California Coast Photography Workshop
Central California boasts some of the finest coastline in the world. This intersection of rock and water contains an endless array of fascinating rocky points, arches, sea-stacks, and sandy shores. From the dramatic beauty of the Santa Cruz coast, to the incredibly glassy reflections of San Gregorio State Beach, it's heaven on earth for seascape photographers. Join us on this 2-day workshop as we explore and photograph this world-class coastal environment.
I just wanted to thank you two for an awesome workshop. I thought you guys were terrific. You're both incredibly knowledgeable about seascape photography and the area - and better yet - awesome instructors. I'd consider taking another workshop just to hangout and see more locations. I especially appreciated that you guys were always available for questions both during the workshop and afterwards. Dinner and lunches were great too. I learned a ton and got all my questions answered. I loved that we were out all day! Best workshop I've taken.
~ Tor B.
Dates
| November 2-4, 2012 |
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Workshop Features
Understand Camera Settings
Learn camera settings and how they can be applied creatively to your images. The ocean provides a wonderful setting to try creative shutter speeds for visual motion.
Learn Composition
Learn the most important facets of composition and how to create depth in your images, how to draw viewers into your photos, and how to control their attention.
Filters and Lighting
Use filters to control light. Balance the exposure within your photos in order to capture gorgeous skies.
Visit Breathtaking Locations
Sea to Summit visits the best locations we can find and helps you get the best shots possible.
Quality 1-on-1 Instruction
Workshops are structured to give you maximum 1-on-1 time with the instructors. You get the help YOU need.
Small Class Sizes
We keep our classes nice and small for a more personal feel.
Additional Info
This 2-day seascape photography workshop will help photographers create entrancing photos of the breathtaking central California coast. The workshop focuses on understanding your camera's settings in order to break into new creative realms. There is a strong emphasis on producing striking and powerful compositions, as well as telling a story with your photos. The workshop will cover shoot planning and how to be in the right place at the right time. In addition, the workshop will discuss aspects of post-processing and digital workflow. This workshop is limited to 8 students.
Itinerary
Day 0, Friday, November 2ndStudents arrive in Santa Cruz and are free to explore the area on their own. After sunset we will meet to introduce the group, talk a bit about the workshop, and give a brief overview of the area and its unique wonders. Then we turn you loose to get a good night's sleep.
Day 1, Saturday, November 3rd
A pre-dawn wake up call ensures we'll be at our first beach and shooting when the sun rises. Then it'll be a beach-blitz day: from sunrise to sunset we'll be covering the absolute best and most beautiful beaches in Santa Cruz county. Some of our absolute favorite beaches, such as Four Mile Beach and Hole in the Wall Beach, live in this section of coast. Of course there will be breaks scheduled so we can rest, get something to eat, and recharge our batteries. After the sun goes down we'll have an informal discussion of post-processing and digital workflow. But we don't want to keep you guys up too late, because the next day we're back at it.
Day 2, Sunday, November 4th
Sunday follows a similar schedule to Saturday: up early to catch the sunrise, then shoot all day till we drop. Except this time we'll be venturing further north into San Mateo county in order to take advantage of the different geology and features its beaches have to offer. This section of the coast will keep us busy shooting bizarre tafoni rock formations and incredible glassy, sandy reflections. Depending on conditions we may also venture down south to explore the dramatic Big Sur coast. After sunset, it'll be time to pack it in and say goodbye.
This workshop is organized to take advantage of the best and most interesting locations the central California coast has to offer. However, the exact itinerary and places we visit may change depending on the group and weather conditions.
Topics Covered
• Transforming your artistic vision into memorable photographs• Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO - their relationship to one another and how to change them for exposure control
• Metering and getting a correct exposure
• Histograms, how to read them, and how to fine-tune exposure
• Creative depth-of-field effects using aperture control
• Capturing motion within your photos using different shutter speeds
• Timing waves to capture crashing spray, water streaks, and sandy reflections
• White balance and creative coloration
• Creating perspective, depth, and a sense of "being there" in your photos
• Creating powerful compositions with impact
• Composing to control your viewer's attention in your photos
• Compositional balance, tension, and visual flow
• How to use filters to capture dramatic light or create long-exposure effects
• Shoot planning and how to be at the right place at the right time
• Aspects of post-processing and digital workflow
Workshop Requirements
• Digital SLR camera• Lenses. Wide and ultra-wide angle lenses are highly recommended
• A sturdy tripod
• Footwear with good traction (waterproof or rubber boots recommended) and warm socks (very important!)
• Creativity and a positive attitude
• Ability to walk 3 - 5 miles per day over uneven terrain
• Warm clothes in layers, gloves, a warm hat, and a rain jacket
• A wide-brim hat and sunscreen
• A one-liter (or larger) water bottle
Highly recommended items
• Filters (ND, Grad ND, Polarizers)• Remote shutter release
• Camera rain sleeve
• Flashlight
Deposit Required
50% deposit due upon registeringBalance due no later than 60 days prior to start of workshop
What's Included
• Quality, professional, 1-on-1 photography instruction on par with your level as a photographer• All transportation from Santa Cruz to our shooting destinations
• Water and snacks throughout the workshop
• A fun, positive, interactive learning environment
What's Not Included
• Transportation to and from Santa Cruz• Lodging
• Meals
Fitness level
This workshop is appropriate for photographers of average fitness levels. We will walk approximately 5 miles over the course of each day of the workshop. This includes walking on sandy, uneven, and slippery terrain. All participants are expected to be able to carry their own camera, personal gear, and water during the workshop.
Your Instructors
Josh Cripps and Jim Patterson are professional photographers from Santa Cruz, California. They have been teaching together since 2010 (and separately since 2008) and have developed a tag-team approach to helping students understand photography concepts. Through a combination of theory, philosophy, examples, and on-the-spot feedback, they help students reach those "a-ha!" moments that take their photography to the next level.
Travel Logistics
Getting there: Santa Cruz is located at the Northen end of the beautiful Monterey Bay at the intersection of the 17 and 1 highways. Just 30 minutes south of San Jose and 1.5 hours south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is a convenient location, easy to get to from all parts of California.
Where to stay: Santa Cruz has numerous lodging options, from budget to luxury. We recommend staying along Ocean street in the central part of the city as there are a number of easily accessible hotels and motels. Ocean street is also convenient to our meeting location. Contact us if you'd like lodging suggestions.
Jim Patterson
Josh Cripps