Spirit-N-Light Spring 2015

Spring Workshop

March 12-15, 2015

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This workshop is designed to create stunning imagery with a focus on dramatic lighting, while photographing cowboys/girls, horses, and cattle, on a true working ranch. Nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic rolling hills, this ranch envelops 20,000 acres in the heart of central California. It is centrally located between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The wranglers will run the horses through the majestic landscape creating loads of photographic opportunities for action shots, clouds of dust, and silhouettes at sunset. There will be continuous opportunities to photograph all aspects of ranch life including working the cattle, roping, portraits, and close-ups.

I lead two Spirit-N-Light workshops each year. The spring workshop will be taught more  for  intermediate, amateur, and hobbyist photographers. It can be intimidating for some participants to ask questions and get the most out of a workshop, when they are in a group of advanced, semi-pro, pro- photographers. They may not be invested in big expensive glass. It can be a challenge  to set up shots that work equally great for those with a 600mm lens and those with that have  a 300mm lens. The photo shoots will be top level, professional shoots, but the conversations and teaching will be at a level to advance intermediate photographers in their vision and shooting skills. The second Spirit-N-Light workshop will be for  advanced, semi-pro, and pro-shooters.  It will be a day longer, when the days are longer, and we will shoot till we drop! If you are interested in the Advanced workshop, please put your name on the interest list.

This workshop will be focused around dramatic lighting, but we will also work on creating more interesting compositions, pan blur’s, and how to creatively use shutter speeds to exaggerated movement. We will continuously discuss how and why light makes a difference, which can quickly elevate your photography.

During midday we will work on portraits and learn how to manipulate shadows and natural light so you can shoot during the harsh light and make every minute count while in the field. We will have an image review on the first day, so we see what is working and what things you may need to change to improve your images for the next several shoots.

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We will be staying in a lovely lodge on the ranch to maximize every minute. After an exciting shoot, you can relax on the porch, or plop onto the leather couches in the main lounge area. The lounge area has shelves filled with books, a stone fireplace, tables to sit at and review images, and is where we will meet to hear lectures and share stories.

This workshop is “all inclusive”. From the time you arrive on Thursday afternoon until we part on Sunday; you will not have to pay for anything, but premium spirits. All accommodations, meals, wrangler fees, model releases, ranch fees, transportation while on the ranch, instruction, critique, and portfolio reviews are included. We will meet at the ranch by 2:00pm on Thursday, March 12 and depart on Sunday, March 15 by noon.

The ranch is an easy 3-4 hour drive, depending on traffic, from Los Angeles or San Francisco. The closest small airport is San Louis Obispo County Regional Airport – http://www.sloairport.com.  Transportation is available on the ranch during the workshop, but it is your own responsibility to get yourself to the ranch. I can drive up to three people with me from LAX.

The Cost

The cost of this all-inclusive workshop is $1,495.00 Based on double occupancy. Most rooms have a loft, so there is one bed in the loft and the other one the main level. Single Supplement is very limited but available at $400.00. We will do our best to match you with a roommate. However, if we are unable to match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, then the single supplement will be charged.

What’s Included

  • Accommodations
  • All the 3 meals of the day with mineral water
  • Ranch Fee
  • wranglers
  • model releases
  • transportation while at the ranch
  • 20 min portfolio review and image review
  • instruction during all photo shoots

What’s NOT included

  • Transportation to and from the Ranch
  • premium spirits (House wine and domestic beer is included)

Interested in joining us?

The group size for this workshop  is limited to 10 participants. The Spirit-N-Light workshops are very popular and they usually  fill quickly. If  you want  to take advantage of this opportunity  then now is the time to register. To secure your spot, please complete the On-line registration form and make the $500.00 non-refundable deposit. Both a completed reservation form and deposit must be done to confirm a spot.

You might also be interested in the Spirit-N-Light Advanced workshop.  Details

Deposit and Sign-up

    1.  CLICK THE LINK TO –  Fill out and e-sign the registration form (Ecosign)
    2. Make your deposit of $500.00 by using the pay button below (Paypal)




 

Testimonials and images from past participants

“Piper’s enthusiasm for the subject is very contagious!  She inspired us to try new things even though we are experienced photographers, and worked tirelessly to make sure we came home with a wide variety of images.” Lillian Roberts – USA

a.  A fabulous experience!!!! Great opportunity to learn about the beauty of rim light.

b.   I decided to go to this workshop in preparation for the trip to Africa with Piper in August.  It was deninatly the right  decision.  Now I know how to use  my camera to be able to catch the dramatic effect of the light on the horses crossing the water.  Undoubtedly, this will pay off as we photograph the wildebeests crossing the Masai Mara during the Great Migration.  – Muriel McClellan

If you are looking to move your photography to a different level, the Spirit-N-Light workshop is for you.  The variety of location shoots was amazing. Reflections, horses galloping through water, portraits, panning, rim light – we had a chance to practice it all in a relaxed setting. Piper knew what she was doing and it showed. She waited for the light – whether it was hitting a hill at just the right moment or having the sun rise in a valley – we got to experience firsthand what she was talking about. There truly is a spirit in light and I believe all of the participants’ workshop photos reflect that. Piper has designed a memorable learning experience topped off by wonderful hospitality shown by the ranch, fabulous food and bringing together a great group to shoot with. I highly recommend it – Laurie Thomson – Ontario

Golden Hills Of The V6 Ranch_©Susan Quin Byrd

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