Adirondack Peak Fall Color
New shooting locations and some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the Adirondacks.
This workshop tends to fill quickly. Register soon to reserve a slot.
Each section of the Adirondack Park is distinctively different, harboring its own scenic wonders. The south-central Adirondack lake country around Indian Lake is carpeted with lush forests sprinkled with numerous lakes and ponds. The autumn forests explode with color; yellows, oranges and reds are mixed with aquamarine, tangerine, cherry, peach — the colors creating impressionistic paintings on the waters. With the changing of the seasons, fog rises from the waters most mornings, softening the colors to beautiful pastels.
The area also offers some of the finest river, stream and waterfall photography in the Park, especially along the Indian and Cedar Rivers, which alternate between wild whitewater and placid stretches that reflect the fall colors. The possibilities for creative photography here are unbounded.
Mark Bowie, Adirondack Life contributor and author of three photography books on the Adirondacks, has worked extensively in this area. He'll be joined by Chris Murray, also an Adirondack Life contributor and passionate teacher. They’ll be your guides, and the emphasis will be on shooting, shooting, shooting! You will typically shoot for several hours around sunrise and sunset each day, and other times as favorable lighting conditions present themselves. You'll even photograph the moody blues of twilight and the magnificent Adirondack night sky. Field lessons will include tips and techniques on:
· reading and shooting the light
· photographing autumn forests, waterways and reflections
· fine tuning compositions
· determining proper exposure in a variety of conditions
· varying shutter speed for creative effect
· achieving critical focus
· working with your range of lenses, from wide angle to telephoto
· shooting color and tonal palettes for creative effect
· using Live View to compose and focus
· using the LCD screen and histogram to refine compositions, check exposures and confirm focus
Mark and Chris will also give indoor instructional sessions on:
· the Art of Seeing Creatively
· artistic opportunities unique to autumn
· optimizing images in Lightroom and Photoshop
· blending multiple exposures of the same scene as panoramas and HDR’s, and using layer masks and focus stacking
We will also have image review sessions of participants’ work shot during the event.
Join Mark & Chris as they help elevate your fall photography beyond the commonplace to artistic excellence!
Camera Skills Needed
All skill levels are welcome.
Users of all types of cameras may attend. However, digital SLR and mirrorless 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.
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
Locations visited during the workshop are easily accessible and most do not require strenuous hiking or climbing. Optional hikes involving moderate inclines to small peaks may be offered. Only those in good physical shape and able to ascend and descend moderate slopes should attempt. As with all outdoor pursuits, some risk is inherent; all participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop.
Group Size
12 participants max.
Registration Fees
$1150. See details below for a description of what is included. A deposit of $250 required at time of registration. Deadline for early registration discount is August 9th. Click here for information on any other discounts that may be available.
Details
Dates and Times
The workshop begins Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at 2:00 pm and ends Thursday, October12th, 2023 at noon.
Where to Meet
Participants will gather in the lobby of the Adirondack Trail Motel in Indian Lake.
Directions
Adirondack Trail Motel is located at 6450 NYS Rte 30, Indian Lake, NY 12842. For driving directions go to Google Maps and enter the hotel's address as your destination. If you have further questions don't hesitate to contact the Adirondack Trail Motel at (518) 648-5044.
Lodging
Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee.
We suggest staying at the Adirondack Trail Motel. Contact them at (518) 648-5044 for reservations. There is a group block so please mention the Adirondack Photography Institute when making reservations. This is a small motel and early registration is highly recommended.
Other recommended lodging in Indian Lake:
LORCA Adirondacks 516-300-3916
Point Breeze Motel and Cottages 518-648-5555
Snowy Mountain Inn 518-648-5995
Meals
Meals are the responsibility of the participant and their cost is not included in the registration fee. Mark and Chris will organize and provide advice on nearby meal options.
Getting to the Event
The two nearest airports are Albany International Airport (ALB) and the Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK). Rental cars are available at both locations.
Transportation During the Event
Participants’ vehicles will be used for transportation during field trips. We are adamant about carpooling as much as possible to minimize the number of vehicles needed for any given field trip, as well as to lessen our impact on easily damaged roads and trails. Note that the instructor is not allowed to provide transportation for participants during the event.
The Program Schedule
Day 1
Participants gather at the Adirondack Trail Motel. Welcome and introductory session on fall photography in the region by Mark and Chris. Sunset photo shoot. Dinner locally. Optional night shoot.
Day 2, 3, 4
Morning field trip followed by breakfast. Instructional presentations by Mark and Chris on artistic fall photography:
The Art of Seeing
Weather & Reading the Light
Using Exposure to Create Mood
Shooting the Adirondack Autumn Color Palette
Lens Selection and Use
Creative Use of Filters
Multiple Exposure Techniques for Expanding Tonal Range, Depth of Field and Resolution:
Layer Masks
Panoramas
HDRs
Focus Stacking
Creating Abstract, Expressionistic Images
Image Optimization in Lightroom, Camera Raw & Photoshop. Image analysis and group critique of participants’ images.
Afternoon field trip. Sunset, twilight and night shooting field trips.
Day 5
Morning field trip followed by breakfast. Image analysis and group critique of participants’ images. Workshop wrap-up and participant slideshow.
Note - The actual itinerary may vary considerably from this due to weather and other conditions that cannot be anticipated.
What To Bring
Important: The program leaders have provided additional information regarding your needs for this program. Click here to view or download that information. Please contact the leaders directly with questions:
Mark Bowie – mbowiephoto@gmail.com. 413-442-9125
Chris Murray – chris@chrismurrayphotography.com. 315-416-8038