ANNOUNCING the 3rd ANNUAL…………

MACRO and MORE….

Photography Workshop in the COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE and OREGON COAST

June 10-14 2010                 $ 795.00 ( travel, lodging , meals not included)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

©Mke Moats

Two of the most picturesque areas in the lower 48 stats are the backdrops for the 2nd annual MACRO and MORE in the GORGE / OREGON COAST PHOTO WORKSHOP

 This is a combination landscape / macro workshop. We select locations that offer the best of landscape photography as well as some amazing macro photography as well.

 Join award winning Macro photographers, and professional field instructors Mike Moats and Jack Graham this year for what we expect to be a fantastic and informative few days of shooting here in Oregon.

© Jack Graham

 

Previous posts hereon this blog contains  has lots of information about the workshop and even some of our prior year’s participant’s images.

LOCATIONS:

We will again in 2010 our shooting locations will include magnificent Columbia River Gorge and the relatively close by,  Oregon Coast. We will spend 1 ½ days in the gorge then travel about 1 1.2 hours out to the coast. The Oregon coast offers breathtaking landscape photography as well as endless macro opportunities beyond your wildest imagination. We have timed this workshop  to access the tide pools during the lowest tides of the year. This insures our ability to photograph lots of subjects not usually available.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ©Mke Moats

You will not only come away with lots of great  images, information and tips that will make your landscape and macro work stand above the rest. 

Being here to photograph this time of year is really special. I know you are going to enjoy it.

                                             Who knows you may never leave!

What time do we start, where do we meet?

Events start on Thursday evening (June 10^th)  with a social hour at 6:00 PM at the hotel (FAIRFIELD INN–at the PDX Airport 503-253-1400).   We typically meet  Thursday PM ( about 7pm ) prior to the start of the workshop on Friday AM (sunrise) to discuss goals and shooting locations and something to eat or drink then try & get good nights sleep before an early Friday morning wake up call.

WHERE WILL WE BE SHOOTING?

Both macro and landscape photography are the main subjects of this workshop, so it just seemed right to get you all to some of the great scenic areas for sunrises & sunsets. In these areas both landscape and macro photography is amazing in and around some of the waterfalls and overlooks found along the Columbia River Scenic Highway. Lush green vegetation is common place in June.  It is also common to have fantastic sunrises & sunsets along the river.  During the rainy Oregon winters, Mt Hood receives over 200” of snow and provides plenty of water to make the waterfalls and streams beautiful as well as offer everything needed for the spring wildflower bloom. The main part of the rainy season is ending in June but weather can vary from day-to-day this time of year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

We will visit areas like the Oneonta Gorge, Latouerell Falls, as well as many of the waterfall locations that are thriving with vegetation and insect life this time of year. Amazing sunrises and sunsets in the gorge and coast are common

On Sunday afternoon, we will travel to Newport Oregon. We will stay Sunday night in Newport and venture out to Seal Rock State Park, just south of Newport, where the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast are located. Starfish, anemones, sea urchins, mussels, barnacles as well as many species of Kelp and other living sea creatures are just an arm’s length away.

© Mike Moats

If you like wildflowers and lots of green this is the place to be in June. Moss wrapped trees, wildflower covered rock walls, dense forests, blooming rhododendron and more are a near or at peak this time of year.

 Choice locations have been determined by many years of shooting in the Gorge and the Oregon coast.

FIELD INFORMATION                                                                                                                                                                                                 ©Jack Graham

 We will be in the field shooting all day Friday, Saturday and until Sunset on Sunday. Sunday evening is on your own. You may want to take a few more days on the coast. (Sunrise is about 5:30AM and sunset is about 8:30PM)

Though warm sunny days are nice, we are hoping for cloudy and even a bit rainy conditions in the gorge. This only enhances the photography and makes the colors more vibrant. Bring rain protection for you as well as for your camera gear, just in case. I would suggest lenses (35mm equivalent) of 20mm-300mm, however a macro lens and tripod is mandatory. Though some call this macro photography, I prefer to call it close-up photography. So bring some wide angle lenses and some long telephotos as well as your macro gear.

The coast can be another story. Temperatures in the 50’s and winds can be common. I suggest a warm coat and hat. Be ready for rain but nice sunny but cool days usually occur in June.

Does weather ever alter shooting locations and times?

Only if there is an element of danger.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Though the days are long, (Sunrise is at about 5:30AM—Sunset is at around 8:30 PM and we will be in the field most if not all of the time. During the evenings will get together over some food & drink informally to discuss information on photographing in the area and general photography information. We will also make time to review your work. Though most of the personalized instruction will occur in the field, it is also valuable to look at some of our results (and ours as well!!) for critique.

©Jack Graham

Emails with more information on what to bring, clothing wise and more will be sent 1 month prior to the workshop. Daily itineraries will be sent 2 weeks before the workshop, after registration.

 LOCATION / HOTEL INFO

 This link has everything you need tot know about where to stay around the Portland Airport. The gorge is directly east (by about ½) from the airport.         http://portland.airporthotelguide.com/

 There are many hotels close to the Portland Airport. We will base our workshop at the FAIFIELD INN (503-253-1400) near the airport. Information. From experience, I prefer the Fairfield Inn. You can get a nice room at the Fairfield Inn for about 100.00 or less per night. The Marriott Courtyard is more expensive (and is across the street)… remember the nights are short! Shuttle service to all hotels is available at the airport. The Fairfield Inn and Courtyard is less than 5 minutes from the Airport. The Courtyard has a full service restaurant and bar.

The hotel in NEWPORT is TBD.

We will leave Friday and Sat from the FAIRFIELD INN. HOTEL in NEWPORT TBD.

 TRAVEL INFORMATION

BY AIR: Arrive — PORTLAND OREGON.

Since we will be heading out to the gorge on Friday and Saturday (early!!!) from the FAIRFIELD INN PDX, (503-253-1400) I encourage you to try and stay in this area. If you have a car and want to stay elsewhere, by all means do so, but it would be much easier to stay in the airport area.

Since we leave from the Fairfield Inn very early on Friday and Saturday AM, please arrive into Portland (PDX) on Thursday. We will shoot through sunset on the coast on Sunday as well, so plan accordingly. I believe the flights to the east coast end mid- afternoon( but check your carrier) so staying Sunday night and departing Monday AM is the way to go if you want to shoot sunset with us on Sunday evening at the coast. It’s about 1/1/2 hrs back to PDX from the coast.  Again, you are on your own Sunday evening.

 DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?

Renting a vehicle. (You don’t need 4 wheel drive!)

Each participant is responsible for his/her own transportation. However, car-pooling during the event is encouraged both to minimize the number of vehicles at shooting locations and to get to know one another

 FOOD / DINING / etc……

As in any city, there are many good restaurants. Portland boasts some of the best. The downtown area is about 15-20 minutes from the Airport. However, we are here to photograph and often the best light is at breakfast and dinner. Please know this in advance. The same goes for Newport.

 Usually the best meals are had on Thursday and Sunday evenings.

 We typically don’t have long meals, but we do eat! we also make sure we get to a place where snacks are available. We don’t want you to run out off gas. We typically take time to eat prior to sunset so we are not eating a big meal late at night.

If you are coming with spouse or significant other, don’t worry there’s lots to do in Portland and Newport. The area has lots to do and see, shooting or not. There is a wonderful market in downtown Portland on Saturday morning and overall great shopping where many local items can be purchased. Newport boasts an “Old Town” area where the fleets of fishing boats dock close to some great seafood restaurants.

WEATHER

 GORGE:

Early June weather in the gorge can be still rather cool. However temps in the 80’s are not out of the question. We actually hope for drizzly, damp cloudy days in the gorge. This serves as the best light to shoot in the gorge. It’s best when the light is even with low contrast. My favorite days are cool, cloudy, and drizzly, just perfect for this kind of photography. Be prepared to keep dry with the right rain wear. Good hiking boots are helpful, though there any hiking will be moderate. Some of the areas we will be going to are very close to the roads. It is not unusual for the temperature to drop 15-20 degrees closer to the waterfalls. Bring lots of rain / water protection for your camera gear.  More suggestions on what to bring (like knee pads & plastic bags etc) will be sent out later.

 Last year, we had perfect conditions. Weather updates will be sent out as we get close to the workshop date.

COAST:

The coast can be very different from the weather in the gorge. When it can be in the 60’s and 70’s and sunny in the gorge, it can only be in the 50’s and cloudy at the coast. Be prepared for this changing weather. A warm coat and hat come in handy.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING AND SUCH so I NEED TO BRING

     COAST                                                  GORGE

Warm coat and jacket                                 

Gloves                                                           hat

Hat                                                                sunscreen       

Sunscreen                                                      chamois and towel

Chamois and towel                                         hiking boots

Hiking boots                                                  shoes you don’t mind getting wet

Tall boots if you have them                            extra socks

Shoes you don’t mind getting wet

Extra socks

 Again, weather and more information will begin to flow a few weeks prior to the workshop. You can contact Mike or Jack anytime for more information, references  or anything else… OR…. email these completed forms ( deposit information etc is included) back to Jack at jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

REG FORMM&M

Assumption of riskM&M

PLease visit Jack & Mikes web sites  www.tinylandscapes.com ; www.jackgrahamphoto.com , www.jackgrahamsblog.com

Landscape and Macro Photography / SPRING 2009 MACRO AND MORE -Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon Coast!

©Jack Graham

A lot goes into planning a workshop.  Itineraries are set based on weather conditions, subject availability and sunrise and sunset times. Planning a Macro and More workshop requires even more precision since we are not only shooting a vast array of subjects, but adding in the macro factor. What Mike and I look for when choosing locations are areas that lend themselves t o not only the grand landscape, and even some wildlife, but endless macro opportunities. The Columbia River Gorge and the Oregon coast are both such areas.

After what we thought was a very successful M&M workshop in 2008, based only in the gorge, Mike and I spent a few days shooting out on the Oregon Coast. The coast offers a totally different menu of both macro and landscape opportunities. We quickly decided that in 2009 we would do a combination workshop with ample time in both areas. 

Our group met in a location close to the airport in Portland which is less than ½ hour from shooting locations in the gorge on Wednesday night late in May.   Thunder and lightning (rare for the Pacific Northwest) greeted many of the folks flying in during afternoon prior to the start of the workshop.  Things improved throughout the weekend.  We had a really wonderful group from all over the country. There were folks from New Mexico, Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio and elsewhere.

As is customary, we meet informally the night before the workshop starts to get to know each other, discuss   schedules, conditions, and goals for the days ahead. Typically our attendees are so excited about the potential activities of the coming days that the 1^st night’s sleep is sometimes challenging. However, this time of year, the days are long and most everyone sleeps well the 2^nd night.  Sunrises are about 5 AM and sunsets are after 9 PM. The mornings usually start with a huge dose of coffee. The 1^st day is in many respects the longest, but being in such a magnificent area makes it worth it.

After capturing a glorious sunrise in the Gorge, we headed to our 1^st combination landscape /macro location for the bulk of the morning. As you can tell from some of the images below some great photos were made. Mike and I spend lots of time helping our attendees offering those tips and information that is important to capture images in both formats.

Mike and I really hardly shoot at all unless we are demonstrating something to our attendees. We spent lots of valuable time with our groups, and the results shown here speak for themselves. We had a total of 10 attendees here so a 5:1 ration worked well.  Mike and I really take a lot of pride seeing the fruit of our efforts.

On the 2^nd day, we always take a few hours, based around lunch and the usual bad mid day light to review work from the previous day and the current morning. These review sessions really are helpful in correcting some habits that folks get into.

Feather © Sally Thompson

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                 Lupine    © Judy Beard 

Not only do we try and disseminate information to our attendees regarding photographic technique, we try and show them how to “see” an image and compose a pleasing to the eye composition.  All nature photographers must be totally technically proficient with their equipment, just like a musician on his or her’s instrument, in order to allow the photographer to turn on the right side of the brain, the creative side, and compose a great image.

                                

                                                                                                                                                                                

We spent a full day and 1/2 in the Coumbia River Gorge shooting lots of macro (Plants, feathers, leaves, tree bark etc) before venturing out to the Oregon Coast. We spent some time photographing both landscapes and macro at Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach. We then drove south to Newport and spent the night before spending the next morning at Seal Rock State Park. This location is one of the best tide pool areas on the coast. Mike and I planned this  workshop with a below normal low tide. The images shown here are indicative of the opportunities available during these low tides. Many of our attendees had never experienced this kind of photography and honestly, Mike and I were very pleased with their results.

                    Harbor Seal  © Mike Cooper

Tide pool photography, and macro shooting on the coast is somewhat more demanding than the shooting we did in the gorge. That’s why we did the coast last.                                                                                                  Purple Star Fish  © Ken Robb

The weather was good as we had lots of overcast to aid in allowing us some nice flat light to work with. Check out some of these images. They are really wonderful. Though everyone was quite tired by the end of the workshop, I know everyone had a great time, learned a lot and came away with lots of great shots.

 

Once again, Mike and I thank our attendees for coming. We are doing another Macro & more this fall in October, based in the Eastern Sierra(Mono Lake ,White Mts. area), and there are 1 or 2 spots still available if interested. Here is the information. Please contact Mike or Jack for more information

      M&M_2009_ESIERRA_flyer_01                                                                                                                                                                                                          ©

PlPlease enjoy  these other images shot by some of our attndees. They are really wonderful.

See you all in the field…..                     Mike (macro) and Jack (more)

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  Yaquina Head Lightouse © Sally Thompson

 

                                                                                                                                              Lupine©Sally Thompson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maple Seed on Log @Ken Robb                                                                                   Yellow Leaf on Fern Web© Ken Robb

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Dasies©Judy Beard                                                                                                                        Ferns  ©Judy Beard

Wood Abstract   ©Mike Cooper                                                                                                                            Stream © Mike Cooper

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                   “River Rocks”   © Russ Gifford 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fog in Pines   © Russ Gifford

UP COMING MACRO and MORE EVENTS—-and information

MARCH 26,2009

UP COMING—MACRO AND MORE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS™ EVENTS

 

Jack Graham   jack@jackgrahamphoto.com   www.jackgrahamphoto.com

Mike Moats      mgmoats@yahoo.com              www.tinylandscapes.com

___________________________________________________________

Our Macro and More™ workshops are vastly different than the vast majority of the workshops available. First, our group size is limited to only eight participants max per instructor. This gives both Mike & I the time to spend with each of you individually in the field. Secondly our workshops are in areas that we are very knowledgeable of. We know the right times, right light and right conditions to be in the right areas in order to allow for the best images available. We base locations on the light and conditions. The goal is to get people to the best locations in the best light. Typically each location has so much variety that we can find something spectacular with macro or landscape photography no matter what the light conditions is that day. 

The shooting schedule can be challenging.  We typically shoot from dawn to dusk (short days in the winter and, really long days in the spring). We eat, sleep, and breathe photography. This is intense photography experience and most attendees come out the experience shooting at a much higher level. We don’t really do ‘formalized’ classroom instruction during these workshops, but rather do our teaching and give tips, answer questions and work in a “hands on “approach in the field. Our workshops are a “learn by doing” type of experience. We have repeat clients coming back this year, which always makes us feel good and lets us know we are giving our customers the best experience possible. There photo workshops are the perfect vehicles to deliver the results you are expecting.

Most importantly, at some point and usually more than once, we take time to review and critique our work. This is one of the most important parts of the workshop.

When the workshop is over, we encourage you to stay in touch with us if you have any questions about anything that has to do with photography. Though we part ways on the last day of the workshop, I hope you will stay I touch.

____________________________________________________________________

                         

 

MACRO & MORE/ Columbia River GORGE & OREGON COAST

June 4-7^th 2009                                                                                                     $675.00

 

COMPLETE INFORMATION HERE:     mm_2009_oregon_flyer_01

We have only 2 openings left for the coming workshop this spring. This is going to be a very different experience from what you may expect. We will shoot the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and surround areas of Mt. Hood as well as travel to the magnificent Oregon Coast for both unique landscape photography and some amazing macro possibilities. We will be shooting the tide pools on Sunday. We have timed this workshop with one of the lowest tides of the year, which offers us more time to photograph as well as explore some areas not available during the remainder of the year. You will see abundant sea stars, other creatures, along with other subjects that will make for some really amazing photography. We’ll also be visiting a few of the many lighthouses, sea stack beaches along the coast along with much more.

 

 ______________________________________________________________________

                        

BIG NEWS!!!!!!———-MACRO & MORE goes to the EASTERN SIERRA.

 

OCTOBER 8-11 2009                                                                                           $ 725.00

 

COMPLETE INFO HERE:   mm_2009_esierra_flyer_011

 

For over 15 years Jack has conducted workshops in the glorious Easter Sierra. For the 1^st time this year Mike & Jack are again joining forces for another MACRO & MORE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP™, this time in one of the most breathtaking areas in the worlds, California’s Eastern Sierra.

 

Early October is perhaps the best time to visit this vast and beautiful landscape. This is the peak time for the fall color in Eastern /Central California. We will be shooting landscape as well as macro at Mono Lake and the surrounding areas, Bodie State Park (Ghost Town), as well as many unknown areas that are in their fall beauty this time of the year. On Sunday, we will venture south, and up to over 9000’ elevation to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest to photograph the grand landscape as well as the intimacy of these ancient, specimens, some as old as 4000 years. This is an experience you won’t forget and after being there, I know you’ll want to return.

 

 

 

WHAT’S AHEAD in 2010…?

 

Yes it planning time again. Based on the success so far, we plan on doing at least 4 Macro & More Photography Workshops in 2009. We look to expand these workshops new locations. Some of the locations targeted include Acadia National Park, Olympic National Park, Upper Michigan Peninsula, Cuyahoga National Park, or somewhere TBD in the American Southwest. If you have any suggestions, please send them along.

 

Again, please feel free to contact us at any time for more details.

 

Thanks you

 

Jack & Mike

 

Jack Graham   jack@jackgrahamphoto.com   www.jackgrahamphoto.com

Mike Moats      mgmoats@yahoo.com              www.tinylandscapes.com

Presenting At The 48th Annual NFRCC Convention

Jack Graham and I will be presenting a Macro & More talk at the 2009 48th Annual Niagara Frontier Regional Camera Clubs Convention. It will be held March 20,21 & 22nd at the Holiday Inn on Grand Island, NY. We will be presnting on Friday night, and on Saturday we will have subjects set-up for macro photographers to bring their cameras in and shoot. Other speakers are Michael Reichmann of Luminous Landscape, Rick Sammon, and more. See more details at; http://www.nfrcc.org/convention/speakers.php

NEW! “Macro & More” Eastern Sierras, California

MACRO…and  More
Macro and More® Photography Workshops present  2009 FALL in the   EASTERN SIERRA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Mike Moats and Jack Graham

OCTOBER 8-11 2009
COST: $725.00 (travel, meals, etc. not included)
Limited to 16 persons

Maybe one of the most majestic locations for fall photography is located within the Eastern Sierra Region of California. Wedged between the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park and the Great Basin of Nevada, Is one of the most diverse areas in the lower 48 states. This is the setting for our FALL MACRO and MORE

EASTERN SIERRA PHOTO WORKSHOP OCTOBER 2009
This is a combination landscape / macro workshop. We select locations that offer the best of landscape photography as well as some amazing macro photography as well.  Daytime will be spent in the field. Personalized instruction will occur in the field. Choice locations have been determined by many years of shooting in this area under varied conditions Evenings will consist of informal sessions to discuss information on photographing in the area, critique sessions, and general photography information. Reviewing the days work is an integral part of the workshop experience.

You will come away with lots of great images and information and tips that will make your landscape and macro work stand above the rest.
Join award winning macro photographer Mike Moats and Jack Graham this October for what we know to be a very different photography workshop as well as a few highly informative and fun days of shooting here in the Eastern Sierra of California.

With the success of our first “Macro & More” workshop in Oregon Columbia River Gorge last year, Jack and I are repeating it again this year and also adding the coast. we have almost filled the workshop for this year so decide we needed to add more. Eastern Sierra “Macro & More” for the fall 2009.

mm_2009_esierra_flyer_011                        

Feature Article In Photolife

In the new January issue of Photolife magazine photolife.com out of Canada I have an article called “From Hobbyist To Pro, Almost Overnight”.  It tells how I got started and how I began running a full time nature Photography business.  I’ve heard its out in Canada, and should be out soon in the US.

My new how-to Macro book “Tiny Landscapes” can be purchased at MikeMoatsBooks.com  or at Amazon.com do a seach for Tiny Landscapes

www.tinylandscapes.com

Tidepools

After Jack and I finished our Macro and More Workshop in the Oregon Columbia River Gorge area we planned to drive to the coast and shoot the tide pools.  This was the first chance I had to shoot this incredible macro paradise.  If you can picture giant rocks the size of cars that are  covered with sea life.  I was totally amazed!  I told Jack we have to add this to the 2009 Macro and More workshop, Jack agreed.  Here’s a shot of a green anemone.

My new how-to macro book “Tiny Landscapes” is now available at MikeMoatsBooks.com or Amazon.com do a search for Tiny Landscapes and the book should pop up.

 

2009 OREGON COAST & COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE INFO & SIGNUP

Folks,

We are proud to announce the 2009 Macro & More —OREGON COAST & COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE Macro and More Photo Workshop, June 4-7 2009. Based on last years event we should have a great workshop , but even more so as we added the new location…. The Oregon Coast.

mm_2009_oregon_flyer_01                    reg-formmm

                                                                    assumption-of-riskmm

Please read the attached information file. Pretty much all the info you need is there. More specific information will begin to flow about May 1st.

 

Please sign up soon as we expect this event to fill quickly.We are going to limit this workshop to 15 people as we can insure lots of one on one attention. Registration forms are also attached for your convenience.

Feel free to contact us with further information

Jack jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

Mike- mgmoats@yahoo.com

Tiny Landscapes Book Now Available Online

My New book is printed and ready to ship, those that have ordered will receive it by the end of the week.

This is a book for the new to advanced macro nature photographer. It’s a simple and easy to read guide to the equipment, camera functions, composition, techniques, and tips. It contains many images, plus information about the subjects, the time of year, and environment they were shot in. The thought process in the compositions. Included will be tips on where to find interesting subjects in nature, and ideas for setting up shots.

To order a copy go to:
www.MikeMoatsBooks.com
or
www.Amazon.com do a search for “Tiny Landscapes”
or
Send me an email and I’ll send you a form to pay by check.
mgmoats@yahoo.com

$19.95 plus shipping, Michigan residents add sales tax.

Blue Water Shutterbugs

This Wdnesday Sept.17th, I will be doing a presentation for the Blue Water Shutterbugs Photography Club.  The presentation is called The Four Seasons Of Macro.  Its held in St. Clair, Michigan and starts at around 7:00pm.

Mike Moats
www.tinylandscapes.com