Winter in the Adirondacks is a magical time and the Lake Placid-Saranac Lake-Tupper Lake region has its own northern charm. There are dramatic snow-covered mountains and pristine forests. The numerous lakes, ponds and waterways become encrusted with intricate ice formations. Even small snowfalls create winter wonderlands. Snow quiets and simplifies the landscape, accentuating lines and form. Portraying it artistically in photographs requires special attention to composition, exposure and processing. Through both field lessons and indoor instructional sessions, Mark will explore the art of seeing winter’s beauty and demonstrate techniques specific to creating compelling winter images. With the emphasis on “shooting & processing”, we’ll photograph a variety of locations, during the day and at night, and take time to process and share our images. Possible shooting locations include Whiteface Mountain and the McKenzie and Stephenson Ranges, Mt. Joe, Algonquin Mt, Mt Colden, Lower Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Lakes Flower and Colby, Second Pond, and other lakes and ponds in the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and St Regis Wilderness. Come explore the special beauty of winter in the North Country!

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Field lessons will emphasize attention to detail, with tips and techniques on:

• reading and shooting the light

• seeing from different vantage points

• fine tuning compositions

• determining proper exposure

• achieving critical focus

• working with your range of lenses for creative effect

• using Live View to compose and focus

• using the LCD screen and histogram to refine compositions, check exposures and confirm focus

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Mark will give indoor instructional presentations on:

• winter weather & the Art of Seeing

• extreme snow & ice

• the compositional benefits of open water

• winter patterns

• using exposure to create mood

• shooting winter’s color and tonal palettes for creative effect

• multiple exposure blending for expanding exposure latitude and resolution: layer masks, panoramas and HDR’s

• focus stacking to maximize depth of field

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Mark will cover efficient digital workflow and image optimization in Lightroom, Camera Raw & Photoshop, including; 

• RAW processing in Lightroom and Adobe Camera RAW

• applying global adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop for white balance, tonality, contrast and color control, highlight and shadow control

• noise reduction and pre-sharpening

• making local adjustments to contrast, color and tonality

• selective dodging and burning

• working with layers

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Camera Skills Needed

All skill levels are welcome. Users of all types of cameras may attend. However, digital SLR cameras are preferred for their ability to provide immediate feedback and instant access to the images. Without one, you will not be able to take full advantage of the indoor sessions in this workshop.

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Description of skill levels - click here

Computer Skills Needed

A basic understanding of digital workflow and some working knowledge of Lightroom, Photoshop or other image editing program will be helpful.

Other Considerations

Though locations visited during this workshop are readily accessible, some moderate hiking in snow may be required. Participants must be in good physical shape and able to climb and descend moderate inclines.  Though not necessary, feel free to bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to access snow-covered forests. 

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As with all outdoor pursuits, some risk is inherent; all participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop.

Group Size

10 participants max.

Registration Fees

$925 tuition only.

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Click Here to Register Online

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Deposit of $250 required at time of registration.  Deadline for early registration is December 1, 2023. 

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Click here for information on any other discount that may be available. 

 

Details:

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Dates and Times

The program begins Sunday, Jan 28th at 5:00 pm and ends Wednesday, January 31st at noon.

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Where to Meet

Participants will gather at the Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Placid at:

801 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, New York 12946. Phone (518) 523-9500. 

Instructions on how to make reservations are below under Lodging.

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Lodging

Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee.  We recommend the Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Placid (518) 523-9500. For special pricing for this event use the booking link: click here.

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Meals

Meals are not included with the workshop tuition and are the responsibility of each individual.  Mark will work with the group to organize meal times and locations.

Transportation During the Event

Participants’ vehicles will be used for transportation during field trips.  Note that the instructor is not allowed to provide transportation for participants during the event.

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Please contact Mark Bowie directly with questions: mbowiephoto@gmail.com or 413-442-9125.

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