ELEPHANT SEALS AND BIG SUR PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

FEBRUARY 8-9, 2014

$200 for One Day / $350 for Two Days

Register Here for the Two day Workshop

Register Here for the Elephant Seal Workshop

Register Here for the Big Sur Worksop

Each winter, from December through February, an epic display of the wildlife world plays out along the central coastline of California – the annual breeding season of the Elephant Seal.  Piedras Blancas Rookery attracts staggering numbers of these giants to its beaches with individuals often numbering in the thousands.  During this time, daily dramas play out in a flurry of activity, from large bulls fighting for dominance and breeding rights, to cows giving birth to and nursing their pups, to seagulls greedily battling over nutrient rich afterbirth.  There is never a dull moment and always something exciting to photograph at this lively rookery!

Just up the coast from Piedras Blancas Rookery lies Big Sur.  This section of California coastline is know for it’s dramatic, fog-shrouded cliffs and stunningly picturesque, sandy beaches dotted with towering sea stacks.  Join us on one or both days of this exciting two-day excursion along California’s central coastline to discover and photograph the many natural wonders that await us!

WORKSHOP ITINERARY:

Day 1: Piedras Blancas Rookery (February 8, 2014) – We begin by meeting for breakfast and introductions before heading to Piedras Blancas Rookery for a sunrise photo shoot of the elephant seals.  From there we spend the morning traversing the area around the rookery in search of the best photo opportunities.  We will break midday for lunch and open photography discussions, before heading back for an afternoon photography session with the seals which will conclude after sunset.  Tina and Kevin welcome anyone to dinner who would like to partake in more open photography discussions.  Light snacks, water and soft drinks will be provided during the photography sessions.

Day 2: Point Lobos and Big Sur (February 9, 2014) – We will meet at 9AM at Point Lobos State Reserve where we will spend the morning photographing its many picturesque coves, dramatic seascapes and groves of cypress trees.  Aside from dramatic landscape photography, this park also presents great opportunities to photography unique flora and fauna.  Several varieties of colorful succulents are plentiful as are water birds such as oyster catchers, cormorants, egrets and gulls.  Harbor seals may also be seen.  We will then head south down the coast where we will stop for lunch and open photography discussions in Big Sur.  After lunch we will carpool down to Pfieffer Beach, stopping along the way to take some shots of Big Sur’s famous and dramatic cliffside panoramas.  We will spend the remainder of the time taking advantage of the spectacular landscape opportunities offered at Pfieffer Beach and hopefully capture some shots of its famous winter “lightbeam” that glows through a hole located in the beach’s large sea stack at sunset.  We will finish our shoot just before dark.  Tina and Kevin welcome anyone to dinner who would like to partake in more open photography discussions.  Light snacks, water and soft drinks will be provided during the photography sessions.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

The workshop includes two full days of photography, personalized one-on-one instruction in the field and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  Light snacks, water and soft drinks will be provided during all photography sessions.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

Price does not include lodging, meals, transportation, park entrance fees or donations at Piedras Blancas Rookery (this is strictly a donation – the amount is at your discretion.)

SKILL LEVEL:

This workshop is open to all photography skill levels, beginner to pro.

ACTIVITY LEVEL:

Day One with the elephant seals is light with no strenuous activities or hiking involved.  Day Two at Point Lobos and Big Sur is light to moderate and will involve hiking of short duration at some locations.

CLASS SIZE:

This workshop is limited to 10 participants.  With two instructors and a 5:1 ratio, this allows us to give each participant the individual time and instruction we feel they deserve.

WORKSHOP COST:

$200 per person for one day (either day/your choice)

$350 per person for two days

DEPOSIT:

Full workshop payment is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORKSHOP:

*Learn new skills to help you create the images you envision and leave with photos you will be proud to show off to friends, display in your home, or even market!