4545 Connecticut Ave. NW #620
Washington, DC 20008
Toll Free - 1-877-512-5969
Local Phone - 1-202-537-0937
Fax - 1-815-333-0233
E-mail: info@washingtonphotosafari.com
"The digital Safari was fantastic and I learned so much. Melanie was terrific!"
— P.F.
4545 Connecticut Ave. NW #620
Washington, DC 20008
Toll Free - 1-877-512-5969
Local Phone - 1-202-537-0937
Fax - 1-815-333-0233
E-mail: info@washingtonphotosafari.com
A Day At National Zoo and Roosevelt Island
Next Safari: 09/11/2010
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Portrait photographer Bob Blanken has a special treat for all students, adults AND children who sign up to fully discover the National Zoo and Roosevelt Island. If it's pictures you want, then it's pictures you'll get.
The entire day will be spent capturing images. The focus of the day is twofold. For the morning and part of the afternoon session we'll concentrate on getting great shots at Washington's famously photogenic National Zoo. The rest balance of the day will be spent on Roosevelt Island. The class is limited to 15 students, so make sure you get on board early to take advantage
Morning: Meet at the Connecticut Avenue entrance to the National Zoo at 8:45AM. The National Zoo is a premier location showcasing many species of wild animals from around the world. The many species will keep us entertained for the entire time we'll spend photographing them. We'll concentrate on the animals in both the indoor and outdoor exhibits. While we're there, we'll discuss how to read the light, be taught how to anticipate the best action, and learn how to create the best possible images at each exhibit. We'll also discuss long lens techniques, how to use fill flash to soften contrast, selective depth of field, and the importance of getting great backgrounds and the importance of patience.
Long lenses are suggested for this class for the animals in the outdoor exhibits - a minimum of 300mm is recommended. (Long lenses like 400mm can be rented for the weekend at Penn Camera at 8th and E NW, call 202-347-577 to reserve in advance). Bring shorter lenses for working some of the indoor animals. Additionally, bring an external hot shoe flash so you can be shown how to optimize the light for both indoor and outdoor shooting. A flash will prove beneficial to help tame the contrast for the outdoor animals and be used as a main light for the indoor critters. If you have a dedicated flash cord that allows you to use the flash off camera, be sure you bring it so that Bob can show you some neat lighting tricks. Plan on making a lot of pictures as we wander the grounds.
Lunch Break: We will have a lunch break with an opportunity to share insights and images and learn from each other's efforts, failures and successes at the Mane Restaurant. This will also provide an opportunity to rest before the afternoon trek.
Afternoon: We will spend a brief period capturing images missed or trying ideas gathered over lunch. Then we change the pace with the balance of the day at Roosevelt Island, located on the Potomac River with an entrance from the George Washington Parkway northbound lane. With Teddy Roosevelt's Memorial and great vistas of the Georgetown waterfront, the island is a unique photographic opportunity, a place of unusual tranquility and wonderful imagery.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer, and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Meet at National Zoo entrance 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, nearest METRO is Cleveland Park (Red Line)
Be prepared for parking and any fees incurred. If you are a FONZ, parking is free.$179/person, child photographers ages 12 to 15 half price (no more than 5 children total)
Faces, Not Places!
Next Safari: 09/19/2010
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
When you travel, you like to come back with images not just of the monuments, historic buildings and landscapes, but also the faces that you see. After all, people are the lifeblood of any country.
But how do you DO that, especially with people you do not know? Sticking a camera in a stranger's face is NOT a great way to make friends! It's intrusive and inconsiderate! And how do you capture those magic moments of your own family or friends playing on the beach, or sampling local restaurants, dancing the carioca, screaming down a roller coaster, or just enjoying themselves on a hillside above a lovely nighttime cityscape?
This new photo Safari, led by professional event photographer and Washington Photo Safari director E. David Luria will give you very useful tips on how (and how not) to take posed and unposed photos of the people you know, how to capture candid moments of people you do NOT know in crowded marketplaces or on street scenes, how to get in LOW and CLOSE to your subjects, how to use Shutter-Priority and Aperture-Priority modes, how to manipulate those confusing F-stops, what kind of equipment you need to do this right, how to use long lenses to get in tight on faraway faces, how to use non-intrusive spy-like techniques to capture that unique face, how to use wide angle lenses to increase depth of field, how to take full advantage of light and the rapid-shooting capability of your camera, how to get the permission of strangers to take their pictures, and how to shoot in low-light environments, in short: how to take pictures that really tell the PEOPLE story of your trip!
He will also review privacy and model-release issues involved in photographing strangers.
Mr. Luria conducts this Safari at one of the best people-gathering places in Washington: the friendly National Sculpture Garden located at 8th and Constitution Ave NW, a great place to pose friends and family and an easy place to meet strangers who often bring their cute little kids to stick their feet in the circular pond. He begins the safari with a 40-minute orientation on people photography, and then works with all participants to help them get the most interesting photos, with techniques of exposure, composition, lighting and white balance.
Any camera will do for this Safari, even those small and quiet point and shoots with nice long zooms, but for best results we highly recommend adjustable SLR cameras with telephoto and wide angle lenses, and, for low-light shooting, a 50 mm F1.4 or a 35 mm F1.8 lens and an auxiliary flash unit. Cameras with articulating tilt and twist screens are especially useful for candid photography!
Mr. Luria, trained in Paris by a protégé of Henri Cartier Bresson, is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has had his images appear in over 100 publications, and he has directed the training of over 19,000 amateur photographers since 1999.Meet at north side of pond at National Sculpture Garden, at 8th and Constitution Ave NW, right across from National Archives, Washington DC.
Fee:$69/person.
Monuments and Memorials
Next Safari: 09/04/2010
9:30 am - 1:15 pm
Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! Join our standard "Monuments and Memorials" workshop, offered every Wednesday and Saturday, in which Paris-trained architectural photographer E. David Luria takes you to some of the most popular monuments and historic buildings in Washington: the White House, Lafayette Park, the Albert Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and to Union Station.
Mr. Luria begins the Safari with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you tips in basic architectural photography, outdoor portraiture, and, at Union Station, interior photography without flash or tripod. While you are taking pictures, Mr. Luria gives you hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and professional photographers will appreciate Mr. Luria's extensive knowledge of all the best photo sites and camera angles in Washington DC.
See: Basic tips in travel photography we cover on this SafariMeet at Renwick Gallery, 17th and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Advance reservations required. Safari groups are generally 3-6 people only. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographer at any skill level with any camera, film or digital. No tripod needed on the morning itinerary.
Fee: $79/person half-day, includes transportation and materials.
Photo of Vietnam Servicemen Statue By Washington Photo Safari client Thomas Tarter.Register for Half-Day on a Saturday
Monuments and Memorials (half day or full day)
Next Safari: 09/08/2010
9:45 am - 5:15 pm
Mr. Luria begins the Safari with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you tips in basic architectural photography, outdoor portraiture, and, at Union Station, interior photography without flash or tripod. While you are taking pictures, Mr. Luria gives you hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and professional photographers will appreciate Mr. Luria's extensive knowledge of all the best photo sites and camera angles in Washington DC.
See: Basic tips in travel photography we cover on this SafariMeet at Renwick Gallery, 17th and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Advance reservations required. Safari groups are generally 3-6 people only. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographer at any skill level with any camera, film or digital. No tripod needed on the morning itinerary.
Fee: $79/person half-day, includes transportation and materials.
The full day version ($139/person) includes the morning session described above and, after lunch in Union Station, goes on to the colorful Adams Morgan entertainment/restaurant district for training in "right-brained" abstract photography, then to the magnificent Washington National Cathedral where we teach you how (and how not) to photograph church interiors and the most beautiful stained glass windows you will ever see in any church.
Our afternoon session ends at the famous 76-foot tall Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, where you can duplicate the famous photograph taken by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal on Mt. Suribachi in 1945 and capture in your camera each of the six soldiers depicted in Clint Eastwood's recent movie, Flag of our Fathers, against a backdrop of the Washington Monument and the US Capitol across the Potomac River.
The Safari ends at 5:15 pm and we drop you off at the Rosslyn Metro Station on the Blue/Orange Lines.
Clients also have the option of taking the Afternoon Half-Day session only described above, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Old Town Trolley Desk at Union Station, and ending at 5:15 pm at Iwo Jima, with a drop-off at Rosslyn Metro. The cost of the afternoon-only half-day Safari is $79.
Photo of Vietnam Servicemen Statue By Washington Photo Safari client Thomas Tarter.Register for Half-Day or Full Day on a Wednesday
Monuments at Night (FULL)
Next Safari: 09/17/2010
All DayMonuments at Night is FULL for this date only! Please do not register for this day.
Photo Stories in Fells Point, Baltimore
Next Safari: 11/14/2010
9:45 am - 12:45 pm
Create a photo story about Fells Point. This safari will be a great way to prepare you for your next trip out of town. Learn how to tell a story through photographs in one of Baltimore’s oldest historic waterfront neighborhoods, Fells Point. Walk down cobblestone streets photographing colorful locals, dramatic architecture, unique signage, doorways, harbor ships and docks. This charming eclectic neighborhood is the perfect venue for creative imagery.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial photographer, educator and fine-art photographer. She is an adjunct photography instructor at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. In addition, Donna teaches at The Art League School, Glen Echo Photoworks, and VisARTS Center. She is the photo editor/co-producer of the photography book Ethiopia from the Heart.Meet at 9:45 at Cafe Latte'da, 1704 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21231.
Cafe Latte'da opens at 9:30, so come a bit early if you would like to purchase a beverage. Broadway is the main street in Fells Point. Parking meters have been replaced by Pay to Park machines that issue tickets parkers post inside their cars. The meters accept credit cards as well as cash. There is parking on Broadway, Thames and many of the other commercial streets. Machines accept credit cards as well as cash. There are also parking lots in the area.Fee:$99 per person.
Photo: Donna Jones.Rock Creek Cemetery
Next Safari: 10/23/2010
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
With Halloween approaching, you need to be ready to photograph ghosts and goblins and things that go bump in the night. Professional ghost-buster photographer Melanie Otto will show you how to capture the "spirit" of DC's luminous past by taking you through the splendid headstones and grave markers from (1719 forward!) of Rock Creek Cemetery in northwest DC, another of the rarely visited visual treasures offered by our metro area. Amongst others, the safari will also include the opportunity to photograph the fantastically carved memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens done for Clover Adams. Eleanor Roosevelt reputedly frequented this work for meditation during WWII� come see what moved her!
This is a great opportunity for black and white or infrared photography,and Melanie will review the use of filters and special effects to make your photographs even more eerie and outstanding.Meet at entrance to cemetery at Rock Creek Church Road and Webster Street, NW
Metro: Brookland-CUA (Red line) to H8 Metrobus toward Mt. Pleasant.Fee:$99/person, tripods required.
The White House and its Neighbors
Next Safari: 09/03/2010
9:45 am - 12:30 pm
Thinking about running for President in 2012? Our photo Safari won't get you inside to measure the windows for your drapes, BUT this workshop in travel photography DOES take you to some of the most popular monuments and historic buildings that you can see from your White House windows along the 17th Street corridor.
Our itinerary includes beautiful Lafayette Park, the White House itself, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the Corcoran Gallery, the American Red Cross building with its poignant statuary, the Organization of American States building, the majestic World War II Memorial with its fountains on the National Mall, and a session inside the magnificent Renwick Gallery (a Smithsonian museum of American crafts),with professional photographer E. David Luria providing tips on architectural photography, outdoor portraiture,and interior museum photography without flash or tripod.
See: Basic tips in travel photography we cover on this Safari
Advance reservations required. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special Safaris. Suggested Metro stops: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue/Orange Lines)Meet at Renwick Gallery, 1699 Pennsylvania Ave NW, northeast corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Advance reservations required. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special safaris. Suggested Metro stops: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue/Orange Lines)
Fee: $74/person half-day, includes 40-minute orientation on travel photography techniques, and materials.
Understanding Composition - Old Town, Alexandria
Next Safari: 10/24/2010
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
So what is composition anyway? Composition is the arrangement of elements within the frame of your camera. Great photos are achieved through interesting lighting, creative ideas and good composition.
Join the Washington Photo Safari with leader Donna T. Jones for a great day exploring basic composition techniques in the riverfront town of Old Town, Alexandria. This quaint historic town on the Potomac River dates back to 1749 and is the perfect backdrop for our safari! Alexandria was an important colonial port during the revolutionary and Civil War periods. There are also a lot of cool, old industrial buildings with lots of character amongst the cobblestones and riverboats.Meet on the steps at the corner of King and Union Streets across from the Starbucks (100 S. Union Street, Alexandria VA, 22314). Most meters are free on Sundays, except those that are closer to the waterfront residential properties.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial/fine art photographer and educator. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD, Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, VisArts Center, and The Washington School of Photography. Donna runs a studio in the Washington area and has a gallery space at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book "Ethiopia from the Heart" released in 2007.Fee:$99 per person.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Next Safari: 10/31/2010
All Day
One of the most photogenic locations in the DC area is Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, only 90 minutes from the nation's capital. Our day-long chartered bus photo Safari explores this beautiful, historic community, nestled in a rocky gorge at the confluence of two rivers, the Potomac and the Shenandoah.
Restored pre-Civil war buildings and quaint shops line the narrow town streets that we will explore with our cameras, along with the natural beauty of the area against the stunning backdrop of steep mountains and rocky cliffs. Frederick photographer Judy Reisman will provide guidance on composition, exposure, and lighting. Our Safari includes brunch at Hilltop House with its magnificent view of the three rivers.Meet at Park and Ride, exit 26, I-270.
Fee: $189 per person. Minimum 15 people. Register early!
Safaris on this category will be available in upcoming months.
Barns, Farms and Bridges of Frederick County MD
Next Safari: 10/10/2010
All Day
If you'd like to travel back in time, join us on this unique day-long photo experience led by Frederick photographer Judy Reisman to shoot the farms, barns and covered bridges of Frederick County, MD. The morning stops will include two horse farms, one with a bright red barn, the other with a white barn, and both with plenty of photogenic horses; a weathered wooden building that was used in the 1950s as a general store and is now used as a motorcycle repair shop. On its front porch are displayed memorabilia from the area's rural past. Across the street is a dilapidated building that was formerly used as the post office for this community that was home to the Amelung glass factory and its workers. Daisy Mae, a rusting old red pickup buried in the vegetation in the back of the old post office, is a most photogenic subject.
Other stops include an old cemetery overlooking a large, well-preserved wood barn. It was here that local painters often sketched and painted landscapes of the farmland below and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. Afterwards, we will visit the barn and shoot its endless photographic possibilities for abstracts and texture. The most memorable stop for many Safarians on this outing is the next stop, a gourmet lunch at an upscale local inn, during which time we will have the opportunity to discuss photo-related topics.
The afternoon session will be no less photogenic as we make a loop through the verdant rolling hills and upper farmland of Frederick County and shoot the three very picturesque extant covered bridges in Frederick County and the creeks they cross. We will also make several other stops to shoot barns and picturesque landscapes.
Register EARLY, this one always fills up quickly.
Judy, thanks for a terrific outing on Sunday. It was very nice to meet you and learn a bit too. I really enjoyed the workshop. It was great to see so many spots in one day; you really know Frederick County. I found your photography instruction very helpful, especially the points about composition at our first stop, and I tried to put them to work throughout the day.
--Adam StrochakMeet at Park and Ride off Exit 26, I-270 Transportation from Shady Grove Metro can be arranged for people without cars.
$225/person for the full day, includes gourmet lunch.
Photo credit: Andrew Jezioro.Ellicott City MD – It's All in the Details
Next Safari: 11/21/2010
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Treasure hunt with your camera! This Safari in historic Ellicott City, led by professional photographer Donna T. Jones, highlights the smaller spaces. We’ll focus on architectural details, textures, window objects, symbols, etc. Learn some interesting techniques with your camera, such as color enhancement, creative lens and filter use and more. There will also be some eclectic holiday décor to add to the mix.
Ellicott City, only 45 minutes from the DC area, is a photographic gem built in 1772 that still has its18th and 19th century traditional architecture intact. With its churches, plaza, lampposts, bridges, cobblestone streets, diverse architecture, railroad and decorated storefronts, you'll enjoy really enjoy this morning excursion.
All levels of photographers are welcome. If you have more than one lens or a polarizing filter bring them along.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial photographer, educator and fine-art photographer. She teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches at Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, and VisArts Center. She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book Ethiopia from the Heart released in 2007.Meet at the Bean Hollow, 8059 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043-4861, (410) 465-0233.
If you would like a beverage, come a little early.Fee: $99/person.
Photo: Donna Jones.Washington National Cathedral - An Insider's View (sold out)
Next Safari: 09/11/2010
2:15 pm - 5:00 pm
National Cathedral offers great opportunities for exterior and interior architectural photography. Our safari begins with an orientation by architectural photographer E. David Luria and by Cathedral docent and acclaimed photographer Andy Bittner. We are then led by Mr. Bittner to locations inside the Cathedral not open to the public, and we teach you how (and how not) to photograph stained glass windows and church interiors without flash. We then move outdoors to catch exterior views of the Cathedral, with special emphasis on maintaining straight verticals.
Meet at street entrance Cathedral, Wisconsin Ave NW.
Photo: Gary Stiles.Fee: $69 per person. Fee includes $10 donation to Friends of the National Cathedral.
All-Digital Photo Safari (Beginner Level)
Next Safari: 10/17/2010
9:30 am - 1:15 pm
Are you new to digital photography? Do you need help figuring out how to use the many widgets and gadgets of your new camera which does everything but make coffee? Join Washington Photo Safari’s all-digital Safari designed to give you outdoor/indoor fieldwork experience and training in such technical areas as white balance, mixed lighting, exposure compensation, film speed settings, etc.
Conducted by professional photographer and digital
camera specialist Melanie Otto, this Safari will take you through the interior and exterior photographic challenges presented by the National Museum of Natural History, the National Sculpture Garden, and the adjoining National Gallery of Art.Here is a comment made by clients who attended a recent workshop taught by Melanie Otto:
"Just a note to say how fabulous Melanie Otto is - our Canon class with her today at the American Indian Museum far surpassed any expectations we had, and we can't wait to take another class with your group.
"Melanie went above and beyond to answer any questions (believe me, we had a few!) and was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the day, to include the museum itself. Again, we couldn't have wished for a more entertaining and thorough experience. The teaching aids used were also a valuable part of the class - it really helps to hear it, see it, then practice it and critique.
"We are very impressed and will highly recommend your service to anyone seeking photography instruction. Thank you!"
—Danielle Corazza and Carol Whitney
Meet at National Museum Natural History, 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560Fee: $99/person. Enrollment limited to 15.
Nikon D-300/D300s
Next Safari: 09/25/2010
9:30 am - 1:15 pm
The Nikon D300, with its 12-megapixel sensor, its 2.5 inch LCD screen, high-speed shooting and wireless transmission capability has become a very popular item among serious digital photographers. It has Active D-Lighting, a bigger brighter screen AND Live View, a camera packed with so many new features that it has been voted Camera of the Year by Popular Photography magazine
And now comes a bigger and more powerful brother, the D-300s, with 12 megapixels, and video capability, a camera that is bound to give D-300 users a bad case of Camera Envy!. One major advancement of the D300S is its ability to shoot as fast as 7 frames per second,. Virtual Horizon that is available in Live View shooting.,quiet shutter release, dual CF/SD card slots, an ISO range up to 6400, and a 3-in., 920-k dot high-resolution 3� LCD monitor.and an optional GPS unit .
This Safari will help D-300 and D-300s users go through the various menus, put their cameras through the paces of ISO settings, flash settings, variable white balance settings, file compression, aperture and shutter priorities, focus settings, custom settings, menu navigation tricks, exposure tricks, use of the exposure and RGB histograms, menu shortcuts, etc. inside and outside of the National Museum of the American Indian,. Special exhibits at the museum pose unique challenges for the digital photographer, especially the mix of daylight and tungsten light. The eight-story high atrium is a great place to practice wide-angle photography, and the carvings and statues provide challenges for your telephoto lens. Digital camera specialist Melanie Otto provides hands-on training for this exciting new piece of equipment.Here is a comment made by clients who attended a recent workshop taught by Melanie Otto:
"Just a note to say how fabulous Melanie Otto is - our Canon class with her today at the American Indian Museum far surpassed any expectations we had, and we can't wait to take another class with your group.
"Melanie went above and beyond to answer any questions (believe me, we had a few!) and was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the day, to include the museum itself. Again, we couldn't have wished for a more entertaining and thorough experience. The teaching aids used were also a valuable part of the class - it really helps to hear it, see it, then practice it and critique.
"We are very impressed and will highly recommend your service to anyone seeking photography instruction. Thank you!"
�Danielle Corazza and Carol Whitney
Meet inside of National Museum of American Indian at 3rd St and Independence Ave SW behind the security desk.Fee:$99 per person.
Nikon D-90 Users Safari
Next Safari: 09/11/2010
9:30 am - 1:15 pm
Here is one of the most interesting cameras in Nikon's new line: a 12.3 megapixel instrument with EXPEED processor and low-noise ISO ratings from 200 to 3200, shooting 4.5 frames a second, with a Live View mode and the ability to do movies. It also has a high-resolution 3" screen and built-in sensor cleaning, plus available Geo-tagging capability, and a comprehensive Scene Recognition system.
This Safari will help D-90 users put their cameras through the paces of ISO settings, flash settings, white balance settings, file compression, aperture and shutter priorities, focus settings, custom settings, menu navigation tricks, exposure tricks, use of the histogram etc. menu shortcuts inside and outside of the new National Museum of the American Indian. Special exhibits at the museum pose unique challenges for the digital photographer, especially the mix of daylight and tungsten light. The eight-story high atrium is a great place to practice wide-angle photography, and the carvings and statues provide challenges for your telephoto lens. Digital camera specialist Melanie Otto provides hands-on training for this exciting piece of new equipment.Here is a comment made by clients who attended a recent workshop taught by Melanie Otto:
"Just a note to say how fabulous Melanie Otto is - our Canon class with her today at the American Indian Museum far surpassed any expectations we had, and we can't wait to take another class with your group.
"Melanie went above and beyond to answer any questions (believe me, we had a few!) and was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the day, to include the museum itself. Again, we couldn't have wished for a more entertaining and thorough experience. The teaching aids used were also a valuable part of the class - it really helps to hear it, see it, then practice it and critique.
"We are very impressed and will highly recommend your service to anyone seeking photography instruction. Thank you!"
—Danielle Corazza and Carol Whitney
Meet inside of National Museum of American Indian at 3rd St and Independence Ave SW behind the security desk.Fee: $99 per person.
Nikon D3000/5000 Users
Next Safari: 10/02/2010
9:30 am - 1:15 pm
Many photographers, frustrated with the limitations of their point and shoot cameras, are now making the switch to versatile entry-level DSLR's, such as Nikon's new D3000 and the D5000 cameras. This photo Safari, taught by our always popular instructor Melanie Otto, will make it much easier for you to make the transition to the world of DSLR cameras.
With 10.2 effective megapixels , the D3000 has EXPEED processing and a Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting, continuous shooting up to 3 frames-per-second, advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, and 11-point selectable autofocus. It also has a bright 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also improves readability of menus thanks to a font size that is 20% larger than that of the D60. Extensive in-camera image control is available using Nikon's Picture Control System, which allows users to customize key digital image characteristics to suit personal preferences. For additional creative control, the D3000 includes comprehensive in-camera editing functions via its Retouch Menu that enhance photos with a variety of effects — without the need for a computer and a dust-retouching system
Going one step further up the line of sophistication, the D5000 has a 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon's exclusive EXPEED image processing system, and compatibility with a comprehensive selection of NIKKOR lenses, and imaging features such as Nikon's original Scene Recognition System with Face Detection and Active D-Lighting. It shoots as fast as 4 frames per second, has advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 19 automatic scene modes, 11-point selectable autofocus, and four Live View AF modes, along with automatic exposure and white balance bracketing functions. There is also a new Quiet Shooting mode that reduces mirror cycling noise, and its in-camera retouch system includes one VERY cool feature for architectural photogrphers: the ability to straighten out the converging verticals that appear when the camera leans back to get a tall building in the picture!
This Safari will help D-3000 and D-5000 users put their cameras through the paces of ISO settings, flash settings, white balance settings, file compression, aperture and shutter priorities, focus settings, custom settings, menu navigation tricks, exposure tricks, use of the histogram etc. menu shortcuts inside and outside of the new National Museum of the American Indian,. Special exhibits at the museum pose unique challenges for the digital photographer, especially the mix of daylight and tungsten light. The eight-story high atrium is a great place to practice wide-angle photography, and the carvings and statues provide challenges for your telephoto lens.
Digital camera specialist Melanie Otto provides hands-on training for these exciting pieces of new equipment.Meet at Museum entrance at 3rd St and Independence Ave SW.
Fee: $99 per person.
RAW, JPGs and Other Mysteries
Next Safari: 11/20/2010
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Should you shoot in RAW? What difference does it make anyway? What does the histogram represent and should I care? I know what white balance is but what is the best way to make adjustments? Those and many other questions will be asked and answered so you can expand your working photographic knowledge to express your photographic creativity, and gain additional visual artistry in your images.
Bob says “M stands for mastery”. In this program he will show you how to take control away from the tiny computer tucked inside your camera and liberate your creative juices. He will delve into many questions so you can make informed decisions and liberate your creative juices. Knowing how to “see” a scene, interpret the luminance values, set the proper exposure, and determine the white balance will open wide the door to your mastery of your camera. You will come away with a greater proficiency managing your camera!
This course is for photographers with little or lots of experience. A light meter is useful but not required. A shoe mounted flash is also recommended.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is currently president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and is a past president of the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Blanken Photography Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Fee: $99 per person.
RAW, JPGs and Other Mysteries
Next Safari: 12/18/2010
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bob says “M stands for mastery”. In this program he will show you how to take control away from the tiny computer tucked inside your camera and liberate your creative juices. He will delve into many questions so you can make informed decisions and liberate your creative juices. Knowing how to “see” a scene, interpret the luminance values, set the proper exposure, and determine the white balance will open wide the door to your mastery of your camera. You will come away with a greater proficiency managing your camera!
This course is for photographers with little or lots of experience. A light meter is useful but not required. A shoe mounted flash is also recommended.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is currently president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and is a past president of the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Blanken Photography Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Fee: $99 per person.
Retouching and Other Digital Skills
Next Safari: 11/27/2010
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
You've gotten the image, the pose is good, the exposure is spot on, now, how to you take it up a notch and have it be a great portrait? In this class, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken at his studio in Bethesda, MD, he will demonstrate how to handle the subtleties of digital retouching. Come join us for three-hour session on how to:
- Best crop images and improve compositions
- Use Portrait Professional software
- Use layers in Photoshop
- Select and mask areas
- Adjust noise and sharpen the images using Nik software
- When and how to apply filters
- Improve tone, contrast, color and brightness
Bring a jump drive with a few images that we can use to demonstrate techniques and a laptop.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is currently president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and a past president of the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Meet at Bob Blanken Photography Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817.
Fee:$99 per person.
Safaris on this category will be available in upcoming months.
Professional Wedding Photography: 2-Day Course
Next Safari: 10/09/2010
9:00 am - 1:00 pmWashington Photo Safari is pleased to offer for this comprehensive, locally-taught course in professional wedding photography, taught by Bob Blanken, one of the premier wedding photographers in the DC area.
Day One of this two-part course will therefore first provide an introduction to all the planning that must be done BEFORE the first picture is even taken, a review of minimum equipment needs, contracts, MOBs, Wedding Planners, scheduling of the wedding, meeting with the family, shotlist negotiation with the families, and location scouting. How to pose brides and their family groups, what kinds of shots should be taken at the wedding itself and at the reception, the use of photography assistants, and proper lighting. Good posing techniques will also be discussed in this section, and it will also review suggested wedding photography contract provisions.
Day Two The morning will review album design, marketing and advertising. In the afternoon, the course goes on location to the National Cathedral to discuss first hand set-up and coverage of the ceremony. Back in Bob Blanken’s studio, it also covers work flow, placement and delivery of wedding albums to the clients, and billing arrangements
This course will leave you knowledgeable and grounded in the wedding basics. It will give you more confidence. And you will come away with valuable ideas to build your business.
Bob Blanken, who has shot hundreds weddings during his career, is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and its local affiliates. He is also a regular instructor in indoor and outdoor portraiture for the Washington Photo Safari and a member of the Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), the Professional Convention Management Assocaition (PCMA). Bob has been certified as a Professional Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America and has received their esteemed Craftsman degree. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards including 19 nominations as Best Photographer of the Year and was the 2006 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer. Today, his company provides full photography services including onsite printing for special events.Meet at the studios of Bob Blanken at 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817.
The cost of the entire 16-hour course is $975. Limited to 12 students.
Photo: Bob Blanken.
Safaris on this category will be available in upcoming months.
Autumn Foliage, Nature's Fall Fashion
Next Safari: 10/23/2010
7:00 am - 10:00 am
This photo Safari, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken, will use the wonderful settings available at the Roosevelt Memorial or Rock Creek Park at the Pierce Mill in Washington DC for an instructional beginner-level workshop Each of these special safari take advantage of the striking foliage to get beautiful images.
It takes a number of ingredients to master the science portion of photography so the photographer, can apply the art. This Safari will have you:
- Get the proper exposure
- Understanding histograms
- Correcting for White Balance
- Understanding Composition
- Using Polarizing filters
- The use of Foliage enhancing filters
- Employing Depth of Field
- Using long exposure for artistic effect
Bring cameras, lenses, tripods any equipment with which you want to experiment.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Theodore Roosevelt Island is accessible only from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The entrance to the parking lot is located just north of the Roosevelt Bridge.
Southbound traffic: take Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to Constitution Ave. Take a right on 23rd St. and cross Memorial Bridge. Once on the bridge, bear right to return to the G.W. Parkway.
The closest Metro Station is Rosslyn.Fee: $99 per person.
Photo: Bob Blanken.Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Next Safari: 11/07/2010
8:00 am - 8:30 pm
Spend a day exploring the Refuge that Time magazine called "nature on the throne of her glory." Twelve miles south of Cambridge, Maryland, the tidal marshes, freshwater ponds, evergreen forests and late fall colors of this 27,000 acre refuge provide a wealth of rich photographic subjects -- including wildlife, scenics, abstracts and macro opportunities. Waterfowl will be plentiful, so bring your longest lens as well as a variety of other focal lengths to capture all this Refuge has to offer.
This trip is led by nature photographer John Witschey and limited to 7 photographers.
This Safari has always sold out so make your reservations early!We will meet at the Vienna Metro Station and the price includes transportation.
Fee:$198/person.
Early Winter Forest: Locust Grove
Next Safari: 01/08/2011
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Spend a robust morning in Cabin John Regional Park photographing the delicacies of the winter forest. Search for dramatic winter light with professional photographer Donna T. Jones. Photograph the woods, stream, open fields and bird activity near the feeders located within the park. Learn how to capture powerful photographs in the Great Outdoors through the use of correct camera settings and good composition
techniques.
The winter forest is filled with interesting shadows, warm light and personality. Craggy rocks, gnarled roots and reflections are the gift of low water volume in the stream. If we're lucky, there may be icicles hanging from bare branches, a doe in meadow or a pileated woodpecker in the treetops.
Join us for this magnificent day in Nature.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial photographer, educator and fine-art photographer. She teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches at Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, and VisArts Center.
She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book "Ethiopia from the Heart" released in 2007.
This Safari is open to photographers at any skill level with any kind of camera, film or digital.Meet at 9:30 in front of the Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park,
7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Photo credit: Donna T. JonesFee: $99 per person.
Fall Colors in Shenandoah National Park
Next Safari: 10/17/2010
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
This Safari is timed for the peak fall colors in Shenandoah National Park. With elevations ranging from just 1,000 to nearly 4,000 feet, we're guaranteed to find great colors. We'll also have great opportunities for landscape and macro photography, and we'll be on the lookout through sunset for wildlife, including whitetail deer bucks sporting their fall antlers and -- if we're very lucky -- a black bear or two. This popular Safari is led by nature photographers Judy Reisman and John Witschey.
We will travel as a group from the Vienna Metro Station; price for this Safari includes transportation from the station.
Fee: $198 per person. Maximum 10.
"I was just organizing my photos...had an amazing time!!! Judy and John were wonderful instructors and I am very inspired by the AMAZING day we had out there! Can't wait for another photo Safari and to purchase all the new gadgets I was introduced to on the trip!"
—Anja LendvayLadew Topiary Gardens
Next Safari: 09/19/2010
10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ladew Topiary Gardens is known around the world for its topiary and lush thematic gardens, cascading ponds, meadows and nature walk, including marsh, wetland forest and boardwalk. The meditative benches scattered throughout the property and unique design of the garden structures mirror Mr. Ladew's vibrant personality and vision. The Garden Club of America described Ladew's garden as "the most outstanding topiary garden in America."
This Safari focuses on studying the light, textures and architecture of the garden spaces, topiary and manmade structures. We will work closely with our camera features. This beautiful landscape feels more intimate than other gardens that I have been too. I fell in love with this wonderful place the first time I saw it. The last visit I made, a cat came and sat by me as I photographed frogs in the lily pond and a heron flew above and landed in the grass. There is also a historic mansion and gift shop at Ladew in case you want to take a house tour and make a day out of it.We'll meet in the Ladew parking lot (it’s not very big). Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike Monkton, MD 21111.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial/fine art photographer and educator. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD, Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, VisArts Center, and The Washington School of Photography. Donna has a studio in the Washington area and has a gallery space at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book "Ethiopia from the Heart" released in 2007.Fee: $99 per person.
NOTE: There is also a $10 admission to tour the grounds. We'll have lunch chat at the café from 1-2pm. The café is reasonably priced, but feel free to bring your own lunch.Longwood Gardens and Hagley Museum
Next Safari: 10/29/2010
All Day
Join WPS for two-day photographic exploration of beautiful Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA and picturesque Hagley Museum in nearby Delaware. Participate in an immersive photography and learning experience framed by beautiful holiday displays. WPS Instructor Bob Blanken.
Learn more about:
- Choosing Backgrounds
- Using Depth of Field
- Mastering Exposure
- Fill light with Reflectors
- Garden Environment Posing
- Macro Photography
- Night Time Photography
- Utilizing Ring Lights
- Creating Separation
- White Balance Choices
Day One
Longwood Gardens is the country's premier horticultural showplace including glass-enclosed gardens covering over 200,000 square feet of luscious flowers, trees, and floral displays located only 20 minutes west of Wilmington, DE. Renowned for its flower displays, Longwood offers the opportunity for macro photography as well as large scenes.
Participants will depart the beautiful and historic Hotel Du Pont for Longwood Gardens at 8:15 am. Class begins in Longwood's main Conservatory Hall promptly at 9am. Lunch will be provided in the Longwood Gardens Terrace Restaurant. Class departs for hotel at 6:30 pm.
The evening is open for dinner on your own with class participants.
Optional: meeting with the instructor to review the day's accomplishments over dinner.
The next morning, after checking out, the class drives to the Hagley Museum and Library.Nestled along the picturesque Brandywine River, Hagley is the original Du Pont Gunpowder factory. Numerous buildings and structures provide a photographer with postcard perfect scenes as the river literally winds its way downstream. A luscious array of trees, shrubs and flowers are there for the taking...photographically, of course!
Lunch will be provided at the Hagley Belin House restaurant. Following lunch, the class will complete with a review and discussion.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Arrangements have been made to stay at the Hotel DuPont for $139 per night plus tax. This is a special rate to enable WPS participants to stay at this extraordinary hotel. Use this code when registering: BLANKEN11609.
Meet with Bob in the lobby of the Hotel DuPont at 7:30pm on Friday night.
The Hotel Dupont
11th & Market Streets, Wilmington Delaware 19801
800-441-9019 | T. 302-594 3100Fee: $345 Fee includes all entrance fees and lunches. We will car pool to Longwood.
Tails and Scales
Next Safari: 10/24/2010
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Get up close and personal with our fine feathered friends. No big glass required for this opportunity to shoot avian wildlife. For this Safari with instructor Judy Reisman we will meet in Frederick County's Cunningham Falls Park where rangers from the Md. Department of Natural Resources will place birds of prey (about 8 different species) on tree limbs and logs for you to shoot. We can expect to have a bald headed eagle, vulture, barn owl, screech owl, kestrel, as well as others. Before the shoot, Judy will provide tips on bird photography, show ways of avoiding distracting backgrounds and explain using fill flash to best advantage.
Meet at Cunningham Falls Park entrance.
Fee: $109 per person.
Photo: Judy Reisman.
Safaris on this category will be available in upcoming months.
Safaris on this category will be available in upcoming months.
Purrfect Pawtrait Pet Photography
Next Safari: 11/07/2010
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Woof! Meow! Want to learn how to take better pictures of your pet or other animals? Professional pet photographer Judy Reisman will show you how. We will be working with domesticated animals on this safari, but the techniques will be applicable to critters at the zoo and in the wild. Judy will also share her secrets of animal psychology in getting animals to cooperate and give you the special �look� that makes you say �Awwwww!� Posing will also be covered, using animals alone and with people, and you will learn how to use natural light, reflectors and your flash for pet portraiture. We provide the pet models.
Photo: Judy ReismanMeet a Reisman Studios in Adamstown MD, near Frederick, MD.
Fee: $99 per person.
F-Stops and Shutter Speeds
Next Safari: 09/18/2010
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Going on a big trip with your new camera? Do this Safari before you go! You love your camera, BUT – out of fear of doing the wrong thing – you always keep it on a nice, safe "Auto" or "P" and let the camera do the thinking. Or you put it on "M" because you see the pros doing that and STILL your pictures come out poorly exposed! You are depressed! You are intimidated by the letters "A", "S", "M", or "ASM", or "Av" and "Tv". As a result you only use $100 worth of the $500 worth of features on your camera!
Does this sound familiar? You are not alone…Help is now on the way from a professional architectural photographer who has made every F-stop mistake in the book, E. David Luria, director of the Washington Photo Safari! This special photo Safari will concentrate on understanding WHY you would want to choose "Shutter Priority" or "Aperture Priority" or the "Portrait" setting, or the "Landscape" setting or the "Sports" setting or even the "P" setting for your film or digital camera, whether it is an SLR or a simple point and shoot or "prosumer " digital/film camera. You will learn how YOU - not the camera -can control the final image.
Our venue for this Safari is the National Building Museum, with its lovely fountain, its magnificent faux-marble columns and the huge atrium, providing excellent opportunities to experiment with narrow and wide depth of field, slow and fast shutter priorities, and the effect of wide angle, normal, and telephoto lenses on depth of field.
Bring your camera, tripod, and ALL your lenses for this very helpful primer on the proper use of your camera.Meet inside entrance to National Building Museum at 401 F St NW, right cross the street from Judiciary Square stop on Metro Red Line. Register EARLY,this one fills up quickly!
Fee: $74 per person.
Holiday Family Photos
Next Safari: 11/20/2010
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Think you are good at taking pictures of people but would like to be even better? Good! We have the perfect safari for you: an introduction to the principles of good indoor portrait lighting and posing WITHOUT expensive professional studio lighting equipment, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken at his studio in Bethesda, MD. If you want to learn how to photograph your family indoors, or your friends and colleagues in their homes or offices over the holidays, come join us for three hour beginner-level session on how to:
- pose family members indoors in natural window light;
- use bounce and swivel flash units and reflectors to achieve fill lighting
- working with the backgrounds you have available
- determine correct exposure and white balance
- achieve a flattering composition
- lighting groups
- use simple slave flash units, like the Morris, for balanced lighting, and select lenses for portrait work (for SLR's AND point and shoots) that blur the background.
Bring our camera, lenses, flash and light meter (if you have one, not required)
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is currently president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and a past president of the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.Meet at Bob Blanken Photography Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817.
Fee: $99 per person.
Informal Indoor Portraiture (Beginner Level)
Next Safari: 09/25/2010
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Think you're pretty good at taking pictures of people but would like to be even better? Good! We have the perfect Safari for you: an introduction to the principles of good indoor portrait lighting and posing WITHOUT expensive professional studio lighting equipment, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken at his studio in Bethesda, MD.
If you want to learn how to photograph your children indoors, or your friends and colleagues in their homes or offices, or if you want to become a part-time informal portrait photographer in your neighborhood, come join us for a half-day beginner-level session on how to:
1) pose children and adults indoors in natural window light:
2) use bounce and swivel flash units and reflectors to achieve fill lighting;
3) select a plain background in the home environment WITHOUT professional backdrops
4) determine correct exposure and lighting on the face;
5) achieve a pose or composition that best reflects the subject's personality or interest;
6) place more light on one side of the face (main) and less light on the other (fill)
7) use simple slave flash units, like the Wein, for balanced lighting;
8) select lenses for portrait work (for SLR's AND point and shoots) that blur the background.
(This Safari, or its equivalent in experience, is required for admission to the Informal Indoor Portraiture Intermediate Level Safari)
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards. He is VP of Education for the Greater Washington, DC Chapter of International Special Events Society.Meet at Bob Blanken Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817.
Fee: $99 per person.
Introduction to Studio Lighting for Portraiture
Next Safari: 12/04/2010
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
For the most advanced amateur who has completed the Intermediate Level course on indoor portrait photography, Washington Photo Safari now offers an advanced level workshop on the principles of good indoor portrait lighting and posing with professional studio lighting equipment and backdrops, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken at his studio in Bethesda, MD.
This advanced workshop includes such topics as:
• Mastering Multiple Lighting Setups
• Main, hair, background, accents and fills
• Softboxes vs pan reflectors
• Glamour Lighting
• Profile lighting
• Metering
• Posing
• Hands
• Clothing consultations
• Developing your style
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards. He is VP of Education for the Greater Washington, DC Chapter of International Special Events Society. Note: Attendance at Informal Indoor Portraiture Intermediate Level (or equivalent experience) is required for admission to this class.Meet at Bob Blanken Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817.
Fee: $99 per person.
Macro Magic
Next Safari: 11/14/2010
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Like to get REAL close to your subject? Let nature photographer Judy Reisman show you how to create striking and unusual macro images, using everyday materials such as glass paperweights, leaves, tissue paper and ribbon. We will also be able to shoot the orchids in the greenhouse where the workshop will take place. This is an ideal site for photography and photographers, since the light is very diffused and flattering, and the climate is controlled. You don’t need a macro lens but a close-up filter or extension tube would be an asset. (Judy has a number of these as loaners.) tripods required Workshop is limited to 6 people.
Meet at Reisman Studio
1840 Mt. Ephraim
Adamstown, MD 21710Fee: $99 per person.
Macro/ Micro Machinations with Melanie!
Next Safari: 09/19/2010
9:30 am - 1:15 pm
Macro/ Micro Machinations with Melanie! Here is a great opportunity to learn how to use the Macro and Micro features of your camera or camera lens: a workshop on close-up imaging with
Professional photographer Melanie Otto. At this Safari, conducted at the beautiful Bartholdi Park near the US Botanic Gardens in Washington DC. Melanie will teach you the intricacies of depth of field at close range, how to tweak your color balance in film and digital images, and how to use filters and other accessories to make you a better photographer in the fascinating world of miniatures. A "Macro" or "Micro" lens AND a sturdy tripod are required for this workshop.Meet by the fountain at Bartholdi Park, near US Botanic Gardens at 4th and Independence Ave. SW.
Here is a comment made by clients who attended a recent workshop taught by Melanie Otto:
"Just a note to say how fabulous Melanie Otto is - our Canon class with her today at the American Indian Museum far surpassed any expectations we had, and we can't wait to take another class with your group.
"Melanie went above and beyond to answer any questions (believe me, we had a few!) and was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the day, to include the museum itself. Again, we couldn't have wished for a more entertaining and thorough experience. The teaching aids used were also a valuable part of the class - it really helps to hear it, see it, then practice it and critique.
"We are very impressed and will highly recommend your service to anyone seeking photography instruction. Thank you!"
--Danielle Corazza and Carol WhitneyFee: $99 per person.
Wait! Don't Quit Your Day Job! Photography As A Second Career Workshop
Next Safari: 09/28/2010
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Photography is a profession that can NOT be easily outsourced to other countries. Why? Because you have to be HERE to take the picture!
With careful planning while you keep your day job, you CAN turn your hobby and your love of photography into a lucrative profession. Many people facing retirement, reduced pensions or job layoffs have successfully become full-time or part-time photographers, earning significant income with their photo skills. This popular Washington Photo Safari workshop, taught by a person who�s been there, will explore ways to make a successful transition into photography as a profession. It will look at such options as shooting for stock, events, weddings, child portraits, sports, architecture, real estate, restaurants, food, pets, sailboats, landscapes, and lawyers. Participants will also be encouraged to explore areas of photography with which they are NOT familiar as possible options for career work.
The workshop will discuss such topics as: how do you get educated in photography? Once you get to be a GOOD photographer, how can you market your skills? How do clients find out about you? How do you build a business that supports yourself and your family in the style to which you have become accustomed? What kind of investment do you need in equipment? How do you set prices for your work? Where can you go for further training in photography while holding down your day job? How do you get published? How do you build a photo portfolio? How do you build a resume in a whole new career of photography, where nobody knows your name? Who are the potential clients in your own neighborhood and community? Which areas of photography have the greatest income potential?
The workshop will be taught by Washington Photo Safari founder and director E. David Luria, a professional architectural photographer who took up his hobby and made it his profession after being laid off from his job as a non-profit organization executive in Washington DC. Mr. Luria, a Paris-trained member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has had his images appear in 100 publications and on 30 magazine covers. His Washington Photo Safaris have trained several thousand people in the techniques of travel, digital, pet, nature and landscape photography.Meet at the Party Room of Brandywine Apts., 4545 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington DC 20008.
Fee: $84 per person.
