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Photo
by workshop student Christine Baum during the Spring Week Long Workshop
held May 10 - 14, 2010.
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The Yosemite
Photography Workshops
and Photo Tours
with
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"I saw
God today in your photographs on your website. Unbelievable
beauty."
-Alice Wright
"I am
blown away; totally blown away!" -Kelvin, workshop student
Nov. 2010.
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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 2012 schedule
see below!
By popular demand, I am
adding more workshop dates
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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 (grad) 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 sessions.
What
we do, how we are different
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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.
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2012 Schedule
(as of 1/15/12)
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1/20 - 1/21
2012 |
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The Yosemite Winter
Weekend
$375 (space
still available)
The ultimate opportunity to see Yosemite in white splendor!
Obviously not a guarantee, but January offers GREAT chances to shoot
the valley in fresh snow! Plus, NO CROWDS! No lines
and we can park anywhere! Storms with clouds, spectacular
sunsets and, of course, night shooting!
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1/23 - 1/27
2012 |
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The Yosemite Winter
Week Long
$795 (SOLD
OUT) Thank You!
4 full days of shooting and one full day of Photoshop
instruction. Taking 5 days in mid-winter in Yosemite Valley
gives us a better chance of getting a storm and shooting the valley in
white stuff. Winter storms, clouds, mist and valley fog offer
some of the most creative possibilities for Yosemite
Photography! Don't miss it! Plus, no crowds, easy
parking and no lines for anything!
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2/13 - 2/17
2012 |
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The HORSETAIL FALL
Yosemite Winter Week Long $795 (space
still available)
The famous Horsetail Fall shot will be the focus of this workshop, plus
a full day of Photoshop instruction. We
will shoot the fall from two or more vantage points, weather
permitting. So, join us as we shoot one of the most
challenging Yosemite photography opportunities. Again, we'll
have the park to ourselves, although the various Horsetail Fall
shooting locations will be crowded but full of fun people!
It's a blast!
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2/18 - 2/20
2012 |
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The HORSETAIL FALL
Yosemite Winter Weekend $475
(Space still available but don't wait till the last
minute; this workshop is filling fast and for the last two years has
been a sell-out)
This is a special President's Weekend extended workshop. We
will shoot 3 full days, Saturday Feb. 18 to Monday Feb 20.
The famous Horsetail Fall shot will be the focus of this
workshop. We will shoot the fall from two or more vantage
points, weather permitting. So, join us as we shoot one of
the most challenging Yosemite photography opportunities.
Again, we'll have the park to ourselves, although the various Horsetail
Fall shooting locations are crowded but full of fun people!
It's a blast! You'll learn a lot, guaranteed!
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4/13 - 4/15
2012 |
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The Yosemite Early
Spring Weekend $375 (Space
still available)
Waterfalls are starting to flow more, and some of the lower trails to
Vernal Fall and Columbia Point will be melted out, so we can go more
places! But it still gives us a good chance for changing
weather, storms and snow can still hit Yosemite. An excellent
time to stretch your legs and knowledge in Yosemite! And,
crowds are still very scant, parking will be very easy and no lines to
anything!
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5/11- 5/12
2012 |
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The Yosemite Spring
Waterfall Weekend $375 (space
still available, but don't wait till the last minute, this workshop has
been a sellout the last two years!)
There's moving water
everywhere... Waterfalls are at full blast, there's the
possibility that Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road (Highway 120) will
be open, although in recent year's we haven't been so lucky.
But most valley trails are open and there's plenty of moving water to
shoot! The park is getting green, days are longer and crowds
are still low... and bears are waking up are frequently seen
grazing in the meadows at sunset.
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5/14 to 5/18
2012 |
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The Yosemite Spring
Waterfall Week Long $795 (space
still available, but don't wait till the last minute, this workshop has
been a sellout the last two years!)
4 full days of shooting and 1
day of Photoshop instruction. There's moving water
everywhere... Waterfalls are at full blast, there's the
possibility that Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road (Highway 120) will
be open, although in recent year's we haven't been so lucky.
But most valley trails are open and there's plenty of moving water to
shoot! The park is getting green, days are longer and crowds
are still low... and bears are waking up are frequently seen
grazing in the meadows at sunset.
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11/2 to 11/3
2012 |
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The Yosemite Fall
Colors Weekend $395 (space
still available)
The fall colors come late to Yosemite National
Park, and the first of November is usually the peak. Glacier
Point and Tioga Roads are still open, so we have access to all areas of
the park. There will be some short moderate hikes to Sentinel
Dome and possibly Vernal Fall.
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11/5 to 11/9
2012 |
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The Yosemite Fall
Colors Week Long $795 (space
still available)
The fall colors come late to Yosemite National Park, and the first of
November is usually the peak. Glacier Point and Tioga Roads
are still open, so we have access to all areas of the park.
There will be some short moderate hikes to Sentinel Dome and possibly
Vernal Fall. Plus, one full day of Photoshop instruction, and
if the roadsare open, trips to the east side high country!
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2/9 to 2/11
2012 |
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Private Group sign-up.
This
is a sign-up for the San Jose Villages Camera Club
private group in February.
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Past Workshops |
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6/12/09
to
6/13/09
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7/6/09
to
7/10/09
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11/2/09
to
11/6/09
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Photo by workshop student Derrick Manson |
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11/13/09
to
11/14/09
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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 |
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1/15/10
to
1/17/10 |
January Winter Weekend Workshop Concluded.
See Full Report
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Stitched panorama photo by workshop student
Karen Traise
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Photo by workshop student
Ian Traise
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2/12/10
to
2/15/10 |
February Winter Weekend - Workshop Concluded;
See Full Report
Photo by workshop student Mike Spivac |
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HDR photo by workshop student Mike Spivac
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2/22/10
to
2/26/10 |
February Winter Week Long. Workshop
Concluded; see
full report
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Photo by workshop student Raphael
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Photo by workshop student Raphael
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5/10/10
to
5/15/10 |
May Spring Week Long. Workshop Concluded see
full report
Photo by workshop student Christine |
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Photo by workshop student Ron |
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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 |
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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 |
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7/5/10
to
7/10/10 |
Mid Summer Week Long; Workshop concluded see full report
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Photo by workshop student Dianne |
Photo by workshop student Dianne |
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8/8/10
to
8/14/10 |
The High Sierra Wilderness Photography Workshop; concluded
see full report
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Photo by workshop student Bill Hallier |
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11/12/10
to
11/13/10 |
The
Yosemite Falls Colors; Workshop Concluded
see full report
Photo by workshop student Tom |
Photo by workshop student Tom |
Photo by workshop student Kelvin |
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1/14/11
to
1/16/11 |
The Yosemite Winter Weekend; Workshop concluded see
full report
Photo by workshop student Shashank |
Photo by workshop student 6-year-old Ava |
Photo by workshop student Jim |
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1/31/11
to
2/4/11 |
The Mid-Winter Week
Long; workshop concluded see
full report
Photo by workshop student Dennis |
Photo by workshop student Dennis |
Photo by workshop student Dennis |
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2/11/11
to
2/13/11 |
The Yosemite Winter
Weekend; Horsetail Fall - workshop concluded
see full report
Photo by workshop student Tatyana |
Photo by workshop student Joel
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Photo by workshop student Keith |
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2/18/11
to
2/20/11 |
The Yosemite Winter
Weekend 2; Horsetail Fall
see full report
Photo by workshop student Jenny |
Photo by workshop student Clair |
Photo by workshop student Lynn |
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4/8/11
to
4/10/11 |
The Yosemite Early
Spring Weekend
see full report
Photo by workshop student Ashim |
Photo
by workshop student Chet |
Photo by workshop student Chet |
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5/16/11
to
5/20/11
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The Yosemite Spring
Week Long
see full report
Photo by workshop student
Kevin Black |
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Photo by workshop student
Kevin Black |
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5/27/11
to
5/29/11
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The
Yosemite Spring Weekend
see full report
Photo by workshop student Jason Curles |
Photo by workshop student Mary Bates |
Photo by workshop student Phil Bull |
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Details
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Photos
by workshop student Caleb Austin
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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. American Airlines has
great connections to Fresno through Dallas, Texas. 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 and required.
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 day of Photoshop CS4/CS5
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 exposure 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 (that go on the
bottom of the camera).
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 (Also called
"Grad") filters; one 2-stop and one
4-stop. These should be the Cokin or Lee flat-glass filters.
You will not need the holders, so don't buy them. I will show
you how to use filters w/o the holders.
Neutral density filters;
one 4-stop one 8-stop if possible; these should be the screw-in type.
Polarizing filter;
buy the size for your largest diameter lens (82mm?) and then a
step-down adapter for use on smaller lenses (77mm, 67mm etc).
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 so very much for a
most educational and fun photo workshop. Mena and I enjoyed
every moment of the workshop, but more so, your company and photography
skills. Your knowledge of the area enabled us to be at the right place
at the right time to capture some stunning shots. Our only
regret was that our time in Yosemite was all too short.
By the way, on the last day
out of Yosemite there was a bear sighting and we were able to get some
photos before it was chased away. That was a fitting end to
our Yosemite adventure. Thanks again for the hints and tips,
as well as teaching me to actually “see” the scene through the
viewfinder and to shoot in the manual mode… you’ll be happy to learn
that I’m still doing so. We hope to be able to join you in another of
your workshops in the not too distant future (read Patagonia ;-))
All best wishes and warm
regards" - Earl and Mena
-and-
"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
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"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
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