4545 Connecticut Ave. NW #620
Washington, DC 20008
Toll Free - 1-877-512-5969
Local Phone - 1-202-537-0937
Fax - 1-815-333-0233
E-mail: info@washingtonphotosafari.com
"I cannot say enough about how thoroughly delightful the Buenos Aires trip was, and what a great leader Eddie is. He had a wonderful knack for taking each of us at whatever level we are and helping us move our photography to the next level. I had mentioned that I wanted to learn more about how to photograph people, and he did a great job of showing us how to approach people and get their cooperation without offending them. Of course, his lifelong knowledge of Buenos Aires was invaluable to help us know just where to go and the best time of day to photograph each location. He seems to know everyone in the city!"
—C.L
4545 Connecticut Ave. NW #620
Washington, DC 20008
Toll Free - 1-877-512-5969
Local Phone - 1-202-537-0937
Fax - 1-815-333-0233
E-mail: info@washingtonphotosafari.com
Next Safari: 04/17/2010
Portrait photographer Bob Blanken has a special treat for all students, adults AND children who sign up to fully discover the National Zoo and Roosevelt Island. If it's pictures you want, then it's pictures you'll get.
The entire day will be spent capturing images. The focus of the day is twofold. For the morning and part of the afternoon session we’ll concentrate on getting great shots at Washington's famously photogenic National Zoo. The rest balance of the day will be spent on Roosevelt Island. The class is limited to 15 students, so make sure you get on board early to take advantage
Morning: Meet at the Connecticut Avenue entrance to the National Zoo at 8:45AM. The National Zoo is a premier location showcasing many species of wild animals from around the world. The many species will keep us entertained for the entire time we’ll spend photographing them. We'll concentrate on the animals in both the indoor and outdoor exhibits. While we’re there, we’ll discuss how to read the light, be taught how to anticipate the best action, and learn how to create the best possible images at each exhibit. We’ll also discuss long lens techniques, how to use fill flash to soften contrast, selective depth of field, and the importance of getting great backgrounds and the importance of patience.
Long lenses are suggested for this class for the animals in the outdoor exhibits - a minimum of 300mm is recommended. (Long lenses like 400mm can be rented for the weekend at Penn Camera at 8th and E NW, call 202-347-577 to reserve in advance). Bring shorter lenses for working some of the indoor animals. Additionally, bring an external hot shoe flash so you can be shown how to optimize the light for both indoor and outdoor shooting. A flash will prove beneficial to help tame the contrast for the outdoor animals and be used as a main light for the indoor critters. If you have a dedicated flash cord that allows you to use the flash off camera, be sure you bring it so that Bob can show you some neat lighting tricks. Plan on making a lot of pictures as we wander the grounds.
Lunch Break: We will have a lunch break with an opportunity to share insights and images and learn from each other’s efforts, failures and successes at the Mane Restaurant. This will also provide an opportunity to rest before the afternoon trek.
Afternoon: We will spend a brief period capturing images missed or trying ideas gathered over lunch. Then we change the pace with the balance of the day at Roosevelt Island, located on the Potomac River with an entrance from the George Washington Parkway northbound lane. With Teddy Roosevelt’s Memorial and great vistas of the Georgetown waterfront, the island is a unique photographic opportunity, a place of unusual tranquility and wonderful imagery.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer, and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.
Meet at National Zoo entrance 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, nearest METRO is Cleveland Park (Red Line)
Be prepared for parking and any fees incurred. If you are a FONZ, parking is free.$179/person, child photographers ages 12 to 15 half price (no more than 5 children total)
Next Safari: 04/10/2010
"What? You took THIS picture with THAT Little Thing?" Cell phones: the cameras that users of big clunky DSLR's love to hate! The technology of cell phone cameras has progressed so much in the last few years Their resolution has gone from 1 megapixel to 5 or 6 megapixels, the autofocus and white balance capabilities have improved tremendously, and the picture quality - we must reluctantly admit - is remarkable!
These cameras have two big advantages: they are with you at all times for those spontaneous photos you missed with your SLR, AND....drum roll please....you can make and take telephone calls! Try THAT on your $2,000 SLR!
There is the iPhone, and the DROID and a myriad of other models that do still AND video photography. On this new photo Safari, digital camera specialist Melanie Otto--a frequent guest commentator on WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi Tech Tuesday Show--will help you through all the menu options of your cell phone camera: how to use the camera, how to use the camera in bright light and low-light situations, when--if you have the option-–to use the flash, how to choose the field of focus, how to stop action and blur action, how to achieve correct color, how to photograph artwork in museums, etc.
She will also discuss the downloadable color correction and filter applications that you can get on several phone models.
The venue for this Safari is the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington DC which offers a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and paintings that can put your cell phone camera through its paces. Any cell phone camera will do, and all skill levels may attend.
This Safari takes place at the National Museum of the American Indian at 3rd Street and Independence Ave SW. Meet outside front entrance.
Fee: $99 per person.
Next Safari: 03/20/2010
See that wrinkled red leaf on the sidewalk? It's a picture. See the cross-hatched shadows on the wall made by the fire escape railing? It's a picture. See the abstract reflections in that yellow motorcycle's gas tank? It's a picture. If you want to develop your eye for the weird and unusual close-up, come join us in the colorful Adams-Morgan entertainment neighborhood for a walking Safari that will sharpen your eyes for pictures you never knew were there!
Our co-instructor is creative amateur photographer and frequent Safarian Dennis Ettlin who will demonstrate his clever techniques for close-in photography.
Meet at northeast corner of 18th St and Kalorama Rd NW.
Fee: $59 per person.
Photo: Harry Rundall.
Next Safari: 09/04/2010
Working in partnership with Tom Whetten's Wildllfe Photo Tours, Washington Photo Safari is pleased to offer, for the first time, a photo safari in Kenya and Tanzania timed to coincide with the Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests.
Reserve your seat now for this African Photo Safari set for September 4-15, 2010. This photo Safari is a real bargain, priced at an all-inclusive $5,395 without skimping on quality. While other photo safaris to Africa put six people per vehicle, Tom Whetten limits the number to three so that everyone has room to move around with their camera equipment.
Nick Eckert, a highly accomplished photographer and frequent client of Washington Photo Safari, recently returned from one of Tom Whetten's African safaris and said of his experience: "Tom did a fantastic job putting together the safari and showed constant care and concern for the people on the trip and was able to put together a very nice package for a very reasonable price. I give him five stars out of five."
Here's a video slideshow Nick created from his trip:
The Safari starts on Saturday September 4 in Nairobi and ends on Wednesday September 15 back in Nairobi. This Safari will take you The Ngorongoro Crater and to visit areas such as The Serengeti, The Masai Mara, and other Wildlife Areas in Kenya and Tanzania.
Our accommodations will be lodges similar to the Seronera Lodge in Tanzania and Camps such as the newly opened Nasikia Luxury Camp where we can sit around a camp fire and listen to the sounds of Africa.
Tarangire National Park, Located in northern Tanzania is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, lion, leopard, and cheetah, and if you are really lucky, you may see the African wild dog. Additionally the Tarangire is a birders paradise with over 517 species of birds.
Amboseli National Park offers one of the most classic and breathtaking views of Kenya, with Mount Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania) as the back drop. At 18,652 feet, Kilimanjaro dominates the plains like a powerful god ruling the world from his white capped throne. Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania but the most spectacular view is from Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli has plenty of water year round, it's just underground. The snows of Kilimanjaro melt, soaking into the porous subsoil layers of volcanic rocks. These underground streams bubble to the surface forming two clear springs in the center of the park. Water also oozes up at several other points in the park creating large marshes like the Loginya Swamp. These swamps and marshes have become private spas for elephants, hippos and buffaloes.
Masai Mara National Wildlife Reserve is located in south-western Kenya and covers about 950 square miles. Effectively it is the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This reserve, also spelled Maasai Mara, is named for the Masai people and the Mara River which divides the area. The ecosystem is open grassland with areas containing clumps of the distinctive acacia tree.
The Mara is famous for its diverse population of wildlife including the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest from the Serengeti. This migration is so immense that it is called the Great Migration with over 1,300,000 wildebeest, 400,000 gazelle and 200,000 zebra making this annual migration.
In the Mara you will have the opportunity to photograph lions mating at 15′, cheetahs hunting, and thousands of other mammals, birds and reptiles. In fact, wildlife viewing is excellent year-round including Cape buffalo, elephant, hartebeest, zebra, giraffe and big cats. The rivers are home to large numbers of hippos and crocodiles. Also calling the reserve home are 452 species of birds including 53 raptors.
The Ngorongoro Crater in Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site and is also a must on any photography safari to southeastern Africa. As the world's largest volcanic crater that has not become a lake or had its wall eroded away, its floor covers about 100 square miles and is about 4,000 feet above sea level. The rim is nearly 7,000′ above sea level.
Wildlife abound in this closed environment with a population of close to 50,000 animals such as zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest. There are a few species of wildlife such as giraffes, topis, oribis, impalas, and crocodiles that do not reside there. Amazingly, all of Africa's "Big Five" (rhinoceros, lion, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo) call the Crater home.
Tom Whetten provides the photographic expertise to help you capture the best images. His orientation will focus on real African photo safari technique: the use of long lenses, depth of field, exposure, composition and white balance issues, how to wait for the "decisive moment" to get that dramatic picture, how to keep the camera steady with long lens shooting.He recommends taking at least two camera bodies and a variety of lenses including a 500mm or 600mm f/4 plus a 2x extender for those intimate close-ups. Long lenses are expensive, but they can be rented for reasonable prices at such websites as www.LensRental.com, www.Lensglass.com www.cameralensrentals.com and www.PhotoLensRental.com. (If your camera bodies use APC-size sensors, the DX format, then divide the focal length of your desired lens by a factor of 1.5, 1.6 or 2, depending on the brand of your camera.)
A native of Arizona, Tom Whetten spent an active youth chasing lizards, snakes, and other critters all over the state and the western US learning where and when to photograph nature and photograph wildlife. He served in Law Enforcement for 32 years, retiring from the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 2007. Working for the Arizona Game & Fish Department gave him the opportunity to travel much of the back country in Arizona, where he gained great knowledge of nature and wildlife including their habits and how to approach wildlife without them becoming alarmed.
Tom has been an avid nature photographer and wildlife photographer since 1985. He presents photography workshops and leads photography tours for three nature and birding festivals in Arizona. He is a member of several professional organizations including, North American Nature Photography Association, Outdoor Writers of America Association, Photographic Society of America, Arizona Game Ranger Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.
The $5,395 Safari tour price includes ground transportation in Africa, rooms (double), meals plus all professional photography instruction. Air fare, transfer/accommodations (in Nairobi), Visas and incidentals are not covered. Hotels in Nairobi average about $90/ night. Airfare from the States will be about $1,500. You will need a passport that is current for at least six months after you return. If you don’t have one, apply now! Additionally, you'll need an immunization record showing a current yellow fever vaccination. For more information contact Tom Whetten at 520.444.9080 or go to WildlifePhotoTour.com.
There is a maximum number of 15 people that we can take on this Safari. To reserve your place for this tour, pay in full or pay a deposit using the Register Here options below, then fill out the form. Offered Sept. 4-15, 2010, $5,395/person Clients will be picked up at Nairobi Airport and taken to Heron Hotel.
Your $1,000 deposit is due by May 31, 2010 with the remainder due by July 31, 2010. You can pay with a personal check or a via Paypal or Google, by going through registration.
Next Safari: 03/27/2010
Springtime in Washington DC means cherry blossoms. And the best place to shoot them in the late afternoon sun begins at the FDR Memorial and then to move with the sun behind us along the Tidal Basin toward the Jefferson Memorial, guided by professional architectural photographer E. David Luria. The FDR Memorial itself offers hours of photographic fun, exploring the waterfalls, the Depression-era statues, and the depictions of FDR and Eleanor, plus great views of the Tidal Basin, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial, all framed in cherry blossoms. Our clients are also the ONLY people to take an EXCLUSIVE photo at a secret spot we have discovered on the Tidal Basin: the "Lady of the Blossoms Cherry Tree!"
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is DC's signature springtime event. The 2010 Festival is March 27 - April 11, and features daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 97th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.
Open to photographers at any skill level with any kind of camera, film or digital.
Offered daily March 27 - April 11.
Meet at visitor entrance to FDR Memorial, West Basin Drive SW, between Ohio and Indpendence Aves., SW.
$59 per person.
Next Safari: 05/16/2010
Annapolis is a little city with a long history - the capital of Maryland, and, according to its residents, the Sailing Capital of the World. Since it was first settled in 1649, the commercial and social life of this beautiful little town has been centered on its picturesque harbor, which is also a major tourist attraction.
This photo Safari, led by Annapolis-area photographer Steve Rosenbach, will include the State Capital and other historic buildings on State Circle, a ramble around City Dock, a walk up Main Street, and a foray across Spa Creek into Eastport, with its vistas of downtown Annapolis, the Naval Academy, and the Chesapeake Bay, all bathed in afternoon light.
Steve will go over some techniques for architectural photography so as to take advantage of the historically significant buildings you'll visit, such as the Maryland State House and St.Anne's Church.
Steve will also lead you to lots of opportunities for abstracts, use of F stops for blurred or sharpened backgrounds, closeups, and other creative images � his specialty. You'll be pointing your lenses at things like intricate bow carvings, flags and nautical pennants, and nautical rope, carelessly tangled or carefully coiled, giving you techniques for capturing unique images, skills that will make all your future travel photography more interesting and colorful.
Your Annapolis Safari guide will be Steve Rosenbach, an award-winning photographer and popular photo tour leader. After living in the Annapolis area for 20 years, he rediscovered the city through the lens of his camera in 2003 and has been photographing it ever since. Steve will share this experience with you by taking you to the best photo locations and showing you the best picture angles during your Annapolis Safari.
Meet at Starbucks, 124 Dock Street, Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 268-6551.
Parking is available along City Dock in front of Starbucks with coin-operated parking meters. More parking is available in a lot a block further on Dock Street using Pay to Park machines that issue tickets parkers post inside their cars. Those meters accept credit cards as well as cash.
Fee: $99 per person.
Next Safari: 04/25/2010
Annapolis is a little city with a long history - the capital of Maryland, and, according to its residents, the Sailing Capital of the World. Since it was first settled in 1649, the commercial and social life of this beautiful little town has been centered on its picturesque harbor, which is also a major tourist attraction.
This photo Safari, led by Annapolis-area photographer Steve Rosenbach, will include the State Capital and other historic buildings on State Circle, a ramble around City Dock, a walk up Main Street, and a foray across Spa Creek into Eastport, with its vistas of downtown Annapolis, the Naval Academy, and the Chesapeake Bay, all bathed in afternoon light.
Steve will go over some techniques for architectural photography so as to take advantage of the historically significant buildings you'll visit, such as the Maryland State House and St.Anne's Church.
Steve will also lead you to lots of opportunities for abstracts, use of F stops for blurred or sharpened backgrounds, closeups, and other creative images � his specialty. You'll be pointing your lenses at things like intricate bow carvings, flags and nautical pennants, and nautical rope, carelessly tangled or carefully coiled, giving you techniques for capturing unique images, skills that will make all your future travel photography more interesting and colorful.
Your Annapolis Safari guide will be Steve Rosenbach, an award-winning photographer and popular photo tour leader. After living in the Annapolis area for 20 years, he rediscovered the city through the lens of his camera in 2003 and has been photographing it ever since. Steve will share this experience with you by taking you to the best photo locations and showing you the best picture angles during your Annapolis Safari.
Meet at Starbucks, 124 Dock Street, Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 268-6551.
Parking is available along City Dock in front of Starbucks with coin-operated parking meters. More parking is available in a lot a block further on Dock Street using Pay to Park machines that issue tickets parkers post inside their cars. Those meters accept credit cards as well as cash.
Fee: $99 per person.
Photo: Steve Rosenbach
Next Safari: 04/11/2010
Annapolis is a little city with a long history - the capital of Maryland, and, according to its residents, the Sailing Capital of the World. Since it was first settled in 1649, the commercial and social life of this beautiful little town has been centered on its picturesque harbor, which is also a major tourist attraction.
This photo Safari, led by Annapolis-area photographer Steve Rosenbach, will include the State Capital and other historic buildings on State Circle, a ramble around City Dock, a walk up Main Street, and a foray across Spa Creek into Eastport, with its vistas of downtown Annapolis, the Naval Academy, and the Chesapeake Bay, all bathed in afternoon light.
Steve will go over some techniques for architectural photography so as to take advantage of the historically significant buildings you'll visit, such as the Maryland State House and St.Anne's Church.
Steve will also lead you to lots of opportunities for abstracts, use of F stops for blurred or sharpened backgrounds, closeups, and other creative images � his specialty. You'll be pointing your lenses at things like intricate bow carvings, flags and nautical pennants, and nautical rope, carelessly tangled or carefully coiled, giving you techniques for capturing unique images, skills that will make all your future travel photography more interesting and colorful.
Your Annapolis Safari guide will be Steve Rosenbach, an award-winning photographer and popular photo tour leader. After living in the Annapolis area for 20 years, he rediscovered the city through the lens of his camera in 2003 and has been photographing it ever since. Steve will share this experience with you by taking you to the best photo locations and showing you the best picture angles during your Annapolis Safari.
Meet at Starbucks, 124 Dock Street, Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 268-6551.
Parking is available along City Dock in front of Starbucks with coin-operated parking meters. More parking is available in a lot a block further on Dock Street using Pay to Park machines that issue tickets parkers post inside their cars. Those meters accept credit cards as well as cash.
Fee: $99 per person.
Next Safari: 03/31/2010
OK, so you have your fancy digital camera. Have you tried using it in the brisk cold of an early April morning on the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin BEFORE the sun comes up? If not, here is your chance to do it under the direction of professional digital photographer Melanie Otto, who will help you with those macro settings for intimate blossom close-ups, with file compression and white balance usage, fill flash, filtration, tripod use, and with those tricky exposure issues.
This Safari is designed for users of new digital cameras, SLR's or point and shoots, who want to familiarize themselves with ALL the "scene modes" , aperture and shutter settings, manual modes, and other features of their cameras, especially for shooting outdoor portraiture, flowers, landscapes and landmarks. It will be particularly helpful if you are planning a trip with your camera, enabling you to take full advantage of everything it does. (Unfortunately,your camera does NOT make coffee: you will have to bring your own!)
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is DC's signature springtime event. The 2010 Festival is March 27 – April 11, and features daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 98th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan.
Offered March 31, April 2, 7 and 9. Any digital camera may be used. Register early, these Safaris fill up quickly.
Meet at entrance to paddleboat rental station near Maine Ave. (Raoul Wallenberg Pl) and 15th St. SW.
Fee: $99 per person.
Next Safari: 04/15/2010
April 15-18, 2010, $1295/person, includes all 3 days of photography instruction plus entry to Keukenhof Gardens, daytime and nighttime canal boat transport, ferry to Marken/Volendam, welcome dinner and drink. Not included are air transportation, lodging in Amsterdam, meals, tips and public transport in Amsterdam. Begins at 7 pm on the 15th, ends at 9 pm on the 18th.
Minimum 6 participants. In combination with Prague Safari April 22-25, fee is reduced to $1245.
Next Safari: 05/29/2010
Photographing the female figure requires patience, confidence and skill—not to mention a variety of lenses, backgrounds and lightening. Working with a professional model, Bob will demonstrate lighting and posing techniques critical for capturing these intimate photographs. Using his camera room equipment, you will gain an understanding for what it takes to produce these special images including creating the studio setup.
Topics to be covered:
• Mastering Multiple Lighting Setups
• Use of main, hair, background, accents and fill lights
• When to use High Key, Mid Key, and Low Key backdrops
• How to properly measure and control manual flash output
• The critical nature of the female form
• How to hand hands
• Clothing consultations
• Developing Your style
Comments from recent students:
"What a great workshop today! Bob and Amber are an unbeatable combination. Bob's posing commentaries are unparalleled. I particularly appreciated his attention to Amber's hands.
Amber Gangi is an exquisite jewel. She flows smoothly from one graceful pose to another. However she slows down when appropriate and accepts direction."
—Thanks,Mark Salo
"I must say I also took the opportunity to listen and learn from Bob. He is one of the very very few that actually teaches and gives time to each individual."
—Amber Gangi, Professional Model
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer, and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.
Blanken Photography Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Fee: $295 per session. Classes are limited to 8 participants.
Next Safari: 04/03/2010
Canon's new EOS 50D has an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for really low-light shooting. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV.
Fast on the heels of Canon's popular 30D camera, the 40D features live preview, 10.1 MP and a burst rate of 6.5 fps, improved sensor, a 3" screen and interchangeable focusing screens.
This Safari will help 50D users and current 40D users put their cameras through the paces of ISO settings, flash settings, variable white balance settings, file compression, aperture and shutter priorities, focus settings, custom settings, menu navigation tricks, exposure tricks, use of the histogram etc. menu shortcuts inside and outside of the new National Museum of the American Indian,. Special exhibits at the museum pose unique white balance challenges for the digital photographer, especially the mix of daylight and tungsten light. The eight-story high atrium is a great place to practice wide-angle photography, and the carvings and statues provide challenges for your telephoto lens. Digital camera specialist Melanie Otto provides hands-on training for these exciting pieces of equipment.
Here is a comment made by clients who attended a recent workshop taught by Melanie Otto:
"Just a note to say how fabulous Melanie Otto is - our Canon class with her today at the American Indian Museum far surpassed any expectations we had, and we can't wait to take another class with your group.
"Melanie went above and beyond to answer any questions (believe me, we had a few!) and was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the day, to include the museum itself. Again, we couldn't have wished for a more entertaining and thorough experience. The teaching aids used were also a valuable part of the class - it really helps to hear it, see it, then practice it and critique.
"We are very impressed and will highly recommend your service to anyone seeking photography instruction. Thank you!"
—Danielle Corazza and Carol Whitney
Meet at Museum entrance at 3rd St and Independence Ave SW.
Fee: $99 per person.
Next Safari: 03/29/2010
If you don't mind getting up REAL early and tromping around the Tidal Basin on a COLD spring morning, this photo Safari's for you! The early sun filtering through the blossoms gives them a lovely, golden light, much nicer than the harsh white light of mid-day. We meet at 6:15 am (sorry!), and then the sun comes up at about 6:45 am on the Tidal Basin.
After an initial orientation near the paddleboat rental station on Maine Ave SW, we begin our trek clockwise around the Tidal Basin, with the morning sun behind us shining on the blossoms across the water. Guided by professional architectural photographer E. David Luria, we photograph our way around the entire Tidal Basin, capturing the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Washington Monument, all framed by blossoms in the early morning sun. And our clients are also the ONLY people to take an EXCLUSIVE photo at a secret spot on the Tidal Basin: the "Lady of the Blossoms Cherry Tree!".
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is DC's signature springtime event. The 2010 Festival is March 27 - April 11, and features daily cultural performances, sporting events, arts & crafts, demonstrations and other special events. The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 98th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan. For schedules and information visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org or call the Festival hotline at (877) 44BLOOM.
Offered March 29 and 30, April 1, 3, 4 , 5 , 6, 8, 10, and 11. Open to photographers at any skill level with any kind of camera, film or digital.
Meet at entrance to paddleboat rental station near Maine Avenue and 15th St SW.
Fee: $64 per person.
Next Safari: 05/18/2010
You eagerly take photographs expecting a great image to appear but they don't always turn out as planned. Receiving a professional's opinion on what’s working and what’s not would be valuable but where to go for that special critique. You now have a trusted advisor to assist you in developing a photographer's eye!
This program is a great learning experience—if you are willing to listen to the insights and recommendations given. You are encouraged to bring images especially those incorporating lessons learned from previous safaris. An open discussion of images projected on our 100-inch screen will expand your understanding and appreciation of exposure, white balance and composition. This is the best way to gain control and skill of your images. Please send bring a thumb-drive of 5-10 images to be reviewed. This program is offered on the second Tuesday of each month. Come to one or all. Class limited to ten participants.
Robert N. 'Bob' Blanken, CPP, Cr. Photog. is a Faculty member of both the Washington Photo Safari and the Panasonic Digital Photography Academy. He also leads local classes for the Professional Photographers of America. Bob is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is the 2006 and 2002 (ISES) Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer, and the 2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer. Bob has been nominated 19 times as Best Photographer by the Greater Washington Chapter of the International Special Events Society and three times by the International Society.
Location: Blanken Photography Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
Fee:$40 each session.
Next Safari: 05/11/2010
cancelled on this day only!
Fee:
Next Safari: 05/16/2010 Meet at the Bean Hollow, 8059 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD 21043-4861, (410) 465-0233. Fee: $99/person. Next Safari: 05/08/2010 Meet at base of Capitol Columns inside National Arboretum, located at 3501 New York Ave NE, nearest Metro is New York Avenue (Red Line) Fee:$99 per person. Limit 15 students. Next Safari: 06/26/2010 Meet at Bob Blanken Studio at 6604 Persimmon Tree Rd, Bethesda MD. Fee: $99 per person. Limited to 8 students Next Safari: 04/17/2010 Meet at monastery entrance at 14th and Quincy St NE,Washington DC, parking available in lot. Metro stop: Brookland/CUA. Fee: $59 per person. Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18. Choose date when registering. Next Safari: 04/18/2010 United States National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002-1958. Meet in front of the Administration Building. There are two entrances to the Arboretum. Enter the R. St gate at 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg Road. Fee: $99 per person. Next Safari: 05/15/2010 Meet at Bob Blanken Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817. Fee: $99 per person. Next Safari: 03/20/2010 Meet at Bob Blanken Studio, 6604 Persimmon Tree Road, Bethesda MD 20817. Fee: $99 per person. Next Safari: 03/20/2010 Meet at Renwick Gallery, 17th and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Advance reservations required. Safari groups are generally 3-6 people only. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographer at any skill level with any camera, film or digital. No tripod needed on the morning itinerary. Fee: $79/person half-day, includes transportation and materials. Register for Half-Day on a Saturday Next Safari: 03/17/2010 Meet at Renwick Gallery, 17th and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Advance reservations required. Safari groups are generally 3-6 people only. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographer at any skill level with any camera, film or digital. No tripod needed on the morning itinerary. Fee: $79/person half-day, includes transportation and materials. Register for Half-Day or Full Day on a Wednesday Next Safari: 04/17/2010 Monuments and Memorials, offered every Wednesday and Saturday is cancelled on this date only! Next Safari: 04/23/2010 Meet at entrance to World War II Memorial on 17th St NW between Const. Ave and Independence Ave. Fee: $69 per person. Sturdy tripod required. Next Safari: 04/25/2010 Here is a comment made by clients who attended a recent workshop taught by Melanie Otto: Fee: $99 per person. Next Safari: 03/28/2010 Meet at Museum entrance at 3rd St and Independence Ave SW. Fee: $99 per person. Next Safari: 06/05/2010
Ellicott City MD: A Workshop in Creative Photography
Only 45 minutes from the DC area is a photographic gem: Ellicott City, MD, a community built in 1772 that still boasts traditional architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Explore the charm of historic Ellicott City in this workshop, taught by local professional photographer Donna T. Jones. If your images, don't grab you, this Safari will open your mind to greater possibilities! Participants will learn how to shoot dynamic color and black and white images. Proper camera exposure and different lighting scenarios will be covered. Learn why great composition is essential to your success as a photographer. We will really dig into this topic by exploring how to shoot the same scene in many different ways. Changing your point-of-view can dramatically affect the mood of a photograph. This Safari explores the center of old Ellicott City and many of the side streets. We'll photograph diverse architecture, churches, the plaza, old lampposts, bridges, cobblestone streets, the B&O train station (the oldest surviving railroad station in America), decorated storefronts, and City Hall.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial photographer, educator and fine-art photographer. She teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches at Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, and VisArts Center. She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book Ethiopia from the Heart released in 2007.
If you would like a beverage, come a little early.
Photo: Donna Jones.
Flowers and Trees at the National Arboretum
The US National Arboretum provides an exciting photographic venue with its unique Bonsai exhibit, flower and tree collections. Located in northeast DC just 10 minutes from the Capitol Building, this 446-acre gem contains spectacular woodland trails, gardens, ponds, prairies, indoor plant exhibitions and nine miles of roadways that connect the numerous gardens and collections on the grounds. In addition, the Arboretum is home to a notable National Landmark, the National Capitol Columns. These majestic Corinthian columns, situated next to a reflecting pool, once supported the East Portico of the US Capitol.
Professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken will discuss all elements of picture making at the Arboretum, including exposure, histogram, white balance, composition and depth of field. Be prepared to learn a lot and come away with great images. Bring macro lenses and flash.
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards.
Food and Tabletop Photography
Not everyone can afford high end camera equipment, but you can still produce beautiful and interesting shots, especially with tips from professional photographer Bob Blanken who will help budding food and product photographers try their hand at capturing the colors and textures of various dishes and items that you may wish to advertise for sale on EBay.
The session will start with a discussion on what makes a good picture and examples of such. Afterwards, you'll be let loose in front of various studio light setups and you'll begin to snap away as he gives you pointers on where to focus, offer suggestions as to what type of lighting and light boxes would bring out the texture of the food, how to use reflectors to improve the lighting. You will observe and learn as we photograph food prepared by a the creator of Cookin� Up Leadership!
There will be a variety of food and backgrounds to work with as we design, prepare and shoot. You'll be amazed at the quality images you can achieve with the various impromptu setups. For those shooting with a Digital SLR or a 35mm camera, please bring all of your lenses. Everyone any products you wish to advertise for sale. We will be using studio strobes.
Students should bring camera, lenses and a light meter (If owned), or an 18% medium gray card for getting correct exposures.
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards.
Photo: Bob Blanken
Franciscan Monastery In Tulip Season
A hidden treasure in northeast Washington, this Byzantine-style church modeled after Istanbul’s Hagia Sofia is a photographer’s dream. Its classic arches, lovely statuary, magnificent tulip gardens and unique inscriptions provide a great training ground for architectural photography and for posing people in a beautiful, floral setting, with professional architectural photographer E. David Luria providing tips on composition, lighting and exposure.
Our itinerary also includes the interior of the church for tips on interior photography and stained glass window photography without flash.
Bring tripod and tungsten filter (80A or 80B )for interior film photography, or learn to set indoor tungsten white balance menu on digital camera. Register early for this, our MOST popular Safari!
Gorgeous Gardens, Structures and Spring Landscapes at the US National Arboretum
Photograph the wonders of spring of the US National Arboretum! Located in northeast DC, just 10 minutes from the Capitol Building, this 446-acre gem contains spectacular woodland trails, gardens, ponds, prairies, indoor plant exhibitions and nine miles of roadways that connect the numerous gardens and collections on the grounds. In addition, the Arboretum is home to a notable National Landmark, the National Capitol Columns. These majestic Corinthian columns, situated next to a reflecting pool, once supported the east portico of the US Capitol.
Professional photographer Donna T. Jones will be highlighting all aspects of outdoor photography such as accurate camera exposure, lens choices, composition macro/close-up, landscape, and architecture. This is a well-rounded Safari and is open to photographers at any skill level with any kind of camera, film or digital.
Photo: Donna Jones
Informal Indoor Portraiture (Beginner Level)
Think you're pretty good at taking pictures of people but would like to be even better? Good! We have the perfect Safari for you: an introduction to the principles of good indoor portrait lighting and posing WITHOUT expensive professional studio lighting equipment, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken at his studio in Bethesda, MD.
If you want to learn how to photograph your children indoors, or your friends and colleagues in their homes or offices, or if you want to become a part-time informal portrait photographer in your neighborhood, come join us for a half-day beginner-level session on how to:
1) pose children and adults indoors in natural window light:
2) use bounce and swivel flash units and reflectors to achieve fill lighting;
3) select a plain background in the home environment WITHOUT professional backdrops
4) determine correct exposure and lighting on the face;
5) achieve a pose or composition that best reflects the subject's personality or interest;
6) place more light on one side of the face (main) and less light on the other (fill)
7) use simple slave flash units, like the Wein, for balanced lighting;
8) select lenses for portrait work (for SLR's AND point and shoots) that blur the background.
(This Safari, or its equivalent in experience, is required for admission to the Informal Indoor Portraiture Intermediate Level Safari)
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards. He is VP of Education for the Greater Washington, DC Chapter of International Special Events Society.
Introduction to Studio Lighting for Portraiture
For the most advanced amateur who has completed the Intermediate Level course on indoor portrait photography, Washington Photo Safari now offers an advanced level workshop on the principles of good indoor portrait lighting and posing with professional studio lighting equipment and backdrops, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken at his studio in Bethesda, MD.
This advanced workshop includes such topics as:
• Mastering Multiple Lighting Setups
• Main, hair, background, accents and fills
• Softboxes vs pan reflectors
• Glamour Lighting
• Profile lighting
• Metering
• Posing
• Hands
• Clothing consultations
• Developing your style
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards. He is VP of Education for the Greater Washington, DC Chapter of International Special Events Society. Note: Attendance at Informal Indoor Portraiture Intermediate Level (or equivalent experience) is required for admission to this class.
Monuments and Memorials
Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! Join our standard "Monuments and Memorials" workshop, offered every Wednesday and Saturday, in which Paris-trained architectural photographer E. David Luria takes you to some of the most popular monuments and historic buildings in Washington: the White House, Lafayette Park, the Albert Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and to Union Station.
Mr. Luria begins the Safari with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you tips in basic architectural photography, outdoor portraiture, and, at Union Station, interior photography without flash or tripod. While you are taking pictures, Mr. Luria gives you hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and professional photographers will appreciate Mr. Luria's extensive knowledge of all the best photo sites and camera angles in Washington DC.
See: Basic tips in travel photography we cover on this Safari
Photo of Vietnam Servicemen Statue By Washington Photo Safari client Thomas Tarter.
Monuments and Memorials (half day or full day)
Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! Join our standard "Monuments and Memorials" workshop, offered every Wednesday and Saturday, in which Paris-trained architectural photographer E. David Luria takes you to some of the most popular monuments and historic buildings in Washington: the White House, Lafayette Park, the Albert Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and to Union Station.
Mr. Luria begins the Safari with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you tips in basic architectural photography, outdoor portraiture, and, at Union Station, interior photography without flash or tripod. While you are taking pictures, Mr. Luria gives you hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and professional photographers will appreciate Mr. Luria's extensive knowledge of all the best photo sites and camera angles in Washington DC.
See: Basic tips in travel photography we cover on this Safari
The full day version ($139/person) includes the morning session described above and, after lunch in Union Station, goes on to the colorful Adams Morgan entertainment/restaurant district for training in "right-brained" abstract photography, then to the magnificent Washington National Cathedral where we teach you how (and how not) to photograph church interiors and the most beautiful stained glass windows you will ever see in any church.
Our afternoon session ends at the famous 76-foot tall Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, where you can duplicate the famous photograph taken by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal on Mt. Suribachi in 1945 and capture in your camera each of the six soldiers depicted in Clint Eastwood's recent movie, Flag of our Fathers, against a backdrop of the Washington Monument and the US Capitol across the Potomac River.
The Safari ends at 5:15 pm and we drop you off at the Rosslyn Metro Station on the Blue/Orange Lines.
Clients also have the option of taking the Afternoon Half-Day session only described above, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Old Town Trolley Desk at Union Station, and ending at 5:15 pm at Iwo Jima, with a drop-off at Rosslyn Metro. The cost of the afternoon-only half-day Safari is $79.
Photo of Vietnam Servicemen Statue By Washington Photo Safari client Thomas Tarter.
Monuments and Memorials - (CANCELLED)
Monuments at Night
Monuments at Night is offered every Friday during spring and fall 2010.
No, this Safari does NOT start at 2am. As the calendar changes, sunset times do, too. These Safaris actually start 30 minutes before sunset and last 2.5 hours. You'll see a link to a handy calendar that lists sunset times on the Registration form.
Washington DC's National Mall is the showcase of the nation’s capital, home to its most famous and historic monuments. One of the best ways to see it is through the viewfinder of your own tripod-mounted camera at twilight and at night, guided by a professional architectural photographer.
After giving you an orientation on the basic techniques of nighttime photography, Washington Photo Safari director E. David Luria will take you to the most photogenic areas of the National Mall. Your Safari begins at the new World War II Memorial, with its beautifully illuminated ornate fountains and columns framing the nearby spotlit Washington Monument in that "magic hour" of deep-blue twilight. Then you walk along the famous Reflecting Pool on your way to the poignant Vietnam Womens Memorial, the powerful Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the extraordinary Korean War Memorial with its illuminated, fear-filled faces of men in combat, and then to the awesome Lincoln Memorial with its majestic statue of President Lincoln. We end up at the whimsical and brightly illuminated Albert Einstein Memorial at 22nd St and Constitution Ave NW.
At each location on this 2.5 hour Safari, Mr. Luria reviews white balance settings for digital cameras and filter usage for film cameras in nighttime shooting, how to shoot at night WITHOUT using a flash, and how to achieve interesting composition with close-up detail that truly brings out the meaning of each memorial and statue. This Safari will help you achieve really beautiful, postcard-quality images of the nation's capital.
(NOTE: Non-photographer companions/spouses are welcome to attend at no charge. However, please bear in mind that this is a workshop in nighttime photography, not a traditional "tour" of the monuments at night. We spend much more time at each monument and statue than one would spend on a typical tour, discussing such issues as composition, white balance, exposure, lighting and camera usage, issues a non-photographer might find BORING! For a historic overview and genuine tour of the DC monuments at night, we recommend any of DC's excellent guided tour companies.
Offered every Friday in spring and fall 2009.
Nikon D-90 Users Safari
Here is one of the most interesting cameras in Nikon's new line: a 12.3 megapixel instrument with EXPEED processor and low-noise ISO ratings from 200 to 3200, shooting 4.5 frames a second, with a Live View mode and the ability to do movies. It also has a high-resolution 3" screen and built-in sensor cleaning, plus available Geo-tagging capability, and a comprehensive Scene Recognition system.
This Safari will help D-90 users put their cameras through the paces of ISO settings, flash settings, white balance settings, file compression, aperture and shutter priorities, focus settings, custom settings, menu navigation tricks, exposure tricks, use of the histogram etc. menu shortcuts inside and outside of the new National Museum of the American Indian. Special exhibits at the museum pose unique challenges for the digital photographer, especially the mix of daylight and tungsten light. The eight-story high atrium is a great place to practice wide-angle photography, and the carvings and statues provide challenges for your telephoto lens. Digital camera specialist Melanie Otto provides hands-on training for this exciting piece of new equipment.
"Just a note to say how fabulous Melanie Otto is - our Canon class with her today at the American Indian Museum far surpassed any expectations we had, and we can't wait to take another class with your group.
"Melanie went above and beyond to answer any questions (believe me, we had a few!) and was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the day, to include the museum itself. Again, we couldn't have wished for a more entertaining and thorough experience. The teaching aids used were also a valuable part of the class - it really helps to hear it, see it, then practice it and critique.
"We are very impressed and will highly recommend your service to anyone seeking photography instruction. Thank you!"
—Danielle Corazza and Carol Whitney
Meet inside of National Museum of American Indian at 3rd St and Independence Ave SW behind the security desk.
Nikon D3000/5000 Users
Many photographers, frustrated with the limitations of their point and shoot cameras, are now making the switch to versatile entry-level DSLR's, such as Nikon's new D3000 and the D5000 cameras. This photo Safari, taught by our always popular instructor Melanie Otto, will make it much easier for you to make the transition to the world of DSLR cameras.
With 10.2 effective megapixels , the D3000 has EXPEED processing and a Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting, continuous shooting up to 3 frames-per-second, advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, and 11-point selectable autofocus. It also has a bright 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also improves readability of menus thanks to a font size that is 20% larger than that of the D60. Extensive in-camera image control is available using Nikon's Picture Control System, which allows users to customize key digital image characteristics to suit personal preferences. For additional creative control, the D3000 includes comprehensive in-camera editing functions via its Retouch Menu that enhance photos with a variety of effects — without the need for a computer and a dust-retouching system
Going one step further up the line of sophistication, the D5000 has a 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon's exclusive EXPEED image processing system, and compatibility with a comprehensive selection of NIKKOR lenses, and imaging features such as Nikon's original Scene Recognition System with Face Detection and Active D-Lighting. It shoots as fast as 4 frames per second, has advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 19 automatic scene modes, 11-point selectable autofocus, and four Live View AF modes, along with automatic exposure and white balance bracketing functions. There is also a new Quiet Shooting mode that reduces mirror cycling noise, and its in-camera retouch system includes one VERY cool feature for architectural photogrphers: the ability to straighten out the converging verticals that appear when the camera leans back to get a tall building in the picture!
This Safari will help D-3000 and D-5000 users put their cameras through the paces of ISO settings, flash settings, white balance settings, file compression, aperture and shutter priorities, focus settings, custom settings, menu navigation tricks, exposure tricks, use of the histogram etc. menu shortcuts inside and outside of the new National Museum of the American Indian,. Special exhibits at the museum pose unique challenges for the digital photographer, especially the mix of daylight and tungsten light. The eight-story high atrium is a great place to practice wide-angle photography, and the carvings and statues provide challenges for your telephoto lens.
Digital camera specialist Melanie Otto provides hands-on training for these exciting pieces of new equipment.
Outdoor Informal Portraiture - Beginner Level
Getting a natural, relaxed image in posed pictures of friends and family is art, not science. It takes a number of ingredients, particularly mastering the science portion of photography so you, the photographer, can be natural and relaxed. This photo safari, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken, will use the wonderful settings available at Meridian Hill Park in Washington DC for an instructional beginner-level workshop that will have you:
Bob Blanken is past president of The Professional Photographers Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. His photographs and albums have won numerous awards. He is VP of Education for the Greater Washington, DC Chapter of International Special Events Society. (required for admission to Intermediate Level Outdoor Portraiture Safari)
Meet at entrance to Meridian Hill Park, on Northeast corner of 16th and W St NW, or 1599 W St NW Washington DC
Fee: $99 per person.
Photo: Bob Blanken
Next Safari: 05/02/2010
If you already have experience in portrait photography and are ready to move up to the next level, this safari will give you some advanced techniques in lighting and posing your subjects. Special emphasis will be on mastering the science portion of photography so you, the photographer, can be natural and relaxed. This photo Safari, taught by professional portrait photographer Bob Blanken, will use the wonderful settings available at Meridian Hill Park in Washington DC for an instructional intermediate-level workshop that will have you:
(Beginners level course a pre-requisite for this program.)
Meet at entrance to Meridian Hill Park, on Northeast corner of 16th and W St NW, or 1599 W St NW Washington DC.
Metro: Columbia heights, Green Line.
Fee: $99 per person.
Photo: Bob Blanken
Next Safari: 04/27/2010
Photography is a profession that can NOT be easily outsourced to other countries. Why? Because you have to be HERE to take the picture!
With careful planning while you keep your day job, you CAN turn your hobby and your love of photography into a lucrative profession. Many people facing retirement, reduced pensions or job layoffs have successfully become full-time or part-time photographers, earning significant income with their photo skills. This popular Washington Photo Safari workshop, taught by a person who�s been there, will explore ways to make a successful transition into photography as a profession. It will look at such options as shooting for stock, events, weddings, child portraits, sports, architecture, real estate, restaurants, food, pets, sailboats, landscapes, and lawyers. Participants will also be encouraged to explore areas of photography with which they are NOT familiar as possible options for career work.
The workshop will discuss such topics as: how do you get educated in photography? Once you get to be a GOOD photographer, how can you market your skills? How do clients find out about you? How do you build a business that supports yourself and your family in the style to which you have become accustomed? What kind of investment do you need in equipment? How do you set prices for your work? Where can you go for further training in photography while holding down your day job? How do you get published? How do you build a photo portfolio? How do you build a resume in a whole new career of photography, where nobody knows your name? Who are the potential clients in your own neighborhood and community? Which areas of photography have the greatest income potential?
The workshop will be taught by Washington Photo Safari founder and director E. David Luria, a professional architectural photographer who took up his hobby and made it his profession after being laid off from his job as a non-profit organization executive in Washington DC. Mr. Luria, a Paris-trained member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has had his images appear in 100 publications and on 30 magazine covers. His Washington Photo Safaris have trained several thousand people in the techniques of travel, digital, pet, nature and landscape photography.
Meet at the Party Room of Brandywine Apts., 4545 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington DC 20008.
Fee: $84 per person.
Next Safari: 04/22/2010
Prague: Golden City of a Hundred Spires is the ultimate photographers’ paradise. Prague escaped the bombs of WWII, becoming one of Europe’s best-preserved baroque cities. Pictures abound in almost every direction you choose to look. With its majestic river, fairytale castle and winding cobblestone streets; its red-tiled roofs and stylish shops and crackling nightlife, picture-perfect Prague sets the scene for this extraordinary photo safari led by professional photographer Marketa Jirouskova.
This Safari is designed to teach you all aspects of travel photography - a mixture of outdoor/indoor, night time, cityscape/landscape, architecture, close-up, candid, people/street, and photojournalism.
The four-day workshop will give you dramatic pictures at Prague Castle, probably the largest castle complex in the world, which includes the old St. Vitus Cathedral, where you will shoot its artistic interiors and stained glass windows. You will cruise through the Royal Palace and get a glimpse of Prague’s turbulent past. Lunch at the open air cafes at the castle will yield some breathtaking views of the city. Then you will explore Josefov, once the site of Prague’s Jewish Ghetto and still one of the most intriguing Jewish districts in Europe and home to several museums, synagogues, and a Kafkaesque brooding cemetery.
You will wander through Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock on the wall of the Old Town Hall, built in the early 1400s. Every hour the chimes are accompanied by a procession of wooden apostles statues moving between two blue doors at the top of the clock. You will even go to the top of the Old Town tower and get beautiful views of the bustling square below and over the red rooftops of Prague. In the evening you will wander through the winding cobblestone streets full of stylish shops, and enjoy dinner at one of the open air restaurants in Old Town Square, the enchanting Charles Bridge with its elegant baroque statues and continue through the historic cobblestone streets lined with grand Neo-Renaissance, Art-Nouveau, Pseudo Baroque, and Neo-Gothic buildings, many of which have been restored in an amazing array of color and architectural detail.
You will even take river cruise on the picturesque Vitaya River, wander the streets in New Town and along historic, Wenceslas Square and in the evening you will explore the night scenes along the river, from which you can get an awesome view of the fully lit Prague Castle against the evening sky.
Here is the day-by-day itinerary:
Thursday, April 22:
7-9PM Welcome - basics of travel photography/composition/light; Night photography; meeting place near Old Town will be announced
Friday, April 23:
7-11AM Jewish Quarter - close-up photography, interior photography
2-7PM Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral – architecture, outdoor/indoor photography
7-9PM OPTIONAL: dinner at Petrin Hill with sunset view of Prague Castle
Saturday, April 24:
8-12AM Castle and Lesser Town historical streets and gardens – architecture, close-up photography
3-6PM Vltava river cruise – landscape/cityscape photography
Sunday April 25:
8-12AM Wenceslas Square, New Town streets – street photography – candid, documentary photojournalism
Municipal House – interior photography
4-8PM Old Town Square (Clock, Tower), Charles Bridge (sunset) – travel photography (architecture, close-up, people)
8-9PM Farewell – evaluation, portfolio critique
Safari instructor Marketa Jirouskova is a freelance photojournalist named Photographer of the Year by the International Photographic Society at the World Bank/IMF in Washington DC. A native of the Czech Republic and a resident of Amsterdam, Ms. Jirouskova received her Masters Degree in Film from the Prague Film School, has photographed and filmed in 50 countries and is the recipient of 37 photographic awards. Fluent, in English, Dutch and Czech, she has been published in six European magazines including the Readers Digest, and her work has been shown in over 20 exhibitions around the world. Her instruction on the 2008 Amsterdam safari was called "absolutely fantastic" by one of the participants.
April 22-25, 2010, $1295/person, includes all 3 days of photography instruction plus entry to Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Municipal House, Vltava river cruise, welcome dinner and drink. Not included are air transportation, lodging in Prague, meals, tips and public transport in Amsterdam. Begins at 7 pm on the 22nd, ends at 9 pm on the 25th. Minimum 6 participants.
Not included are air transportation, lodging in Prague, meals, tips and public transport in Amsterdam. Begins at 7 pm on the 23rd, ends at 9 pm on the 26th. Minimum 6 participants.
In combination with Amsterdam safari April 15-18, fee is reduced to $1245.
Photo: Marketa Jirouskova
Next Safari: 05/01/2010
Spend a robust morning in Cabin John Regional Park photographing the delicacies of the early Spring forest. Search for dramatic light with professional photographer Donna T. Jones. Photograph the woods, stream, open fields and bird activity near the feeders located within the park. Learn how to capture powerful photographs in the Great Outdoors through the use of correct camera settings and good composition techniques.
The early Spring forest is filled with interesting shadows, warm light and personality. Look for craggy rocks, gnarled roots, reflections in the stream, a doe in meadow or a pileated woodpecker in the treetops.
Join us for this magnificent day in Nature.
This Safari is open to photographers at any skill level with any kind of camera, film or digital.
Donna T. Jones is a commercial photographer, educator and fine-art photographer. She teaches photography at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. In addition to Washington Photo Safari, Donna teaches at Glen Echo Photoworks, The Art League School, and VisArts Center.
She is the photo editor/co-producer of the book Ethiopia from the Heart released in 2007.
Meet at 9:30 in front of the Locust Grove Nature Center, Cabin John Regional Park, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Fee: $99 per person.
Photo: Donna Jones
Next Safari: 03/19/2010
Thinking about running for President in 2012? Our photo Safari won't get you inside to measure the windows for your drapes, BUT this workshop in travel photography DOES take you to some of the most popular monuments and historic buildings that you can see from your White House windows along the 17th Street corridor.
Our itinerary includes beautiful Lafayette Park, the White House itself, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the Corcoran Gallery, the American Red Cross building with its poignant statuary, the Organization of American States building, the majestic World War II Memorial with its fountains on the National Mall, and a session inside the magnificent Renwick Gallery (a Smithsonian museum of American crafts),with professional photographer E. David Luria providing tips on architectural photography, outdoor portraiture,and interior museum photography without flash or tripod.
See: Basic tips in travel photography we cover on this Safari
Advance reservations required. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special Safaris. Suggested Metro stops: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue/Orange Lines)
Meet at Renwick Gallery, 1699 Pennsylvania Ave NW, northeast corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW. Advance reservations required. Suggested as preliminary course before taking special safaris. Suggested Metro stops: Farragut North (Red Line), Farragut West (Blue/Orange Lines)
Fee: $74/person half-day, includes 40-minute orientation on travel photography techniques, and materials.