landscape photography workshops

[Marquinius]

I couldn't find anything on the forum: if I overlooked an existing thread, kindly point me to it!

I would really love to do some kind of a practical workshop on landscape photography. But I'm a little apprehensive as I had some disappointing experiences. I have a reasonable idea about composition, know the basics about cameras and all and really want to meet some people with whom I can discuss and from whom I can learn. And I would rather walk or hike all day, than sit in a classroom...

I once went to a regular "photo school" and entered an "experienced digital photography group", hoping that that would put me on my toes. It did : tech stuff mostly and half of the class was just finding out what aperture or DOF meant. The worst evening was a "night shoot", which we did in the classroom as it was july and the instructor belately realised that it would be daylight until 22:30 .... I'm sure I'm NEVER going to do that again. I'll read the instruction manual and some books, thank you.

But I need to meet others to really learn: people who are not afraid (and have the knowledge!) to confront you. People who are willing to delve into what makes a shot good and what makes a shot great. Who are willing to let you experiment and find your own style.

Now I notice ads in the back of some of the better photo magazines: "short workshop", "masterclass in small group", etc. I'm thinking of England or Scotland, as that's "next door". Germany would be OK too. Sorry: the USA and such is just to far away for a 3 or 4 day course ...

So here's the question: does anyone have any experience with such workshops/masterclasses? What should one look for and are there surveys or something like that?

I would really appreciate pointers. Hope you can help.

[stuny]

Marco -

You might also want to post a short thread in Customer section, and maybe the Barnack's Bar section, directing people to this thread -- paste in a link to it. That way more people would see your thread. I suspect that many of the people who might know the answer seldome if ever visit this section.

[ndjambrose]

Sounds like you might be interested in something like this:

photographic holidays photographic vacations Light and Land holidays

[Marquinius]

Stuart: euhmmm ... OKay ... euhmmm ... how do I do that?

[andybarton]

No need - I've moved it for you



Once upon a time Rolo was talking about getting a few folk together for a trip to Scotland. I will poke him next time I see him.

I think that, unless you know the organiser, or someone who has been on a particular course before, it's very difficult to judge the level at which the course is pitched. I would hate to put up several hundred pounds to find that the rest of the course members were at the "this is what the aperture ring is for" stage...

[Marquinius]

Andy,

Thanks, mate. And it could be worse: "euhmmm .. yes ... what ring?" One of these people was SO glad that the sea scape (really nice composition!) had such a nice blue tone ...

Marco

[rickp13]

i received an information postcard this morning about photo workshops in zingst, on the ostsee coast in northern germany. here's the link to the workshop page. i was surprised to see several workshops put on there by the leica academy, so that's another possible avenue to explore?

Ostseeheilbad Zingst : Erholung an der Ostsee - Workshops 2008

i understand your position. i've been doing some photography courses (raw workflow, photoshop, night photography) at the local adult night school, and would like to do more "learning by doing" events.

goodl luck

rick

[Marquinius]

Rick: thanks and Ich werde dass mal an ansehen. Und an der Ostsee ist's doch auch gut!

[abrewer]

Hi Marco

I've had a similar experience with workshops, seminars, classes etc to yours

The level at which even an "Advanced Photography" class operates at the University level here is appalling

I know you don't care to visit the US, but I will post this link to "Washington Photo Safari":

Washington Photo Safari

I have high hopes for this excursion. I'm joining in April during Cherry Blossom season.

After corresponding with the leader I am sure it will surpass the usual level of "I've risen to the level of my own incompetence and have nothing to teach you" that I've previously encountered

BTW, there's no better place to learn about good photography than the Photo Forums here

There's some fantastic work posted there every day

Thanks

Allan

[Marquinius]

Allan,

It's just because I see so many very good photo's here, that I even dare to ask the question on this forum. I've been on other forums and they didn't get much further than "nice", "good", or some such.

Some of the photo's here are really stunning. I sometimes just sit still and watch in wonderment. Some much to learn .... happy man, me.

[rickp13]

hi marco & co.

i just had a look at the leica akademie web site - their 2008 calendar has some interesting workshops on it. there may be an english link or version of the brochure. in any case, here's the link to read more:

Leica Camera AG - Leica Akademie

cheers

rick

[santila]

David Noton Photography

He is one of your countrymen and a very nice fellow. I was with him last year in this region.

[nf3996]

Marco,

Listed below are some links to landscape photography courses in the UK, which you may like to investigate. Of those listed, I've been on courses run by Digital Dawn, the Field Studies Council, Inversnaid, Lakeland, Light & Land, Freespirit, Plas Tan y Bwlch and Skye in Focus. They have all been aimed at serious photographers and have been both enjoyable and instructive.

Landscape photography courses at The Digital Dawn

Photographic holidays and courses by Fotocourses

FSC (Field Studies Council) - Bringing Environmental Understanding to All

Inversnaid Photography Workshop Center - Photo & digital courses

Lakeland Photographic Holidays

Photo Adventures : Photo Adventures specialises in organising small-group photographic holidays and workshops in the UK and overseas.

photographic holidays photographic vacations Light and Land holidays

Nick Jenkins Landscape Photographer

Photographic - courses - photography - digital - PEAK DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHY CENTRE

Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri • Snowdonia National Park Authority

Photography holidays, tours, courses & workshops.

I hope that there is something here that is of use to you.

Alan

[andybarton]

I wonder if any of the above advocate the taking of landscape photographs without three or four filters in front of the lens

Joe Cornish has a lot to answer for, IMHO.

[stunsworth]

Hi Sandor, the colour looks seriously off on that image - at least on this work Dell monitor. The sky in particular looks very cyan.

Like Andy I think the current fashion - in the UK at least - for heavily processed landscapes is dreadful. Look at the stuff that Geebee posts here for 'real' landscapes.

[andybarton]

I couldn't agree with you more, Steve

While I confess to over processing some of my B&W landscapes (it's a phase - I'll grow out of it), I am sick to death of filtered landscapes (and, especially, seascapes)

Last year, we had a calendar of Scottish views in the kitchen. The month that really irritated me (possibly September), had a view across a lake towards a railway bridge, in thick mist. It also had a deep orange grad filter, so it looked like the mist was something out of Mordor - all orange and sulphurous. Ridiculous.

Some of the shots were from this place, I'm sure...

http://www.scotphoto.com/images/B324.jpg

http://www.scotphoto.com/images/L104.jpg

Please...

[bill]

What springs to mind after following some of these links is the extent to which running "photography courses" equates to "money for old rope".

Regards,

Bill

[Marquinius]

Hey, I'm getting a whole lot of pretty good advice here! I'll have to study some of the things and see what's what. I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking that there are too many so called "instructors" or "teachers" who just can't perform above the most basic skills.

Thanks to all for thinking (and bearing) with me. I'm sure I'll find my way to some good spot.

Marco

[rubenkok]

Hoi Marco,

Take a look at Home - Fotovakschool
They offer Landschap en architectuur fotografie
Studierichtingen - Fotovakschool

Contact the Fotovakschool
and ask for Andy Mason. He organises photo courses in Schotland.
Onder leiding van Andy Mason, vakfotograaf en docent aan de Fotovakschool,
volg je een intensief en leerzaam programma op dit prachtige groene eiland. ...
Maybe this is some help?
All the best
Ruben

[Marquinius]

Ruben,

I'll keep this in English as others might want to read it also ...

Thanks for the pointer and I'll look into it. Thing is, I have been at Fotogram, which is somewhat affeliated with them I think ... I'm sure most people will find Fotogram a very good institute. But as I'm leaning towards "art photography", I really didn't feel at home there. I'm sure it's me being different (story of my life, getting used to it).

Now, a course/masterclass/workshop in England or Scotland is very much what I woulod like to do. So, I'll look into it.

Shame I've got to start working again next week (although I'm looking forward to the job itself). It will be april or somesuch before I find the time for a long weekend in England.

Marco