Designing Great Landscape Photos

This class is for photographers of all skill levels. Spend a day learning how to translate the beauty you see in subjects ranging from tiny wildflowers to broad landscapes into strong, expressive photos in both color and black and white.

You’ll learn the principles of good composition plus how to work with light direction, time of day, weather, sun, moon, and tides. The day will be a mixture of lecture, slide shows, exercises to expand your creative vision, evaluating some of your past work, and a field photo session.

All types of cameras, both digital and film are welcome, but you should already be familiar with your camera’s controls. We'll start at the Red Barn and later shoot at one or two shoreline locations chosen for the best light, tide, and moon phase.

NOTE: On the following Saturday morning we’ll meet again via Zoom to share and evaluate your best photos from our field shoot. This optional meeting will be held on Saturday 1/22 from 10:00-12:00. Link and instructions will be emailed to registered participants.

Bill Helsel: After a 35+ year career as a free-lance photographer and adult education teacher, Bill is now concentrating on his own fine-art work while continuing to teach. His landscape and travel photos have been widely exhibited and appeared in hundreds of publications internationally. www.billhelsel.com

Photo Credit: Bill Helsel

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Red Barn Classroom in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

- Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

- Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

- Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

- Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

- Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

- Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Camera

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Layered Clothing

Waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket, hat, and gloves

Hat and sunscreen

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• We recommend that all participants continue to wear masks at this time, however, in accordance with CDC guidelines, exceptions can be made for fully vaccinated individuals

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering unless farther than 6’ from other participants in an outdoor class

• At this time masks are required for all participants indoors regardless of vaccination status

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.