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Workshop Overview
Get ready for a great photo tour held in the beautiful Southeast Texas Panhandle. The focus of this tour will be the western culture that is still alive and well in the big ranch country of Texas.
For participants who arrive early enough on Friday, I'll provide a slide show/orientation on what to expect for the weekend as well as immerse you in the natural and cultural history of the area.
On Saturday morning, we'll travel just a short distance from Childress to photograph a real cattle drive. Once the cattle are in the pens, we'll shoot pictures of cowboys roping, branding, and working the cattle.
After a lunch break, we'll meet again for a authentic western dinner and a portrait session with the cowboys and their kids that evening. At the portrait session, the cowboys will be in their full trappings and so will their kids!
For those who are willing, once it gets dark, we'll travel another short distance to shoot some great nighttime landscapes using moonlight and artificial light to creative some incredible images.
Finally, on Sunday morning, we'll travel to the vast Caprock Escarpment to shoot images as the sun spills over the Texas High Plains Canyonlands. We'll travel to Caprock Canyons State Park and get an intimate look at an area that is rich in historic and natural treasures.
Equipment to Bring
A couple of cameras with a generous amount of memory cards are recommended. Lens selection should range from wide angles (20mm or wider) to short telephotos in the 200mm range. Since portraiture is a main theme of the workshop, an 85mm lens would be a good selection as well. For night photography, a shutter release cord and a tripod are a must. You may want to bring a graduated neutral density filter as well.
In addition, a laptop computer or other means of backup is recommended and since this is dusty country, a blower brush or some other means of cleaning equipment is recommended.
Clothes to Bring
Jeans, cotton shirt and a light jacket are recommended on both days. Boots are fine the first day but hiking shoes are recommended for Sunday morning. A light jacket is recommended as well.
Weather
The weather in the southeast Texas Panhandle is notoriously fickle in May. Most of the time, the weather during May is pleasant with highs in the 70's to low 80's with light winds and the lows in the 50's. However, thunderstorm and tornadic events can and do occur as well as a late season cold fronts. In the interest of everyone having a great experience, I reserve the right to cancel the workshop the week of the event. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
Trip Size
Minimum of five and a maximum of eight people.
Cost
The cost of this photo tour is $400 per person.
What you Get for the Fee
The fee for the workshop includes access to the event, in-field instruction, lunch on Saturday and dinner on Saturday night, and park access on Sunday morning. The fee does not include lodging, transportation to Childress or to the shoot locations. Please be aware, though, that I will shoot pictures as well but will be glad to offer any advice or help that I can.
What you can Expect to Learn
Aside from learning about a dynamic part of Texas, you'll also learn about techniques for working with non-professional models, environmental portraiture, action photography, landscape photography, and night photography. While this tour is designed for people familiar with photography, beginners are invited as well.
Deposit
To hold your spot, a $200 deposit is required no later than 14 days prior to the event with the remainder being paid one week before the event or upon arrival. Payments can be made by check or money order or via PayPal. For PayPal users, please use the e-mail address, russell@russellgraves.com
Cancellation Policy
If I cancel the tour for any reason, you'll receive a full refund. If you need to cancel, the following policies apply:
14 days prior to the event - Full refund
3 - 13 days prior to the event - 1/2 the deposit
With 2 days - the deposit is forfeited.
Lodging Options
Childress has the following lodging options:
Quality Inn
Best Western
Days Inn
Super 8
Hampton Inn
Econo Lodge
City of Childress RV Park
Comfort Inn
What Others Say
"My husband, Randy and I took Russell Graves up on his offer to host us in his neck of the woods for a photo shoot over the weekend. We both had a wonderful time and learned a lot. Russell and his wonderful family were very gracious hosts and made us feel welcome and “at home” from the first minute. We were treated to some tremendous opportunities for all kinds of photography - wildlife, landscapes, macro and more. When we were on the way to some of Russell’s favorite spots, he did a lot of teaching - one of the things he does best. We were busy trying to soak up all the lessons about not only photography but also the area where Russell calls home. "
Patti Edens
Missouri City, Texas
“When I think of the good people I’ve encountered in my life I have to count Russell and family at the top of the list. Besides being a knowledgeable and talented photographer Russell is a genuine and caring person. Although my visit was brief with Russell, he has continues to be a source of inspiration and someone I can turn to for answers. Russell is what I like to term a “good ‘ole boy” but I mean this is the nicest way possible, he is down to earth, honest and friendly willing to help anyone at the drop of a hat. Anyone that’s has the opportunity to work side by side with Russell will walk away with a better understanding of photography, animals and the land."
Laurie Snidow
Cedar Hill, Texas
"Russell Graves comes from a background of rural life and he is a professional instructor. He has the rare ability to cover all the basics, and let you move at your own pace, without ever being condescending to the student. His passion for wildlife photography is evident from the moment that you exchange that first signature firm "Texas-style" handshake. It was my kind of class; completely hands-on, learn by doing, ask questions if you need more guidance. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about this style of photography."
Kent Sparkman
Slaton, Texas
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