There are no greater landscape views anywhere in the eastern US than those found in the Adirondack High Peaks in late September when fall colors are at their best. A combination of lakes, streams, and tumultuous waterways lying at the foot of rugged Adirondack mountains offers an endless array of dramatic landscapes. Autumn colors first reach their peak in the Heart Lake area near Lake Placid, where the northern hardwood forests of maple, birch, and beech gradually mix with higher elevation boreal forests of spruce and fir. Occasional early snow and rime ice can dust the summits with a white frosting while the valleys are tinged with red, yellow, and gold. The extraordinary diversity of this wild mountain landscape is simply incomparable.
During the workshop we will cover most all aspects of mountain landscape and nature photography, including wide angle, macro, telephoto, and panoramic photography, and will discuss various creative techniques and digital workflow - from RAW shooting techniques and HDR enhancement to cataloging and processing image files. The low student to instructor ratio will allow more time for interaction with each student so Carl can better address individual questions and concerns.
The numerous photo options found within a 20 mile radius, range from wonderful mountaintop panoramas to spectacular mountain vistas at the edge of crystal clear ponds and rivers. While most of the photo destinations are along nearby lakes and waterways and are fairly close to where we park, a couple of photo locations will require hiking up mountain trails.
Photographer, Carl Heilman, has been photographing the Adirondack High Peaks since the mid 1970's. He has been working with digital image files since 1997, and digital SLR cameras since 2007. Join Carl for an intensive 4 day nature photography workshop, working to photograph some of the best mountain landscapes within a half hour drive of Lake Placid, NY. Experiment with various techniques and equipment, and enjoy interacting with fellow participants through critique sessions, informal discussions, and photo shoots. While the workshop is for photographers of all levels you can learn much more if you have an understanding of basic camera techniques.
Adirondack High Peaks Fall Photography Workshop Agenda
Sunday
- 6 - 9 PM - Introduction, get acquainted, show n' tell, AV program
Monday, Tuesday
- pre-dawn and morning photo shoot / discussion / photo critique / Q and A
- 11 AM - 1 PM - lunch break
- afternoon / evening / sunset - discussion / field photography
Wednesday
- pre-dawn to 10 AM photo shoot
- 10 AM - 12 PM - Wrap-up / photo critique / discussion / Q and A
- 12 PM - Workshop Ends
Note - Morning start time and evening ending time in the evening will be determined by the weather conditions and the sunrise / sunset times during the workshop.
I've had a few days to reflect on the workshop and wanted to mention again what a good experience it was. When I look at the photos I took it is obvious the combination of technical and artistic insight helped me do some things I had never done. I also know better why some things worked and some didn't. I believe I got what I was seeking - an increase of my skill level by a notch.
Tom Carangelo
This workshop is rated MODERATE - most of the photography will be close to the road, but at least a couple of the locations will require walking over moderately steep rough or rocky terrain, with hikes up to 2 miles in one direction and an elevation gain of up to 800 feet. Please be prepared with proper gear for hiking. We will carpool as needed to photo locations.
A maximum of 10 participants, allows plenty of opportunities for individual interaction during and between the photo shoots .
The workshop fee includes all instruction and handouts - but does not include lodging or meals.
The daily schedule will depend on the weather conditions each day, but will include a morning shoot, plus time for discussion, Q and A, and image critique, and then an afternoon / evening shoot. Lunch will be the main meal of the day. Both breakfast and dinner should be portable meals since we will most likely be in the field both morning and evening.
We look forward to photographing with and working with you in the Adirondack High Peaks.
Please contact us with any questions!
