ADIRONDACK PEAK FALL COLOR
September 29 - October 3, 2019
Tupper Lake, NY
New shooting locations in the water-laden Tupper and Saranac Lakes region, and some of the most beautiful fall foliage
in the Adirondacks! This workshop tends to fill quickly. Register soon to reserve a slot.
Each section of the Adirondack Park has its own look and feel. The Tupper and Saranac Lakes areas, carved by glaciers eons ago, is some of the most water-saturated in New York State. Here lakes and ponds are interconnected in a complex maze or separated by short canoe carries through the woods. The fall foliage reflected in the waters is truly spectacular, the photo opportunities boundless. We’ll spend five days photographing a variety of land- and waterscapes — from scenic mountain vistas to valley glacial features to waterfalls and remote lakes, ponds and streams. The autumn forests explode with color; yellows, oranges and reds are mixed with aquamarine, tangerine, cherry, peach and other fanciful colors. Shorelines are rimmed with maple, beech, birch and cherry, their colors creating impressionistic paintings on the waters. Mists rise from the waters most mornings, softening the rich colors to beautiful pastels.
We plan to photograph in the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest and the St. Regis Wilderness, and along the Raquette, Saranac and St Regis Rivers. We’ll also visit grand overviews to Whiteface Mountain and the McKenzie Range. And we’ll likely encounter wildlife; the area is home to numerous songbirds, loons, ducks, great blue herons, beavers, otters, coyote, fox, bear and moose.
Mark Bowie, Adirondack Life contributor and author of three photography books on the Adirondacks, has worked extensively in this area. He'll be joined by Chris Murray, also an Adirondack Life contributor and passionate teacher. They’ll be your guides, and the emphasis will be on shooting, shooting, shooting! You will typically shoot for several hours around sunrise and sunset each day, and other times as favorable lighting conditions present themselves. You'll even photograph the moody blues of twilight and the magnificent Adirondack night sky. Field lessons will include tips and techniques on:
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reading and shooting the light
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photographing autumn forests, waterways and reflections
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fine tuning compositions
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determining proper exposure in a variety of conditions
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varying shutter speed for creative effect
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achieving critical focus
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working with your range of lenses, from wide angle to telephoto
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shooting color and tonal palettes for creative effect
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using Live View to compose and focus
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using the LCD screen and histogram to refine compositions, check exposures and confirm focus
Mark and Chris will also give indoor instructional sessions on:
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the Art of Seeing Creatively
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special opportunities unique to autumn
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optimizing images in Lightroom and Photoshop
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blending multiple exposures of the same scene as panoramas and HDR’s, and using layer masks and focus stacking
We will also have critiquing sessions of participants’ images shot during the workshop. Join Mark & Chris as they help elevate your fall photography beyond the commonplace to artistic excellence!
Camera Skills Needed
All skill levels are welcome. Users of all types of cameras may attend. However, digital SLR cameras are preferred for their ability to provide immediate feedback and instant access to the images. Without one, you will not be able to take full advantage of the indoor sessions in this workshop.
Description of skill levels - click here.
Computer Skills Needed
A basic understanding of digital workflow and some working knowledge of Lightroom, Photoshop or other image-editing program will be helpful.
Other Considerations
Locations visited during the workshop are easily accessible and most do not require strenuous hiking or climbing. Optional hikes involving moderate inclines to small peaks may be offered. Only those in good physical shape and able to ascend and descend moderate slopes should attempt.
As with all outdoor pursuits, some risk is inherent; all participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop.
Group Size
15 participants max.
Registration Fees
$995. See details below for a description of what is included.
Deposit of $250 required at time of registration. Deadline for early registration discount is June 30. Click here for information on any other discounts that may be available.
Click Here to Register Online.
Details
Dates and Times
The workshop begins Sunday, September 29th at 2:00 pm and ends Thursday, October 3rd at noon.
Where to Meet
Participants will gather in the lobby of Shaheen’s Adirondack Inn in Tupper Lake, NY.
Directions
Shaheen’s Adirondack Inn is located at 314 Park Street in Tupper Lake, New York 12986. For driving directions go to Google Maps and enter the inn’s address as your destination. If you have further questions don't hesitate to contact the inn at (518) 359-3384.
Meals
Meals are the responsibility of the participant and their cost is not included in the registration fee. Mark and Chris will organize and provide advice on nearby meal options.
Lodging
Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee.
We suggest Shaheen’s Adirondack Inn for this event. Contact them at (518) 359-3384 or (800) 474-2445 for reservations. The inn is offering discounted pricing for this workshop, so make sure to mention that you will be taking part in an Adirondack Photography Institute event.
Other lodging suggestions in Tupper Lake:
Red Top Inn - (518) 359-9209
Tupper Lake Motel – (518) 359-3381
Park Motel and Cabins – (518) 359-3600
Getting to the Event
The two nearest airports are Burlington International Airport and the Adirondack Regional Airport. Rental cars are available at both locations.
Transportation During the Event
Participants’ vehicles will be used for transportation during field trips. We are adamant about carpooling as much as possible to minimize the number of vehicles needed for any given field trip, as well as to lessen our impact on easily damaged roads and trails. Note that the instructors are not allowed to provide transportation for participants during the event.
The Program Schedule
Day 1
Participants gather at Shaheen’s Adirondack Inn in Tupper Lake. Welcome and introductory session on fall photography in the region by Mark and Chris. Sunset photo shoot. Dinner locally. Optional night shoot.
Day 2, 3 & 4
Morning field trip followed by breakfast. Instructional presentations by Mark and Chris on artistic Fall Photography:
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The Art of Seeing
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Weather & Reading the Light
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Using Exposure to Create Mood
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Shooting the Adirondack Autumn Color Palette
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Lens Selection and Use
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Creative Use of Filters
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Multiple Exposure Techniques for Expanding Tonal Range, Depth of Field and Resolution:
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Layer Masks
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Panoramas
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HDRs
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Focus Stacking
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Creating Abstract, Expressionistic Images
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Image Optimization in Lightroom, Camera Raw & Photoshop. Image analysis and group critique of participants’ images.
Afternoon field trip. Sunset, twilight and night shooting field trips.
Day 5
Morning field trip followed by breakfast. Image analysis and group critique of participants’ images. Workshop wrap-up and participant slideshow.
Note - The actual itinerary may vary considerably from this due to weather and other conditions that cannot be anticipated.
What To Bring
Important: The program leaders have provided additional information regarding your needs for this program. Click here to view or download that information. Please contact the leaders directly with questions:
Mark Bowie – mbowiephoto@gmail.com
Chris Murray – chris@chrismurrayphotography.com