Catch and Release Nature Photography Seminar

Title: Catch and Release Nature Photography Seminar

Location: Hope College, Holland, MI

Date: March 6, 2010

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Student Level: Intermediate

Class Description: In this intense all -day seminar participants will basic to advanced techniques for nature, landscape and outdoor photography. All lectures are accompanied by digital presentations that are fully illustrated with beautiful images and examples. Refreshments and a complete set of speaker notes are included. Subjects that will be covered are light, exposure, composition, equipment and digital work flow.

Instructor’s Name: John Dykstra and Ed Post

Instructor’s Bio: John’s love for photography and nature began when he was a child. That interest slowly developed into a passion to learn all that he could. John attended as many seminars, workshops and classes as possible and read anything that he could get my hands on about nature and photography. By practicing what he learned, John became a self-taught professional photographer. As he became more knowledgeable, developed his technique John started John Dykstra Photography, a portrait photography studio. He found that the best way for him to expand his photography knowledge was to join a local camera club, which he did some 40 years ago. That was a catalyst for where he is today. During his camera club years John found it a great help to rub shoulders with others that share the same interest he had. He is a past vice president and president of the then Woodland Photo Club and now the River City Camera Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During his years in camera club and SWMCCC (Southwest Michigan Council of Camera Clubs) competition he has won many awards and has been their top photographer.  John has been asked often to judge competitions and lead workshops, seminars, field trips and photo tours.

Ed Post got a jump start in photography when he attended a week long nature photography workshop in 1990.  He has always been a naturalist and birder, and photography was a natural adjunct to his outdoor interests.  Ed joined the Holland (Michigan) Camera Club to hone his skills and learn to critically evaluate his work. He served as the clubs president and frequently earned photographer of the year honors. Ed’s attention to the details and his gift to see compositions where no one else can has made him a desirable and frequent lecturer on nature and landscape photography. He has been asked often to judge competitions and lead workshops, seminars, field trips and photo tours. His work has been widely published and he has received honors and awards in contests and exhibitions.  Eventually, Ed expanded his love for photography into a commercial, photojournalism and fine arts photography business which, alas, is still secondary to his work at as state circuit court judge.

Approximately 15 years ago Ed and John crossed paths, an event that has forever changed their photography. They have become best friends as well as best “photo buddies.” They have learned much from each other. Twelve years ago they sponsored and lead their first workshop at Turkey Run State Park in Indiana. This workshop has been a popular annual event ever since. Each year Ed and John have a waiting list of interested photographers wanting to attend. Participants have come from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Ed and John have also sponsored and lead a Florida Bird Photography Tour to southern Florida.  Another annual event on their schedule is a one-day Nature Photography Seminar each year at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Last year they presented their one-day seminar to an enthusiastic group from the Wisconsin Area Camera Club Organization (WACCO).  They have also been presenters at the 2008 and 2009 PSA Conventions.  They are the developers and instructors for the popular “Birds of Prey” and “Wild Flower Field Workshop” photography session at the SWMCCC Summer School each year. Two years ago they contracted with The Outdoor Discovery Center of Holland, Michigan to lead a successful Southern Arizona Photography Tour.  John has also worked with the ODC leading an Olympic Peninsula Photography Tours in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Other possible photo tours that are still in the planning stage are an African Photography Safari, a New Zealand Photography Tour and an Alaska Photography Tour. Both Ed and John have put together sight/sound presentations that they share to eager audiences in many locations.   They don’t know where their passion for photography will lead but they are always ready for the next learning or teaching adventure.

Maximum Number of Participants: 75

Cost: $55.00 ($65.00 after Feb. 15, 2010 and at the door)

Lodging details: Can be provided if needed

If you have questions about this offering, please post them in the forum.

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