DON GALE “ON THE ROAD” 2008 and 2009

Unique, on-site workshops conducted in some of the most inspiring outdoor locations. Learn how to combine your love of the outdoors with the basic photographic techniques used by professional photographer Don Gale to record the wonders of nature from behind a lens. See below for more information regarding the workshops.



To see some photos of the locations listed below, check out the GALLERY section of our site. We typically return to the same place, year after year. There's a good chance we've got the images from the latest trip posted there.

Basics of Photography – $175
January 5
VERY basic, in the studio / Workshop
Join us for a FULL day in the studio as we discuss and demonstrate all the technical aspects of shooting and printing within the ever changing world of digital.


Lone Pine, Eastern Sierra Foothills and Death Valley – $525
January 12 - 15
Workshop
We combined two of our favorite places to shoot and put them into one, longer workshop to come up with this trip!

To see more images from this trip, click HERE


Death Valley, Lone Pine and Eastern Sierra Foothills – $525
January 17 - 20
Workshop
We combined two of our favorite places to shoot and put them into one, longer workshop to come up with this trip!



Yosemite in the Winter – $525
February 2 - 5 or February 7 - 10
Workshop
The crowds are gone and the snow-covered valley is incredible! Everywhere you turn is a classic scene, waiting to be photographed.
















February 18 - 26 Costa Rica Workshop

This newly added adventure will prove to be a visual gold mine. Everything from classic tropical beaches, brightly colored native birds, unique reptiles and amphibians everywhere....the possibilities for a truly varied photographic experience are tremendous.

Feb. 18-22 - (1st half)
We've arranged for our group to use the coastal fishing village of Quepos as a base camp for the first half of this trip. We'll be situated in very comfortable, modern rooms at a resort called Villas Mymosa. The restaurant on premises is reputed to be one of the best. And, our host for this excursion, Truman Rockwood, is a resident of this town. He'll be handling the arrangements with local guides, and our day trips to his favorite places.
Scheduled activities will include daily, early morning photo excursions to some local destinations. Boat trips up rivers into the rain forest....visits to Mangrove swamps, Manuel Antonio Park, butterfly inhabited gardens, and nite-time walks looking for nocturnal wildlife.

Feb. 22-26 - (2nd half)
The second half of this workshop will take us to a less developed and more remote section of Costa Rica. We'll head to the small village of Montezuma on the Nicoye peninsula. Reached by a fairly short ferry ride from the Puntarenas area. This coastal town will provide a starting point for lots of short day trips to some unbelievable shooting opportunities.
We'll have all the comforts of home, in a somewhat more primitive environment. Plenty of electricity, good drinking water, and wonderful food, prepared in the local style.
In addition to the great photography available....we'll be doing lots of classroom slide shows and educational sessions on some of the important software techniques required to complete the digital process. If you have a laptop, bring it along. It'll allow you to learn faster, and have more fun. Uploading and reviewing the images, on a daily basis, allows you to see both the successful images, along with those that didn't work out.
The cost of this workshop is $1600.00. If your schedule doesn't permit attending the entire trip, you may elect to join us for either "half" of the workshop at a cost of $850.00. Please note, the cost of the workshop does not include transportation, lodging, meals or additional admission charges for local venues.


FRED HALL SPORT SHOW
Long Beach Convention Center
March 5 - 9
Photo Exhibit


REI Outdoor School
Northridge, CA
March 11 6 pm to 8:30 pm
In-Store Class Basic Composition Technique



FRED HALL SPORT SHOW
Del Mar Convention Center
March 26 - 30
Photo Exhibit
Stop in and visit us at this HUGE outdoor show. We'll have a booth, with an extensive print display, and will be conducting Photography Seminars every day.


REI Outdoor School
Huntington Beach, CA
April 12 All Day
Digital Camera Field Trip Outing



San Diego Sierra Club
April 17
Call us at the studio for more information on this evening presentation in San Diego. You're welcome to stop in, even if you're not a member of this great organization. Who knows, you may want to make this your own camera club. They meet monthly, and have a reputation for great programs.




Big Sur & Northern California Coastline Workshop – $550
April 19 - 22
Hidden far from any major city, this is truly a gem of the California coast. Some of the most rugged coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and probably a spectacular display of wildflowers this time of year. Join us for a very special shooting opportunity.....lots of tropical, fern-filled canyons, and a few beaches, which at sunset are truly amazing. We've reserved a number of small, rustic cabins, right on the river. Here's a few of the shots from last year's trip




Cambria, California’s Central Coast– $550
April 24 - 27
Workshop
This trip offers one of the best opportunities for variety in shooting, anywhere. Green, rolling coastal hills, accented with Poppies and Lupine. Also, cliffs, lighthouses, and even a rookery of Northern Elephant Seals, all within a short drive. Combine this with some of the most photogenic, winding country roads anywhere, and it's always a goldmine for great images. Here's some of the images from the last trip to the Central Coast



REI Outdoor School
Huntington Beach, CA
May 6 6pm to 8:30
In-Store Class Basic Composition Technique



Tamron Workshop
Precision Camera & Video
Austin, TX
May 9 - 10

Santa Clarita Valley Photographers Association
May 13 / 7-9 PM
Come out to join us for the evening's presentation at their new meeting location, Santa Clarita Camera 21515 Soledad Canyon Suite 116 Santa Clarita, CA 91350. There's no charge for first time guests. A great way to see why we're always happy to return to the members of this talented group.


Northern California Redwoods Workshop – $500
May 17 - 19
Northern California Coastal Redwoods in springtime with the classic fog and the Rhododendrons blooming! We'll be staying in Arcata, right on the coast. The combination of the rugged coast, with the impressive dominance of the huge Redwoods, all right on the coast is a real visual treat. Lots of small streams, wildflowers and green hills....accented by the ever present coastal fog, makes for some easy shooting. We've reserved some simple, rustic cabins at a local KOA campground. Or, feel free to make your own reservations at a local motel.




Strawberry Music Festival
May 22 - 26
Daily Photo Seminars & Live music

For information on this Woodstock-style family oriented festival check out their website at http://www.strawberrymusic.com/

These photos will give you an idea of what to expect at this modern-day hippie festival

Tamron Workshop
Bennett’s Camera
Metairie, LA
June 6 - 7
Seminar



REI Outdoor School
Manhattan Beach, CA
June 17 6pm to 8:30
In-Store Class Digital Camera Basics


REI Outdoor School
Manhattan Beach, CA
June 21 All day
Digital Camera Field Trip Outing


Tamron Workshop
New York Camera & Video
Southhampton, PA
July 11 - 12
Seminar




Eastern Sierra / Mammoth Lakes and Bishop Canyon, CA - $575
July 19 - 22 Workshop
The extreme diversity of the Sierra Nevada range is like a magnetic force with me. Returning here at least a couple times annually, and always discovering new locations, and different light. We'll be based at an altitude above 8000 feet, so the temperatures will be mild. And, if the heavy snowpack and recent rains do their thing, we'll be in for a bonanza with the alpine wildflowers, again. To see some of the images from last year, click here

Regarding the Eastern Sierra conditions for this summer: I just spoke with Smitty from Parcher's Resort in Bishop Canyon. According to his best guess, there should be an impressive wildflower display at the time of our workshop. Water levels in the lakes will be high....and if you like to fish, there's great stream and lake angling opportunities right near our cabins. Our group will be using Parcher's as our base camp for this trip.



Tamron Workshop
Robi's
Tacoma, WA
July 25 - 26
Seminar



Mt Rainier National Park WA $450
July 28 - 30 Workshop
With all the lakes, streams and year-round snow-capped peaks, this area is loaded with potential. And, we'll be there for the amazing wildflower bloom. And, if that's not enough to clinch the deal....the huge variety of local wildlife should do it. We've reserved some cabins at the Gateway Inn, right near the park's entrance. This will put us within a very short drive to some great shooting opportunities.

REI Outdoor School
Huntington Beach, CA
August 10 All day
Field Trip Outing - Introduction to Composition & Technique

Aspen Music Festival
August 29 - September 1
Daily Free Seminars
If you're looking for an excuse to get away for some R&R, this is the place. The mountain village of Aspen is famous for it's summer music festivals, and this is one of their best.
We'll be based in the Tamron booth, right on the music meadow, and will be doing some photo seminars daily. Check out some of the long awaited, new lenses they offer....in fact, you'll be able to borrow one or two during the seminars. Call us for more information. Last year's headliners included The Allman Brothers, John Legend, Joss Stone, Government Mule and Susan Tedeschi. And a crowd pleasing, rare appearance by Ken Hubbard and the Normat All Stars. Here's some images from last year

The photo above shows the Maroon Bells at sunrise. Just a short drive from Aspen, and the location of our daily seminars.

Tamron/Samy’s Alaska Cruise
September 3 - 10
Eagles, whales, and all the classic Alaskan scenery. And, all the time based on the finest cruise ship on the water. This cruise line truly sets the benchmark for excellence in EVERY category. We'll have a good mix of shore excursions, and classroom sessions onboard the ship. Daily slide shows, and a variety of topics will be covered....file preparation for printing...Photoshop techniques....composition, flash-fill, portrait lighting and posing......a little bit of everything. If you've never experienced the luxury of a first-class cruise, this is a perfect place to start. We did an Alaskan cruise a few years ago, and there's no better way to get an overview of this magnificent wilderness area than by traveling on a cruise ship.

Tamron Workshop Sept 26-27/ National Camera / Minneapolis, MN

Northern Minnesota (Ely, MN) Lakes Region Workshop - $850
September 21 - 25
We'll be located on one of the most photogenic lakes in Northern Minnesota. Right near the Canadian border, in the Boundary Water Canoe Area, this is a very unique location. We'll be staying in cabins literally on the lakeshore. Each cabin has the use of a new pontoon boat, and we'll make daily sunrise float sessions on the water. Some of what we'll be seeing as the sun rises thru the fog are pretty spectacular! Migratory birds are on the move. Lots of loons, beaver, and deer....right near the cabins.
And, if things run on schedule, there should be an amazing Fall Color display.
Fly into either Minneapolis or Duluth, and make the scenic drive to the small town of Ely, Mn.
Our base camp will be at the Lady Bug Lodge, on beautiful Lake Shagawa.

Check out our Photo Gallery section for photographs from last year's trip. And, the year before

New England Fall - $1100
Vermont and New Hampshire
October 12 - 16
Workshop

If you've never been to this part of the country for the Fall Color, you're in for a real treat! We've picked this time specifically based on the best odds of being in the thick of the colors changing. We'll share a cabin on a lake in the Manchester, NH area. And, be driving to different locations every day to get a huge variety of photos. Lots of rivers, lakes, old barns, waterfalls.....and, of course, all the classic, timeless Americana: small villages, harvest displays and some of the nicest people anywhere. We're returning here, again for a third trip....this is one of our favorite locations. Here's some of the shots we got last time. And here's a few from the time before that

Anaheim Camera Enthusiasts (ACES)
Oct. 30th 7:30 PM / Presentation
The officers and members welcome one & all to join them for Don's presentation - "Nature, Wildlife & Landscape Techniques" to be held at the Garden Grove Masonic Building 11270 Acacia Parkway Garden Grove, CA 92840 To reserve a seat, just e-mail them at - aces_workshops@att.net Click on their name (above) to visit their website if you'd like to learn more.

Yosemite in the Fall Workshop – $525
November 1 - 4

The summer crowds have gone home, and as the valley floor begins to quiet down for year's end, the emergence of the subtle color change of Fall makes this place even more unreal. Join us for a few days of wide-open, nature shooting at it's finest. We've been coming back here year after year, and come back with totally different images each time. It's easy to see how Ansel Adams could spend so many years shooting here, in this magical valley. We've got some rooms reserved for our group....or, if you're a camper, it doesn't get any better than this! Joining our group will be Ken Hubbard & Patty Gregitis, two of Tamron's finest. And, they'll be bringing along a case of Tamron's newest lenses, that everyone will have a chance to try out.

Death Valley, Lone Pine and Eastern Sierra Foothills – $525

December 6 - 9
Workshop
We've extended this popular trip to allow for the additional day in the Sierra foothills. Sunrise in the Alabama Hills, with an unreal view of Mount Whitney is something you'll always remember. Combine this with all the classic Sand Dunes in Death Valley, and you'll be printing your new images for weeks. Check out these images from earlier this year. And the trip last November

2009 Workshops

Yosemite Valley in the Winter
February 7-10, 2009
Check out our website GALLERY for images from last year

Workshop in Big Sur
March 14-17, 2009
Right on California's rugged coast. Check our gallery section to see images from the recent trip we made here.

Workshop in Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, CA
March 19-22, 2009
Right in the middle of the wildflower season, this place offers rolling, green hills, rugged coastal scenes. Also an amazing variety of birds, otters and seals. It's obvious why William Randolph Hearst chose this location for his unbelievable home.....the famed Hearst Castle.

Workshop in Hawaii
April 25 - May 1, 2009
On the lush, green Island of Kauai.
Warm tropical water, palm trees, rainbows and sunsets like nowhere else. Our group will have the opportunity to stay together in a huge luxury home very near the beach....or, get a room of your own in one of the many nearby hotels. Call for more information, and to reserve your spot.

Weekend on the Farm
June 4-7, 2009
This unique, on-site workshop will be conducted in historic Pike County, one of the most inspiring outdoor locations in Illinois. Pike County provides a wide array of subjects to photograph, from historical landmarks, Amish communities, Indian burial grounds and farming landscapes to wildlife and scenic sunsets. Our workshop will be based on a private farm, nestled between the Illinois River to the east and the Mississippi River to the west. The town of Pittsfield, just 10 miles to the North, is the county seat and hub of this rural farming community. The photogenic courthouse on the city square was the proving ground for young attorney Abraham Lincoln and his colleagues of the court. Several homes in and around Pittsfield date back to the Civil War and the county is full of old barns, log cabins, and outbuildings.

Germany, the Alps and Oktoberfest in Munich
September 27 - October 2, 2009
We're returning to what has become a favorite shooting destination of mine. Northern Italy and the southern Alps region of Germany offers a huge variety of natural wonders... as well as architecture and some very interesting faces and lifestyle photo ops.
We've posted some images on the GALLERY section of this website. In addition to all the basic, great shooting, this year we'll head to Oktoberfest for an insider's view of this famous, regional festival.

Yosemite in the Fall
November 7-10, 2009

Death Valley, Lone Pine & Eastern Sierra Foothills
December 5-8, 2009

General Information: Gear

Suggested Equipment:

The following accessories are highly recommended for the workshops. These are some of the basic tools used for outdoor/landscape photography. We will cover their proper use during the class.

• Cokin "P" Series or Lee Filter System
  
• Your camera manual
  
• Extra battery and charger
  
• One-stop neutral density "graduated" filter
  
• Two-stop neutral density "graduated" filter
  
• Remote or cable shutter release
  
• An efficient lens shade
  
• Tripod
• Laptop computer
• Polarizing filter

Recommended film: Fuji Velvia transparency

What you will need:

• Any camera will work, film or digital. The techniques that we'll cover pertain to any brand or model. Our sponsors have provided gear for you to use, so before buying an expensive tripod, diffusion panel or reflector, try one of ours.
  
• Day-pack for snacks and drinks
• Everyone is on their own for meals
  
• Outdoor essentials – hat, sunscreen, jacket, flashlight, insect repellent, canteen or water bottle, gloves, rain gear & coins for those back country vending machines.
• Snipe repellant

Workshop Rates and Information

Pricing:
Workshop prices vary depending on locations and days. Call studio for exact amounts. Transportation, accommodations, meals and park entry fees are not included. Give us a call and we can help you arrange lodging and carpools.


Workshop Itineraries are subject to change depending on class size and weather conditions. Additional workshops will be added to the current schedule periodically. Check our website to stay informed.


Registration:
$100.00 deposit is required to hold a spot in the workshop. To reserve your space in a workshop, you can call us with your credit card information... or by mail with a check or money order. We cannot hold a space in a workshop without a deposit. The balance is due prior to the start of the workshop. Prior to all workshops, you must sign a release form and turn it in prior to the workshop. You may find a downloadable one here to print out and bring along to the workshop.


Transfer and Refund Policy:
If for any reason you need to cancel, please notify us at least 30 days before the start of the workshop. At that time, we will refund your deposit, less a $25.00 cancellation fee. If notification of cancellation is made less than 30 days before the start of the workshop, there are no refunds. However, the full deposit may be transferred to a future workshop. In the event a workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all deposits are fully refunded, or may be transferred to a future workshop.


Private Instruction Available:
$500 full day/$300 half day

Frequently Asked Questions

Here's some general information about our monthly Photography Workshop with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Where are these classes held, anyway?

Most of the workshops are held outdoors at some of my favorite shooting locations. We'd probably be right here anyway, even if there wasn't a class! Timing is critical. We'll be at each location at its peak time of year. Please note that the Death Valley session is not scheduled in August!

Do I need to have lots of photographic experience?

No! Your experience is not nearly as important as your enthusiasm for getting great shots. We can get you up-to-speed on the basic fundamentals pretty quickly. All topics covered will pertain to either digital or film cameras. And, typically the discussions and demonstrations will be centered on the basics and fundamentals of good photographic technique: composition, exposure, lens selection, filtration, flash-fill, the use of reflectors, understanding depth-of-field, and metering. In addition to these universal subjects, we'll also incorporate the techniques unique to digital: white balance, file size, RAW vs. JPEG, long exposures and noise levels as well as Photoshop and preparing your files for printing. And with the before-and-after demonstrations that we do with slide shows and digital cameras, you'll learn much faster.

What about all that technical stuff? It always confuses me!

Me too. And, it can really be mind-boggling, especially if you get side-tracked on some of the really complex issues. We cut-to-the-chase on these topics and show you only what's critical. As a studio owner, I've had to deal with most of these problems. That's why I love shooting the nature and landscape stuff. It's more of an artistic release than a technical exercise. And, you can impress your friends and neighbors with all your great shots!

I can’t get away from work to attend all the days of the workshop. What happens if I only stay for a day or two?

No problem. This happens a lot, and it’s not a problem. I’d recommend that if you can make it for only one day of the week-end class---go on Saturday. We start off with the basics, early in the morning, and by noon a lot of the principles have been explained, and most of the confusion is gone. Since you pay only for the days that you attend, you can always come back for a refresher course, at a different location.

I know I’ll have lots of questions, and need some things explained a couple times. Will there be enough time for all this?

Yes. That’s why we keep the group sizes small. This allows for lots of one-on-one instruction. Our average class size is less than 10, so we can accommodate students with varying degrees of photographic knowledge. The experience level of the students varies, and actually makes things more interesting.

My camera’s not all that great. And I’m not quite familiar with all the features.

In fact you may not even own a camera, yet. No problem. There’s probably a good camera store nearby that can rent you a camera system for the class. It will give you a chance to practice with a top-notch system before you buy. And a lot of what we cover at the workshops are basic fundamentals. So, even if the camera you do have is not a top of the line model, you’ll still be able to apply all the new information. Some of the newer digital point and shoots models are VERY sophisticated...even though they look very simple. Typically, most everyone shoots with 35mm DSLR’s. But, I’m comfortable with both medium and large- format systems, so bring whatever you’re familiar with. Make sure your camera has full Manual settings, so you can have control of Shutter Speeds, and Aperture. It’s also a good idea to bring along the instruction manual and extra batteries.

Why should I buy a bunch of filters and accessories that may never get used again? Or, what if we find out that we should have gotten some better gear?

You really don’t need to get a lot of accessories for the class. Some of our sponsors have provided us with loaner gear for the students. We've got a supply of Manfrotto tripods, Lee filters and Westcott reflectors and other things for you to try before you buy! Just let us know what you'll need, so we can bring it along.

How do I get there, and where will we stay?

We’ll fax or email you some pretty detailed directions. Also a list of nearby motels and campgrounds. If you’re interested in sharing a ride with another student, let us know. We’d like to have everyone staying relatively close together. That way we can stay in touch in case there’s a change in the itinerary due to weather. This also makes for easier caravaning, if we’re driving anywhere.

Who’s this Don guy, anyway?

I’m one of the fortunate ones who love what they do for a living. Photography has been my only profession, and we’ve operated a commercial studio since the mid 70’s. My assignments have ranged from major corporate annual reports, thru studio table-top shooting and location industrial sessions. We’ve also continued to photograph weddings, portraits, copy and restoration, and custom matting and framing for our line of landscape and nature photographs. And, just to fill in any spare time, I’m also teaching nights at a local photography center.

Am I too young, or too old?

Probably. But it won’t matter for the workshops! We’re not doing any ridiculously strenuous hiking, or climbing. And just getting up before sunrise is enough exertion for most folks. We have a pretty varied age group, and it never has been a problem. We’ve all got the same common love of the outdoors and photography.

I can’t make it to any of the Workshops listed on your schedule? How can I find out about next year?

Give us a call, and we’ll add you to the mailing list, or you can check our Website for any updates at http://www.photographybydon.com/.

How much memory/film should I bring?

Digital: Memory Card capacity varies, but you'll want to have enough storage to cover at least a day's worth of shooting. With today's cameras using more memory, especially when shooting in the RAW mode, you'll want to have enough memory on hand to keep shooting. We'd recommend at least 4GB of memory. If you have a laptop to bring to the workshop, you can download your images after each shooting session and/or burn CD's/DVD's to back the data up. No laptop? Delkin's provided their Burn Away (burn directly from your camera's memory card to either CD's or DVD's) to use.

Film: On a typical day, 3 or 4 rolls. But, sometimes, with great light and exceptional scenery, you'll shoot more. Bring extra. There's nothing worse than running out of film right when the conditions are perfect.

What film is the best for outdoor shooting?

As far as what specific type of film to use, the universal favorite for nature and landscape is Fuji's Velvia. Originally an ISO 50 speed transparency film, with enhanced color saturation, the latest, Fujichrome Velvia 100, carries on the tradition of vivid color and intense saturation of Fujichrome Velvia 50. New Velvia 100 is ideal in any application where Fujichrome Velvia 50 has been used, however, several new features and improvements will expand the applications.. And if you're still trying to hone your metering and exposure technique, a transparency film is what you need. Don't let the slow speeds fool you. Most everything we shoot will be on a tripod, and it's just not a problem. So, whether you'd like to try the 100 speed Velvia, or stick with the 50 speed, Fuji's got you covered. Due to the demand, Fuji is bringing back the Velvia 50 as well, so it will be your choice.

How do I sign-up? This sounds pretty cool.

The best way is to call us at the studio, (626) 444-8008. We can hold your spot, and answer any questions.

What happens if I pay, and at the last minute have to cancel?

If you let us know at least 30 days in advance, we’ll issue a refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. Less than 30 days, we will apply the full amount to another workshop of your choice.

What about meals?

We normally provide coffee and donuts in the morning. We always take an extended break, and sometimes eat lunch together. We like to host a hamburger and hot dog barbeque on one of the days. Occasionally the group gets together for dinner. But after a long day, most everyone is ready to hit the sack early.