Amongst the rolling hills and panoramic vistas of the glacially-carved Finger Lakes tumble some of the most scenic waterfalls in the country.  There are over two hundred named falls, including Taughannock Falls, the highest in New York State. The sheer number and diversity of waterfalls makes this region truly special, and the possibilities for unique images are overwhelming.  Each waterfall has its own character; some drop like bridal veils, others sluice over ledges, and some, like those in famous Watkins Glen, carve dramatic chasms.  In springtime lime-green beech leaves frame the cascades.  Shooting access is ideal; many are along roadsides, others within a short hike.

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API staff instructors Mark Bowie and Chris Murray will be your photographic guides.  They are expert waterfall and stream photographers that know the region well.  They'll take you to waterfalls both spectacular and sublime, and provide lots of personalized instruction in the field.

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After an initial orientation session on Sunday night, we will spend 3 days exploring and photographing waterfalls around Ithaca and Watkins Glen, NY.  Possible locations include Taughannock Falls, the Cascadilla Gorge, Robert H. Treman, and Watkins Glen State Parks.  We’ll also visit some beautiful lesser-known falls.

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Field lessons will emphasize compositional and artistic considerations, with tips and techniques on:

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•   the art of photographing waterfalls and streams

•   varying shutter speed for optimal water movement and texture

•   shooting long exposures for creative effect

•   equipment recommendations and use

•   reading and shooting the light

•   fine tuning compositions

•   creating visual flow, compositional balance and dynamic tension

•   achieving critical focus

•   using Live View to compose and focus

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

•   using exposure to create mood

•   shooting color and tonal palettes for creative effect

•   working with your range of lenses

•   seeing from different vantage points

•   crafting images using patterns, lines and forms

•   using filters for artistic long exposures

•  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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During indoor instructional sessions, we’ll cover efficient digital workflow and image optimization in Lightroom, Camera Raw and Photoshop.  We'll also critique participants' images.

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Mark and Chris love sharing the art of photography.  Come explore with them as they take your waterfall imagery to new levels. 

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Camera Skills Needed: 

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 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.  A laptop computer with a program to store and view images is highly recommended.  Mark and Chris are glad to answer your image processing questions.

 

Other Considerations:

Though locations visited during this workshop are readily accessible, the terrain may require some short hiking.  Participants MUST be in good physical shape and able to climb and descend moderate inclines.  They should wear sturdy boots and use caution on slippery and rocky slopes.

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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:

12 maximum

Registration Fees $950 tuition only. 

 

A deposit of $250 is required at registration. Early registration discount ends April 11th. Click here to see any discounts that may apply.

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Click here to register online

 

Details:

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The workshop begins Sunday June 11th at 5pm and ends Wednesday June 14th at noon.

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Where to Meet

Participants will gather in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express  All indoor sessions will take place in the conference room.

 

Directions

The Holiday Inn Express is located at 371 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.  For driving directions go to Google Maps and enter the hotel’s address as your destination.   

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Meals

Meals are the responsibility of the participant and their cost is not included in the registration fee. The leaders will work with the group to organize meal times and locations.

 

Lodging

Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee. 

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We suggest the Holiday Inn Express  for this event. Contact them at (607) 277-1100 for reservations. The hotel is offering discounted pricing for this workshop, so make sure to mention that you will be taking part in an Adirondack Photography Institute event.  The group code for this event is API (make sure you give this code when you call to make your reservation) so that you are included in the block and receive the discounted rate. 

 

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Transportation During the Event

Transportation to and from the workshop is the responsibility of the participant and the cost is not included in the registration fee.

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

 

 

The Program Schedule

Rather than adhering to a set itinerary, we will stay flexible so that we optimize our time in the field, giving you the best chances to capture great images based on weather and lighting conditions.

 

Day 1

Participants gather at the Holiday Inn Express.

Opening presentation by Mark and Chris, with tips on waterfall photography.  Welcome dinner.  Afternoon/evening field trip.

 

Days 2 ,3

Sunrise field trip followed by breakfast.  Instructional presentations by Mark and Chris on artistic waterfall and stream photography.  Group critique of participants’ images.  Daytime and evening field trips.

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Day 4

Sunrise field trip followed by breakfast.  Instructional presentations by Mark and Chris on processing waterfall and stream images.  Group critique of participants’ images and workshop wrap up. 

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Note - The actual itinerary may vary considerably from this due to weather and other conditions that cannot be anticipated.

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What To Bring

 

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 - mbowiephoto@gmail.com or 413-442-9125

Chris - chris@chrismurrayphotography.com or 315-416-8038

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