Travel Photography Course in Sydney

Travel Workshop Outline
6th & 7th of December 2008.

Saturday
Day 1 combines classroom based and outdoor practical learning.

8.30 We meet at Circular Quay fairly early (for a Saturday morning!) so that we get a bit of morning light. We look at some basic camera functions and photographic fundamentals.

9.30 The first classroom session will look at Exposure Modes. Metering Types including Spot and Evaluative. Working with RAW files. Understanding Histograms. White Balance. ISO

11.00 After a short refreshment break we look at the more creative side of travel photography. By viewing and analyzing images you will learn more about Lighting, Composition, Timing, Creative use of Colour. The thought processes behind a strong image.

12.00 A light lunch is served. There is an extra chance to ask questions or you may prefer to have a break.

13.00 Photography and Computers. We look at converting RAW files. Optimising Exposure, White Balance, Resizing Images, Sharpening and more.

14.00 Time to put what you have learned in to practice. We go in to The Rocks. I will guide you as you photograph a range of subjects including Architecture, Cityscapes and Close-up photography

15.30 End of Day One.

Sunday
This second day is all practical on location. The later start allows us to concentrate on afternoon light and to do some low-light work.

14.00 We meet at Hyde Park. You will learn how to use Shutter Speeds to control motion. Practical use of Depth of Field including throwing backgrounds out of focus. We will look at Portraiture including lens choice and Perspective. Crossing over to St Mary's Cathedral for some Architectural photographs. We then stroll to the Domain for more architectural opportunities at The Art Gallery of NSW and the outdoor sculptures. In the Botanical Gardens we look at Close-Up photography.

16.30 Light refreshments will be served and time for a break. I will be available to answer your questions.

17.00 Around this time the afternoon light starts to project long shadows that give a special quality to images. You will have more opportunities to put what you have learned in to practice.

19.00 We walk to Dawes Point for some Low-light and Night photography. This final session of the weekend deals with photography in low light with (and even without) a tripod*. You will be using the camera in manual mode to photograph the icons of Sydney Harbour as the sun sets.
*If you do not have a tripod yet I will supply one, just let me know in advance.

20.00 The end of the Weekend Photography Workshop.

Duration: 12 Hours in total
Cost: $450 including Refreshments both days and online course notes.
Class size: Maximum 10 students

Important information:

In case of Poor Weather;
Day 1 will be held "Rain or Shine" as most Saturday sessions are indoors. The outdoors sessions will be adjusted to suit weather conditions.

Day 2 may be postponed if weather conditions are unsuitable. Please bear in mind that a photographer should be able to produce good shots in less than perfect weather. If day 2 is postponed it is rescheduled for the following weekend.

What to bring;
Camera: Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) plus lens(es) or a Compact digital camera with full manual override*
Memory Card(s)
Fully charged Camera Battery, plus a spare if you have one.
Notepad & Pen. Course notes will be provided but lots of extra details are covered along the way.
Small Torch to see the controls of your camera during the Night Photography Session
A Tripod (essential for Day 2 only). Please let me know if you would like to borrow one.

Also useful;
Cable release,
External flash (I am not a huge fan of flash for travel photography so don't worry if don't have one).
Polarising filter

*Suitable non-SLR cameras include; Canon G9, Leica D-Lux 3, Panasonic CX2. (If you are not sure if you camera is appropriate please email with the model number).
If you are waiting to buy your SLR (perhaps until you leave on your trip) I have DSLRs available to use, please let me know in advance.

We will be doing some walking so please wear comfortable shoes, also clothes that you can kneel down in. Please have something warm with you to wear for the "Night Photography" session.

Light refreshments are included both days. Please advise in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.