There is nothing wrong with having a good camera just to simply enjoy photography for the pure love and pleasure of it; traveling and taking photographs! Cameras are not sold with the condition that you have to be a great photographer or must earn an income from it. Recently, a good friend and colleague stated, “ people buy a boat for the enjoyment of boating and people buy a motorhome for the joy of travel, but when people purchase a quality camera there seems to be a crazy conception attached that they must also produce award-winning images, have a website, and sell prints.
No – you can simply purchase a top of the line camera, put it on program, and take pictures for fun. BUT by the same token, don’t expect to purchase expensive camera gear, click the button, and instantly have an award-winning image appear on the back of the LCD display. Today’s technology has made the learning curve faster, but it is not as simple as taking a camera out of the box and clicking; at least not yet. Therefore, you can either put some time into learning skills or lower your expectations of what you see on your computer screen.
I have said this many different times in many different ways, but I am saying it AGAIN. Perhaps because I just returned from another wonderful Dust-n-light workshop. If you want to be a better photographer, you must become obsessed with light!
Learning the impact of how light illuminates and affects your subject and the impact of the shadows that play against the light is the real talent behind the lens. I am an outdoor photographer. Therefore, for I have no control over the ambient light. I can only evaluate the illumination of light at that moment and make it work within the setting nature has provided. On my own, it took years to understand this and create easy go-to techniques.
I passionately created the spirit-N-light workshop series to help photographers easily elevate their skills quickly. IT IS NOT ABOUT HORSES AND COWBOYS; it is an inspirational environment, which is great for teaching wildlife and travel photographers the skills about how to use natural LIGHT to create much more visually compelling images.
My goal is to push hard to teach new skills for the first few shoots and then to coach you through using them over the last few shoots. The idea is that you leave with the confidence of using the skills taught and retain the knowledge learned through practice. Repetition is so important when learning a new skill, that you wish to retain.
Eight years ago, I had no idea when I developed the first workshop, the success that would follow. Teaching these workshops has been one of the most rewarding of my career; to say nothing of the incredible hospitality and friendship of the Varian family and all those who have ridden for us.
As my schedule becomes more conflicted, I cannot offer as many of these workshops throughout the year. In 2020 I can only offer the spirit-N-Light workshop in spring.
Join us and ultimately improve the outcome of your photographs
Spirit-N-Light, April 2-5, 2020
In the words of the participants with images of their success —
Having attended other workshops I can say that the structure of this workshop where you are shown a particular technique and then go out in the field to practice it is invaluable. It is further enhanced by reminders and prompts when in the field. Last, the post session critiques are excellent for discussing issues that need improvement and for further reinforcing techniques. All in all, it is time and money very well spent – Richard S.
This is a great workshop for those seeking to improve their images though innovative use of light and composition. The setting for the workshop is the beautiful Central California coastal region, and Piper takes full advantage of this location. With the help of local cowhands, the participant gets repeated changes to capture images possessing unique lighting and motion. I especially appreciated Piper’s consistent and uniform style of teaching. Very pleasurable three days, I must say. – Dr Robert Katibah
I loved the workshop! I think you did a great job communicating your message and objectives. I’m convinced the lessons I learned are techniques I can apply to most all aspects of my photography. Overall, a very positive experience at one of the most beautiful ranches I’ve ever visited! The friendly, cooperative staff further added to the fun and enjoyment. – Carol B.
