Preparing for the Sand Dunes

With just nine days before my Great Sand Dunes: Capture to Print workshop, I wanted to do a quick post to let you know how to prepare for our adventure. My last posts have been about WHERE we will be and WHAT we will be doing, so you probably have an idea of what you will be bringing. This post might have a couple of things you might haveoverlooked.

Different lenses will allow for different creative options. A wide angle lens in the 15mm to 28mm range will capture more of the classical compositions of the dunes while a telephoto lens would be useful if we happen to see some wildlife. If you have both and decide to bring them, remember that we will be doing some exploring away from our cars. 

The weather this time of year can change pretty quick and the winds can easily create blowing sand so having some sort of lens filter (i.e. an UV) is strongly recommended. Rain and snow can also be an issue so a good weather proof camera bag can help protect your gear if we get wet. Bringing a plastic bag is also a great idea to help protect your gear in both wind and wet conditions and can be easily stored in your camera bag. The temperatures can vary from the 30's to the 70's so dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable as the temperature changes. Wearing a hat and sun screen can help you save yourself the discomfort of sunburn. 

Water! Hydration will be very important, especially for those of you coming up from lower, more humid, elevations. It is easy to get dehydrated in the high desert climate, so be sure to drink water often and always have some with you. 

I am looking forward to our adventure together in the Great Sand Dunes and I hope that these tips have helped you pack your bags for the trip.

                                                                  © Richard Hebhardt

Capture to Print

I hope to see you in my NEXT WORKSHOP with Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. This workshop will be a "Capture to Print" workshop. We will spend time in BOTH the wonderful outdoors capturing stunning photographs AND in the state-of-the art digital labs at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops campus.

Taking our time we will explore the Great Sand Dunes for two and a half days, looking to capture the spirit (the emotions or essence) in stunning photographs. Using our cameras we wil explore the sand dunes for new, interesting, or even traditional compositions that will tell the story of nature.

With our memory cards and minds filled we will head to the state-of-the art digital labs. There we will take the photographs from the memory cards through the entire digital work flow process, from import to final prints. The whole process will be done on color calibrated monitors and printers that will ensure the final prints compare with the images that will still be fresh in our minds.

My goal is that by the end of the workshop you will have learned useful skills both in the field and in the digital darkroom. As well as had some fun, met some great people, and made some beautiful photographs. If you haven't yet, visit the workshop page HERE to sign up.

                                                                      © David Levy