|
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, we'll have dinner in Matador, Texas and 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. For those who arrive early enough, we can spend a little time around town photographing some of the quaint rural scenes in Matador.
On Saturday morning, we'll explore some scenic areas of the Mott Creek Ranch and spend some time on wildflower and landscape photography techniques as well as spend some time at some sites of historic significance.
After a lunch break, we'll have some flex time in which participants can spend time with me or rest up for the evening's shoot. On Saturday evening, we'll meet again for dinner and a portrait session with the a cowboy and a special guest. At the portrait session, the cowboys will be in their full trappings as well as a professional storyteller in frontier period costume.
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 can spend some time at a game feeder in order to photograph turkeys and songbirds and spend more time shooting landscapes or flowers.
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 (for wildlife). 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 for landscapes.
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. Boots , hiking shoes, or some other kind of sturdy, close toed shoes are recommended.
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 $500 per person.
What you Get for the Fee
The fee for the workshop includes access to the event, in-field instruction, dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and dinner on Saturday night, and a Sunday morning breakfast. The fee does include bunkhouse style lodging on the ranch. The fee does not include transportation to the shoot locations. Please be aware, though, that I will shoot pictures along side everyone and 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, close-up 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
If you don't want to stay at the ranch and opt to provide your own lodging, Matador has a bed and breakfast called appropriately The Hotel Matador.
"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
|
