LENS WORKSHOP

31st October - 4th November 2016

SPRING

5 inspiring days to explore & develop your photographY

This autumn treat yourself to a week away at the Lens workshop in the spectacular Blue Mountains.

Less than two hours from Sydney discover a vast wilderness of sandstone plateaus, lush rainforests and tumbling creeks. Wildlife abounds in this tranquil mountain paradise. Breathe in the fresh air and be inspired by the many moods of this inimitable landscape.

The Lens workshop is devoted to mastering your camera, exploring your photographic process and discovering the art behind the craft of photography. We make sure you learn how to use your camera effectively. We study and explore photographic composition, so that you can learn to take better photographs. We work on your post processing skills. Enjoy Len’s gentle, supportive teaching style as you participate in lessons and shoots designed to nurture and develop your photographic potential. You will receive valuable feedback on your photographs from your group in daily critique sessions. These insights help you take your photography to new heights of excellence. We print your work so that you can take home your finished results to hang on your wall.

NB: This workshop includes day workshops but not accommodation, so you are free to choose accommodation that meets your needs and budget. Read on for more information on local options. If you would prefer a small boutique tour with accommodation included, please consider Len’s Blue Mountains Photography Tour.

DATES

31st October to 4th November 2016

LOCATION

Len's School Studio

1/55 Waratah Street, Katoomba NSW 2780

PREREQUISITES

To join this workshop Len asks that you have basic camera handling, operations and processing skills. This means you can take photographs, download them to your computer and do some basic editing, such as changing the exposure and cropping. If you’re not sure if that’s you, please contact Len.

If you are a complete beginner and would like to participate in one of Len’s Blue Mountains tours you might like to consider his Blue Mountains Photography Tour.

GETTING THERE

By Car

Approximately 1.5 hours from Sydney, head west on the Great Western Highway.

By Train

From Sydney, take the train to Katoomba. Our studio and many suitable accommodation venues are all walking distance from the railway station. While you are here you will be driven around and will not need a vehicle.

By Plane

Fly into Sydney, Kingsford Smith Airport and catch the train via central to Katoomba

ACCOMMODATION

There are many varied accommodation venues in Katoomba, from caravan parks and camp grounds, through back packers, and B&B's to amazing exclusive hotels. All within a short walking distance from our Waratah Street Studio. Here are some convenient suggestions to suit any budget.

CLOSEST ACCOMMODATION (within easy walking distance - maximum five minutes walk):

ACCOMMODATION A LITTLE FURTHER (moderate walking distance 10 - 20 minutes)

If you would like more advice about accommodation, please contact Len for a personal recommendation.

Topics covered

Camera handling & supports
Aiming towards perfect exposure
Post processing - Lightroom & processing plug ins
Printing your photographs
Practical exercises
What is fine art photography, and how you create it
Workflows
Practical exercises / shoot
Six basic compositions you must know
Depth and atmospheric perspective
Principles of post processing
Daily photographic excursion / shoots
Practical exercises to be completed during day
Advice and rules for photography (our own lessons)
Critique of weeks work
Review of week

Daily PROGRAM

Sunrise shoot - personal photographic shoot

8.30 am breakfast (not included)

9.30 am - Download and process previous shoots

10.30 morning tea (included)

11.00 am - 12 pm - Group critique of work

12 pm - 12.30 pm presentation

12.30 - 1.30 lunch (included)

1.30 - 3.00 afternoon session

3.00 afternoon tea (included)

3.30 - 5.30 dinner break

5.30 to dusk - evening group sunset shoot

WALKING AND WEATHER

This is a gentle workshop, which requires a low level of fitness. There will be a small amount of walking to and from shooting locations, occasionally on uneven surfaces. If you have any doubts about your ability, please contact Len directly. He is a qualified wilderness guide and will assess your fitness and mobility and find a solution for you.

Autumn temperatures in the Blue Mountains generally range from 10ºC-20ºC. The mornings are usually brisk, warming through the day with crisp cool evenings. Err on the safe side and come prepared for wind, rain and chilly temperatures.

When you book you will receive a detailed packing list to help you plan for the workshop.

Lochley's Pylon and Mount Banks on a typical sunrise Photography © Copyright Len Metcalf 2016

POSSIBLE LOCATIONS AND SHOOTS

Tumbling waterfalls and cascading creeks
Lush rainforests
Wind blown scrub
Colourful sandstone escarpments
Green moss covered canyons

MEALS

All of your tasty home cooked morning teas, afternoon teas and lunches are provided by Carolyn Abbott. We can cater to dietary needs such as gluten free and vegetarian, please let us know in advance.

Breakfasts and dinners are not included in the workshop and can be enjoyed at your accommodation or at one of the many cafes, restaurants, and pubs in and around Hawks Nest.

On the Thursday evening in the workshop we usually all go out for dinner together and enjoy a glass of wine and a lovely meal together.

TRANSPORT

Participants are requested to provide their own transport from their accommodation to the workshop located in Katoomba. Courtesy transport is provided from our classroom to all daytime shooting locations.

WHAT TO BRING

There are a few things you will need to get the most out of the week:

Camera equipment
Tripod
Laptop with image processing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One etc)
Wet weather clothing
Clothing for cold temperatures
Sturdy footwear
Day pack/camera pack

Len Metcalf is a qualified and experienced trekking guide with 30 years of experience guiding groups to remote destinations. He knows what you need to keep yourself comfortable in the harshest environments on earth. Click here to see his packing list.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

All lunches and one dinner
Morning and afternoon tea
Free access to Len’s School forum and notes
Courtesy transport from Workshop Centre to shooting locations
Qualified, experienced wilderness guide, Len Metcalf
One-on-one instruction and guidance from fine art photographer and veteran educator Len Metcalf (see his bio here)
Len’s unique and gentle teaching style, which supports you and helps you develop as an artist.
Gain valuable insights into computer processing software that will make your photos sing
Plenty of time to shoot at each location
Calm, relaxing atmosphere, encouraging engagement and connection with the landscape
Suitable for all levels from absolute beginners to professionals
A positive environment, which encourages group learning, advice-sharing and support

NOT INCLUDED

Accommodation
Breakfasts and evening meals
Photographic equipment (cameras, lenses, tripods etc.)
Weather-specific clothing
Travel insurance. Click here for more information.

TESTIMONIALS

“ I wanted to thank you for an absolutely fabulous Workshop.

Great workshop leader, great group of people. It was such a pleasure to shoot alongside photographers who were willing to share information, skills, ideas, tips and tricks - and even shooting spaces.

In many ways, it is the dynamics of the group that help make a workshop work so well - and I agree with Thea when she said the nicest of people always do Len’s workshops.

And for me, quite a number, not just one or two, of the building blocks fell into place. It all seems to be coming together and I am really happy with most of the shots that I captured. Roll on the next chunk of building blocks!”

— Pam Handyside

“I was attracted to the Creative Lens Workshop at Myall Lakes because it combined learning about composition and creativity with the opportunity to photograph stark and appealing landscapes (which I find challenging). I arrived at the workshop full of self-doubt about my ability to take good photos. But within a couple of days, with Len’s encouragement to allow my artistic desire and my love of blur and painterly images to take flight, my photos and confidence soared. I learned some valuable technical tips that changed the way I thought about photography and came home with some cracker landscape images that I’m keen to pursue. Thank you Len. On the other side of our experience, I have to also praise the fabulous support provided by Carolyn. Every day we were greeted with tantalising smells from kitchen which were matched by truly delicious and healthy meals at lunch and morning tea. Thank you Carolyn. A wonderful week. We’ll be back.”

— Jenny Fisher

“What can I say? Having attended three other photography tours in Morocco, Kerala and Venice, Len and Carolyn provided by far the best. Passionate, patient and approachable.
Len truly is the consummate teacher whose field happens to be photography. His ability to communicate the intricacies of what he considers an art form in an easy manner to his students is exemplary. No experience level is judged, no opposing view is rejected. Your opinion, style and views are nurtured and encouraged.
You not only feel you learn so much about your camera and photography, you come away from the experience having benefitted from contact with two outstanding human beings.
Thank you Len. Thank you Carolyn.”

— Bruce Allen

Click here to read more testimonials.

LENS WORKSHOP INVESTMENT

AUD1950

Deposit AUD500

Full payment is required eight weeks prior to the workshop commencing.

LINK TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS