the features of your camera to get perfect exposures: -Select whether to use the matrix, center-weighted, or spot meter -Use the histogram to fine tune exposure Add exposure composition |
Compose an image: -Use the principals of design to compose images -Know when to use the rule-of-thirds and when not to use it -Compose with color -Use leading lines, patterns, anchors, texture, etc. Know when to break the “rules” |
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15th
Evening Activities
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Opening Reception
Education Center Classroom 201 (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM) |
Dinner
Dining Hall (6:30 PM – 7:15 PM) |
Evening Program
Education Center Classroom 201 (7:15 PM) |
Meet your instructors and fellow summit attendees. During this time you will receive an overview of the summit schedule, hear session briefings by the instructors, and get a chance to win door prizes!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
Morning Sessions
Morning Sessions
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Challenges of Photographing Sunrise
Type: Field Session Instructor: Nikhil Bahl Start Time: 5:30 AM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Assateague Island National Seashore & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: This session will focus on the challenges of photographing sunrise. You will learn how to take advantage of the light as it changes from the soft morning glow to the stronger late morning light. Nikhil will discuss camera settings when working in low light, how to incorporate the sun in a composition, using slow shutter speeds, techniques to create sharp images, and incorporating creative considerations when photographing landscapes. This session is open to all levels of photographers, as instruction in the field will be customized to the individual. **A tail gate breakfast is provided for attending photographers.** Finding Art in Nature, Part I of II
Type: Workshop (Track Session) Instructor: Jamie Konarski Davidson Start Time: 8:00 AM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: Whether you view the world through the wide-angle lens of a landscape photographer or prefer the smaller stories found with a macro lens, the art in nature is all around you. Tuning your eyes and mind on the “art channel,” can help you see and build images you might not have found before. In this track session, you’ll learn about ways to tune in with your eyes, mind, and heart. Learn how to create compositions that are artful interpretations of reality. Jamie will share techniques that you can use anywhere and anytime, such as in-camera motion, multiple exposures, zooms, and spins. Even more, you’ll learn how to simplify and focus in the field to bring home images that require minimal work to refine. Jamie will give assignments for you to complete while in the field. Be prepared to have fun while adding new techniques to your photographic toolbox! Please note: This track session includes two parts. You must register to attend both sessions. Part II will be a field session at Pocomoke River State Park on Friday afternoon. |
Sunrise & Photographing Seashells by the Seashore
Type: Field Session Instructor: Jim Clark & Mike Traubel Start Time: 5:30 AM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Assateague Island National Seashore Description: After photographing sunrise, we’ll do an exercise in using slow-shutter speeds to photograph seashells as the incoming tide washes over them. The effect is an abstraction of water flowing over and around a whelk shell. It’s a fun and challenging task that requires a bit of patience and quick action to capture just the right moment. You’ll need a tripod, telephoto-zoom lens, and if available, polarizer, neutral density filters, or variable neutral density filters. Jim and Mike will give a quick orientation session on Thursday night to help you prepare for this fun activity. Time permitting, we’ll also do another “seashells by the seashore” exercise to convey texture, pattern, form, and rhythm. **A tail gate breakfast is provided for attending photographers** A Different Perspective on the World: Macro & Close-up Photography Type: Field Session Instructor: Brian Zwit Start Time: 8:00 AM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: While grand vistas and wildlife make for compelling images, focusing on the smaller aspects of the natural world reveals details and beauty that is difficult to see with the naked eye. It is quite simply a different perspective on the world. In this field session, Brian will show you how to... Get up close to your subject: Use the equipment that you own Add extension tubes, close-up filters, and macro lenses to your tool set Use macro lenses to get 1:1 magnification Capture macro & close-up images Ensure sharp macro & close-up images Compose your macro & close-up images Set up your camera (Hint: Use manual focus.) Take abstract macro and close-up images Use shallow & deep depth of field for maximum effect Use & modify light to capture the best image possible |
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
Afternoon Sessions
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Photographing Water
Type: Workshop Instructor: Nikhil Bahl Start Time: 1:15 PM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: If you’re a photographer that likes to interpret the same subject in different ways, then you appreciate the creative possibilities in photographing water. Water is an endlessly fascinating and protean subject, yet it’s one that many photographers view with a limited vision. During the classroom session, Nikhil will cover the gear required and the variety of techniques he uses to “see” water in varied ways. Specifically, he discusses the different approaches he uses to capture both static and moving water, including shutter speed, lighting, time of day and perspective. Nikhil has two objectives: first, to help you get the most out of your gear and, second, to push the boundaries of interpretation when it comes to photographing one of nature’s most amazing wonders. During the field session, Nikhil will assist you in unleashing your creativity in photographing water compositions. High Dynamic Range Photography, Part I of III Type: Workshop (Track Session) Instructor: Mike Traubel Start Time: 1:15 PM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: Ever photograph a scene with high contrasting light only to be frustrated that you cannot capture the entire light range in the scene? The problem can be solved through High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. This session guides you through the process of shooting and processing images for creating HDR photographs that capture details in both the highlights and deep shadows of a scene. The classroom session will explain HDR, the process of shooting a series of images to support post processing, and an overview of popular HDR software. Trial versions of HDR software will be available for those who do not have the software. The first field shoot – sunset at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – will be held immediately after the classroom session. The images you capture during this field shoot and the afternoon field shoot at Saxis on Saturday afternoon will be processed during the Sunday morning classroom session. Please note: This track session includes three parts. You must register to attend all three sessions. Part II is a field shoot at Saxis on Saturday afternoon and Part III is a digital darkroom editing session on Sunday morning at the Education Center. |
Optical Extraction & Isolated Scenics
Type: Workshop Instructor: Jim Clark Start Time: 1:00 PM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: When photographing nature, the photographer strives to capture a sense of place to illustrate why this moment in time was photographed. Often that goal is not achieved for one reason: Too much of the scene was included in the composition, thus reducing the dramatic and intimate nuance that attracted the photographer in the first place. The solution: Instead of reaching for a wide-angle lens, use optical extraction and isolated scenic techniques to photograph the scene. Simply put: opt for a medium range telephoto zoom to isolate on only a segment of the scene. Jim will discuss and show examples of his approach for using these techniques to photograph landscapes and intimate portraits of nature that highlight only those elements of a scene that define the essence of that moment. Jim will discuss how lens selection, compositional format, angle of lighting, and proper field technique all contribute to creating images that are simple in composition, but convey the beauty and wonder of nature. For the field session, you will be using a medium range telephoto zoom to photograph isolated scenic at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. We’ll hike along various trails to explore moments and locations to practice using optical extraction and isolated scenic techniques. Potential subjects include optical extractions of backlit subjects such as autumn leaves and isolated scenics of forest and marsh landscapes. Please note: This session is limited to seven participants Finding Art in Nature, Part II of II Type: Field Session (Track Session) Instructor: Jamie Konarski Davidson Start Time: 1:15 PM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Pocomoke River State Park Description: The second part of this track session will take you on a field shoot to the beautiful Pocomoke River State in Maryland. Nestled along Corker’s Creek, this state park is surrounded by Loblolly and deciduous forests, cypress swamps and the dark tannin-stained waters of the Pocomoke River and Corker’s Creek. Jamie will provide on-site instruction on the techniques discussed during the morning classroom session. Please note: This is a continuation of the Part I session held in the morning. You must register to attend both sessions. See Part I description for an overview. |
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
Evening Session
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Pre-Dinner Social Featuring Wine, Cheese, and Local Beer
Dining Hall (6:00 PM) |
Dinner
Dining Hall (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM) |
Photography Instructor Presentations
Education Center Classroom 201 (7:30 PM) |
Using the Other Half of the Day: Landscapes Using Artificial, Ambient, & Moonlight, Part I of II
Type: Field Session (Track Session)
Instructor: Brian Zwit
Start Time: 9:00 PM (Meet in Education Center Lobby)
Location: Greenbackville, VA
Description: Why do photographers not take advantage of the 12 hours, on average, of nighttime? The light of the moon allows for extraordinary landscape images. However, shooting at night poses a unique problem: It is very dark!In this track session, you will learn how to...
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Expose your images at night:
-Set up your camera for shooting at night & determine proper exposure -Minimize noise -Ensure a sharp image with slow shutter speeds |
Shoot landscapes at night:
-Compose a landscape at night -The Milky Way (not visible in November) and star trails (discussion only) -Focus at night without light Verify exposure -Take the images required for post-processing, i.e., use multiple images to reduce noise |
Use different kinds of light at night:
-Find ambient light -Photograph landscapes with moonlight -Add light to the scene using flashlights, flash, and other lights |
Post-process your nighttime/long exposure images:
-Minimize noise -Do basic processing -Use noise reduction and sharpening software -Use multiple images to reduce noise |
Please note: This track session includes two parts. You must register to attend both sessions. Part II will be a classroom session on Sunday morning.
WARNING
The above course consists of two sessions: a field trip at night and a classroom session the next morning. The field trip will take us off campus and we will not return to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station until approximately 1:00 am.
Due to the late night return, the morning session will begin at 9:00 am.
The above course consists of two sessions: a field trip at night and a classroom session the next morning. The field trip will take us off campus and we will not return to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station until approximately 1:00 am.
Due to the late night return, the morning session will begin at 9:00 am.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th
Morning Sessions
Morning Sessions
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Beyond the Standard Landscape
Type: Field Session Instructor: Nikhil Bahl Start Time: 5:30 AM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: During this field session we will work on how to see beyond the obvious. While everyone can “see” the whole landscape in front of them, we will focus on finding smaller scenes. This can vary from using a longer lens to isolate a subject to simply changing your perspective and focusing on an intimate landscape. Bring all your lenses; we will use them all! **A tail gate breakfast is provided for attending photographers.** Sunrise and Morning Photo Shoot Type: Field Session Instructor: Mike Traubel & Jamie Konarski Davidson Start Time: 5:30 AM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Taylor Landing, Maryland & Greenbackville, Virginia Description: Want to try a different sunrise location other than the beach? Then join Mike and Jamie as they take you to Taylor Landing, an isolated and quiet slice of eastern shore heaven located along the Chincoteague Bay. We’ll spend the morning photographing not only sunrise, but the old buildings, docks, pilings, and coastal scenes at the landing as well. Before heading back to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station, we’ll visit and photograph at the small coastal village of Greenbackville. Mike and Jamie will offer instruction on how to use high dynamic range photography and other creative techniques to capture a true sense of place. **A tail gate breakfast is provided for attending photographers.** |
Sunrise at Black Duck Pool
Type: Field Session Instructor: Jim Clark Start Time: 5:30 AM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: This is a basic nature photography field shoot to photograph sunrise at the refuge’s Black Duck Pool – the iconic sunrise location on the refuge. A morning at this location can be full of natural surprises: flocks of waterfowl and wading birds landing in the pool, sika elk galloping across the wetland, and of course, the Chincoteague ponies. After sunrise, we’ll explore the refuge for wading birds and other wildlife. **A tail gate breakfast is provided for attending photographers.** Using the Other Half of the Day: Landscapes Using Artificial, Ambient, & Moonlight Part II of II Type: Seminar (Track Session) Instructor: Brian Zwit Start Time: 9:00 AM (time may change according to end time the previous night) Location: Education Center Classroom TBA Description: Part II of this session will discuss how to post-process night and long exposure photography. Brian will provide an overview of basic digital darkroom techniques, including how to reduce noise by using noise reduction and sharpening software. **A continental breakfast will be provided in the classroom so you can sleep in!** Please note: This is a continuation of the Part I session held the night before. You must register to attend both sessions. See Part I description for an overview. |
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th
Afternoon Sessions
Afternoon Sessions
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The Essentials of Bird & Wildlife Photography
Type: Workshop Instructor: Nikhil Bahl Start Time: 1:15 PM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: Jumpstart your wildlife photography skills! In this class, Nikhil will cover a variety of topics that will help you improve your wildlife photography. There will be a special consideration given to birds in this session. Some of these topics include... Picking the right gear based on performance, budget, and weight Understanding the correct camera settings for different situations Understanding auto focus Creating sharp images Tips on approaching wildlife Waiting for the right moment Depth of field considerations Action/flight photography and more! Nikhil will also discuss creative aspects, such as how to use light and shutter speeds to interpret the subject and create captivating compositions. During the field session, Nikhil will help you put into practice what was covered in the classroom. You can expect to come away with new technical skills and new ideas. Seeing & Capturing in a New Way Type: Workshop Instructor: Jamie Konarski Davidson Start Time: 1:15 PM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Description: It’s easy to get caught up in being “technically correct” at the expense of being creative. Jamie will discuss some of her favorite creative approaches and techniques to capture outstanding images of nature. One of Jamie’s favorites is using Lensbaby in the field. (Loaners will be available for this session. If you have a Lensbaby, bring it along.) Each lens and optic gives you a different effect and allows you to let go of what you think a subject “should” look like and embrace “the veer” from documentary images. Another twist on capturing the natural world is in infrared – the light we cannot see. Jamie will share some information on infrared photography and work with you in the field if you bring along an IR-converted camera. From landscapes to intimate stories and macro and close-up subjects, there’s a world of creative opportunity waiting to be discovered. In the classroom session, you’ll learn some of the possibilities and nuances. In the field, you’ll have a chance to play with different optics and find your own way of seeing. |
High Dynamic Range Photography, Part II of III
Type: Field Session (Track Session) Instructor: Mike Traubel & Jim Clark Start Time: 1:15 PM (Meet in Education Center Lobby) Location: Saxis, Virginia and Saxis Wildlife management Area Description: This is Part II of the high dynamic range track session. Mike and Jim will take you to the other side of the Delmarva Peninsula to the historical coastal community of Saxis, located along the shore of the Pocomoke River and Chesapeake Bay. We’ll start at the Saxis boat landing and boat harbor and wrap-up the afternoon photographing sunset at the Saxis Wildlife Management Area. You’ll have opportunities to use HDR techniques to photograph buildings, boats, and the Saxis boat harbor and finally, sunset over an expanse of salt marsh at the Saxis Wildlife Management Area. Please note: This is a continuation of a three-part track session. You must register to attend all three sessions.Part I is a workshop & field session at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Friday afternoon and Part III is a digital darkroom editing session on Sunday morning at the Education Center. Please see Part I description for an overview. It’s All About Tones: Landscape Photography in Black & White Type: Workshop Instructor: Brian Zwit Start Time: 1:15 PM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA & Field Session TBA Description: Classic landscape photography in black and white and is experiencing a renaissance. Black and white photography is about the basic building blocks of any photograph: tones, textures, shapes, and forms. You will learn how to... -Pick a subject for black and white photography: -Why consider black and white -Understand tonal variations -What makes a good black and white landscape -Take a black and white image in the field: -Set up your camera for black and white -What are the best times for black and white photography -Use shapes and forms to make a great black and white landscape -Convert from color to black and white: -Convert images to black and white in Lightroom and Photoshop -Use plugins to convert to black and white -Get a good, neutral black and white print |
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17th
Evening Session
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Pre-Dinner Social Featuring Wine, Cheese, and Local Beer
Dining Hall (6:00PM) |
Dinner
Dining Hall (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM) |
Photography Showcase & Celebration
Education Center Classroom 201 (7:30 PM) |
Evening Photography Showcase- Now it’s time to celebrate and enjoy the images you have captured during the summit. Attendees are invited to showcase up to three images that they have photographed during the summit. After presenting the images, if requested, instructors will be available to comment and procide suggestions. Most of all, it’s time to relax and enjoy an evening of extraordinary photography!
Note: You must sign up to participate in the showcase. Download up to three high-resolution JPEG images on a memory stick. Further instructions will be provided during the summit.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18th
Morning Sessions
Note: All sessions are to be held at the classrooms at the Education Center.
Morning Sessions
Note: All sessions are to be held at the classrooms at the Education Center.
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Photographic Impact
Type: Seminar Instructor: Nikhil Bahl Start Time: 9:00 AM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA Description: As photographers, when we are inspired by a subject, we are driven to photograph it. We use different approaches and techniques to interpret the subject, all with the final goal of creating images that have photographic impact. That impact could be visual, emotional or both. In this presentation, Nikhil will break down the photographic process and share his thoughts on how you can take control of your photography and create more meaningful and personal images. He will also share how these personal interpretations can and will have more photographic impact that will engage the viewer beyond the average photograph. “Wow” Landscapes: Enhancing Your Landscape Images Using Lightroom and Photoshop Type: Seminar Instructor: Brian Zwit Start Time: 8:15 AM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA Description: While you should always get the best image possible in the field, almost every image can be improved with a bit of judicious editing. Brian will show you how to use Lightroom and Photoshop to get that extra impact that takes your landscape images from “that’s nice” to “WOW!” The class will cover how to... Analyze a landscape image:Take a “great” landscape: Determine what adjustments to make to the image Decide when to delete an image Make basic adjustments that result in big differences: Crop and straighten an image Use the image’s histogram to help guide image adjustments Decide between a global and local adjustment Use local adjustment to fix skies and foregrounds Use the LAB color mode in Photoshop to improve color saturation and contrast Sharpen landscape images Analyze your edits: Check your monitor Use soft-proofing to check the brightness and colors in an image |
Beyond f/stops and Shutter Speeds: Quick Tips for Enhancing Your Nature Photography
Type: Seminar Instructor: Jim Clark Start Time: 8:15 AM-11:30 AM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA Description: Before heading into the digital darkroom, it’s important to make sure that when in the field, you use sound field techniques to photograph that defining moment in nature. Nothing in the darkroom will work unless you have an image captured correctly in the field. Drawing from his 42 plus years as a professional nature photographer, Jim offers some of his own favorite field techniques for you to consider. These are not your usual techniques either! Jim will share techniques such as: shaken and not stirred, be like water, be friends with the subject, multi-tasking in the field, are you kidding me, if you want to ride a horse, andgoing to the other side of the island.This is a rapid session of techniques, so hold onto your hats and be prepared to add a few more tools to your photography toolbox. Express Yourself & Your Visual Voice Type: Seminar Instructor: Jamie Konarski Davidson Start Time: 8:15 AM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA Description: Too often there are images not taken or shared for fear of being judged or not “liked.” Stifled creativity stops the visual artist in his or her tracks. There are many possibilities in the field and in post-processing to present your interpretation that goes beyond the standard operating procedure. Be a rebel! Photograph and process your images to express your unique vision. They will be stronger. In this session you’ll see how Jamie takes on the challenge as she demonstrates the possibilities available with some of her favorite creative approaches and tools such as Topaz filters. Get inspired and unleash your creativity! High Dynamic Range Photography, Part III of III – Digital Editing Techniques for HDR Type: Seminar (Track Session) Instructor: Mike Traubel Start Time: 8:15 AM Location: Education Center Classroom TBA Description: Part III of this track session will provide you an opportunity to process and edit the HDR images taken during the field sessions. Mike will discuss various software programs that can be used to process and edit HDR images. Please note: This is a continuation of a three-part track session. You must register to attend all three sessions.Part I is a workshop & field session at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Friday afternoon and Part II is a field shoot at Saxis on Saturday afternoon. Please see Part I description for an overview. |
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18th
Afternoon Sessions
Private Portfolio Reviews
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Education Center (Classroom TBA)
Description: Private portfolio review will be held after lunch on the last day of the Summit. Sessions are $35 for a 20 minute image review session with the photographer of your choice. You must pre-register, as this is first-come, first-served and review space is limited. Students may show images from a memory stick, their laptop, or as prints.
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Education Center (Classroom TBA)
Description: Private portfolio review will be held after lunch on the last day of the Summit. Sessions are $35 for a 20 minute image review session with the photographer of your choice. You must pre-register, as this is first-come, first-served and review space is limited. Students may show images from a memory stick, their laptop, or as prints.
