Award-winning and internationally published photographer David Stimac will teach you how to create spectacular photographs of landscapes, plants, and animals. Whether you are a novice or advanced hobbyist, this class offers something for everyone. This class is aimed at the digital SLR photographer, but other shooters will also benefit. If you don't own an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, but are considering buying one, this class will help you spend your money wisely. You will learn how to select the right camera bodies, lenses, filters, tripods, etc. to best accomplish your photographic goals. You will also gain a firm knowledge of all of the technical aspects of photography, including techniques for creating razor sharp images, understanding your camera's light meter, histogram, file formats, and how to control exposure. Dave will use his own photography to illustrate an in-depth discussion on the various aspects of lighting and composition that separate good photographs from great ones. www.davidstimac.com
 
David has had an interest in natural history since early on, and has drawn, painted, carved and photographed animals and plants for over forty years. He's an avid birder, hunter and naturalist and spends as much time as he can outdoors. Waterfowl, in particular, have inspired him for most of his life. He's fascinated by their beauty, behavior and migrations. David hopes that his work conveys the awe and respect that he feels for them and all living things.

His formal education took place at the College for Creative Studies, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. David has worked as an illustrator, graphic designer and freelance photographer for over twenty-five years. His work has appeared in Ducks Unlimited, Wildfowl Magazine, Gray's Sporting Journal, Sports Afield, National Geographic Books, Ranger Rick, Your Big Backyard and Living Bird.  

He also uses his photography to teach others about our native flora and fauna in various presentations, and he especially enjoys helping new photographers learn more about their equipment, technique and subject matter. His workshops help participants master their cameras so that they can better express their creativity and connection to wild places, animals and plants.

Workshop Outline
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Introduction:

• Camera bodies: Making the right choices for your photography
• Lenses:  Understanding focal length and aperture
• Lenses recommended for landscapes,close-ups and wildlife

Tripods & Heads:

• The features nature photographers need
• Other Supports:
• Options for working from a vehicle
• Carrying your stuff:
• Cases & backpacks
• Air travel strategies

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Technical stuff:

• Understanding exposure theory
• How aperture, shutter speed and ISO work Using your camera's histogram to obtain proper exposure
• Understanding noise and how to avoid it
• Your camera's exposure modes and which are most useful
• Exposure decisions for Raw and jpeg file format
• How to create high dynamic range (HDR) photographs
• Software choices for the digital darkroom

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Some common problems and solutions:

• Depth of field compromises and techniques
• Getting close:
• Methods for photographing tiny subjects
• How to get the camera where it needs to be
• Approaching wary animals
• Using blinds and feeders

Light:

• Understanding how the direction and color of light affects your exposure
• What is "good" light?
• How to control light by filtering, diffusing and reflecting it
• Using a flash for fill or as the main light source

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Composition:

• The guidelines for making visually appealing images
• Looking for art in nature
• Paying attention to background and distractions
• Breaking the rules
• Creative techniques:
• Abstracts and motion
• Multiple exposures
• How to create panoramic images
• Conclusion and Q & A session

Ages: 18 and up