Whale Watching Photography Workshop 2022

32 Horton Street,Gloucester MA 01930

23 June, 2022

Description

2-day whale watching workshop where we take photos directly from field to classroom and process them to improve our techniques and skills. OVERVIEW With nature right on our own doorstep, this 2-day whale watching photography workshop is intended for photographers of any level. This workshop is designed for those who are looking to improve their photography and Lightroom skills while learning about these majestic creatures, who have migrated up from the Caribbean to our own New England shoreline. Each day we will motor out to the Stellwagen Marine Reserve and photograph the whales and other marine wildlife onboard a specialized whale watching ship. We will then return to our classroom and go straight to work in Lightroom, learning file management workflows and developing techniques. By going directly from the field to the classroom we take advantage of learning opportunities that are not otherwise available. This workshop is limited to 8 people so that each participant can receive individualized attention. You’ll leave with incredible images, photo editing techniques, and the knowledge of how to manage your unforgettable memories when you get home. The workshops end both days in time for you to explore Gloucester during the nearly 100-year-old St. Peter’s Fiesta. Led by professional photographer and Lightroom Expert, David Mark Erickson, this is an experience that cannot be missed. INCLUDED The two-day itinerary includes: transportation between Ocean Alliance and Cape Ann Whale Watch, 3-4 hour whale watching tours, gourmet boxed lunch, tea/coffee and snacks during the afternoon classroom sessions, and free parking. A Zoom presentation by an Ocean Alliance Naturalist with demonstrations by David Erickson, along with a donation to OA, is Included in the cost of the workshop. Not Included in this workshop: Transportation to/from Gloucester, lodging, breakfast and dinner LOCATION This workshop is being hosted by Ocean Alliance, at their headquarters in the recently renovated historic Gloucester Paint Manufactory, which sits at the entrance to Gloucester harbor. Gloucester is one of the oldest settlements in the United States and is an important center of fishing, history, and coastal tourism. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is an 842-square-mile federally protected marine sanctuary located at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay, between Cape Cod and Cape Ann. The geography of the bank causes deep water currents to rise up when they hit the side of the bank. This brings a wealth of nutrients and minerals up from the deep ocean. The Sanctuary is home to over 130 species of fish, birds, and marine mammals, including humpback whales. You will learn about the whale's yearly migration up from the Caribbean to spend their summers in the rich feeding grounds off the coast of Massachusetts. Each day we will motor out to the northernmost corner of the Stellwagen National Marine Reserve to observe and photograph the whales and many of the other marine mammals that can be observed from the ship. WHALE WATCHING For the field photography portions of the trip, we will be on board the HURRICANE II, which is owned and operated by Cape Ann Whale Watch. Cape Ann Whale Watch is a family-owned and operated business that has been responsibly sharing the joy of whale watching since 1979. The HURRICANE II is one of the newest and fastest whale watching boats in the region and is crewed by a highly experienced staff, including a trained naturalist who will be interpreting the whale behavior that we will be observing and photographing. PHOTOGRAPHY This trip is designed for any photographer who has a keen interest in improving their field and post-production techniques. Each day we will incorporate lessons from the previous day’s workshop session and apply those to our field techniques. Our workshop sessions will take place indoors in the recently renovated conference room at the Ocean Alliance HQ. There, we will be doing the majority of our work in Lightroom Classic with some specific techniques in Photoshop. We’ll be learning catalog management in each of the classroom sessions, so you’ll leave with photos that are well organized, developed, and ready to share. EQUIPMENT Prior to departure, David will consult with each guest, individually, to review and confirm all equipment will support your photography workshop. You will need: At least one DSLR or mirrorless digital cameraAt least 1 telephoto lens, 200mm or greater is highly recommended, but not requiredA laptop computer capable of running the most recent version of Adobe Lightroom Classic and PhotoshopA monopod is highly recommended, but not requiredWEATHER June is a beautiful time to visit Gloucester! The temperatures during the day reach to the high 70’s while in the evening, it cools down to mid-60’s. Please be sure to pack layers of clothing to be prepared. As with any outdoor activity please take proper precautions regarding wind and rain for yourself and your equipment. Consult with your medical professional regarding UV exposure and motion sickness treatments. DAVID MARK ERICKSON David is a professional photographer and instructor with an extensive professional background. He has in-depth knowledge of digital photography, from lens to hard drive. He is certified by Adobe as an Expert in Lightroom and has been teaching others for many years. COVID-19 SAFETY We care about the safety of the participants and, reflecting the current situation with COVID-19, we have the following safety protocols in place: Workshop: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is requiredRapid testing the day before arrival is encouraged, but not required.Outdoor Activities: While on the boat, masks are optional, but encouragedIndoor Activities: There is generous spacing inside the classroom with proper ventilationWhile inside, masks are optional, but encouraged