For the inaugural workshop series with RL Charpentier Photography, we’ve picked some very exciting locations. Arizona’s Vulture Mine, one of the best preserved mining / ghost towns in the state. Day two of the workshop takes place in Prescott, Arizona, also another historic and photographic location!
This workshop is being offered as a one or two day event, and it’s up to you what you’d like to participate in. To really get all that there is to offer in this workshop, it’s suggested you do both days, but that is up to you the student.
Day 1 – Shooting at the Vulture Mine. HDR setup, creating stylized images, and more…..
The first day of this workshop series will take place outside of Wickenburg, Arizona. The Vulture Mine is a short drive from downtown Wickenburg and is easily accessible from Prescott or Phoenix. Students will meet with Rich in the parking lot at the main entrance at 9:00 a.m. sharp.
The Vulture Mine is currently open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and we will spend the entire time on location photographing this amazing location. The Mine offers a wide assortment of old buildings, wrecked cars, downed power lines, and antique mining equipment for students to spend the day photographing. It also offers that “Classic Arizona” look and feel with Saguaros and Chollas.
Beyond photographing an amazing location, students will have the opportunity for some “one on one” time with the instructor. HDR setup, single exposure setups, and preparing for creating highly stylized ghost town images will be covered as a group, and individually. The idea here is to prepare for day two of the workshop, where Rich will take students through an HDR workflow from start to finish with images shot on day one.
What do I need for day one?
Transportation will not be provided to the location, so students will need to get themselves on site. Additionally, while water will be available for attendees, snacks will not be provided. You should bring a small pack to carry extra water and snacks for the afternoon.
Beyond food and transportation, participants will need their cameras. Most DSLRs are capable of shooting “bracketed” frames, and that will be a must for generating HDRs on day two. Several smaller cameras can now shoot and RAW and create bracketed frames as well. Your standard “point and shoot” will not be useful. And finally, on the camera front, don’t forget your tripod. It is an absolute must have!
Day 2 – HDR Workflow – From the memory card to the final product
The second day (which is optional) will find students in Prescott, AZ working through an HDR workflow from start to finish. For students who did not participate in the Vulture Mine segment of the workshop, never fear!
From 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. students will have the opportunity to shoot around Prescott Arizona with Rich. We’ll focus on setting up shots for HDR (multi-exposure), and single exposure shots for the purpose of using tool sets like Topaz Adjust and Detail.
Students will have a break to do what they’d like to from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We’ll reassemble as a group to spend the second half of the day going through a total HDR workflow with the images shot on days one and two. Students will need to bring their own laptops with them in order to get the most out of the second half of the day in order to “work along” with their own images.
From 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. we’ll cover the following topics:
- Importing images for your HDR creations.
- Importing with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2. The best workflow management tool out there, especially when organizing for HDR.
- Photomatix. This is Rich’s choice for HDR creation. You can download a free copy of Photomatix to follow along with in the course if you’re not already using it.
- Using Lightroom and Photomatix for your HDR workflow.
- Tone Mapping your images.
- Creating surreal HDRs.
- Creating realistic HDRs.
- Fine tuning images with Photoshop.
- Other methods to create “HDR-like” images. Topaz, Photoshop Filters, Dodging and Burning.
What do I need to have to get the most out of this course?
Students should bring their Digital SLR along, a sufficient memory card for shooting around town, and a laptop if possible. The second half of the day is a hands on class where students will work on their own creations along with the instructor. While students can attend without a laptop, they will not get as much out of the course. Working through your own images with the instructor is the best way to get a feel for creating your own HDR workflow.
Sign Up Now, Space is Limited!
The first workshop offering will take place March 6th & 7th, 2010. Each day is only open to 5 students
After Signing Up, what’s next?
Once you’ve signed up you will receive an e-mail with more detailed information on the workshop from Rich Charpentier. A PDF document will be sent along to you with information about the Vulture Mine, Prescott, Arizona, and places to stay if you’re coming from out of state.
Additionally, a waiver form will be sent along to students. The Vulture Mine is a ghost town, buildings are unsteady, and the ruins are exactly that, ruins. Students will be required to sign a waiver at the mine, and a waiver with RL Charpentier Photography, LLC. beforehand.
RL Charpentier Photography, LLC. is responsible for training while on location, but not for student’s safety. Students understand they are on location at their own discretion, and are required to sign a waiver with the Vulture Mine as well, therefore should also realize that RL Charpentier Photography is not liable for any issues or events arising while at the shoot location.
Signed waivers will be required prior to entering Vulture Mine. Students can mail them back to RL Charpentier Photography, LLC prior to the course, or bring them to the meeting location on day one. Any student that does not provide a signed waiver will not join the group at the Vulture Mine and will be refunded that day’s course fee.
