Spring intermediate Workshop
March 17-20, 2016
The Spirit-N-Light workshops are designed to teach photographers how to create stunning images using dramatic natural lighting; an element that can be the difference between a mere snap shot and a great shot. Focusing intensely on one element, along with exciting subjects in an inspiring environment, can have a great impact on learning your craft and elevating your photography.
Nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic rolling hills, this workshop takes place on a true working ranch. The wranglers will run the horses through the stunning landscape creating loads of photographic opportunities for action shots, clouds of dust, and silhouettes at sunset. Although there will be a concentrated focus on dramatic lighting, we will also work on creating interesting compositions, pan blurs, as well as how to creatively use shutter speeds to exaggerate movement.
In the middle of the day, we will work on portraits and learn how to manipulate shadows and natural light so that you can shoot during the harsh light and make every minute count while in the field. There will be an image review, which will commence in the afternoon of the first full day, to understand what is working and what you may need to adjust to improve your images over the next several shoots. There will be continuous discussions on how and why light makes a difference.
To maximize our time, we will be staying on the ranch, in a log cabin lodge, built by the owner’s bare hands. 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 for lectures and to share stories.
Is this workshop for you?
There are two Spirit-N-Light workshops each year (an intermediate level and an advanced level). This spring workshop is created for intermediate, amateur, and hobby level photographers. You will not need big expensive glass for this workshop. The majority of shoots will be set up at a range of 24-300mm. The photo shoots will be top level, professional shoots, but the conversations and teaching will be at an intermediate/hobby level. Participants should be comfortable with their equipment and how it works. Participants should have a fair understanding of the basics of photography, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure. We will be discussing these topics, but not from a beginner level. This workshop is perfect for the enthusiastic photographer who wants to push their creativity to the next level.
The fall Spirit-N-Light Intensive workshop is created for advanced, semi-pro, and pro-shooters that have a firm grasp on the technical fundamentals of digital cameras, shutter speed, aperture, depth of field, exposure, and digital workflow. Rather than discussing basic topics, we will be focusing on visual style and advanced digital techniques. The intensive workshop is two full days longer and we push hard on an advanced level.
You may view the fall Spirit-N-light Intensive workshop itinerary here.
Cost
The cost of this all-inclusive workshop is $1,595.00, based on double occupancy. Most rooms have a loft, so there is one bed in the loft and the other on the main level. Single Accommodations are limited. If available, there is a single supplement fee payable of $400.00.
If you request shared accommodation on your registration form, 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 subsequently be charged.
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, except for alcoholic beverages. All accommodation, meals, wrangler fees, model releases, ranch fees, transportation while on the ranch, instruction, and critique, are included. We will meet at the ranch by 2:00pm on Thursday, March 17 and depart on Sunday, March 20 by noon.
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
- Alcoholic beverages
Location
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 responsibility to get yourself to the ranch.
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 $600.00 non-refundable deposit. Both a completed reservation form and deposit must be completed to confirm a spot.
Deposit and Sign-up
This workshop is SOLD OUT
Please use the link below to add your name to the wait list or interest list for Fall 2016
Add your name to the wait-list
Testimonials and images from past participants
“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 – USA
“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.” A fabulous experience!!!! Great opportunity to learn about the beauty of rim light. Lillian Roberts – USA
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 –CANADA
Learning these skills in advance can make all the difference in capturing compelling images it really counts!
