Photo Workshops, Death Valley Eastern Sierra, big sur, yosemite, California
Are you looking for an experience you will remember?
An Experience in Outdoor Photography
Are you looking for an experience you will remember? Would you like to learn how create a photograph that is a visual stimulating image? How can you make a photograph look bold or interesting? These are things that are not always easy to understand. I'll help change your thought patterns while out in the field.
Learn how to avoid creative obstacles and how to make ordinary subjects extraordinary. Have an instructor introduce composition techniques and demystify some camera functions. Learn how to eliminate distractions, use lines, texture and the Rule of Thirds to create more dynamic images and more advanced techniques. Begin to see beyond your primary subject so that every feature in the frame improves the image and draws the viewers attention into a vibrant and stimulating photograph. This trip is open to digital and film photographers of all experience levels.
Particiapants are responsible for their own transportation. Groups are limited to a small group of 5 to 6 and sometimes 8 occupants. The bigger the group the more it can create problems with composition for all. We would be glad to answer any questions you might have through email at SteveSieren@gmail.com You may visit the FAQ page. Don't wait register for a workshop today!
Customizable private & small group workshops available
Steve's images have showcased in Outdoor Photographer magazine and other magazines on numerous occasions.Gift Certificates Available - Special Group Discounts - Returning Student discounts - All workshops are sponsored by Mpix.com
2013 Schedule
• Death Valley & Alabama Hills Mar 21-24
• Death Valley & Alabama Hills April 19-22
• Eastern Sierra Photo Experience May 18-22
• Beginning Backpacking & Photography July 28-29 Aug 18-19
• Fall in Zion Utah Nov
• Joshua Tree Light Painting Nov
• Fall in the Santa Monica Mountains Dec
• Valley of Fire & the Northeastern Mojave Desert Dec 27-29
"Joshua Tree Light Painting Workshop and Secret Dunes"
Dates Nov 2-3, 2013
Space limited to 3:1 (participants:instructor) ratio.
Photographer Skill level: beginner to advanced
Joshua Tree is a very special place for those who love nature and landscape photography. The natural features and flora of the Mojave and Sonoran Desert intersection offers us unlimited opportunities to pursue our craft. If you have not experienced Joshua Tree or the Mojave Desert this is the perfect workshop for you. We will visit the Icons that you associate these parks with and visit a few other beautiful photographic locations that you wil be unfamiliar with. A special trip to a dune field that no one knows about! There will be a low Landscape instructors to student ratio so YOU WILL get the One On One Instruction you are looking for. Classroom instruction will include a discussion on
Topics covered
• HDR imaging techniques
• Creative Composition
• Compositing
• Night Photography & Light painting tastefully
• Panoramic photography• Creative Composition
• Tips on the use of certain filters
• Adapting to changing light
• Maximizing depth of field
• Desert hiking
Price $600 early sign up $500 until until May 1st - * Includes 13 page ebook on night photography. Water and light snacks will be provided.
What's not included transportation, lodging and meals.
Fitness level : Easy - Not much hiking involved besides the dunes.
Itinerary: Meet in the afternoon Friday shoot the golden hour / sunset. Then Lightpainting at twilight and early evening. Saturday: Photograph Sunrise in the park the rest of the day will be decided at the workshop. We will spend some time going over creative processing techniques in photoshop.
• Photos from Joshua Tree - Joshua Tree Gallery
Enjoy a video clip from the secret dunes
Before You Go
Weather We are very casual on the treks. We will be shooting mainly outdoors, so bring a variety of clothing you can layer. Dress comfortably, with good walking shoes. Make sure to have rain gear with you at all times to protect your camera bag and camera.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We are here to help you. Please contact me for info. You may also visit the FAQ page.
The Death Valley & Eastern Sierra Experience
*March 21-24, 2013 - 4 full daysInstructor: Steve Sieren
Who should attend: All skill levels from novice to professional
Limit: 6 attendees in March -We have been leading workshops to Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra since 2005. This is a late winter/ early spring workshop when Death Valley may possibly be surrounded by snow capped peaks after rain storms. Catching a rain storm can bring the desert to life along with a few or many wildflowers on the desert floor. This place is a natural wonder and situated in America's largest national park in the lower 48 states. It is also the lowest place in the US at -282 ft below sea level. The stunning dune fields are continually transformed by wind under big sky. Light and shadows constantly change revealing an amazing variety of form and color. The dune fields, badlands, mountains and salt flats throughout the park are varied and a number of plants and animals have adapted to this strange environment. The Eastern Sierra's peaks tower miles above the Owens Valley making it one of the world's best geological wonders. We will photograph the Alabama Hills during this workshop. There will be light painting in this workshop at opportune times. I will show how to tastefully light paint and use it to accent areas of a photograph during the time when most photographers would assume the lighting is bad to be photographing anything.
Participants will learn the basic technical aspects such as camera settings and functions, depth of field basics, the use of different filters, composition skills, photography at night and many different techniques for light painting. Students will learn different ways of exercising their creativity. Instruction on different methods for HDR (natural & surreal) photography and what subjects to look for in the field will also be provided.
What will the weather be like? While many people in the country will spend the cold month of March shivering in their fleece and staring at gray skies, we will be photographing, hiking, and swimming if you would like in California's Death Valley National Park. Oh and watching some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. March is the best time of the year for photographers to explore this surreal and quietly captivating California park. March has an average high of 81F and thier precipitation average at this time is only a fraction of an inch so it will be quite warmer and drier than most other places around. Grab your camera and join us while we take in the dry desert air.
*Optional Sunset / sunrise shoot in the Alabama Hills after the workshop on Sunday / Monday.
*Lodging will run anywhere between $75 - 150 (for double occupancy) a night and camping is available as well. Please notify me if you're interested in sharing a room with another participant. The longer you wait, the higher you will end up paying for a room in the valley.
Nearest Airport - Las VegasThis workshop is right for you if
You want to explore the full potential of photography and your personal vision while making photographs at inspiring locations, receiving feedback on your images as you make them.
We will visit the Race Track, Badwater, the Mesquite Dunes, Eureka Dunes, the Arches in the Alabama Hills and much more!Death Valley Gallery I -- Death Valley Gallery II • Photos from Death Valley
Price: $795 (does not include lodging, transportation, meals or fees)
Deposit: $250
An Introduction to
"Combining Photography & Lightweight backpacking"
The easiest high elevation backpacking overnight outing you could think of. Having an experienced backpacking photographer that can answer your questions is an easier way to get out there on your own. Learn how to balance the extra load on your back and still enjoy the experience.
Participants will learn the basic technical aspects such as camera settings and functions, depth of field basics, the use of different filters, composition skills, photography at night, many different techniques in light painting because there definitely not only one way to do it! Students will different ways of exercising their creativity. I'll also instruct different methods for HDR photography and what subjects to look for in the field. You will leave this experience learning many options that today's digital photographer can take advantage of.
4 participant max.
Saturday July 28th 2012 returning the next morning after a sunrise shoot (FULL)
Saturday Aug 18, 2012 returning the next morning after a sunrise shoot (Space left)
$245
Contact me - SteveSieren(at)Gmail.com
Fitness requirement: participants must be able to carry 20 to 35lbs. on their back up a 400ft elevation gain for the length of up to 2 miles. Students will learn how to go longer distances in the future. Easy for a backpacker with little experience and for first timers there is plenty of time for the short trip.
"The Zion in Fall Experience"
November 2 -3, 2012 Meet for dinner Thursday Nov 1st, optional shoot Sunday.Zion is the location for fall foliage in the Southwest at this time of year. You will capture new perspectives during this workshop. The maples, cottonwoods, aspens and oaks will explode into their eye popping reds, bright yellows, oranges. The advantage of this workshop in Zion with Steve is he knows how to adapt to certain changes in the weather and work around the exact peak of fall color so you will leave more then enough images to keep you busy until next year. With the sun at a low angle this time of year we will have soft reflected lighting throughout the entire day in the main canyon, which is a perfect soft box for capturing fall foliage. At no other time of year can you photograph fall color here. We will spend time photographing the spectacular fall color along Virgin River and along the roadside. The following day is an optional trip where I will take you to one of my very secret locations along some of Zion's most beautiful off the beaten path slot canyons. Come experience what you will not find at other workshops!
Photographer Skill level: beginner to advanced
Hiking Skill level: moderate hiking
Zion is one the most beautiful places to photograph fall color in Utah. 5 participant max.
Basic photographic skills and an open mind are the primary requirements for this workshop. Students are required to know the basics about using the camera on manual settings but beginners are welcome.
This workshop is right for you if
You want to explore the full potential of photography and your personal vision while making photographs at inspiring locations, receiving feedback on your images as you make them.
This workshop will begin Friday and end Saturday evening. There will be an optional sunrise shoot on Sunday morning the 4th. Lodging not included but I will recommend places to stay or camp. The workshop will be based out of the Pioneer Lodge with great rates for early bookings. Transportation and meals not included but water and light snacks will be provided.
Workshop price $450
Nov 2-3 !!Pay your deposit here
"Pay your remaining balance here
Click here for More photos of Zion
Before You GoWeather We are very casual on the treks. We will be shooting mainly outdoors, so bring a variety of clothing you can layer. Dress comfortably, with good walking shoes. Make sure to have rain gear with you at all times to protect your camera bag and camera.
Directions to Zion National Park From Salt Lake City: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. Exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to Zion's east entrance. From Arizona: Travel 89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab Utah. Follow US-89 to to Mount Carmel Junction. Take U-9 to the east park entrance. From Las Vegas: Travel I-15 north. Take exit 16 and travel through Hurricane. Make a right on U-9 at the second traffic light in LaVerkin. Continue on U-9 to the south entrance of the park. U-9 through Zion National Park is always open and is also called the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
Anyone headed back via the Las Vegas Airport might be interested in spending a day at Valley of Fire during a private tour. Please inquire about this. Some of my photographs are on permanent display, rather largely at the airport food court so please have a look.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We are here to help you. Please contact me for info. You may also visit the FAQ page. The Subway is an optional hike you can do after this workshop.
Annual Fall Color and Sunrise Beaches in the Santa Monica Mountains
Santa Monica Mountains Dec 1-2, 2012 This is the 4th annaul workshop now.
$295.00Come and experience a fall and sunset / sunrise beaches photo tour only minutes away from Downtown Los Angeles.
This photo tour is right for you if
You want to explore the full potential of photography and your personal vision while making photographs at inspiring locations, and receiving feedback on your images as you make them.
"Valley of Fire & Wild Mojave Desert Experience"
Valley of Fire & the Northeastern Mojave Desert Dec 26-29, 2013 (w/ bonus shoot)
Space limited to 5:1 (participants:instructor) ratio.
I will start a Mojave Desert Workshop where you will see parts of the Mojave that the average photographer never sees. Even beyond where the guide books that lead other workshops will take you. We will stop at Valley of Fire but see it from many different perspectives such as arches that have not been photographed. If you are into remote and off the beaten path kind of places this the workshop for you! I guarantee you will find no other workshop like this. There will be a few iconic photographs from Valley of Fire that we will photograph as well. We will also experience some canyon narrows in the middle of the day that no other workshop will take you to. We will even get a chance to light paint some Joshua Trees under the stars I have scouted nearby. Come and explore one of the best locations the Mojave Desert and create a new vibrant new addition to your portfolio!Topics covered
• HDR imaging techniques
• Creative Composition
• Compositing
• Night Photography & Light painting
• Panoramic photography
• Creative Panorama techniques
• Tips on the use of certain filters
• Adapting to changing light
• Maximizing depth of field
• Desert hiking
The itinerary will be given 30 days before the workshop. We will meet in Overton at 2pm for orientation on 26th. The workshop will end Saturday at sunset 4:40pm. Ask about the optional shoot Sunday morning after the workshop!
Price $895
Before You Go
Nearest Airport - Las Vegas. Cities in reasonable driving distance from Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix.Lodging: North Shore Inn (formerly Best Western)
520 N Moapa Valley Boulevard
Overton, Nevada, 89040, US
Phone: (702) 397-6000
Weather: We are very casual on the treks. We will be shooting mainly outdoors, so bring a variety of clothing you can layer. Dress comfortably, with good walking shoes with good grip on the bottoms. Make sure to have rain and wind gear with you at all times to protect your camera bag and camera. At this time of year it can get down to freezing so snow is possible, we recommend gloves and a winter hat. 70 % of your body heat escapes through the top of your head.
Fitness level : Moderate - some hiking involved
A few photographs of Valley of Fire & Wild Mojave Desert
You'll find some of my photographs are on permanent display, rather largely at the Las Vegas International Airport Food Court so please have a look.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We are here to help you. Please contact me for info. You may also visit the FAQ page.
• All workshops are sponsored by www.Mpix.com • Get a discount from one of my sponsors Nik Software. Enter the code "sieren" www.Niksoftware.com