Workshops

DON GALE “ON THE ROAD”

photobydon@earthlink.net (Don Gale) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:19:00 +0000

Unique, on-site workshops conducted in some of the most inspiring outdoor locations. Learn how to combine your love of the outdoors with the basic photographic techniques used by professional photographer Don Gale to record the wonders of nature from behind a lens. See below for more information regarding the workshops. To see some photos of the locations listed below, check out the GALLERY section of our site. We typically return to the same place, year after year. There's a good chance we've got the images from the latest trip posted there.

2010 Workshops

Digital Camera Basics / January 9, 2010 / Studio Workshop / $150 We'll do an all day, in-studio Digital Basics on Saturday January 9th / 9am-5pm, and we provide lunch and a continental breakfast. Spend the day learning all the basics and demystifying the confusing menu options on that digital camera. Conducted at our studio in El Monte, CA.

New Date Added -January 25 or 26, 2010 / 2 Hour Seminar/Photo Clinic at the REI store, San Diego, CA / No Charge / 6:30 8:30 PM / Call the store to reserve your spot - (858) 279-4400
Join Don for a couple hours of slides and discussion on the techniques used by pro's to get those great shots. Tuesday evening is full, the folks at REI added the 25th so everyone can make it.

North County Photographic Society / January 27, 2010 6:30 / No Charge Join us at the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA for this evening's presentation on photographic tips & techniques for landscape photography. The members invite first timers to attend free of charge. Once there, you'll discover why so many photographers have become members of this group. Visit their site for more information.

Claremont Senior Computer Club / Feb. 2, 2010 / Presentation 7:30 - 9 PMA computer club hosting a photography presentation...Of course! With all the digital work involved after the shutter is clicked, it's a natural. And to get the best results, learn what to do when you take the image to obtain the best overall results. This is a free event, the members welcome everyone to come join them to see Don. For more information, and directions to the meeting (Joslyn Senior Center 660 N. Mountain Ave. Claremont, CA 91711), check out the CSCC website.

Yosemite Valley in the Winter February 5-9, 2010 / Workshop $550
The crowds are gone and the snow-covered valley is incredible! Everywhere you turn is a classic scene, waiting to be photographed. Check out our website GALLERY for images from last year. We've already reserved a block of rooms at The Lodge At The Falls....give us a call if you'd like one reserved.

NANPA / Nature Photographers Conference / Reno, NV - Feb. 16-18, 2010
PMA Photo Conference / Anaheim, CA - Feb. 21-23, 2010

Fred Hall Sports Show / Long Beach Convention Center - Mar 3-7, 2010 / Print display and daily seminars.

WPPI Conference /Wedding and Portrait / Las Vegas, NV - Mar 4-11, 2010

Fred Hall Sports Show / Del Mar Fairgrounds / San Diego - Mar 24-28, 2010 / Print display and daily seminars

San Francisco, Redwoods, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country / April 12-15, 2010 / Workshop $550A major city located right in the middle of some of the most photogenic scenery anywhere. Convenience and great shooting. Each day will find us off to an early morning start; heading out in a different direction, for some radically diverse subject matter on each excursion. These few, long days of shooting will provide us with a wide variety of subject matter. Sunrise images of the San Francisco skyline….Sunset photographs of the Golden Gate Bridge looming over the city lights…Mist and fog wrapping around the coastal Redwoods….backlit vineyards, and the quaint old buildings in wine country. Expect to return home with a large collection of classic images.

Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel & the spectacular California Coast / $550 / April 16-20, 2010 / Workshop Hidden far from any major city, this is truly a gem of the California coast. Some of the most rugged coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and probably a spectacular display of wildflowers this time of year. Join us for a very special shooting opportunity.....lots of tropical, fern-filled canyons, and a few beaches, which at sunset are truly amazing. Check our gallery section to see images from the recent trip we made here. Group Bar-B-Q dinner included.

Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay CA / April 22-25, 2010 / $550 / Workshop
Right in the middle of the wildflower season, this place offers rolling, green hills, rugged coastal scenes. Also, an amazing variety of birds, otters and seals. It's obvious why William Randolph Hearst chose this location for his unbelievable home.....the famed Hearst Castle. Here's a few of the shots from last year. There's plenty of hotels and B&B's right nearby....or, stay with us at the La Serena Inn in Morro Bay. It's where we'll conduct the classroom sessions, where we do digital slide shows, image critiques, etc. Call our studio for more info on the workshop.

Photographic Society of America - Spokane, WA / Annual Spring Seminar / May 15 & 16, 2010 / Open to the public. / See the Seminar Schedule. The registration is being handled by the folks at the Photographic Society of America (PSA), in Spokane. They have an online registration. For more information, or questions about registering, please contact Steve Shining at 509-328-3507 or spshining@msn.com

Strawberry Music Festival / near Yosemite- Daily Seminars - May 27-31,2010

Dana Point Boat Show / June 3-6, 2010 / Spend the day at the beach.....right in the middle of Dana Harbor http://www.danaboatshow.com/ Print display and booth with continuous inkjet printing demonstrations.

Springtime in Yosemite / June 11-15 / $550
Shooting in this magical valley is amazing during the spring! The world famous waterfalls are all flowing at full tilt, and the alpine wildflowers are emerging at a fevered pace. With Dogwoods in full bloom, it just doesn’t get any better than this.
We’ve reserved some spaces for our group…call us for rates. You are also welcome to make your own arrangements for lodging or camping. Keep in mind, rooms fill fast!

Eastern Sierra Workshop / Bishop Canyon / Mountain Lakes Streams and Wildflowers / July 11-15, 2010 / $550
The perfect time of year to be shooting in the legendary high country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Our group will be based at Parcher's Resort which is located right on Bishop Creek, just about a mile downstream from South Lake. Rustic mountain cabins with all the conveniences are available, or you can rough it, at a nearby campground. The folks at Parcher's always go the extra mile to make our stay more enjoyable.
Located within a short drive of 3 magnificent high sierra lakes, and numerous streams and wildflower-filled meadows, we'll always have lots of options for our shooting excursions.
Our group will meet initially, late afternoon on Sunday, for some shooting in the wonderful light that usually occurs in this alpine valley. Then, after a good nite's sleep, we'll get up and head out for an early sunrise shoot. One of the evenings will include an outdoor barbeque and campfire.
And, if the weather permits, we'll take a sunrise photo cruise on one of the 26 foot pontoon boats on South Lake. A trip to the Ancient Bristlecone Pines is a possibility, too. Mid-day slide shows and image critiques.

Ventura County Boat Show / Channel Islands Harbor / July 15th thru 18th, 2010 http://www.venturaboatshow.com/ Print display and inkjet printing demonstrations daily, using the latest HP products.

Lake Tahoe / August

Big Bear Lake, CA / August

Strawberry Music Festival - Daily Seminars Sept. 2-6

Photokina World Conference / Cologne, Germany Sept. 21-26

Fall Color in the Eastern Sierra October 1-4 / $475

New England in the Fall October 10-15 / Workshop / $950

Yosemite Valley in the Fall Oct. 29-Nov. 2 / Workshop / $550
The summer crowds have gone home, and as the valley floor begins to quiet down for year's end, the emergence of the subtle color change of Fall makes this place even more unreal. Join us for a few days of wide-open, nature shooting at it's finest. We've been coming back here year after year, and come back with totally different images each time. It's easy to see how Ansel Adams could spend so many years shooting here, in this magical valley. We've got some rooms reserved for our group....or, if you're a camper, it doesn't get any better than this!

Lone Pine & Death Valley Dec. 3-7 / Workshop / $550

Bavarian Alps in the Winter Germany Workshop Dec. 27-31

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General Information: Gear

photobydon@earthlink.net (Don Gale) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Suggested Equipment:
The following accessories are highly recommended for the workshops. These are some of the basic tools used for outdoor/landscape photography. We will cover their proper use during the class. However, if you are missing any of the gear listed below, don't let that stop you from joining us. We have plenty of gear available to loan you for the Workshop. Several of the companies we work with have provided us with loaner gear..

Cokin "P" Series or Lee Filter System and lens shade
Your camera manual
Extra battery and charger
One-stop neutral density "graduated" filter
Two-stop neutral density "graduated" filter
Remote or cable shutter release
An efficient lens shade
Polarizing filter
Plenty of memory cards
Tripod

Recommended film: Fuji Velvia transparency

What you will need:

Any camera will work, film or digital. The techniques that we'll cover pertain to any brand or model. Our sponsors have provided gear for you to use, so before buying an expensive tripod, diffusion panel or reflector, try one of ours.
Day-pack for snacks and drinks
Everyone is on their own for meals
Outdoor essentials – hat, sunscreen, jacket, flashlight, insect repellent, canteen or water bottle, gloves, rain gear & coins for those back country vending machines.
Snipe repellant

Workshop Rates and Information

photobydon@earthlink.net (Don Gale) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:37:00 +0000

Pricing:
Workshop prices vary depending on locations and days. Call studio for exact amounts. All prices are U.S. dollars. Transportation, accommodations, meals and park entry fees are not included. Give us a call and we can help you arrange lodging and carpools. We'll also assist in arranging for "room sharing"
Most hotels are set-up with 2 beds....if you're traveling alone, this may be a good way to save expenses by splitting the cost.

Also, if there's someone driving to the class, and lives near you, or will drive by your place on the way, give us a call, an we'll let em know, so you can carpool to the class. We make it part of our pre-trip planning, to send out several emails to keep you up to date on how the trip is progressing.

Workshop Itineraries are subject to change depending on class size and weather conditions. Additional workshops will be added to the current schedule periodically. Check our website to stay informed.

Registration:
$100.00 deposit is required to hold a spot in the workshop. To reserve your space in a workshop, you can call us with your credit card information... or by mail with a check or money order. We cannot hold a space in a workshop without a deposit. The balance is due prior to the start of the workshop. Prior to all workshops, you must sign a release form and turn it in prior to the workshop. You may find a downloadable one here to print out and bring along to the workshop.

Transfer and Refund Policy:
If for any reason you need to cancel, please notify us at least 30 days before the start of the workshop. At that time, we will refund your deposit, less a $25.00 cancellation fee. If notification of cancellation is made less than 30 days before the start of the workshop, there are no refunds. However, the full deposit may be transferred to a future workshop. In the event a workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all deposits are fully refunded, or may be transferred to a future workshop.

Private Instruction Available:
$500 full day/$300 half day

Frequently Asked Questions

photobydon@earthlink.net (Don Gale) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:01:00 +0000

Here's some general information about our monthly Photography Workshop with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Where are these classes held, anyway?

Most of the workshops are held outdoors at some of my favorite shooting locations. We'd probably be right here anyway, even if there wasn't a class! Timing is critical. We'll be at each location at its peak time of year. Please note that the Death Valley session is not scheduled in August!

Do I need to have lots of photographic experience?

No! Your experience is not nearly as important as your enthusiasm for getting great shots. We can get you up-to-speed on the basic fundamentals pretty quickly. All topics covered will pertain to either digital or film cameras. And, typically the discussions and demonstrations will be centered on the basics and fundamentals of good photographic technique: composition, exposure, lens selection, filtration, flash-fill, the use of reflectors, understanding depth-of-field, and metering. In addition to these universal subjects, we'll also incorporate the techniques unique to digital: white balance, file size, RAW vs. JPEG, long exposures and noise levels as well as Photoshop and preparing your files for printing. And with the before-and-after demonstrations that we do with slide shows and digital cameras, you'll learn much faster.

What about all that technical stuff? It always confuses me!

Me too. And, it can really be mind-boggling, especially if you get side-tracked on some of the really complex issues. We cut-to-the-chase on these topics and show you only what's critical. As a studio owner, I've had to deal with most of these problems. That's why I love shooting the nature and landscape stuff. It's more of an artistic release than a technical exercise. And, you can impress your friends and neighbors with all your great shots!

I can’t get away from work to attend all the days of the workshop. What happens if I only stay for a day or two?

No problem. This happens a lot, and it’s not a problem. I’d recommend that if you can make it for only one day of the week-end class---go on Saturday. We start off with the basics, early in the morning, and by noon a lot of the principles have been explained, and most of the confusion is gone. Since you pay only for the days that you attend, you can always come back for a refresher course, at a different location.

I know I’ll have lots of questions, and need some things explained a couple times. Will there be enough time for all this?

Yes. That’s why we keep the group sizes small. This allows for lots of one-on-one instruction. Our average class size is less than 10, so we can accommodate students with varying degrees of photographic knowledge. The experience level of the students varies, and actually makes things more interesting.

My camera’s not all that great. And I’m not quite familiar with all the features.

In fact you may not even own a camera, yet. No problem. There’s probably a good camera store nearby that can rent you a camera system for the class. It will give you a chance to practice with a top-notch system before you buy. And a lot of what we cover at the workshops are basic fundamentals. So, even if the camera you do have is not a top of the line model, you’ll still be able to apply all the new information. Some of the newer digital point and shoots models are VERY sophisticated...even though they look very simple. Typically, most everyone shoots with 35mm DSLR’s. But, I’m comfortable with both medium and large- format systems, so bring whatever you’re familiar with. Make sure your camera has full Manual settings, so you can have control of Shutter Speeds, and Aperture. It’s also a good idea to bring along the instruction manual and extra batteries.

Why should I buy a bunch of filters and accessories that may never get used again? Or, what if we find out that we should have gotten some better gear?

You really don’t need to get a lot of accessories for the class. Some of our sponsors have provided us with loaner gear for the students. We've got a supply of Manfrotto tripods, Lee filters and Westcott reflectors and other things for you to try before you buy! Just let us know what you'll need, so we can bring it along.

How do I get there, and where will we stay?

We’ll fax or email you some pretty detailed directions. Also a list of nearby motels and campgrounds. If you’re interested in sharing a ride with another student, let us know. We’d like to have everyone staying relatively close together. That way we can stay in touch in case there’s a change in the itinerary due to weather. This also makes for easier caravaning, if we’re driving anywhere.

Who’s this Don guy, anyway?

I’m one of the fortunate ones who love what they do for a living. Photography has been my only profession, and we’ve operated a commercial studio since the mid 70’s. My assignments have ranged from major corporate annual reports, thru studio table-top shooting and location industrial sessions. We’ve also continued to photograph weddings, portraits, copy and restoration, and custom matting and framing for our line of landscape and nature photographs. And, just to fill in any spare time, I’m also teaching nights at a local photography center.

Am I too young, or too old?

Probably. But it won’t matter for the workshops! We’re not doing any ridiculously strenuous hiking, or climbing. And just getting up before sunrise is enough exertion for most folks. We have a pretty varied age group, and it never has been a problem. We’ve all got the same common love of the outdoors and photography.

I can’t make it to any of the Workshops listed on your schedule? How can I find out about next year?

Give us a call, and we’ll add you to the mailing list, or you can check our Website for any updates at http://www.photographybydon.com/.

How much memory/film should I bring?

Digital: Memory Card capacity varies, but you'll want to have enough storage to cover at least a day's worth of shooting. With today's cameras using more memory, especially when shooting in the RAW mode, you'll want to have enough memory on hand to keep shooting. We'd recommend at least 4GB of memory. If you have a laptop to bring to the workshop, you can download your images after each shooting session and/or burn CD's/DVD's to back the data up. No laptop? Delkin's provided their Burn Away (burn directly from your camera's memory card to either CD's or DVD's) to use.

Film: On a typical day, 3 or 4 rolls. But, sometimes, with great light and exceptional scenery, you'll shoot more. Bring extra. There's nothing worse than running out of film right when the conditions are perfect.

What film is the best for outdoor shooting?

As far as what specific type of film to use, the universal favorite for nature and landscape is Fuji's Velvia. Originally an ISO 50 speed transparency film, with enhanced color saturation, the latest, Fujichrome Velvia 100, carries on the tradition of vivid color and intense saturation of Fujichrome Velvia 50. New Velvia 100 is ideal in any application where Fujichrome Velvia 50 has been used, however, several new features and improvements will expand the applications.. And if you're still trying to hone your metering and exposure technique, a transparency film is what you need. Don't let the slow speeds fool you. Most everything we shoot will be on a tripod, and it's just not a problem. So, whether you'd like to try the 100 speed Velvia, or stick with the 50 speed, Fuji's got you covered. Due to the demand, Fuji is bringing back the Velvia 50 as well, so it will be your choice.

How do I sign-up? This sounds pretty cool.

The best way is to call us at the studio, (626) 444-8008. We can hold your spot, and answer any questions.

What happens if I pay, and at the last minute have to cancel?

If you let us know at least 30 days in advance, we’ll issue a refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. Less than 30 days, we will apply the full amount to another workshop of your choice.

What about meals?

When possible, we'll provide provide coffee and donuts in the morning. We always take an extended break after the early morning session, and sometimes eat lunch together. We like to host a hamburger and hot dog barbeque on one of the days. Occasionally the group gets together for dinner. But, after a long day, most everyone is ready to hit the sack early.