Many nature photographers have returned from a day of shooting only to be disappointed with images that appear too flat, too high contrast, or lack the sense of depth that they felt when capturing them. This course will help photographers return from their next outings with a high degree of success.
With an ever-present emphasis on photographic composition and subject matter, proficiency in capturing shadows and highlights with intent is routinely overlooked. Command of this important skill propels photographers of all skill levels to the next level.
Over the course of five sessions at The Morton Arboretum, students will learn their digital camera’s histogram on their journey to mastering light and shadows. Discussions will prepare students for success even under the most difficult lighting conditions, including high contrast, low contrast, and backlighting. Become proficient in reading scenes to predictably capture the mood of the light that is present. Discuss camera and lens settings, light modifiers, and fill flash to compensate for quickly changing light conditions. Stretch your photographic vision and master high-dynamic range (HDR) scenes, shadows, and highlights through various software imaging tools using Camera RAW and a host of other tools offered by image management solutions.
Through a mix of classroom sessions and experimentation in the field, students will learn and practice how to
- read the camera histogram and make effective decisions when capturing images,
- explore the artistic concept of chiaroscuro, the use of shadows and highlights to render three-dimensionality of subjects (essential when working in a two-dimensional medium),
- conquer the difficult aspects of rendering shadows and highlights using post-production software to produce images with a sense of depth, and
- tap their innate creativity by creating powerful nature images in both color and black and white.
This workshop is appropriate for any photographer who is comfortable with the manual controls of a DSLR camera and with post-production software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Please see What to Know for additional information on required equipment and experience.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Dan Pollack, photographer
Age: 16 and older
Course number: P426
