Water and Ice, Iceland. Photographed at f/16, 2.5 Seconds, ISO 100. Polarizer

Photographing moving water at varying shutter speeds produces different looks, from a silky effect to frozen detail. When photographing the ocean surf, waterfalls, streams or any moving water, I often bracket the shutter speeds to create a variety of results.

In the vertical waterfall image in Iceland, the water appears smooth and gauzy. The horizontal image of the same waterfall presents more detail, permitting more shape with enough blur to endow the shot with a sense of motion. I like both effects, so I vary the shutter speed to get more or less detail. When bracketing the shutter speeds, review each image on view screen to judge the results.  If you see silky water with no detail where it is all white, move to a faster shutter speed. If there is too much detail where the water looks like ice, use a slower shutter to add enough blur for a velvety water effect.

Shutter Speed Choice:

How fast or slow the water is moving is a factor to help decided shutter speed for the amount of blur or detail. A slow versus fast moving stream will have different effects at the same shutter speed. In addition, wider-angle lenses show less apparent motion compared to a telephoto from the same distance.

Several factors to help decide the shutter speed:

• The flow rate of the water – slower shutter for more blur with slow moving streams
• The amount of blur or detail you want – slower shutter for more blur
• Distance to the subject – the water flow appears faster the closer you are
• Focal length of the lens – slower shutter for wide-angle lenses for more blur

Waterfalls all fall at the same rate weather they are a faint stream or large waterfall. They gain momentum with the distance. The air resistance is the only factor that will effect the rate of water falling.

I photographed the waterfall below in Iceland while leading a photography tour with Jim Martin. In the horizontal image, I used a .6 second shutter speed for a satiny effect, while the vertical image has a 1/10 shutter speed to show more detail.

Vertical waterfall: Canon 5D mark II, 24-70 mm lens at 24 mm, f/16, Shutter speed .6, ISO 100. I used a polarizing filter. Smooth effect.

Horizontal waterfall: Canon 5D mark II, 24-70 mm lens at 24 mm, f/16, Shutter speed 1/10, ISO 100. I used a polarizing filter. More detail in the water with a faster shutter speed.

Shutter Speed:

In Yosemite, 1/125 of a second contributed some detail in the fast moving waterfalls. By contrast, I prefer 1/15 to 1/30 of a second to smooth the slower moving water on the floor of water the valley.

Use a really fast shutter speed to stop the action of moving water. For waves at the ocean, I use around a 1/1000 of a second to get the detail in the splash.  Each droplet freezes.

In the next examples, the ocean images have a 10 to 13 second exposure to blur the water, transforming the surf into a fog.

Morro Bay rocks and surf, Canon 5D mark II, 24-70 mm lens at 24 mm, f/16, 10 seconds, ISO 100. I used a 3-stop neutral density filter and a polarizer to smooth out the ocean surf.

Morro Bay sunset: Canon 5D mark II, F/16, 13 seconds, ISO 100. I used a 5-stop neutral density filter to obtain the softness of the waves.

Tripod: Using a STURDY tripod will be necessary for the slow shutter speeds. They are still a good idea for higher shutter speeds as they aid in fine-tuning the final composition. Keep in mind it is often windy at the base of a waterfall or around the ocean surf. Weigh down the tripod if necessary to avoid vibration or tipping.

Exposure: when taking a photograph, I decide whether the shutter speed or f/stop is the most important and set that first. Normally, I use manual mode and set the shutter speed first, followed by the f/stop.  Next, I set ISO, ideally the native ISO for the camera, such as ISO 100 for Canon, or the native resolution for your camera. Native resolution produces the least noise.  If the shutter speed is too slow, I raise the ISO to the proper exposure.  Finally, I add a filter, as discussed below.

Shutter Speed:  In order to get slow shutter speeds for the satiny effect, try photographing in low light conditions since full sun may demand too fast a shutter speed for slow motion. For example: photograph at low light near sunrise or sunset on sunny days, with the subject catching the first or last rays of light. Exposure it easier when the water is in the shade; be aware that your color temperature will change, shifting toward blue. Overcast conditions work well most of the time.

Filters: Using a polarizer will reduce your shutter speed time by about two f-stops. Turn the polarizer to see the effect on shiny rock surfaces and note how the reduced glare reveals detail and form. However, be careful when using a polarizer so as not to take out desired colorful reflections. Neutral density filters (not graduated neutral density filters), grey in color, will reduce the light to the sensor, allowing for a slower shutter speed.

Ideas: Water in all its forms is a dynamic subject open to many approaches. I like photographing streams in the shade with green leaves reflected onto streams in the afternoon (Yosemite’s Fern Spring is good for that). Photographing along Yosemite’s Merced River at sunrise provides the opportunity to capture the warm reflections of the mountains in the river. Fall colors, the leaves lit with sun and the water in shade reflect leaves, is a perennial favorite.

Tips for keeping the lens dry: Use a lens hood to keep spray off the lens. Carry a hand towel or pack towel to dry the camera and tripod when you return to the car from the shoot. Use a chamois cloth to wipe the droplets off the lens. Chamois are used to wipe cars dry and it works just as well on the lens. If you are in heavy spray from waterfalls, the ocean or from rain it is helpful to use carry a small sized soft absorbent pack towel to wipe the lens of most of the water then use the chamois as it will get soaked too fast and become useless. Shower cap works to help keep the water off the camera and lens. I like the Storm Jacket for protecting the camera as well.

Tips for cleaning sea spray: First, use an air blower (not canned air) to remove any bits of sand or dust that might scratch the lens. Next, wipe down your camera and lenses with a damp cloth to clean off the salt from the sea spray. Do this as soon as possible.

If you do get sea spray on the front element of the lens, use some lens cleaning fluid on a wipe or tissue and use that to remove it. Use lens cleaning solution and do not use abrasive or solvents. Wipe in a circular motion from the center outward. Do not put fluid directly on the lens. If it is very misty, bring the fluid and wipes with you to the ocean.

Another option is using a UV filter when at the ocean to protect the front element of the lens from the salt in the sea spray and you can clean the filter after the shoot in the same way as mentioned above. There are some weather resistant filters on the market now.

Clean the eye-piece in the same way if it is needed.

Sand: when photographing along the ocean surf, keep out the sand from the tripod joints. Even if you are shooting low to the ground extend the bottom tripod leg a couple of inches to keep the sand out of the joints. This is good in sand dunes in the desert as well.

Tripod Maintenance: here is an article on cleaning your tripod. Be careful. Phil Wood waterproof grease or oil is recommended by Really Right Stuff (get the waterproof grease for freezing temperature if you will be in very cold weather). Click here for tripod maintenance

Smooth Wave, Morro Bay, California: Canon 5D mark II, 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 at 135 mm, f/22, 0.4 second, ISO 100.

Wave in Action, Morro Bay, California: Canon 5D mark II, 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 at 300 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000th second, ISO 200.

Boiling Mud Pot, Iceland: Canon 5D mark II, 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 at 260 mm, f/9, 1/400 second, ISO 320

Have fun photographing moving water and creating inspiring images!

Cheers, Jennifer

Star Trails over the playa at the Racetrack, Death Valley CA

Jim Martin and I just wrapped up our Death Valley Workshop. We shot the dunes and salt pans, the high escarpment of Telegraph Peak rising more than two vertical miles over Badwater, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, and the night sky. Badwater did not have much water this time with the little rain this year and just a light dusting of snow on the Panamint Range.

We devoted most lectures and evenings to star photography, sharing the steps needed to bring out each star as a point of light, how to make star trails on a digital camera, create circles of star trails around Polaris, and to paint a dark building with light against a field of bright stars. I enjoyed shooting at the Racetrack where rocks move across the playa leaving tracks behind. After other trips out there were under mostly cloudy skies, I finally got the chance to shoot in late afternoon sun and at night.

We worked almost non-stop, up long before dawn and late into the night. Some called it the Death Valley boot camp, but by the end we were all exhausted but happy with our trove of special images.  Here are just a few from the February workshop.

Happy Photographing! Jennifer

Using Hyperfocal to create depth from near to far. Glacier National Park, August 2008. Photographed with a 16-35mm II lens at 25mm, f/18, 2 seconds, ISO 100, Canon 1Ds mark III

Having good depth of field in a landscape image creates interest and depth to a photograph. For this effect, use a wide-angle lens. Tip, get close to the foreground! Using hyperfocal focusing on zoom lenses can be done with use of a chart or app to help getting everything in relatively good focus from foreground to background. Happy shooting! Jennifer

More information: Click here for Hyperfocal Handout

Iceland’s Breathtaking Landscapes

August 19-28,2012

Iceland is an island of contrasts. Volcanoes erupt in the middle of ice fields. Black lava flows are capped by electric-green moss. The island abounds in waterfalls of all description, from raging torrents to watery filigrees to leaping arcs. The sandy central highlands seem as lifeless as the moon while the coastal cliffs seem beset by a blizzard of birds.

We will explore the magnificent scenes of southern Iceland with forays into the wild interior. We’ll see the signature locations of Iceland, the most famous waterfalls, geysirs with geothermal activity, the spectacular Ice Lagoon set amid glaciers and tall peaks where icebergs float and run aground, the pastel hills and black lava flows of Landmannalaugar- the austere highlands, the rugged coast and gentle farmland. We’ll stop to capture images of the shaggy, sturdy Icelandic horses and the island’s characteristic architecture from Scandinavian modern to sod-roofed barns and churches. Timing is everything so we will photograph when the light is likely to be best for each location. Plus, we’ve selected several of our favorite spots that most tours pass by.

EXPERIENCE ICELAND WITH US

Feel the spray from explosive geysers and iconic waterfalls. Photograph icebergs stranded on a black sand beach. Dine on farm fresh local cuisine. Pet a friendly horse. Straddle the mid-Atlantic plate separating Europe from North America. Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings of the Sagas. Hear the rifle-shot crack of a calving glacier from a zodiac. Drive over multi-hued hills. Hold a chunk of ice older than civilization.

We focus on photography in the field. We forgo planned lectures, but critiques will be offered as well as guidance from two top professional photographers. You will have field demos and assistance by your side. We aim to expand your photographic techniques and enhance the way you see and compose. The photographic opportunities are so rich in Iceland, a photographer’s dream. We can’t wait to share this special place with you!

ITINERARY

Day 0: Aug 18: Leave the US for Iceland.

Day 1, Aug 19: Overnight in Reykjavik. After picking you up at the airport, we go over the schedule and information about the tour. We photograph around Reykjavik and shoot sunset, including geothermal activity and the blue lagoon area.

Day 2 & 3, Aug 20–21: Overnight in the Golden Circle area. Visit the icons of Iceland, Geysir and the powerful waterfall Gullfoss at the best times of the day. Hraufossar falls is comprised of dozens of falls and cascades offering limitless compositional possibilities. We travel into the interior of Iceland with 4×4 vehicles to photograph the pastel mountains and geothermal areas of the Highlands.

Day 4, Aug 22: Overnight in Vík We photograph two little-known waterfalls of striking beauty. Based on conditions, we’ll stop to shoot black sand beaches, Icelandic horses, a beautiful church, basalt sea cliffs, sea stacks, and rustic structures.

Day 5 – Aug 23: Overnight near Jokulsarlon. We arrive at Jokulsarlon, the spectacular Ice Lagoon fed by massive glaciers. We will shoot the lagoon and icebergs blown across the water, grounded near the shore, careening down the outlet stream, and stranded on the black sand beach.

Day 6 – Aug 24. Overnight near Jokulsarlon. We spend a full day around the ice lagoon area. Take our chartered boat through icebergs on the ice lagoon to the glacier terminus, weather permitting. We’ll visit a lesser-known lake ringed with glaciers and dotted with icebergs the crowds miss.

Day 7 – Aug 25. Overnight at a beautiful hotel in the south. We have a long day of travel. We’ll get our best views of the mountains and a close encounter with a glacier here with a cliff overview. Walk behind a powerful waterfall and photograph at the best time of the day!

Day 8 – Aug 26. Overnight at beautiful hotel in the south. An all day excursion to Landmannalaugar, a region noted for its varicolored pastel rhyolite hills, moss-covered lava flows, and vast expanses. This is the signature landscape of the Highlands of Iceland. Four-wheel drive is a must.

Day 9 – Aug 27. Overnight at beautiful hotel in the south. Photograph the rugged Icelandic horses, sheep and verdant countryside. We will shoot amid the spray and roar of the iconic waterfall, Skogafoss.

Day 10, Aug 28: Drive to the airport and leave for home. Leave with a trove of memories and stellar images.

VIEW IMAGES OF ICELAND

Workshop Participants Slide Show – View Images

Jennifer Wu’s images – View Images

James Martin’s images – View Images

SKILL LEVEL
The tour is intended for intermediate and advanced photographers, however any skill level is welcome and will enjoy Iceland’s photographic opportunities. Participants should have a working knowledge of their equipment. We will be doing some hiking over uneven ground and trails with the opportunities for more moderate hiking. Please email Jennifer if you have any questions. The 4WD roads are rough and not recommend for people with back problems or where a bumpy ride might be too difficult. We will spend about an hour each way on the rough road for two adventures into the Highlands.

GETTING THERE
Book a flight to Iceland to leave the US on August 18th and arrive on August 19th in the morning beofre 10 am. Plan to depart on August 28th in the afternoon after 3 pm. The workshop will be held August 19 – 28. Our tour will begin and end in at KEV airport in Iceland.

REGISTRATION
To register for Iceland’s Breathtaking Landscapes. Fill out the registration form and mail to the address listed on the form.

COST
Cost of $6,495 (double, two people per room) or $7,295 (single, one person per room). Deposit of $1500 reserves your space. Includes hotel for nine nights and ten days, all ground transportation, meals and weather permitting, a boat ride through the ice lagoon. Not included: airfare to Iceland, alcoholic beverages, medical expenses, travel insurance, additional hotel stays or activities that are not a part of the tour.

ACCOMMODATIONS
We will stay in guesthouses and elegant 4-star hotels. We are visiting some remote locations with limited choices but at each location we stay at the best accommodations available.

TRANSPORTATION
All ground transportation is included. We have comfortable 4WD vehicles that are capable of going over rough roads to the high country.

PHOTO TOUR LIMIT
Unlike some photography tours with 16 to 20 people, we limit to 10 participants.

CANCELLATION POLICY
You can cancel up to 150 days prior to workshop start date and receive a refund, less $50 fee. Less than 120 days there is no refund unless your space has been filled from a waiting list.

SPOUSES / PARTNERS
Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. They should know that we are focusing on photography and we will be staying out very late and getting up early. Sleep is at irregular hours. There is no discount for a spouse or partner.

QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
We are happy to answer your questions. Please use the Contact Us page to email or call us. Details about the schedule, airlines, accommodations, clothing and equipment recommendations are provided with registration or upon request.

TWO WORKSHOPS LEADERS

JENNIFER WU, a professional photographer since 1992, is a nature and landscape photographer as well as a night photographer. She received a BA in Photography from California State University, Sacramento. Jennifer was named by Canon USA to the elite group photographers, The Explorers of Light. A group comprised of the top 62 professional photographers in the country. Canon made Jennifer an Explorer of Light on the strength of her night photography, techniques she developed over years of experience. Jennifer’s images, featured in numerous magazines and books, have won a wide variety of prestigious awards. Whenever she is not on nature expeditions at some of the most beautiful locations in the world, she exhibits her images at nationally recognized galleries and art shows. She teaches workshops for the Light Photographic Workshops, Sierra Club, Canon and aFilm International Film Workshops (Barcelona). View her images at: http://www.jenniferwu.com

JAMES MARTIN has written and photographed professionally since 1989 with articles and photographs appearing in Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, Outside, Backpacker, Climbing, Boys’ Life, Outdoor Photographer, and many others.

His most recent books are Digital Photography Outdoors (Mountaineer Books) and Planet Ice, a survey of ice that elucidates the relationship between climate and ice, and the action of ice on the landscape. He wrote Masters of Disguise: A Natural History of Chameleons, the first comprehensive book on chameleons in English with photographs by Art Wolfe. Sasquatch Press published a series of his coffee table books on the mountains of the West, including North Cascades Crest, Mount Rainier, and Sierra. Extreme Alpinism (Mountaineer Books), written and photographed with Mark Twight, concerns techniques for climbing and surviving the most difficult mountains. He has written books for children on natural history topics.

His travels led him to Africa, Madagascar, Antarctica, Europe, Borneo, Indonesia, Burma, and all the other S.E. Asian countries. He led photography tours around the world for Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris and now operates his own tours solo and in association with other photographers.

Visit his images at: www.jamesbmartin.com

The Best of Namibia

May 20- June 4, 2013- Just added!

June 6-21, 2013 -Full

No other country in Africa presents photographers with such a range of opportunities. Near Sossusvlei we find orange dunes, some an incredible 1,000 feet high, towering over groves of dead trees. In the south dunes are reclaiming the town of Kolmanscop one grain at a time, an oddly disquieting scene. Quiver Trees grow amid the ruddy wind- sculpted boulders of the Giant’s Play- ground. We’ll photograph the full moon at twilight.

An amazing array of wildlife wanders the Etosha Pan, an unforgiving flat desert dotted with life- giving waterholes that concentrate the animals. Unlike Kenya and Tanzania where one patrols the landscape searching for animals, we will wait next to irresistible water features for the animals to come to us.

We’ll work closely with captive cheetahs and other cats in a natural environment. This is a marvelous opportunity to capture unusual angles and perfect portraits while enjoying an intimacy with the animals impossible in the wild. We’ll photograph one of the most interesting and photogenic tribes, the Himba, near a large desert waterfall. The women and most of the children adorn themselves with an ochre-red dust mixed with fat, giving their skin a lustrous tone.

EXPERIENCE NAMIBIA WITH US

We decided to create the most comfortable and photo-rich tour possible, staying in the best lodges available and flying when days of rough roads would yield too few good shots. Our two days shooting captive cats and other animals in natural environments will produce portraits difficult to match in the wild. We booked an extra 9 passenger safari vehicle in Etosha for a total of four vehicles to avoid crowding and each person can have their own row. There is no better site for photographing a true Himba village. We planned this for the time of year for good weather and to photograph the full moon. We believe we’ve created the best photo tour in Namibia possible given the time.

ITINERARY

Day 0:  June 4 or 5  / May 18 or 19

Leave home.

Day 1: June 6  /  May 20

Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia. We are not planning on doing any photography on this day. After arriving, take some time to rest after the long flight. We will meet for dinner and go over welcome, introductions, schedule and advice for being in Namibia. Hilton Hotel.

Day 2: June 7  /  May 21

Leave Windhoek and drive to Naakuse Lodge where we photograph habituated cheetahs, caracals, baboon babies, and wild dogs. Naakuse Lodge.

Day 3: June 8  /  May 22

We drive south to the Giant’s Playground, notable for its strange rock formations and signature quiver trees.  Central Lodge.

Day 4: June 9  /  May 23

We drive part way to the coast with a chance of photographing wild horses in the African desert. Stay at Klein Aus Vista Eagles Nest.

Day 5: June 10   /  May 24

We continue to Luderitz. From this base we will shoot the Kolmanscop ghost town, overrun with sand, flamingos in the lagoons, and we may see penguins. Nest Hotel Luderitz.

Day 6: June 11  /  May 25

After a morning shoot, we travel past Namib Naukluft Park to Sossusvlei, the heart of the giant dunes. We will stay at the only lodge in the park. Sossus Dune Lodge.

Day 7-8: June 12 & 13   /  May 26 & 27

In the Dunes. Sossus Dune Lodge.

Day 9: June 14   /  May 28

Drive through the desert over two passes to the coastal town of Swakopmund, a civilized respite amid dramatic scenery. Swakopmund Hotel

Day 10: June 15  /  May 29

This morning we tour the local dunes where guides will show us sidewinders, the bizarre Namaqua chameleon, the Palmato gecko, which gets its moisture by licking dew from its eyes, and other shy creatures. After lunch we fly beside the entire Skeleton Coast to Epupa Falls. Omarunga Camp:

Day 11: June 16  /  May 30

We photograph a Himba village in the morning and fly to Etosha mid-afternoon. Kempinski Mokuti Lodge

Day 12: June 17  /  May 31

Two game drives with four vehicles in Eastern Etosha National Park. You will photography with plenty of space from the safari trucks. Kempinski Mokuti Lodge

Day 13: June 18  /  June 1

We drive across the park photographing wildlife throughout the morning. After lunch, we continue to our lodge, which features a lit waterhole that attracts animals for afternoon and evening shooting. Okaukuejo Premium Waterhole Chalets

Day 14: June 19  /  June 2 

After a morning drive we continue to far end the park to another lodge boasting an illuminated water feature. Frans Indongo

Day 15: June 20  /  June 3 

Visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund to photograph the cheetah run. Return to Windhoek for departure flights or stay the night (hotel included). Hilton Hotel.

Day 16: June 21  /  June 4 

Departing flights for home.  Leave with wonderful memories and beautiful photographs.

SKILL LEVEL

The tour is intended for intermediate and advanced photographers, however any skill level is welcome and will enjoy Namibia’s photographic opportunities. Participants should have a working knowledge of their equipment. A letter with detailed instructions on camera, lenses and other equipment for the night sky and for the safari will be emailed to you. Please email Jennifer if you have any questions.

GETTING THERE

June Tour: Book a round trip flight to Windhoek, Namibia arriving on June 6th and departing on June 20th after 6 pm or anytime June 21st (hotel included June 21st). You are responsible for lodging and transportation for early arrival and departure.

May Tour: Book a round trip flight to Windhoek, Namibia arriving on May 20th and departing on June 3rd after 6 pm or anytime June 4th (hotel included on June 3rd). You are responsible for lodging and transportation for early arrival and departure.

REGISTRATION

Fill out the registration form and mail to the address listed on the form. Click on the link below.

COST

Cost: of $10,500 for double (two people per room) or $11,950 for single occupancy (one person per room) for 15 day/night tour. Deposit of $1500 reserves your space. Remaining balance is due 150 days before the tour.

Not include in the trip cost is airfare to and from Windhoek, Namibia, alcoholic beverages, medical expenses and travel insurance.

ACCOMMODATIONS

All accommodations are included for 15 nights. Not included, arrival a day before or staying a day after the workshop.

TRANSPORTATION
All ground transportation is included. We have comfortable 4WD vehicles that are capable of going over rough roads to the high country. Two flights within Namibia to quickly reach our destinations and avoid the roughest roads.

PHOTO TOUR LIMIT

The workshop is limited to 10 participants unlike other groups with 16-22 people. We work with each photographer individually and as a group to enhance photography skills and mastery of the equipment

CANCELLATION POLICY

You can cancel up to 150 days prior to workshop start date and receive a refund, less $50 fee. Less than 150 days there is no refund unless your space has been filled from a waiting list.

SPOUSES / PARTNERS

Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. They should know that we are focusing on photography and we will be staying out very late and getting up early. Sleep is at irregular hours. There is no discount for a spouse or partner.

QUESTIONS & INFORMATION

We are happy to answer your questions. Please click on the Contact Us page to email or call us anytime.

Details about the schedule, airlines, accommodations, clothing and equipment recommendations are provided with registration or upon request.

REGISTRATION

To register fill out the registration form and mail to the address listed. Click on the link below.

WORKSHOPS LEADERS

James Martin has written and photographed professionally since 1989 with articles and photographs appearing in Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, Outside, Backpacker, Climbing, Boys’ Life, Outdoor Photographer, and many others. His most recent books are Digital Photography Outdoors (Mountaineer Books) and Planet Ice, a survey of ice that elucidates the relationship between climate and ice, and the action of ice on the landscape. He wrote Masters of Disguise: A Natural History of Chameleons, the first comprehensive book on chameleons in English with photographs by Art Wolfe. Sasquatch Press published a series of his coffee table books on the mountains of the West, including North Cascades Crest, Mount Rainier, and Sierra. Extreme Alpinism (Mountaineer Books), written and photographed with Mark Twight, concerns techniques for climbing and surviving the most difficult mountains. He has written books for children on natural history topics.

His travels led him to Africa, Madagascar, Antarctica, Europe, Borneo, Indonesia, Burma, and all the other S.E. Asian countries. He led photography tours around the world for Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris and now operates his own tours solo and in association with other photographers.

Visit his images at: www.jamesbmartin.com

Jennifer Wu, a professional photographer since 1992, is a nature and landscape photographer as well as a night photographer. She received a BA in Photography from California State University, Sacramento. Jennifer was named by Canon USA to the elite group photographers, The Explorers of Light. A group comprised of the top 62 professional photographers in the country. Canon made Jennifer an Explorer of Light on the strength of her night photography, techniques she developed over years of experience. Jennifer’s images, featured in numerous magazines and books, have won a wide variety of prestigious awards. Whenever she is not on nature expeditions at some of the most beautiful locations in the world, she exhibits her images at nationally recognized galleries and art shows. She teaches workshops for the Light Photographic Workshops, Sierra Club, Canon and aFilm International Film Workshops (Barcelona).

Although Jennifer has not been to Namibia she does have experience in photographing the night sky, wildlife, sand dunes and landscapes for assisting you with photographing Namibia.

Greenland’s Magnificent Ice

Dates TBA – coming 2013

Southwest Greenland best place in the world to see magnificent icebergs, and it certainly offers the easiest access. Several glaciers flow from the Greenland Icesheet into a narrow channel near Ilulissat to create the Icefjord, the greatest concentration of icebergs in the world and a World Heritage site. The Jakobshavn Glacier, the fastest moving in the Northern Hemisphere, slips into the sea at a rate of up to 35 m per day, but it is retreating up the channel even faster. This grand procession of icebergs will come to an end in this generation. In midsummer so much meltwater covers the ice sheet itself that travel on foot becomes nearly impossible. The surface lakes can be miles across and the rivers that form are too deep and swift to ford. This is ground zero for global warming.

We will explore the grandest scenery of the South-west of Greenland, from the ice-filled fjords to the Icesheet itself, second only to the Antarctic Icesheet in size. We will photograph from the shore and take a midnight cruise to the terminus of the Icefjord when Western light illuminates the ice and its ever-changing forms. We fly by helicopter to the Jakobshavn Glacier (weather permitting) to witness calving and to marvel at a newly revealed landscape.

OUR JOURNEY

Our adventure begins when we land at Kangerlussuaq, site of a World War II US airbase. A crude road follows a melt water stream to the ice sheet where we can photograph crevasses, seracs, and other glacial features. Along the way you’re likely to see a herd of musk ox and perhaps an arctic fox. The following day a one-hour flight takes us to Ilulissat and our comfortable hotel, the Arctic, where icebergs are usually visible from the rooms.

After several days in Ilulissat, we board a boat to the Eqi Glacier, another ice stream slipping into a fiord. Here we can photograph at leisure from the comfort of Ice Camp Eqi Lodge, a small assemblage of snug cabins complemented by a cookhouse that serves surprisingly excellent meals. We can wander around the tundra in the late afternoon and early morning before returning to Ilulissat the following day. We will take the boat as close as we can to shoot calving ice and stop at an Inuit village enroute to town. With luck we will see blue or humpback whales in these waters. The following day we return to Kangerlussuaq where participants can continue on to Reykjavik or Copenhagan.

ITINERARY

2013

Day 0: Option to arrive a day early at Kangerlussuaq.

Day 1: Arrive at Kangerlussuaq.

Day 2: Excursion to the Russell Glacier and the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Day 3: Fly to Ilulissat. Fly by helicopter today or tomorrow to the Jakobshavn glacier and the ice sheet today, tomorrow, weather permitting. Walk to the Ice Fjord, a World Heritage site, at sunset.
Day 4: Shoot in and around Ilulissat and the Ice Fjord. Explore the ice terminus by boat at dusk.

Day 5: Cruise by boat to Ice Camp Eqi. Shoot the tundra landscape and the glacier.

Day 6: Photograph the calving terminus of the Eqi Glacier from the boat. Enroute to Ilulissat, stop at a colorful Inuit village.

Day : Return to Kangerlussuaq. Departing flight  in the evening or next day.

GETTING THERE
Book a flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Most flight go through Reykjavik, Iceland or Copenhagan, Denmark. Plan on arriving on August 8th in the morning and departing on August 14th from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland in the evening.

REGISTRATION
To register fill out the registration form and mail to the address listed on the form.

COST
Cost: $3,605 double occupancy. Deposit of $750 reserves your space. Remaining balance is due 150 days before the tour.

Includes hotel for six nights, all ground transportation, meals, a boat ride to photograph calving ice and a very scenic helicopter flight and plane to Ilulissat. Not included: airfare to Greenland, alcoholic beverages, medical expenses, travel insurance, additional hotel stays or activities that are not a part of the tour. Plan on arriving in the morning to Greenland and leaving in the afternoon. Hotel is not included for arrival a day before or leaving a day earlier.

ACCOMMODATIONS
All accommodations are included. Due to the limited facilities, rooms are double occupancy. We will pair you with another participant of the same gender.

TRANSPORTATION
All ground transportation is included as well as the boat ride, helicopter flight and plane to Ilulissat.

PHOTO TOUR LIMIT
This tour is limited to 8 participants. We work with each photographer individually and as a group to enhance photography skills and mastery of the equipment.

SKILL LEVEL
The tour is intended for intermediate and advanced photographers, however any skill level is welcome and will enjoy Greenland’s photographic opportunities. Participants should have a working knowledge of their equipment. Please email Jennifer if you have any questions.

CANCELLATION POLICY
You can cancel up to 150 days prior to workshop start date and receive a refund, less $50 fee. Less than 120 days there is no refund unless your space has been filled from a waiting list.

SPOUSES / PARTNERS
Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. They should know that we are focusing on photography and we will be staying out very late and getting up early. Sleep is at irregular hours. There is no discount for a spouse or partner.

QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
We are happy to answer your questions. Please see the Contact Us page to email or call us anytime. Details about the schedule, airlines, accommodations, clothing and equipment recommendations are provided with registration or upon request.

WORKSHOPS LEADERS

Jennifer Wu, a professional photographer since 1992, is a nature and landscape photographer as well as a night photographer. She received a BA in Photography from California State University, Sacramento. Jennifer was named by Canon USA to the elite group photographers, The Explorers of Light. A group comprised of the top 62 professional photographers in the country. Canon made Jennifer an Explorer of Light on the strength of her night photography, techniques she developed over years of experience. Jennifer’s images, featured in numerous magazines and books, have won a wide variety of prestigious awards. Whenever she is not on nature expeditions at some of the most beautiful locations in the world, she exhibits her images at nationally recognized galleries and art shows. She teaches workshops for the Light Photographic Workshops, Sierra Club, Canon and aFilm International Film Workshops (Barcelona). View her images at: http://www.jenniferwu.com

James Martin has written and photographed professionally since 1989 with articles and photographs appearing in Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, Outside, Backpacker, Climbing, Boys’ Life, Outdoor Photographer, and many others. His most recent books are Digital Photography Outdoors (Mountaineer Books) and Planet Ice, a survey of ice that elucidates the relationship between climate and ice, and the action of ice on the landscape. He wrote Masters of Disguise: A Natural History of Chameleons, the first comprehensive book on chameleons in English with photographs by Art Wolfe. Sasquatch Press published a series of his coffee table books on the mountains of the West, including North Cascades Crest, Mount Rainier, and Sierra. Extreme Alpinism (Mountaineer Books), written and photographed with Mark Twight, concerns techniques for climbing and surviving the most difficult mountains. He has written books for children on natural history topics.

His travels led him to Africa, Madagascar, Antarctica, Europe, Borneo, Indonesia, Burma, and all the other S.E. Asian countries. He led photography tours around the world for Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris and now operates his own tours solo and in association with other photographers.  Photographs of Greenland on this page are from James Martin.

Visit his images at: www.jamesbmartin.com

Death Valley the Landscape and Night Sky

February 22-26, 2012

Full – filled in one day. Email us to be placed on the waiting list and notified of upcoming Death Valley workshops.

Located near the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is filled with breathtaking desert scenery and unique geological formations. It’s 3.3 million acres is home to rare desert wildlife, undisturbed wilderness, colorful rocks and canyons, unique evaporative salt features and miles of pristine sand dunes. Death Valley encompasses the lowest spot in the Western Hemisphere, Badwater at 282 feet below sea level, to Telescope Peak, rising to 11,049 feet.

This magical place is a photographer’s dream. We will shoot the graceful and ever-changing sand dunes, Zabriski Point, pastel clay hills, reflective pools, and the mysterious Racetrack. We will rise early and stay out late some nights to capture the most evocative light and mood in our images. Expect little sleep, but the images will be worth the effort.

Not only will we shoot these in the golden light of sunrise and sunset but then return to photograph the amazing night sky. We timed this workshop to take advantage of the new moon for the dark skies.

Death Valley’s dry desert air makes it an ideal site for night photography. The camera reveals more than the naked eye. We will photograph stars as points of light and star trails, sometimes painting with light and trying other special techniques for photographing at night, weather permitting. Death Valley is a rich photographic environment. You will come away with a host new shooting skills and a disk drive full of great images.

WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE:

• Understanding the subtleties of light
• Improving your creativity & photographic vision by evoking mood & emotion in your images
• Learning to capture the crescent & full moon
• Light painting at night
• Photoshop techniques to improve your images
• Photographing the stars & star trails using single or multiple exposure techniques
• Critiques to open your eyes to different possibilities & improve your photographic skills

VIEW IMAGES OF DEATH VALLEY

Workshop Participants Slide Show – View Images

Jennifer Wu’s images – View Images

WORKSHOP TIME
The workshop begins at 2:00 pm on Wednesday and ends on Sunday after the morning shoot & critiques, around 3 pm.

Death Valley has many photographic opportunities and we are glad to suggest some additional locations to check out! You may want to stay an extra day or two to photograph Death Valley’s unique landscapes.

GETTING THERE
Death Valley is situated in eastern California and is about 4-5 hours from LA. The nearest airport is Las Vegas and it is a 2-hour drive to the hotel.

SKILL LEVEL
This workshop is intermediate to advanced photographers who have working knowledge of their camera and can set shutter speeds, f-stops and manual settings. This is not for beginners. You will need to be able to easily operate your camera in the dark. Basic Photoshop or Lightroom skills are needed.

GOOD PHYSICAL HEALTH
Good physical health is advised for this workshop. We will be hiking to the sand dunes and to the racetrack. It is about a 30 min walk to the dunes and at times we will be walking uphill in the sand so it can be difficult. The racetrack is a 20-30 min walk to the far rocks but there are some very close by as well. It is easy walk without elevation change. The racetrack drive in on rough 4-wheel drive road and can be very bumpy. Not recommended if you have back problems. Please contact Jennifer if you have any concerns.

COST
The cost for the workshop is $1135. Limited to 12 participants include workshop fee and special 4×4 jeeps for going to the racetrack. Workshop items not included are: lodging, meals, and transportation. We will carpool to locations and eat as a group at restaurants for socializing, asking questions and continuing lecture discussions.

REGISTRATION & INFO

1) To register for The Landscape & Night Sky in Death Valley fill out the registration form and mail or email to the address listed. Please use the Contact Us page to email or call us for more information.

2) Next, contact the hotel and make your room reservations. Furnace Creek Ranch: www http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/ Phone: 1-760-786-2345. Rooms are reserved under Majestic Peak Images ask for reservations and give the group booking #377950. There are two hotels, Furnace Creek Ranch and Furnace Creek Inn. We are staying at the Ranch, which is less expensive. If you would like something nicer then stay at the Inn.

WORKSHOPS LEADERS

Jennifer Wu, a professional photographer since 1992, is a nature and landscape photographer as well as a night photographer. She received a BA in Photography from California State University, Sacramento. Jennifer was named by Canon USA to the elite group photographers, The Explorers of Light. A group comprised of the top 62 professional photographers in the country. Canon made Jennifer an Explorer of Light on the strength of her night photography, techniques she developed over years of experience. Jennifer’s images, featured in numerous magazines and books, have won a wide variety of prestigious awards. Whenever she is not on nature expeditions at some of the most beautiful locations in the world, she exhibits her images at nationally recognized galleries and art shows. She teaches workshops for the Light Photographic Workshops, Sierra Club, Canon and aFilm International Film Workshops (Barcelona). View her images at: http://www.jenniferwu.com

James Martin has written and photographed professionally since 1989 with articles and photographs appearing in Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, Outside, Backpacker, Climbing, Boys’ Life, Outdoor Photographer, and many others. His most recent books are Digital Photography Outdoors (Mountaineer Books) and Planet Ice, a survey of ice that elucidates the relationship between climate and ice, and the action of ice on the landscape. He wrote Masters of Disguise: A Natural History of Chameleons, the first comprehensive book on chameleons in English with photographs by Art Wolfe. Sasquatch Press published a series of his coffee table books on the mountains of the West, including North Cascades Crest, Mount Rainier, and Sierra. Extreme Alpinism (Mountaineer Books), written and photographed with Mark Twight, concerns techniques for climbing and surviving the most difficult mountains. He has written books for children on natural history topics.

His travels led him to Africa, Madagascar, Antarctica, Europe, Borneo, Indonesia, Burma, and all the other S.E. Asian countries. He led photography tours around the world for Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris and now operates his own tours solo and in association with other photographers.

Visit his images at: www.jamesbmartin.com