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Our last day. We're all just running on caffeine and adrenaline 
. This morning, we were on our own to do a final shoot. I went with two of my new friends to try and find a bull moose in the water. We drove to the Gros Ventre River and got down to the shore before the sun came up hoping to see them crossing from the woods. There was a lot of moose sign, but no moose. We decided to back to the car and drive to another spot, and low and behold the moose family was hanging out near the campground where we parked the car! There was a bull with proper big antlers, a cow and a calf. Once again we tried to stay back and watch from a distance, and had some luck.
Sunrise on the river (iPhone shot):
Moose!!
When we finally left the moose(s) we pulled over for a wider shot of the river. There were forest fires in the distance and the smoke had been plaquing us all week. It made for an atmospheric parting shot.
Some take aways:
I made a lot of new friends and new connections. We had lots of interaction with stellar professional photographers, including some inspiring and educational presentations. Amazing scenery and wildlife.
Being with a group who are all on the same page about being up and out for early morning shoots and want to stay out late if the light warrants it is such a gift. My husband is very supportive of my hobby, but it was so nice to be in the field with people who had the same goals.
The collaboration between faculty and students was astounding. Everyone was offering opinions and advice and helping with technical bits if you needed it. The photo critiques were one of the best parts. We also got 2 portfolio reviews (one each with a different faculty member for each) which were very enlightening.
Patience. Being set up ahead of time so I don't rush. As I mentioned before: build the image from the back, look at layers, get low and get close. Moment and gesture.
Shutter speed shutter speed shutter speed when dealing with animals and birds. Get the exposure right and ignore ISO as that can be fixed, blurry pictures cannot. Not to mention specific settings for astrophotography and suggestions for BIF settings.
I don't know that any of that is new, per se. BUT the supportive environment of people, lots of practice with like-minded folks and being a bit uncomfortable/unsure at times was kind of a magical experience.
. This morning, we were on our own to do a final shoot. I went with two of my new friends to try and find a bull moose in the water. We drove to the Gros Ventre River and got down to the shore before the sun came up hoping to see them crossing from the woods. There was a lot of moose sign, but no moose. We decided to back to the car and drive to another spot, and low and behold the moose family was hanging out near the campground where we parked the car! There was a bull with proper big antlers, a cow and a calf. Once again we tried to stay back and watch from a distance, and had some luck.Sunrise on the river (iPhone shot):
Moose!!
When we finally left the moose(s) we pulled over for a wider shot of the river. There were forest fires in the distance and the smoke had been plaquing us all week. It made for an atmospheric parting shot.
Some take aways:
I made a lot of new friends and new connections. We had lots of interaction with stellar professional photographers, including some inspiring and educational presentations. Amazing scenery and wildlife.
Being with a group who are all on the same page about being up and out for early morning shoots and want to stay out late if the light warrants it is such a gift. My husband is very supportive of my hobby, but it was so nice to be in the field with people who had the same goals.
The collaboration between faculty and students was astounding. Everyone was offering opinions and advice and helping with technical bits if you needed it. The photo critiques were one of the best parts. We also got 2 portfolio reviews (one each with a different faculty member for each) which were very enlightening.
Patience. Being set up ahead of time so I don't rush. As I mentioned before: build the image from the back, look at layers, get low and get close. Moment and gesture.
Shutter speed shutter speed shutter speed when dealing with animals and birds. Get the exposure right and ignore ISO as that can be fixed, blurry pictures cannot. Not to mention specific settings for astrophotography and suggestions for BIF settings.
I don't know that any of that is new, per se. BUT the supportive environment of people, lots of practice with like-minded folks and being a bit uncomfortable/unsure at times was kind of a magical experience.
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