OREGON PHOTO WORKSHOPS - THE COLUMBIA GORGE / WHEAT FIELDS THE PAINTED HILLS / AUGUST 28 - SEPT 1 , 2013



THREE SPACES OPEN http://www.californiaphotographyworkshops.com/Oregon2.html

This August, Keith Skelton will lead a photo workshop in his home state of Oregon. August and September is arguably the best time of year in Oregon with chances of rain being minimal. We will see and photograph the beautiful Palouse-like rolling wheat fields of north central Oregon, rows of orchards and alpine views of Hood River, waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The Painted Hills in north central Oregon are one of least known but one of the most outstanding places to take photographs in the United States. It is part of The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The yellow, red, and black colors are a wash poured over gently rolling hills. It is best photographed in the afternoon. See this GALLERY

The wheat fields in this part of Oregon offer some of the best agricultural landscape photo opportunities anywhere. This area of Oregon rivals the Palouse in Washington. For miles you see nothing but waves of patterned wheat, long empty roads, and distant views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. This is Oregon Trail country. There are small historical farm towns and many abandoned barns and houses dot the countryside. Late in the summer, the short stubble is burned or plowed under. Huge tractors leave sweeping curved patterns as their contour plowing wraps the rolling hills. From a distance, long stripes of colors create bold patterns. The wheat harvesting will be toward its end leaving many golden fields with abstract patterns and textures to photograph. We will pass through small towns called Dufur, Wasco, Heppner, Condon, and Locust Grove.

Hood River is one of the most beautiful fruit growing regions in the The United States, if not the world and is one of Oregon's major apple and pear growing areas. The rows of orchards roll up and down the hills leading your eye to distant views. There are also vineyards, lavender fields, and berry farms. Mt. Hood sits at Hood River's southwest. It feels so close that one could reach out and touch it. Massive Mt. Adams sits to the North, it's roundness mirroring the rolling hills. The orchard leaves will be beginning to turn as the pear harvest begins. The town of Hood River overlooks the Columbia River and has a trendy historical downtown district. It is now the Wind Surfing Capital of the World due to gusty winds on the Columbia River.

The Columbia Gorge is something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Its old growth forests and many waterfalls are amazing considering its proximity to a major metropolitan area. Multnomah Falls is arguably the grandaddy of the 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. At 620 feet, only three falls in the nation are higher, and none are more beautiful. But many of the smaller, including Wahkeena Falls, Latourell Falls, and Shepperd's Dell Falls are the real gems and are easily reachable from the Historic Columbia River Highway. It winds amid lush green trees and neon-bright lichens. The maples will be beginning to turn so the contrasts in colors will be outstanding. The Highway itself was designed in 1913 to showcase the many waterfalls and other vistas of the Gorge.

WORKSHOP GOALS

Participants will be instructed how to set up shots and how to find the right locations to get great photos. But we also give you the creative space so you can capture your own image. We will strive to help you improve your technique and your photographic vision by studying form, color, composition, and light. We will practice techniques such as using slow shutter speeds to create motion with water. We will be practicing star photography at night.

We will also discuss important digital techniques including shooting in raw, digital work flow, and processing digital pictures. For those that need it, the course will have an overview of photography concepts and the camera to make sure you are able to get the most from your cameras technology. This includes explanations of each setting. Also, we will cover topics such as lens choice, white balance, ISO, shooting modes, histograms, etc.

Our workshop will be organized for all to leave Oregon with great pictures and with new found photographic skills.

Keith Skelton is a veteran professional photographer and teacher with over 25 years of experience. He has an extensive background in photography techniques and aesthetics. You will get individualized instruction and one-on-one attention, teaching you how to capture the best images possible on either film or digital.

All levels of experience are welcome! This trip is limited to 12 students. $695 not including transportation, lodging and food.