4-Day Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop
Join us for a four-day workshop in the high desert of Eastern California, visiting exciting locations such as historical Bodie, Mono Lake, Convict Lake, Bristlecone Pine Forest, Sabrina Lake and the Alabama Hills.
This workshop is one of our most diverse. We will spend time shooting landscapes during the day, and the stars once it gets dark. The extreme contrast of the Eastern Sierra is a photographer's paradise from mountains and streams to the alien landscapes of the Alabama Hills. The Eastern Sierra mountain range runs almost 400 Miles in length, so the photographic possibilities are endless. We will begin in Mono Lake and Bodie exploring the north end of scenic highway 395. We will then take you south to explore the amazing areas around Bishop and Lone Pine.
Long before this area was a beacon for landscape photographers it was a hub for rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who knew of a grand landscape filled with endless possibility to explore, all under one of the state's most amazing views. Spend a few days with the Aperture Academy as we photograph some of the best this area has to offer!
Itinerary
Orientation - We will meet for a workshop orientation the evening before the workshop begins at 9pm. This will be a good chance for everyone to meet and get to know one another before our early start the next morning.
Day 1 - We will begin this workshop by photographing the sunrise over the surreal tufa formations of Mono Lake, one of the most recognizable and iconic locations for landscape photography in the Western United States. From Mono Lake, we will spend the afternoon photographing the ghost town of Bodie. In the late 1800s, the town of Bodie was a thriving outpost in the search for gold, and its more remote location aided its reputation for lawlessness and mayhem. The early 1900s saw a severe decline in population, and ultimately the town was abandoned. Now, thanks to preservation efforts from the State of California, the town is in a protected state of "arrested decay" and a true photographer's playground. You will have ample time to wander the area and capture a true piece of Americana!
Day 2 - We'll visit a few of the local lakes including Convict Lake and June lake and marvel at the views of the Sierra range from along the Owens River. In the evening we will visit and shoot the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest high above the Owens River Valley, photographing the world's oldest living things. The sunset will fade but that won't be the end to our photography. When the sky turns to night we'll capture some amazing night sky imagery with these iconic trees as a subject matter. If you've taken our Dark Side Class this is a perfect follow up course to really put those skills into practice. If you've never taken a night photography course, THIS is a tremendous opportunity to learn a new skill.
Day 3 - We'll spend some more time visiting a few of the local lakes including North Lake and Sabrina Lake. This area has numerous possibilities for capturing diverse and amazing images in one of California's best areas for landscape photography
Day 4 - On our last morning we will explore the other-worldly landscape of the Alabama Hills looking at the famous archways and perhaps the grandest vista of the Range of Light, highlighted by mighty Mt Whitney. This landscape feels unlike anything you have ever seen before! We will then drive back to the hotel and spend the final part of the workshop on the best practices and techniques to post-process your new images.
Lodging
Lodging from the nights of August 9th through the evening of August 12th is included in the August 2019 workshop. We will be staying in comfortable lodges close to the many diverse landscapes the Eastern Sierra Region has to offer.
For our first few evenings we will overnight at the Lake View Lodge in Lee Vining. The town of Lee Vining, which was originally named Lake View, is at the junction of Highway 395 and State Highway 120, overlooking majestic Mono Lake. This Lodge is centrally located in a region known as the "Gateway to Yosemite.” The lodge is situated among mature trees, expansive lawns and has many brightly colored flowers. There are restaurants, a grocery store, and more within walking distance from your room.
Our next few evenings will be at the Holiday Inn Express in Bishop. The town was named after Bishop Creek, which was named after Samuel Addison Bishop, a settler in the Owens Valley. This hotel has a heated pool, whirlpool and sauna, so feel free to bring a bathing suit and relax!
Meet Our Workshop Pro Instructors...
Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.
→ Mike Wardynski
Mike (Nature Mike) was born in Saginaw Michigan in 1984. Growing up in the countryside and taking many family camping trips at a young age, he developed a fondness for nature and a deep respect for the outdoors. His passion for nature eventually grew into wanderlust that sparked a desire to travel at an early age.
As a child, he was curious about photography and would often experiment with his parents Canon AE-1 35mm film SLR. After high school, Mike became very interested in video production. While going to school for broadcasting, his interest in still photography was revived at the same time that the digital revolution was coming of age.
In college, Mike started a multi-media company called DG Studios that specialized in video production as well as portraiture. The business created an arena for him to learn and grow in a real-world environment, but after graduation his desire to travel and see the west got the best of him.
In 2010 Mike moved to Yosemite National Park where he would live and work for the next 3 and a half years. He landed a job with the non-profit Yosemite Conservancy where he worked side by side with the National Park Service in Yosemite Valley. His new job gave him a unique opportunity to explore the Yosemite backcountry while conducting trail reports. Given his background in photography, Mike would lug around an extra ten pounds of camera gear into the wilderness to hone in his skills for fine art landscape photography.
Mike currently resides in Oakland California where he works as a professional photography instructor and tour guide. Yosemite still remains a place of passion and grounding for him, and if you travel there keep an eye out because you may find him amongst the mountains.
→ Scott Donschikowski
Scott Donschikowski is a professional photographer, speaker and instructor of photographic arts and digital darkroom techniques. He is a master of the digital workflow, is an Adobe Certified Expert and has taught and lectured all over California about the benefits of becoming proficient in the digital darkroom.
Scott is a versatile photographer, specializing in architecture, lifestyle and landscapes but also having completed work in weddings, editorials, events and product photography. He has worked extensively covering events for the City of San Jose and has contracted his work out to a number of local businesses providing them with his own unique style of photographic imagery.
A tech geek at heart, when Scott is not out taking pictures in his native California, he spends his time writing for numerous blogs, maintaining several websites, reviewing photography gear, and refining his digital darkroom craft. He is also an avid astrophotographer and when the available light runs out, he brings out his telescope and captures images of the heavens above.
Note: In the event a scheduled instructor for a particular workshop is unavailable, a replacement instructor will be scheduled.
While we make every effort, there is no guarantee that the assigned instructors for a scheduled workshop will be present.
What type of camera gear is recommended?
→ DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
A wide angle lens starting at 16-18mm. (If you have a crop sensor you need 16-18mm equivalency. If you’re unsure what this means please email us!)
A zoom lens that will allow you to zoom up to about 100mm. Longer than 100mm is fine too.
Be sure to bring your shutter release cord or intervalometer (Ideally a corded model that plugs in as remotes are notoriously problematic.)
A sturdy tripod that will allow you to adjust for horizontal as well as vertical compositions.
Extra Memory. Ideally you should have at least four memory cards of 16gb or greater.
Extra battery + your charger. Long exposure night photography will consume more power than you may be used to.
Filters. Optional but if you have them, bring them. A polarizer and graduated neutral density filter is a great tool to have along just in case.
Your laptop, and a good camera backpack. if you are bringing your laptop and would like to back-up your cards, be sure to bring a memory card reader and an external hard drive.
What other gear is recommended?
→ Flashlight/headlamp
Walking/hiking shoes. We will be walking across uneven surfaces to reach some locations, 1-2 miles total per day)
Snacks (we will have water and light snacks but something you prefer is a good idea as our meal times will be a little unusual given we’ll be out at night)
Sense of adventure!
Is this a tour or a workshop?
→ This is a workshop but it is best if you are familiar with the basic settings of your camera because you don't want to be figuring out basic exposure while the action is unfolding in front of you - that would probably not be the best situation for getting the "shot," nor for learning. However, our instructors will be available in the field with suggestions about exposure, composition and technique; but in general, its best to come with a working knowledge of your camera gear. Back at the hotel, we have options that are more of a workshop format where we focus specifically on Photoshop post-processing techniques to bring out the most in your images.
What type of clothing and shoes should I pack for the trip?
→ For travel in the Eastern Sieras, we recommend comfortable, casual clothing. Essentials include sneakers, shorts, long and short-sleeve lightweight shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, and a wind-breaker or light jacket for evenings. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and of course, your camera. :)
Because we are in the desert, and sun rays are direct, we strongly recommend sun block with SPF30 or higher.
Most walking will be over rocky, uneven surfaces. Therefore tennis shoes, sneakers or walking shoes with rubber soles are highly recommended.
What will the weather be like?
→ High temperatures average 65 degrees, and overnight temperatures average 32 degrees. There is a chance for both sunny and cloudy days which provides a nice mix of conditions.
Will there be Internet Access?
→ Yes. The hotels all have wifi access.
I plan on travelling alone. Do I need to bring someone?
→ No, you don't. However, tour price is based on double occupancy, so we will place you with other solo travelers of the same gender. Or, you may pay for a single supplement. (See the pricing tab)
What kind of luggage should I bring?
→ Because we have limited room in the van we recommend bringing one small soft-sided piece of luggage with your clothing and other items, and one bag for your camera gear.
Do you recommend trip insurance?
→ YES! We recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any non-refundable registration fees, travel, lodging, equipment rental or any other related expenses.
I've got a bunch of little questions. Who should I contact?
→ Always feel free to contact us at info@apertureacademy.com. We'll do our best to answer all your questions.
Workshop Price and Deposit
The workshop fee is $1,595. (Single Supplement: $700 )
Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:
- 100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater
- No refund within 150 days or less of the start date
- Seats are transferrable
What is/isn't included?
The workshop/tour price includes:
- Double occupancy lodging in Lee Vining and Bishop (4 nights)
- Transportation from our meeting location, to the other workshop locations, then back to our meeting location.
The workshop/tour price DOES NOT include:
- Transportation to/from our meeting location
- Food
- Alcoholic beverages
- Instructor gratuities
- Travel insurance
Photos and Comments From Past Customers
Behind the Scenes:
Lynn Said...
Wow, what a weekend! Got some great shots and got wet! Jean and Brian are great to work with, they are knowledgeable, patient and friendly. Looking forward to the next adventure with the Academy!!
If you are a visitor to this site and wondering if you should sign up for a workshop I'll quote Jean and say "it's all in there" for whatever you are looking to get out of workshop!
Rennis Said...
This was a great workshop! Not only did I get to go to several "must see" places but Brian & Scott were very helpful in improving my composition skills. All the workshop participants were a lot of fun and willing to share tips & secrets.
I highly recommend this workshop!
