Dust-N-Light workshop 2021

Learn how to use natural light to create dramatic images.

June  02 – June 06,  2021

The Dust-N-Light workshop is  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. This is the perfect workshop to help you prepare for a trip to an exotic destination!

Nestled in a valley, surrounded by majestic rolling hills, this workshop takes place on a true working ranch. The light at the ranch this time of year is magical. The wranglers will run the horses through the stunning landscape, creating loads of photographic opportunities for action shots, clouds of dust, water spraying, and silhouettes at sunset. Although there will be a concentrated focus on dramatic lighting, we will also work on creating interesting compositions and pan blurs, as well as learn how to creatively use shutter speeds to exaggerate movement. Practicing and learning these techniques in advance will give you a huge advantage in capturing award winning images in exotic locations.

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

In mid-morning or early afternoon, when the light is harsh, we will work on portraits. I will show you the natural lighting tricks I developed that allow me to create incredible images, even in the toughest lighting situations. This will allow you to maximize every minute in the field and take advantage of more photographic opportunities when traveling through a remote location.

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. During the warmth of midday, in the cool lodge, while you are plopped down on the comfy, leather couches with a cold drink, I will give multiple slide show presentations, discussing the techniques we will be practicing, including some post-production recommendations. Throughout the workshop, there will be continuous discussions on how and why light makes a difference. The summer workshop is a day longer than the spring workshop, allowing more time for reviews and an evening down at the lake.

To maximize our time in the field, 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 and review images, and this is where we will meet for lectures and to share stories.

The ranch is an easy 3- to 4-hour drive, depending on traffic, from Los Angeles or San Francisco, California. The closest small airport is San Louis Obispo County Regional Airport (http://www.sloairport.com), which is about an hours drive to the ranch. We will all carpool on the ranch during the workshop, but it is your own responsibility to get yourself to the ranch.

 Is this workshop for you?
This workshop is for photographers who are experienced in the basics of photography; aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure,  and how they are all relative. A participant should have full working knowledge of their gear.  This workshop is for photographers how have been shooting for a few years or many, but that now want to take their skills to the next level.  You should also know how to download your images, process the basic images files, and share them to a jump drive. If you have any concerns, please contact me at info@PiperMackayPhotography.com

What past participants had to say about the workshop…….

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Dust N Light workshop to anyone who has a passion and commitment to raise their level of photography.  Piper works with you on a one to one basis and constantly challenges you to get better.  This workshop isn’t for the faint of heart or for the non-committed.  If you don’t want to grow or be challenged then find some friends who think every image you produce is great and spend years toiling in futility.  BUT, if you are one who thirsts for greatness and growth, then you should sign up for any workshop Piper Mackay offers.  The return on your investment will be immediate and substantial as far as you creativity and results are concerned. – Wayne Hoover

Dust-n-Light is the workshop that every aspiring wildlife, cultural or street photographer should attend before going out in the field. First, Piper shares her simple, effective mantra “what is my background, what is my light”, with participants, and then teaches them the skills that will help them create more dramatic and impactful images. Piper is a hands-on teacher, and her methods include working in the field and in the classroom. This was my second experience with Piper; after traveling to India with her, I knew I needed to work and practice with her again. There is a reason that most of her workshop and tour participants are repeat clients, and that is because of her passion—for photography, for sharing her skills with others, and for pushing her participants to the next level of photography. I have already signed up for my next two trips with Piper and cannot wait. – Katherine Bristor

“Piper really knows how to make walking through a field of cow pies at six in the morning fun and exciting. Her energy and instruction during the workshop made it enjoyable and enlightening.  I have a much greater appreciation for light and motion now, and even managed to capture some of that magic in my shots.”  Dan Trimble

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

Images from past participants