2013 Photo Workshop Schedule Set

I just put the finishing touches on my 2013 photo workshop schedule. Lots of photo opportunities for you to make - rather than just take - meaningful photographs. And plenty of time to process your images in Lightroom and Photoshop.

To find a workshop for you, click Workshops on the left or click here.

Speaking of workshop, there is a big difference between a workshop and a photo tour.

- Workshops: Designed to get you the very best shots from dawn to dusk. Getting up at 3 AM is no prob.
- Photo Tours: Leave at 9 and set your day around meals.

- Workshops: If you are driving and see something good, stop and shoot.
- Photo Tours: Keep on driving.

- Workshops: Usually cars or 4W drive vehicles.
- Photo Tours: Bus tours.

- Workshops: Hands-on training - daily - by the instructor or instructors.
- Photo Tours: You are on your own.

- Workshops: Photo reviews almost daily.
- Photo Tours: No reviews.

- Workshops: Photoshop and Lightroom advice and help.
- Photo Tours: Computers are not even required.

- Workshops: Group slide show.
- Photo Tours: Only show is to show up for dinner.

- Workshops: Leave on-time for sunrise.
- Photo Tours: Who cares if you are late?

- Workshops: Briefing on each location as to lenses, settings, etc.
- Photo Tours: Very little suggestions by leaders.

- Workshops: Instructors ask you how you are doing.
- Photo Tours: Leaders are there only as tour guides.

- Workshops: If you find something really cool to photograph, the groups changes plans so all can get great pictures.
- Photo Tours: Get to the next stop.

- Workshops: Instructors share their shots on their camera's LCD monitors so others can see and learn.
- Photo Tours: Instructors are often first on the spot.

I hope to see you on one of my workshops someday. See this facebook page to see the work of some of my recent students.

If you like the stuff you see here on my blog, you can subscribe here.

I tell people that my specialty is not specializing, because I like to do it all. However, if you like to specialize in wildlife photography, I can help you with your photography. Please see my On Safari gallery for some of my favorite images.

If you like stuff like this, you can subscribe to my blog here.

Explore the light,
Rick

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This post sponsored by Adorama - great gear at great prices. 

Chasing the Light - Enhancing the Light

Getting up early to catch a sunrise is the norm on my photo workshops. Staying out late for sunset is also the norm. Sure, the photo workshop participants get a bit worn out by the end of the workshop, but they walk away with some spectacular images.

They ask me how I do it on all my photo workshops. I tell 'em, "I can sleep when I'm dead!"

At sunrise this morning on my Bosque del Apache, New Mexico workshop with Juna Pons, I was thinking about dedicated photographers, that we all chase the light, from morning until night. We'll do almost anything to be in the right spot at the right time to get the best light. It's kinda cool.

But dedicated photographers are also light enhancers. That's relatively easy to do in Photoshop and Lighroom, as well as with plug-ins.

For example, my original file for this image was good, here's how I enhanced it:
• increased the saturation in Camera RAW.
• increased clarity in Camera RAW.
• Used Shadows/Highlights in Photoshop to open up the highlights.
• Use the Detail Extractor in Nik Color Efex Pro to bring out more details.

I teach all this stuff on my workshops. I hope you can join one someday soon. Get some rest before you leave home :-)

On line, I talk about the importance of light in my Kelby Training class: Light - the main element in every photograph. Info on that class is on my On-line Training page. If you like that class, you'll like my class on Composition - the strongest way of seeing.

About the image: I took it with my all-time favorite Canon lens: Canon 24-105mm IS lens, which was mounted on my Canon 5D Mark III. All my gear is listed on my Gear page.

If you like stuff like this, you can subscribe to my blog here.

Explore the light,
Rick

This post sponsored by Adorama - great gear at great prices. 

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5 Ways to Become a Better Photographer

If you want to become a better photographer, I have five different options for you. Some are available in the comfort of your own home, others are available on location.

On-line: Check out my Kelby Training courses on Light and Composition - the two key ingredients that go into the making of a good photograph. The combo of both courses will help you see the light and compose carefully.

On your iPad or iPhone: I have 10 apps that cover dozens of different photographic techniques for indoor and outdoor shooting, in your home, on location and in a studio.

My photo workshops: If you like hands-on training – in photography, Lightroom and Photoshop – these workshops are for you. You'll get great photos, have a ton of fun and make new friends.

My seminars: Most of my seminars are free of charge or cost just a few bucks. Bring your questions. I am there to help.

Tough Love: One-on-one, on-line portfolio reviews.
I'll be upfront and honest with you.

I hope to meet up with you somewhere – on line or in person.

Explore the light,
Rick

This post is sponsored by BlackRapid - the fastest way to shoot.

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My Apps: Save on 2 and Get 2 For Free!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I have a lot of folks to thank . . . including my app developers. In celebration of the holidays, we are having some app sales:

27/4 Photo Buffet for the iPad - now $1.99. This all-in-one app with tons of tips that will make you make better pictures.

Social Media Marketing – now $4.99. My short course on how to build your business.

Also, two of my apps are free: Flying Flowers and Big Cats!

All my apps are listed on My Apps page. Check 'em out and learn at your own pace.

Happy Holidays,
Rick

Rick's List: Gear for Cowboy/Cowgirl Workshop

Planning on joining my Spearfish, South Dakota cowboy and cowgirl photography workshop, during which we'll also photograph the spectacular local scenery - which includes some of the best waterfalls I've seen? Here's a list of the gear I recommend.

This gear is for Canon shooters, but all shooters, of course, are welcome. Also, filter sizes will vary with your lenses.

Lenses: Wide for environmental portraits, tele for portraits and action shots.
Canon 17-40mm lens
Canon 24-105mm IS lens
Canon  70-200 f/4 IS lens
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens

Speedlite: For portraits.
Canon 600EX-RT

Reflector/Diffuser Kit: For portraits.
Westcott 6 in 1 Kit

Tripod: For low-light shots.

HDR Plug-ins: For landscape photographs.
See my Plug-ins page

Filters: For scenery and waterfall photography.
Tiffen Polarizing
Tiffen 2 - 8 stop ND filter

You'll also need your laptop, card reader,
memory cards and chargers.

Any questions, give a call at 914 271 6132.

If you can't make a workshop, you take a virtual workshop
with me on line via one of my Kelby Training classes.

All my workshops are listed here.

If you like stuff like this, you can subscribe to my blog here.

Explore the light,
Rick

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