Gift Certificates Now Available!

Tis the Season! Everyone else has 'em so why not PhotographyWorkshops.ca eh!

We've added a Gift Certificate page to the website where anyone may purchase a registration for one of the regular outdoor photography workshops offered throughout the year. These are the workshops such as the recent Deserted Beaches, the upcoming Winter Wonderland, Spring Rejuvenation, Summer or Fall Series workshops. Specialized workshops such as the Georgian Bay Islands are not included I'm afraid.

A Workshop Gift Certificate makes a great gift for anyone receiving a camera for Christmas, Hanukkah, a Birthday or any other event throughout the year. In addition to family, we've sold them in the past as gifts for someone at the office (everyone chips in to purchase the gift as a thank you, retirement, promotion, etc.), as part of an award, and as an auction item.

For information and to purchase a Gift Certificate, please visit the website or click here!

Merry Christmas and all the best of the Season to everyone.

Mike

2009 Deserted Beaches of Wasaga Photography Workshop

Many thanks to Jason, Jonathan, Jason and Helen for braving the bitter cold of December winds coming off Georgian Bay, for the Deserted Beaches of Wasaga workshop. We started in Wasaga Beach itself, along the boardwalk with literally hundreds, if not thousands, of 'still-life' images available at our feet. From shells, wood and stone captured in the frozen and drifted sands to the gulls, a hawk and even a few brave ladybugs (that Helen found) there was plenty of opportunity for some interesting photography.

The next beach was totally different. Rocky, wind-blown trees and shrub,s and we found a little ice to work with. Hard to walk on this terrain, but again, plenty of opportunities. The next location is one of my favourite for photographing rock and ice in the winter - but we haven't had much of a winter yet (not that I mind) so decided to head north to a familiar location for many workshop participants - the infamous Rock Beach! And once again, no disappointment here. The waves were awesome even if the sunset kinda fizzled. Still got some colour to work with in the sky and rock too. It was a choice of long telephoto or wide angle shooting - not much in the normal range.

Thanks again everyone for another successful workshop. I look forward to seeing some of your images in our Flickr Group.

Cheers,

2nd Deserted Beaches Workshop Added

The first Deserted Beaches workshop has filled up for December 5th so I've added a second workshop on December 12th just in case anyone is interested. If you're wanting to take a break from Christmas shopping, the malls, Christmas music and/or relatives, here's a great opportunity to get away for a day and indulge in some 'cool' photography. Dress warmly - it gets cold at the beach in December!

More information, as always, on the website.

Cheers

Autumn Equinox Workshop

The demand for the Fall Colour workshops has been so great that I've added a new workshop on September 26th. At first I thought this may be too early for fall colour, but we're starting to see some changes already so it may be pretty good by the 26th. I'm not officially calling this a Fall Colour workshop, but it is after the Autumn Equinox (September 22nd this year) so it is 'officially' the fall.

But anyway, you can check out the details and sign up here.

Cheers,

2009 Deserted Beaches of Wasaga Workshop

The 2009 Edition of the Deserted Beaches workshop has been scheduled for December 5th. Although not our most popular workshop (I think it's the temperature that deters people from coming out) it's one of my favourites. The ice formation on the rocks, the colour of the water (assuming it's not frozen over yet) and the possibility of a storm approaching over the water make for exciting photographic opportunities and great images.

Check out the Workshop Galleries for images from previous Deserted Beaches workshops.

Georgian Bay Islands Workshop

It could've been a little bit warmer, but the rain held off and we had some amazing clouds to work with for our workshop. First off though, I'd like to thank Paul Howard for Captaining his boat, the Over-Exposed, and treating us all like royalty, shuttling back and forth to the islands and cooking a great home-made hamburger feast.

We arrived at the Gin Rocks mid-afternoon and started on the outer island. Although quite small and barren, there was no lack of opportunities for some great images. The shades, lines and colours in rock were simply amazing. After a couple of hours we were shuttled over to the larger of the two islands, but not before LeAnn spotted a humongous black Rattle Snake on the way to the boat. I went running up to see the monster - but it turned out to be a really cute, about 14" long Water Snake. It allowed me to take it's picture and then slithered off into the bush.

There was so much to photograph on the next island - absolutely amazing! The rocks, formations, waves, trees, everything about this island is photogenic. We spent a little time getting to know our way around but it was getting close to dinner so decided to take a break. During dinner we discussed the choice of either heading over to Brebeuf Island and the lighthouse, or stay at Gin Rocks for the sunset. It was unanimous and we choose to stay. Better opportunity if the sunset would cooperate.

Unfortunately, the clouds disappeared and sky turned clear which leaves for a less than spectacular sunset, but the colours on the rocks before the sun dipped below the horizon was still incredibly beautiful. We managed to get some amazing images in the short time before it was time to board the boat and head back for Penetanguishene Bay. By the time we got back, all were exhausted, but smiling. Seeing some of the images the group shot, it's not wonder at all.

Thanks again to Paul, and to Al, Leony, LeAnn and Ramesh for attending.

Take care...

2009 Worldwide PhotoWalk

What a great day! We had quite a good turnout for the PhotoWalk - about 25 or so participants with many of the group coming from as far away as Guelph and Waterloo as well as several from Toronto/Somewhere (you know who I'm talking about). I'd like to thank all that participated and I look forward to seeing some of your work from the event. Don't forget to send in TWO images for the contest and possibility of some prizes!

All in all, I believe the final count of photographers was over 32,000 in over 900 cities around the world. Quite an amazing feat, thanks to the efforts of Scott Kelby. For more information about the walk, please visit the Worldwide PhotoWalk website.

The fine young man in the photo wasn't one of our walkers, but he did stop for a quick hello and smile for the camera.

Thanks again everyone... hope to see you all again (and maybe a few more) next year!

Cheers

More Workshops Scheduled for 2009

We've added a few more workshops to the 2009 schedule. On July 24th and 25th we'll be having a Dusk & Dawn workshop, starting on the Friday evening to capture the 'Golden Light' just before sunset (and weather permitting, sunset as well) and then pick it up in the morning again at sunrise. More information and a link to accommodations in Midland can be found on the www.PhotographyWorkshops.ca website.

We've also set the dates for the ever popular Fall Colour Photography Workshops - October 3rd and 10th. I realize that October 10th is Thanksgiving weekend, but this was the peak of colour in this area last year and I don't want to take the chance of missing it. Book early - these both fill up fast!

Cheers,

Scott Kelby's 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything - just been busy. But I've got some great news and need to post this right away!

I've been accepted as a Walk Leader for Scott Kelby's 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk on July 18, 2009. Although my studio is in Barrie, I'll be leading the walk in Midland, starting (and ending) at the Midland Town Dock at 1:00pm. The walk is scheduled for two hours with a get-together afterwards, probably at Scully's Crab Shack at the dock. For more information and to sign up, visit:

WorldwidePhotoWalk.com

Everyone is welcome (up to 50) and it's FREE!! Hope to see you there!

Mike

April 25th Spring Workshop Summary

A big thanks to Al, Albert and Celso for coming out to yesterday's Spring Workshop. It was a bit of a drive, but we made a bee-line for Owen Sound to capture the flow of Inglis Falls. We weren't disappointed. The flow was the best I've seen there in over 10 years.

Although it was supposed to rain most of the day (my kind of workshop!), we had sun at the falls for a while so it was challenge to get the correct exposure for the sunlit falls and the dark roots and rocks in the foreground. I'm looking forward to seeing some of Celso HDR work here.

The woods surrounding the falls were also filled with photographic opportunities and we spent quite a bit of time there too.

It was clouding over and I could tell a storm was approaching so we headed back towards Collingwood to stop along the shores of Georgian Bay near Craigleith to hopefully catch a bit of the storm over the water. We weren't disappointed and we all instinctively knew when it was over and had to run for cover in the van.

Thanks again guys for a great outing. Looking forward to see your 'stuff'!

Winding Down Winter Workshop Summary

What an amazing day! Thanks to Albert and Celso for attending the Winding Down Winter Workshop (sponsored by Nikon-Digital.ca). Matt and Elizabeth, really wish you were here too and sorry you couldn't make it.
On our way to some of the last remaining snow, we stopped at the Coldwater Mill. It's been favourite location of mine for years, probably close to 30, and a few years ago it was bought and restored after closing in 1994. That's right. It was still a working mill up until 1994. Cool eh! I'll be going back there in the next few months to photograph the entire site, interior and exterior. It's a fascinating heritage building.
After the mill we wound our way up towards Big Chute, stopping at the Severn River and photographing the remaining ice flowing in the currents. Then headed on back to the studio to download our images and discuss the day's shoot.

New Wedding Workshop

By popular demand I've added a new wedding photography workshop on photographing the Bridal Portrait. Follow the link for more information.

Newest Gadget - Hoodman LCD Loupe!

I saw this gadget on a workshop last year. One of my students had one and I instantly fell in love with it and had to have one. It's the Hoodman LCD Screen Loupe! The problem was that it was only good for up to a 2.75" LCD screen (on the back of the camera) and I had just upgraded to the D300 with a 3" screen... so I held off.

But now, Hoodman has brought out the Hoodman SLR LCD Screen Loupe 3 to accommodate the 3" screen. As soon as I saw this I checked the Henry's website and sure enough, there it was. I called my local store and had them set it aside and within the hour, had it in my hot hands.

This is one of those gadgets that you think you don't need, but once you have it, wonder how you did without it. The rubber 'cup' covers the LCD screen of my D300 (or any other LCD screen up to 3") perfectly and the built-in diopter allows me to focus it to my eye-sight (wearing glasses). Now, no matter what the conditions, I can see my LCD clearly - even in bright sunlight!

It comes with a carry case as well as the lanyard with a quick release mechanism so you can detach it for someone else to use (and they all want to use it!). And personally, I think wearing it around my neck definitely makes me look more professional. ;)

Highly recommended accessory for under $100.
Website: www.HoodmanUSA.com

Cheers

Transform - by Zack Arias

The comments from this short video are beyond words. Inspirational and a must see for any photographer. It was originally posted by Zack on Scott Kelby's blog but I had to post it here for easy access to view again and again - whenever I need it.

Midland Camera Club

I'm very pleased to have been asked by the Midland Camera Club to speak this coming Thursday evening on Photographing Architecture & Structures. This will take place on February 5th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (behind the Midland Curling Rink). The meeting is open to the public and you can find details at the Midland Camera Club website: http://www.midlandcameraclub.com/

One Month Left Before Wedding Seminar

Just a reminder that there's only one month left to register for the Introduction to Professional Wedding Photography Seminar on March 7th (2009). Check out the PhotographyWorkshops.ca website for more information.

2009 Spring Rejuvenation Workshops posted.

Winter's just getting going but I'm already looking forward towards spring.

Our Spring workshops last year were a great success so we're offering two dates again this year. The first is April 25th and the second is May 2nd. Last year, these Saturdays were perfect for spring shooting. We didn't have many wildflowers, but the buds were on the trees and bushes, there was green grass coming up all over through the brown, matted-down old grass of winter, the rivers were full - and the black-flies were not bad at all. Hopefully, this spring will be just as good.

You can register online, as usual, and just pick which day you're interested in.

March 28, 2009 - Nikon-Digital.ca Exclusive!

We've partnered up with Nikon-Digital.ca Forums for an exciting Workshop/Lunch/Discussion and the first Ontario N-D.ca Meet & Greet all happening on March 28, 2009 at PhotographyWorkshops.ca.

We're calling it the Winding-Down Winter Workshop and it's open to any member of the Nikon-Digital.ca forum. It costs nothing to join, and you receive a discount on the workshop registration. For more information and a link to the registration page, you have to go through the Nikon-Digital.ca forum. Look under the Ontario regional section, or the PhotographyWorkshops.ca section at the bottom of the forum page - or just click here!

February 28, 2009 - Principles of Composition Seminar

We already have our New Camera Orientation and the Essential Photography Basics seminars scheduled for January of 2009. So as a natural progression from those, we've added the Principles of Composition seminar for February 28th. This is a good seminar to attend no matter what 'technical' skill level you are at. If you're having trouble creating WOW in your photographs, composition could be the key. Register online here.

2008 Deserted Beaches of Wasaga Workshop

I think I'm finally thawed out. Man was it cold by the water today. I hope it's sunny and warm in Brazil Celso... 'cause it's sure the opposite up here. Too bad you weren't here though.

Some of these images are in a slideshow in the Galleries section of the website. Click on the link above and then select the 2008 Deserted Beaches slideshow.

We had a pretty good day despite the cold. The conditions were an almost perfect 1/60sec at f:8 all day. With an overcast sky and soft snow, hard sand and no snowfall to speak of, our exposures were rarely changed and recorded detail in the brightest snow and the darkest shadows.

The mostly consistent exposure throughout the day enabled us to concentrate more on composition. There was plenty of elements to work with too. From the golden grass in the mixture of sand and snow, to the hardened patterns of different coloured sands on the beach, the frozen waves at the water's edge and then the ice and rocks at Ossossane provided lots of compositional challenges, but many opportunities too.

One interesting find was the string of fishing line caught in the rocks that icicles had formed on. I guess it's nature's way of making something beautiful out of man's discards.

Everything today was shot hand-held too. Goes against my better judgement and rules, but it was just too d&m% cold to fuss with a tripod. Most of the time the shutter speeds were well above 1/60th through, so there shouldn't be too many OOF images from camera shake (unless of course the shivering was faster than 1/60 sec eh?!)

From the initial scan of images both on site on the digital displays, and what I've seen so far from my download, I would have to say we've got some keepers.

Funny how you can get a group of people to go out in adverse conditions but you'd hardly ever venture out like at on your own in the same conditions.

Thanks LeAnn and Leony for braving the cold. I'm looking forward to seeing your work from today.

Cheers y'all.