Join the expedition! If you're looking for a photography workshop that teaches the secrets of professional landscape and wildlife photography, AND YOU LIKE TO HAVE FUN, you've come to the right place! At these workshops, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by award-winning photographers, Stephen W. Oachs and Brian Rueb. Oachs and Rueb will take you to shoot at some of the most scenic and pristine locations around California and the Western US.
"Our focus is to provide quality, personalized instruction in amazing locations...and to have fun doing it. Our goal is to send students home with images they remember. We deeply enjoy what we do...and want to pass our passion and love for photography on to you and all our students." - Stephen & Brian
The 2009 & 2010 Workshop series is sponsored by Singh-Ray Filters--all students will receive a discount on all Singh-Ray products!
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most recognizable structure in the west, which is why our SF/Marin Headlands workshops begin and end photographing this amazing icon. Come spend a day shooting the city by the bay from some of its best vantage points.
We start on Baker Beach capturing images of the bridge as the waves break on the shore. The afternoon is spent working on difficult lighting situations and creative composition in the incredible Fort Point, which also provides more amazing views of the Golden Gate.
The afternoon is spent shooting the city from the Marin Headlands as we make our way to Rodeo Beach to photograph the sea stacks as the sun sets. The last stop is the most breathtaking view of the Golden Gate the area has to offer, and we will make sure everyone comes away with that postcard perfect image of the Golden Gate glowing over the bay as the city of San Francisco sparkles in the background.
This workshop is one of our most popular, and a perfect opportunity for beginners and intermediate photographers to hone their composition skills, learn about their cameras, and work with a variety of filters to help balance scenes...in a city of icons.
Topics covered include:
Workshop requires:
October 24th-25th, 2009 • 2-day in-field workshop: $495 (Read about the last class!)
Yosemite is a photographer's paradise in any season, and fall is no exception, which is why we offer two workshops in California's most popular park. Come join us as we take you to some of Yosemite's most popular icons, as well as explore some of Yosemite's high country...which is what makes the fall workshop a different experience than our winter Yosemite workshop.
We'll explore the Tioga Pass looking for the aspens that are starting to glow in yellows and oranges. We'll stop at high alpine lakes to photograph the granite peaks that surround them, and reflect in their crystal clear water. The high elevation means the snow has often only melted off completely in late August or early September, and the meadows are still green, and the creeks are flowing. Wildlife is abundant this time of year in the mornings and evenings as they begin to prepare for the winter that lies ahead.
With Tioga Pass open, your opportunities to explore this magnificent park are increased dramatically, and your instructors will be monitoring the weather to make sure you're in the best locations at the best times.
In addition to the high country, we will spend ample time exploring the Yosemite Valley photographing icons like El Capitan and Half Dome. Taking images from iconic locations like Valley View and Glacier Point. Your days will be full with photographic options, and in the evening your instructors will provide a valuable lesson in post-processing as well as a tasty meal to reward the hard work you put in behind the lens during the day.
You will leave this workshop with an experience you remember not only for the educational opportunities but the fun and camaraderie you experienced with your fellow photographers and instructors.
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Yosemite View Lodge, located in Portal, California (888-742-4371).
Death Valley offers some of the most unique and iconic vistas available in the world. From the majestic Mesquite Sand Dunes soaking in the golden light of the morning, to the white salt patterns of the Badwater Valley (288 feet below sea level!) stretching out endlessly under a magnificent sunset. Every turn in this photographer's playground offers new shapes, textures, and possibilities.
During the summer, Death Valley National Park is one of the most inhospitable places in the world. Temperatures often reaching excess of a 110 degrees on a regular basis. Skies are hazy, blue and punishing...a photographer's worst dream. However, during the winter and spring months, the park comes alive and becomes truly accessible for photography. Come join us, Stephen Oachs and Brian Rueb, on a photographic adventure of a lifetime....come see what really makes Death Valley so special and unique!
Whether you're a beginner or advanced photographer, you will come away from this workshop with many new skills and great new images! Our goal is to provide you with opportunities to learn the techniques and tricks professional photographers use to capture memorable images. Students are instructed in everything from setting up composition, to the use of filters for balancing a scene and bringing out those brilliant evening desert colors.
Students will have ample time to photograph many of the Valley's best features at the best times of day for photography...weather in winter is far more likely to produce those dramatic skies that every landscape photographer looks for. With the skills you learn, you'll be in the right place with the right knowledge to capture them.
We spend every moment of good light photographing in the field. When conditions are not ideal, students will be given classroom instruction in the post-processing of their images and learn techniques to get the most out of their images. Handouts will be provided so students can take what they learn in the field and practice at home. With two instructors on hand, the teacher-to-student ratio is reduced, and each student receives instruction that focuses on his/her specific learning objectives.
You really don't want to miss this experience! What could be better than three days of taking one of nature's most hostile environments and turning it into beautiful images?!
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Furnace Creek Resort, located in Death Valley, California (800-236-7916).
This workshop requires:
March 6th-7th, 2010 • 2-day in-field workshop: $495
Yosemite is California's premeire National Park....and in our opinion, it's at its best with its winter coat on. Late winter is an absolute landscape photographers paradise. The towering granite peaks are still covered in snow....providing amazing options for photographing in color, or in monochrome. The Merced River is flowing slow enough to privide ample opportunities to capture some reflections of El Capitan, and the other peaks in the areas. Wildlife has all moved from higher elevations to seek out the food and cooler temperatures the lower elevations provide. Past workshops have seen bear, as well as bobcats.
We spend our mornings and evenings photographing the park from its best vantage points. While the winter weather will provide some cooler temps, the areas we photograph will be sure to get your blood flowing. Valley View and Tunnel View are just a couple of the spots that we shoot and the views they provide of the Yosemite Valley still takes our breath away. The higher elevations are closed during this time of year, so we have more time to really explore the valley...looking for the best vantage points of El Cap, Half-Dome, the Cathedral, and all of those waterfalls.
We choose late winter for a number of reason, one of the main is the waterfalls. Waterfalls are starting to flow really well during this time of year....and we take advantage of those conditions to capture shots of Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls (when flowing) Mornings while we photograph we can hear sheets of ice as they break from 1000+ foot Yosemite Falls and crash on the granite below....truly an expericne for the ears!
While we aim to provide the best individualized photography instruction possible...we want to make sure we have fun as well. We put equal effort into crerating that group camraderie that makes each person feel like their part of something special. It's not uncommon for our entire group to head out to a lunch or dinner together so we can continue a story that was started in the car on the way to a location, or hear stories from the field from one or both of the instructors. Many students coordinate after completing a workshop so they can be part of a future workshop with the new friends they've made. With a longer workshop the the instructors will also have time to teach some of their post processing techniques, so that the images you've collected on your workshop can have that little extra pop that takes them to another level.
May 15-16th, 2010 • 2-day in-field workshop: $495
The Columbia River runs along the Oregon Washington border, and many of its tributaries are creeks and streams cut into the surrounding mountains.....these gorges are home to some of Americas most pristine and lush waterfalls. Whether you're watching the 600 ft Multnomah Falls and making images from the comfort of their cement viewing platforms, or wading in a creek to get that perfect shot of Pony Tail Falls....the gorge areas of the Pacific Northwest is an overwhelming experience for everyone.
This workshop is a true waterfall lovers dream. We will spend the entire days tucked away into lush valleys, searching out our next waterfall. Each and every waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge is unique and has it's own special qualities...plus these are no little falls either, many of the falls in the area are over 50 feet tall, and some over 100-200 feet tall. These waterfalls will provide a perfect scenario to learn composition, depth of field, and shutter speed. We will show you how to get that silky smooth waterfall effect you've seen in other photographs. Your instructors are also well versed in the use of filters to help balance a scene or create that extra pop....students will have time to use filters and see for themselves the differences they make in their images. One more educational feature of all our workshops is that we will teach you how to shoot your camera in manual mode. No more shooting in auto. It's time to take back control of your camera. We want all our students to come away with the knowledge of how their cameras work, so long after their workshop, they're able to capture amazing images when tricky lighting situations present themselves.
We put a lot of work into planning each day of the workshop...from in the field scouting, to meetings in the days leading up to your workshop we want to ensure we are in the best places at the best possible times....and make sure our information on conditions is as up to date as possible. We place a great deal of importance on the quality of instruction and destination in the workshop...but if we didn't have fun as well...the trip wouldn't be a success. We put a time and effort into making sure we address every student, so we can help them learn exactly what it is they took the workshop to learn. We also like to build a strong camradarie with our group...so that everyone feels comfortable. It's not uncommon for our workshops to all eat lunch together, and go out after the workshop for dinnner....so we can recap the days events, or just listen to a tale or two fromt he instructors who have definately seen their share of exictement in the field.
Education...exciting environments...and new friends.....what could be better? Why not join us in exploring the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge.
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Holiday Inn Express, located in Troutdale, Oregon (877-863-4780).
August 28th-29th, 2010 • 2-day in-field workshop: $495
Highway 395 parallels the Eastern Sierra mountains, also known as the "range of light", and provides for some of the most amazing photographic opportunities in California.
Join us for a one-day workshop in the high desert of Eastern California. In the morning, we will photograph the sunrise over the surreal tufa formations of Mono Lake, one of the most recognizable and iconic locations for landscape photography in the Western United States.
From Mono Lake, we will spend the afternoon photographing the ghost town of Bodie. In the late 1800s, the town of Bodie was a thriving outpost in the search for gold, and its more remote location aided its reputation for lawlessness and mayhem. The early 1900s saw a severe decline in population, and ultimately the town was abandoned. Now, thanks to preservation efforts from the State of California, the town is in a protected state of "arrested decay" and a true photographer's playground. You will have ample time to wander the area and capture a true piece of Americana!
The late afternoon will be spent photographing one or two of the many lakes that lay at the foot of the Eastern Sierra, and are a short drive from highway 395. Weather in this section of California is unpredictable and often amazing. It is not uncommon for late afternoon thunderstorms to roll into the area, which creates very dramatic skies.
We will conclude the evening's shoot with a return to Mono Lake. With the height of the Sierra limiting evening light from the west, Mono is the best option for capturing a memorable sunset. It's also be the perfect way to draw from all you've learned throughout the day and capture one last set of memorable images.
All of our workshops are designed to focus on helping students work on the areas of photography that is most important to them. From camera settings and composition, to the use of filters to properly balance tricky exposures...our first priority is providing students with an opportunity to learn. We want you to go home with knowledge that will benefit you every time you take out your camera.
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Murphey's Motel, located in Lee Vining, California (800-334-6316).
Located in southeastern Utah, Arches National Park has the largest concentration of natural stone arches found in the world. With its close neighbor, Canyonlands National Park, this area is an oasis for photographers, beginner to advanced!
Arches & Canyonlands National Parks offer some of the most unique and iconic vistas available in the world. From the famous Delicate Arch to the ancient dwellings of the Pueblo Indians to the rich morning glow of Mesa Arch at sunrise...every turn offers a photographic opportunity. During the fall months, temperatures cool and there are fewer tourists. This combination makes for ideal conditions to capture the beauty of these locations. Come join us on a photographic adventure exploring arches and ancient indian ruins!
Whether you're a beginner or advanced photographer, you will come away from this workshop with many new skills and great new images. Our goal is to provide you with the opportunities to learn the techniques and tricks professional photographers use to capture memorable images. Students are instructed in everything from setting up composition, to the use of filters for balancing a scene and bringing out those brilliant evening desert colors.
We spend every moment of good light photographing in the field. When conditions are not ideal, students will be given classroom instruction in the post-processing of their images and learn techniques to get the most out of their images. Handouts will be provided so students can take what they learn in the field and practice at home. With two instructors on hand, the teacher-to-student ratio is reduced, and each student receives instruction that focuses on his/her specific learning objectives. This experience is truly not to be missed!
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Holiday Inn Express, located in Moab, Utah (877-863-4780).
Imagine waking before sunrise.....you're walking with your group along the Snake River in Wyoming....all around you are sounds, that are almost prehistoric. It's cold outside, but your blood begins to tingle....you're only one day into your workshop and already you're in the thick of it.....the elk rut. Join Stephen Oachs and Brian Rueb on a photographic adventure into Grand Tetons National Park. Grand Tetons has argueably the highest concentration of wildlife of any park in the United States including Yellowstone, and Alaska. While we can't guarantee you will see wildlife, we can certainly make sure we make every effort possible to use our in the field experiences to make sure we put you in the best possible places at the best times. We will also make sure you've had proper instruction so that if that huge bull elk wanders out of the fog and crosses the river 25 yards in front of you....you're set to get images of it. In addition to the elk, Grand Tetons has bison, bears, wolves, moose, and a large assortment of smaller game and birds that all call this park home. Most people would be content with just the wildlife options the park has to offer.
But, the Tetons are also a hot spot for landscape photography as well. Whether you're taking in a sunrise from the still waters of Schwabacher Landing, or Watching the last rays of sun filter over the valley and across the famous barns of "Mormon Row' your instructors will make sure you're in a prime spot at the prime times to capture the best possible images of the truly amazing landscapes the Tetons provide. While many workshops will provide a majority of their instruction in a classroom type environment, we prefer to take a hands on approach and have you learn by doing....we will be there to guide you in the field as you work on composition, exposure lengths, and Depth of Field. We will also show you how to use a variety of filters to help balance out a scene, which, ultimately results in less time spent in the computer post processing.
If that's not enough....we'll also show you how to take your camera off of automatic, and shoot completely in manual mode. Our goal is to get you well on your way to taking the power back from the camera and placing the knowledge in your hands, so when you see that beauitiful sunset...you know what to do to make sure you capture it correctly...and don't go home wondering what your camera did to mess up another magic moment.
We put a lot of time into planning our workshops...from in the field research months ahead of time...to setting up iteneraries days prior that take into account all the latest weather conditions and increase our chances at coming away with the best possible shooting situations. Our first goal is always to have students learn...but we feel so much better if they take home some killer images as well.
While we spend a lot of time planning the photographic portion of our workshop...we spend just as much time planning the camraderie portion of our workshop. We want participants to have fun...meet new friends, and come away with memories other than just those created with the camera. It's not uncommmon for our workshops to have lunches and dinners together where everyone can share stories from the day, or listen to their instructors tell some crazy tales from their time in the field. Did you know they once took a crock pot 11 hours in a car to death valley....cooking their dinner the WHOLE way? It's times like this where bonds are created, and many times after the workshops students will coordinate with others from their workshop to see which one they want to attend next. Check out the testimonials from previous workshops...see what they have to say.
Wildlife....Landscape....Learning how to photograph both of them better.....meeting new friends, and maybe seeing old friends from a past workshop....what could be better? How about doing all of this surrounded by the beauty of Grand Teton National Park....
Lodging and meals are not included. Suggested lodging is the Jackson Hole Lodge, located in Jackson, Wyoming (800-604-9404).
Stephen Oachs is an award-winning photographer whose work has graced the pages of notable worldwide publications, including National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine, and has recently been profiled in Gentry Magazine and The Mercury News.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded the honor of Best Nature Photograph in 2008 by National Geographic Magazine for his work photographing the endangered snow leopard.
Brian Rueb is an acclaimed landscape photographer who has taught photography and art for two decades. His work has appeared in numerous galleries, magazines and newspapers, and he has received awards at the national, state and local levels. His students have also won awards for their work.
Brian's passion for photography is evident in every image. His talent, education and background guide his use of color, composition and balance in ways that maximize the aesthetic values of his superlative images. His principle philosophy is that of complete immersion into a subject. This applies to his photographs, students, and writing. He is currently working on several photography-related books.
:: What should I expect? ::
All workshops are designed to help you learn how to take better photographs and offer a complete immersion into digital landscape and/or wildlife photography. You will learn important photography techniques such as how to properly expose a composition, when to use a filter for best effect, and how to understand and adjust camera settings for optimum results.
Class sizes are kept small to afford each student one-on-one instruction and to maximize individual attention. Plan to bring some of your work with you, to give instructors an idea of the areas in which you excel and where you'd like to focus on improvement.
Also be prepared, as these workshops involve being outdoors in the elements, which can include rather severe or challenging weather conditions. All trips require walking, and usually some hiking, on uneven terrain. You will want to wear the right clothing, footwear, and keep in mind you could get a bit of a workout!
:: Why only Digital? ::
Digital photography offers unique opportunities for in-field photography workshops. By reviewing captured images as soon as they happen, we can examine exposure, composition and histograms, and instantly learn what works--and what doesn't.
:: What should I bring? What is required? ::
:: What kind, and how much, equipment should I bring? ::
Bring it all if you can! You never know what you might see. On many workshops we focus on landscape photos, but you never know when wildlife might enter the scene and provide the perfect opportunity to photograph them in their natural habitat. It's always better to go into the field with too much gear, rather than miss an opportunity because of not enough equipment.
:: Is transportation provided? ::
Each student is responsible for their own transportation to the workshop location. However, car-pooling during the workshop is encouraged both to minimize the number of vehicles at shooting locations and to get to know one another.
:: Do you offer personalized instruction or personal tutoring? ::
Yes, and yes. Our workshops are kept small so there is ample opportunity for each student to receive some personal attention from the instructor. However, if you are interested in tutoring or one-on-one instruction, we are accepting a limited number of appointments. The base fee for a North California shoot location, just you and an instructor, is $250 a day. For a location outside of Northern California, the base fee is $500. There may be additional fees depending on length, location and any special arrangements necessary. To make arrangements for private instruction from Stephen Oachs or Brian Rueb, send an e-mail to: Photography Workshop - One-on-one Instruction
:: Can a non-photographer friend or spouse attend the workshop? ::
Non-photographer friends and/or spouses are welcome to attend but will be subject to a 50% tuition fee.
:: Does weather ever alter or cancel events? ::
Only if conditions pose a safety risk. Often, poor weather can make for dramatic photographic opportunities, so if rain is forecasted, pack a rack jacket and bring something to keep your camera dry (a hotel shower cap is ideal).
:: What happens if I have to cancel? ::
Because of the limited number of workshops and availability of one-on-one instruction sessions, once we schedule a spot, it won't be available for anyone else, therefore we can not offer a refund. This policy is necessary to assure us that those who sign up are serious about the adventure and will not back out, ruining the opportunity for someone else.
However, there is an exception to every rule. If, for some reason a workshop or one-on-one is cancelled by its instructor, you will be entitled to a full refund, or may choose a credit for a different date.
:: Be prepared to take better photographs! ::
These workshops will help you develop skills, learn techniques and get to know your camera and equipment like never before. As a bonus, you will have a fun time and build friendships while learning to improve your photography technically. The result? You'll be capable of producing photographs as beautiful as any professional!
