Nature Photography Classes, Workshops and Instruction

Longer Photography Workshops

Glacier, One-on-One -- Last week of September, 2008

You asked for it, you got it!  During September (21-28) I'm planning a week photographing in Glacier National Park in Montana.  As I've had several requests for one-on-one photographing "in the field", I'm offering to folks who might be interested the opportunity to come watch me work, look at locations, scout, respond to weather and conditions and just do that thing I do for about three to five days, as well as getting to photograph along with me and have all of your questions answered.  One participant only.  If you're interested, you'll be responsible for transportation to and from East Glacier, Montana, as well as your food and lodging, as well a workshop fee based on my daily teaching rate.  Half the fee will be non-refundable and due at time of registration, the other half in Montana.  Call me at 408 439 2963 if you're potentially interested in this or similar opportunities in the future.

Exploring the Oregon Coast -- November 12-16, 2008

A 5-day photography photographic workshop along the southern and central Oregon coast, primarily in between Newport and Bandon. Specific locations will depend on conditions and time, but there are a couple dozen good photographic opportunities in this range, not just beaches and sea stacks but also pitcher plants, lighthouses, dunes, a covered bridge, waterfalls, and all sorts of wildlife, the one thing we will have, one way or another, is photographic opportunity!

Tuition for the workshop is $825, does not include transportation, lodging or food. A $100 deposit will be required to register.

To register, print out and complete the registration form and liability waiver and send both along with your deposit of $100 to Joe Decker, 1733 Hudson Drive, San Jose, CA 95124-1737. For more information, call my cell at 408 439 2963 or contact me via email.

Short Photography Workshops

Enjoy the outdoors and learn to improve your photography! I often offer photographic workshops through the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, or separately. These workshops usually consist of two class meetings. First, a "day out shooting" in a beautiful location such as the San Mateo County coast, Pt. Reyes, or the Marin Headlands. Workshops tend to cover a number of different locations, with the exact schedule being determined by the light and weather conditions. The second workshop session will typically include a review of prints shot by students during the field session. These critique sessions offer a real opportunity to learn not only from your own successes and mistakes but those of your fellow students as well.

Classroom sessions are usually held at the Pacific Art League in Palo Alto, California. There are no prerequisite classes, you'll need to bring your camera and other photographic equipment, including a tripod, for the field session. You should be familiar with the basic functions of your camera, and I recommend bringing the manual for your camera in case questions arise.

Upcoming short workshops include:

(None scheduled at the moment, more soon!)

I was in this class with Joe, and as I write, 10 days later, I am still buzzing from the experience. I can hardly describe how wonderful it was to go out with a group of serious students, shoot on a variety of locations and then meet the next day to review our photos. Joe has a unique ability to tune in to what his students want from the class and provide appropriate guidance. I will be learning from this for quite some time.. --Rob M.

For more information, please contact me directly.

Digital Darkroom: Post-Processing images in Adobe Lightroom

Saturday, October 4, 2008; 10:30am-5pm with lunch break

Adobe’s Lightroom software has greatly simplified processing digital camera “RAW” files. In this class, you’ll learn a basic workflow for “dialing in” RAW images with Lightroom, then how to make images pop. You’ll have hours of hands-on parctice, first with sample images that will be provided, then on a set of your own images.

Bring a laptop with Adobe Lightroom 1.4 (of later) installed, a power cord, and ten RAW images of your own work. Where
possible, try and bring images with good composition and focus and without blown highlights.

This workshop will be offered through the Pacific Art League, pricing TBA. Registration is not yet open, I’ll announce this again when it is.

For more information, please contact me directly.

Photographic Coaching

Have a particular technique or location you'd like some assistance with? Do you learn better in one-on-one learning situations? I'm happy to work with you to fulfill your photographic goals. I charge $55 for a single hour, $175 for 4 hours, or $300 for 8 hours, plus travel time and expenses if necessary. Contact me for details or scheduling.