Point Reyes Photography Workshop with Richard Blair

Objective: To teach the participants to be able to do professional quality photographs of the subjects they are interested in, including landscapes and wildlife photographs.

Plan: To take people to great places in Point Reyes to photograph during Sat-Sun based on the interest of the group, weather and lighting conditions. Light hiking with camera equipment to beautiful viewpoints is the basic idea. I will teach, demonstrate and encourage students during the workshop, plus people can learn from each other, and also just concentrate on their own personal expression during the evert.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant in the $10-20 price range for dinner.

More learning after dinner, including digital techniques from film scanning to book production basics at my studio / workshop on Inverness ridge overlooking the ocean.

In the morning we can go out for a morning shoot, than have breakfast at a local bakery or restaurant. If some people want to sleep in that's OK too, and meet us at the next location.

Lunch should be on location. We can get sandwiches from the local deli or you can bring stuff and keep it in the fridge at the studio. We will go out for a field trip between breakfast and lunch, than another session of photography after lunch. We will wrap about five PM.

There are also numerous bed & breakfasts in the area, a Hostel with cheap dormitory style rooms, campgrounds, and luxury style inns if you desire. Call us for more details.

What to bring:

Summer can be windy and foggy so bring a windbreaker / parka, warm layers like fleece and hiking boots or sturdy running shoes. A hat is good and the usual sunblock, gloves and other protective stuff. Bugs are rarely a problem, but you might want to bring bug spray if you are sensitive.

Camera equipment: Bring a good quality camera. You will learn much about different types of cameras to use for different subjects, so if you've been wanting to upgrade your cameras it might be better to wait till after the class. Rental of cameras is a very good idea if you want to do something with an expensive system that you wouldn't normally use too often. If you need to rent a camera for the class get a basic Nikon or Canon and a wide angle and a telephoto lens. I rent from Pro Camera in SF (at 415.282-6001). If you have a tripod, and a cable release bring it, they really are useful, but if you don't have it I recommend that you take a look at my stuff before you buy. Many photography students have a large range of good equipment to choose from, bring stuff that you can carry in the field, and other cameras that you may use from a car. We can adjust for the needs of the group.

Film: Point Reyes is suitable for many photographic techniques. You can bring color negative or transparency film depending on your preference. I shoot Fuji Velvia color slides, and use Kodak T-Max or Fuji Acros for black and white. If you have any interest in black and white bring some rolls of that too. How much film should you bring? Between 5-30 rolls is about right, based on your budget and style. It is easiest to carry a backpack that you can comfortably stuff everything into. Camera bags are OK but more tiring for your shoulder. I can adjust the locations that we visit to the abilities of the group. If large format photography is the main interest, we will go to places where we can successfully shoot near parking.

A notebook is a good idea to help you remember what you are learning.

Projected cost of workshop - $275. Other costs could include your meals, lodging, and film and processing, all depending on your budget, depending on your personal preferences.

I'm limiting this workshop to a small group with a minimum of four people and a maximum of eight.

Richard Blair

For more information and dates please call me at 415 663-1615.

As former park photographer in Yosemite, with a lifetime of leading outdoor trips, plus having local knowledge of photographing Point Reyes, I am ready to teach photographers at any level of skill. With my understanding of photography and my ability to teach, I am sure that participants will have a great time and learn a lot.