Yosemite Photography Workshops

         

Landscape & Night Photography Workshops
Sponsored by

Fine art prints
All students receive 30% off any prints.

Photo by workshop student Christine Baum during the Spring Week Long Workshop held May 10 - 14, 2010.
 

The Yosemite Photography Workshops
with

Phil Hawkins Photography Yosemite Photo Workshops

"I saw God today in your photographs on your website.  Unbelievable beauty."  -Alice Wright
 

Award-winning landscape photographer from Fresno, CA.
Photoshop, Lightroom instructor
I've been backpacking and photographing the High Sierra for 29 years.
My work has appeared in National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, Sports Illustrated, Digital Photo Pro,
and many other publications.

See
http://philhawkinsphoto.com

Feel free to call 559-307-7773 for more information.

The 2010/2011 schedule
see below!
By popular demand, I am adding more workshop dates
 

Hands-on, one-on-one photography instruction conducted in awesome
Yosemite National Park, California

For more on Yosemite, see
yosemitefun.com


* Intensive 5-day and weekend workshops in different seasons
* Go places only a 28-year, award-winning, local Yosemite photographer will know
* Learn how to get those "Wow!" shots.
* Night instruction; shooting during a full moon (conditions permitting), capture star tracks, get the elusive "Moonbow" from Yosemite Falls
* All week long workshops include Photoshop instruction.

You'll learn
Concepts of exposure; the histogram and how to read the graph.
ISO speeds, aperture and shutter speed, how to ignore the numbers and get GREAT shots.
Composition; learn the rules and then how and when to break them.
Use of polarizing filters.
Use of neutral-density and split-density filters.
"Dragging the shutter"; extended exposures (motion blur), even in full sunlight.
How to make sure you got "the" shot in any given situation.
Learn the value of patience; how to read the weather
Reflections in small pools or on the majestic Merced River (seasonal conditions permitting)
Yosemite's waterfalls; the different ways to capture flowing water; Moonbows and "Sun" bows
Night photography; shooting the Milky Way, stars, and moonlight
Shooting for black and white conversion
Wide angle and telephoto lens use.

Plus, ALL workshops feature instruction on how to capture and process
stitched panorama photos!

Custom workshops can be arranged outside the published schedule. 
If you have a group or special timeframe that does not coincide with the scheduled workshops dates, let me know
and we'll schedule a special date or group session.

What we do, how we are different

The Yosemite Photo Workshops are different; please read below so you will not be disappointed when attending.

Beginners are welcome!
We shoot at night!

First, we are for any level experience photographer.  If you don't know the difference between an aperture and a hole in the ground, fear not.  There is no such thing as a dumb question.  We welcome brand new photographers.  Sometimes we have photographers who are well familiar with their equipment and only need to be shown where to shoot.  Or, they know the equipment, but have never shot night photography, so they need instruction.  But no matter your level of experience, you will come away with new knowledge about how to get the most out of your equipment and your effort. 
Newbies are welcome and encouraged to attend!

We have a strict limit of 15 spaces per workshop.

For the most part, we do not get up at the crack of dawn.  Yosemite National Park is a west facing park, and the light is best during late afternoon and sunset.  During the summer, we will be shooting sunsets until 8:30 and 9pm, sometimes at Glacier Point, which is an hour's drive from Yosemite Valley.  We often do not get into bed until 11pm or midnight.  Night shooting adventures can keep us out until the wee hours if people want, so getting up at 5am is almost never an option.  (Many workshops will grind out an 18-hour schedule every day, leaving you burned out.  We want to have fun and not be pushed to the limit of physical and emotional endurance).  The opportunities for good sunrise shots are far less than what we can find at sunset.  Most mornings we start about 10am, and after a hard day hiking, or on the 3rd or 4th day of a weeklong, we might not start until 12noon.  Basically, we start late and stay out late.  HOWEVER, having said that, the exception might be during winter; if by chance, a strong winter storm clears out over night leaving a pristine blanket of snow on the valley, we will be up before dawn.  Nothing is quite so beautiful as Yosemite Valley early in the morning after a good snowfall.  We will know the night before if this is going to be the case...

NO Itineraries; The whole reason one comes to Yosemite is to find the best opportunity to get the best shot.  And that is dictated by the weather.  We wait until we know what the weather is going to do and then decide on the next day's itinerary at that time.  If you want structure, schedules and rigidity, do not sign up for these workshops.  I will teach you how to get the most out of your camera and your efforts, and the way to do that is maximize what mother nature gives you.  Flexibility.  This is what we do.

We help each other.  Experience levels differ, and when someone needs help, we help each other.  I'm a Canon guy, but someone else may know Nikon much better than myself and will help you out.  I can honestly say, that by the end of every workshop in 2009, the students have all become friends, and stay in touch after returning home.  We've had students from foreign countries (England, Scotland, Australia and Japan), and from all over the US.






2010 schedule

Dates

Description

8/7/10
to
8/15/10

The Big One!
The High Sierra Wilderness Photography Workshop $3,375 
(7/17/10; 5 spaces  still available; hurry, time is running out!)
This workshop will be outside of Yosemite, in Sequoia National Park, about 100 miles south in the Sierra Nevada.  5 full days at the 10,000 to 12,500 foot elevation at a base camp 25 miles from the nearest road.  We'll travel by horseback to an area in Sequoia National Park completely removed from civilization.  There will be showers!  All food is catered in base camp.  Someone else does all the cooking!! We'll see the Perseid Meteor Shower from 10,000 feet! For more info Go Here for more info!

options

9/12/10
to
9/17/10
Yosemite In September Week Long $795 (Space still available)

Bonus!  Landscape Portraiture class (No Extra Charge)
I will include a class on outdoor, remote studio lighting, with remote portable power, softboxes and reflectors. This will be conducted at a spot along Glacier Point Road taking advantage of Yosemite landmarks in late afternoon sun.  You'll learn how to shoot perfect outdoor portraits incorporating natural surroundings.

Yosemite in September is unique; the crowds are all gone, yet the park is still 100% open, the mosquitoes are gone (for the most part), the rivers are very quiet for GREAT reflection photography, and waterfalls are at their lowest flow.  This enables us to get closer to them for tremendous motion-blur photography.  We will shoot Glacier Point Road, Tuolumne Meadows and possibly Saddlebag Lake, if available.
 
 

9/24/10
to
9/25/10
Yosemite In September Weekend $375

Yosemite in September is unique; the crowds are all gone, yet the park is still 100% open, the mosquitoes are gone (for the most part), the rivers are very quiet for GREAT reflection photography, and waterfalls are at their lowest flow.  This enables us to get closer to them for tremendous motion-blur photography. 
 

 

10/15/10
to
10/16/10
Yosemite In October $375
A great time to shoot Yosemite.  The crowds are gone, the park is still 100% open, and the waters are still for great reflection photography!  Colors are starting to turn for some great fall colors especially at the high elevations!
 

11/1/10
to
11/5/10
The Yosemite Fall Colors Week Long $795

Bonus!  Landscape Portraiture class (No Extra Charge)
I will include a class on outdoor, remote studio lighting, with remote portable power, softboxes and reflectors. This will be conducted at a spot along Glacier Point Road (weather permitting) taking advantage of Yosemite landmarks in late afternoon sun.  You'll learn how to shoot perfect outdoor portraits incorporating natural surroundings.

The first week of November brings the peak of the fall colors in Yosemite.  It differs from the east slope due to the difference in tree species and climate.  Great opportunity for changing weather which is great for photography...
 

11/12/10
to
11/13/10
The Yosemite Fall Colors Weekend $375
Capturing the fall colors with no crowds, still waters for great reflection shots, great opportunity for changing weather...
 

 

2011 Schedule

1/14 to 1/17
2011
The Yosemite Winter Weekend $375
MLK holiday weekend. Snow and winter storms; changing weather; perfect conditions for great photography!  Plus, no crowds! 
 

1/31 to 2/4
2011
The Yosemite Winter Week Long $795

Bonus!  Landscape Portraiture class (No Extra Charge)
I will include a class on outdoor, remote studio lighting, with remote portable power, softboxes and reflectors. This will be conducted at a yet-to-be-determined (weather permitting) spot taking advantage of Yosemite landmarks in late afternoon sun; more than likely it will be along the Merced River behind the Yosemite Lodge. You'll learn how to shoot perfect outdoor portraits incorporating natural surroundings.

Snow and winter storms; changing weather; perfect conditions for great photography!  Plus, no crowds!
 

2/18 to 2/20
2011
The Yosemite Winter Weekend2 (Horsetail Fall) $375
Presidents Day Weekend. Snow and winter storms; perfect conditions for great photography!  Plus, no crowds!  We'll shoot Horsetail Fall at sunset.
 

3/25 to 3/26
2011
The Yosemite Early Spring Weekend $375
The park is starting to melt, some valley trails are opening, NO CROWDS, yet we may still have winter storms and changing weather.  GREAT shooting conditions!
 

4/11 to 4/15
2011
The Yosemite Early Spring Week Long $795

Bonus!  Landscape Portraiture class (No Extra Charge)
I will include a class on outdoor, remote studio lighting, with remote portable power, softboxes and reflectors. This will be conducted at a yet-to-be-determined (weather permitting) spot taking advantage of Yosemite landmarks in late afternoon sun; more than likely it will be along the Merced River behind the Yosemite Lodge. You'll learn how to shoot perfect outdoor portraits incorporating natural surroundings.

The park is really starting to melt, waterfalls are starting to flow in earnest, and more trails are opening up.  A greater chance the weather can change, GREAT shooting conditions.
 

5/16 to 5/20
2011
The Yosemite Spring Week Long $795

Bonus!  Landscape Portraiture class (No Extra Charge)
I will include a class on outdoor, remote studio lighting, with remote portable power, softboxes and reflectors. This will be conducted at a yet-to-be-determined (weather permitting) spot taking advantage of Yosemite landmarks in late afternoon sun; more than likely it will be along the Merced River behind the Yosemite Lodge. You'll learn how to shoot perfect outdoor portraits incorporating natural surroundings.

Waterfalls!  A week of flowing water.  The snowpack melt will be in full force now, water everywhere!  Hopefully Glacier Point Road will be open for access to the high country.
 

5/27 to 5/29
2011
The Yosemite Spring Weekend $375
Waterfalls!  Flowing water everywhere.  Creeks, small waterfalls, large waterfalls, we will be shooting water!  The trail leading out of the valley will be open, we'll go to Vernal Fall, maybe Nevada Fall...

 

Coming in 2011
In 2011 I will be rolling out the overseas expansion of workshop locations.  Germany, Switzerland and Austria are highlights.  Also currently in planning are England (Brecon Beacons National Park) and western Ireland (Ring of Kerry highway).  See the complete list below.
 

Tentatively
June 2011
14 days

European River Cruise; Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. tbd
This is a 14 day cruise down the Rhine and Moselle rivers on board a 64 stateroom river cruise ship.  Featuring a restaurant, library, lounge and fitness room, you'll be comfortable in one cabin for the 14 days; no moving!  Yet, we'll visit 12 cities along the route.  Also, I'm working on adding 5 days to the end of the cruise in Lucerne to shoot the Swiss Alps.  This is not yet confirmed, so keep checking...
 

 
Tentatively
July 2011
14 days

Western England and Western Ireland. tbd
We will split our time between Brecon Beacons National Park in England and southwestern Ireland featuring the Ring of Kerry highway including Valentia Penninsula. Again, I have not finalized these iteniraries, but planning is well under way.
 

 
Tentatively
November 2011
14 days
 

Hawaii; Maui.  tbd
This is all I know so far on this destination. Details will be posted as they become known.  But I can tell you that we'll have helicopter shooting excursions with doors removed for uncluttered shooting; these will be timed to capture sunset or sunrise light.  Also, we'll do lots of hiking to remote waterfalls and landscape vistas.
 

 
Tentatively
Late January 2012
11 days

Antarctica tbd
We'll cruise 11 days out of Ushuaia, Argentina across the Drake Passage to the  Antarctic Penninsula where we'll spend 4 days exploring the Antarctic  landscape.  Our cruise ship will be an ex-Russian Icebreaker with approx. 50 cabins.  We'll return through the South Shetland Islands and back to Ushuaia. Specific dates will be announced as soon as they are firm.  Photoshop instruction will be included on board ship.
 

 
Tentatively
March or April 2012
8 days

Patagonia; Torres Del Paine National Park tbd
This will be the trip of a lifetime; we'll stay in the Explora Patagonia, also known as the Hotel Salto Chico.  This hotel is the redefinition of luxury.  Everything is included in your workshop fee; excursions, food, local transportation, everything.  We will have a world-class view of the Paine Massif right from the hotel balcony.
 

 

Past Workshops
6/1/09
to
6/5/09
Yosemite Waterfalls week long; Workshop concluded; See Full Report

 

6/12/09
to
6/13/09

Yosemite Waterfalls weekend; Workshop concluded;
See Full Report

 

7/6/09
to
7/10/09

Yosemite in Summer;
  Workshop concluded; See Full Report

11/2/09
to
11/6/09

Yosemite Fall Colors!
Workshop concluded; See Full Report

Photo by workshop student Derrick Manson

 

11/13/09
to
11/14/09


Yosemite Fall Colors weekend! Workshop Concluded; See Full Report

Photo by workshop student
Joanne Shearsmith

Photo by workshop student
Keith Kountz

Photo by workshop student
Keith Kountz

 

1/15/10
to
1/17/10

January Winter Weekend Workshop Concluded.
See Full Report


Stitched panorama photo by workshop student
Karen Traise


Photo by workshop student
Ian Traise

 
2/12/10
to
2/15/10

February Winter Weekend -
Workshop Concluded; See Full Report

Photo by workshop student Mike Spivac

HDR photo by workshop student Mike Spivac
 
 
2/22/10
to
2/26/10

February Winter Week Long. 
Workshop Concluded; see full report


Photo  by workshop student Raphael


Photo  by workshop student Raphael

 
5/10/10
to
5/15/10

May Spring Week Long. Workshop Concluded see full report

Photo by workshop student Christine

Photo by workshop student Ron
 
5/28/10
to
5/30/10

May Spring Weekend.  Workshop Concluded
see full report

Photo by workshop student Rony

Photo by workshop student Beth

Photo by workshop student Tim
 
6/14/10
to
6/18/10
Early Summer Week Long.  Workshop Concluded  see full report

Photo by workshop student Arthur

Photo by workshop student Earl

Photo by workshop student Sean

Mid Summer Week Long. Workshop concluded  see full report


Photo by workshop student Dianne

Photo by workshop student Dianne
 
7/5/10
to
7/10/10
 
 


Details

Photos by workshop student Caleb Austin

Lodging
Lodging is up to each individual participant.  However, we have reserved accommodations for workshop participants at Yosemite's Four Seasons Vacation Rentals where,  for the price of a tent cabin at Curry Village, you can get a condo w/ kitchenette, sat. TV, and full bath. Rates are about $135 a night, lower in winter (non-holiday). See http://yosemitelodging.com
and tell them you are part of the Yosemite Photo Workshop w/ Phil Hawkins.  I encourage participants to stay here so as to make it easier for us to all convene and conclude the days activities with a minimum of travel.

Transportation
You are responsible for getting to Yosemite National Park.  For those flying in from distant locations, it is recommended you rent a car.  I have found that once in a while participants have to leave early for family emergencies, sickness, etc and so as not to disturb the agenda for remaining participants, your ability to travel independently is important.

As for local transportation, we will carpool to the various shooting locations.  Otherwise, we will use the local Yosemite valley public transportation system.

Photoshop Instruction
All week long workshops will include at least one night of Photoshop CS3/CS4 instruction and image critique.

Items to Bring
Although it does not matter what equipment you have, you will get the most out of it if your camera has manual settings and shoots RAW and the ability to connect a cable shutter release. 

Obviously, bring your wide-angle lenses.
Best tripod you can muster w/ extra clamp plates.
You'll be very disappointed if you lose your one and only tripod clamp plate... (This happened one time)

Cable release for night time exposures
Split-density filters; one 2-stop and one 4-stop.
Neutral density filters; one 4-stop one 8-stop if possible
Don't forget your lens shades
Extra memory cards and spare camera batteries
Bring your camera's owner's manual; this will help solve problems with settings.

Bring several lens cloths and cleaning liquid; I will have liquid, but bring your own cloths, if possible please.

Be sure you have a wearable backpack photo case for daily hiking trips.

Laptop computer with spare batteries.  Don't forget your CF card reader!!  People forget these all the time!

Rain and cold weather gear, both for your equipment and for you.  Winter shooting could involve standing out in the rain or snow. Water-proof hiking boots would be very useful, especially in winter.


Testimonials

"Thank you for the great time I had photographing Yosemite National Park. You provided perfect timing for photographing the many sites we were able to reach during the workshop. It would not be easy to find these sites with good lighting without your experience. I also enjoyed meeting everyone in the workshop and sharing with like minded photographers. Perhaps we'll meet again during the winter season and photograph the snows of Yosemite." -Earl Merritt

-and-

"Phil, Fabulous workshop. Sharon and I had a great time, learned a lot, got some great shots! Definitely would recommend to anyone ..."  - Ken Haley

-and-

"...Not knowing quite what to expect, it surpassed any expectations that I had. I learned loads in those 5 days, not only about my camera, but how to shoot and some great Photoshop tricks, and I've been into photography for years. We had great fun too, we had a lot of laughs.  I just hope I get the chance to do another one of your workshops. I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to learn how to be a better photographer, have fun and see Yosemite."   - Lem Lattimer  

-and-

"Again, I can't tell you how much fun I had.  Look forward to doing it again sometime, perhaps in the UK? Italy?
..
.great memories from a wonderful week that I'll never forget."
   - Leana Di Benedetto

-and-

Phil- Thanks for an amazing experience.  Our small group of four was great fun!  Not only was I able to develop my photographic skills under your expert and easy to understand tutelage, but I was able to explore the wonders of Yosemite at just the right time and at just the right place to capture photos I had only dreamed of taking in the past.  Thanks for a great time!!!" - Scott Jenkins

-and-

"I just wanted to pass along a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful time I had in the Yosemite Falls weekend workshop.  I not only had a great time seeing the park, getting to know you and making new friends, but I genuinely feel that I’ve returned a better photographer then when I arrived for the workshop.  My overall skills have improved and very importantly I’ve learned more about “seeing” the subject and the patience it takes to truly become open to a landscape scene. 
Thanks again and I hope to see you soon." -
Tom Collins

-and-
 

"It was nice meeting you !  I've enjoyed very much !  I will receive my developed films on SAT. night in Osaka !  I will let you know more in details later soon.  I would like to say JUST "Thank you very much" for your kindness.  With my best regards,"  - Shiro Tanaka

-and-

"I want to thank you for the great time that I had on the Yosemite workshop.  I'm not so sure that I was ready for that type of shooting but I learned so much.  Every time I describe my experience to someone I can hear the excitement in my voice grow as I tell them about the workshop.  And I have sent numerous people to your website and hear nothing but praise about your photography.  It was truly an honor to be able to spend that time with you and hope that I can enjoy that experience again in the future."
-Raul Lopez

-and

"
Just wanted to say thank you, it was the best experience I have had, I learnt a lot. It was wonderful to be at the right location at the right time which made a huge
difference. Looking forward to more workshops with you in future and I would definitely recommend this to any photographer who wants to shoot in Yosemite." - Sunkara

 

Terms and Conditions

In the unlikely event that the workshop does not fill enough spaces to warrant continuing, the class will be canceled and a full refund given. You will be notified at least two weeks in advance if a workshop is not going to take place.  The High Sierra Wilderness Photography Workshop is not responsible for non-refundable airline reservations in the event of workshop cancellation.

Participant-initiated cancellations of weeklong workshops received prior to one month (30 days) before the workshop will receive a refund minus $300 ($100 for weekend workshops) unless the spot can be refilled, in which case 100% refund will be given.  Due to the unusual complexity and extensive planning required for these workshops, no refunds will be offered for participant-initiated cancellations after 30 days prior to workshop date unless the spot can be re-filled.

Bears
Bears are a natural part of the national park environment.  It's not likely, but it is entirely possible we will see bears.  There are NO Grizzly bears in the Sierra Nevada range.  Our species is 100% Black Bears, also known as 300 pound furry chickens. For more information on putting this very misplaced fear into proper perspective, see this link:
http://www.yosemitefun.com/bears.htm  This information is written specifically for Yosemite National Park.  If you follow the protocol for food handling we will have no problem with bears.

©2010 Phil Hawkins Photography
5132 N. Palm, #118
Fresno, CA 93704
559-307-7773
philhawkinsphoto.com