 
Free Raptor Show Times
Friday, April 8 - Noon, 3 p.m.
Sat., April 9 – 10 a.m., Noon, 3:30 p.m.
Sun., April 10 – 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
Special Thanks to
Tri-colored Heron Sponsors |
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2010 Photo Fest Field Trips and Workshops
General Information
FeatherFest is pleased to present a new, dynamic track of photography field trips and workshops led by four award-winning nature photographers. This track is open to individuals looking for programs led by professional instructors. A list of suggested equipment is included with field trip descriptions to help participants come prepared and gain the most benefit.
Location: Workshops will be presented on the second floor of the Old Galveston Square building, 2221 The Strand, in downtown Galveston, or in other rooms close by.
Event Descriptions: Field trip and workshop descriptions are presented below in alphabetical order.
In general, Photo Fest 2010 planners reserve the right to cancel any activity or substitute qualified presenters when necessary. If we cancel an event for any reason we will offer alternatives where practical.
Further Information: Contact Kathy Adams Clark via phone at 281.367.2042 or email at kathyadamsclark@comcast.net; or Debbie Ferrell at 832.381.6037 or Debbie@photomigrations.com.
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Workshop:
Basic Bird Photography
Price: $25
Date: Friday, April 9
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Birds have enchanted people since the beginning of time. Bird photography has become a new way to continue the enjoyment of these lovely creatures. This program covers the basic equipment necessary to photograph birds, camera modes, suggested settings, flash, stopping action, getting close, and working a subject. Video capture with D-SLR will also be discussed. Digital SLR cameras will be emphasized but all cameras can be discussed. Please bring camera, flash, camera manual and flash manual to class.
Note: This class continues the information taught in Review of Photography Basics on Thursday.
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Kathy Adams Clark
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Workshop:
Basic Nature Photography
Price: $25
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Debbie Ferrell
This course will teach photographers the basics of nature photography beginning with exposure, composition, equipment and camera settings. We will also discuss which digital formats to use such as jpeg or camera raw. The course will offer information for both SLR (digital or film) as well as for those using cameras with non-interchangeable lenses. Instructor recommends reading your camera manual prior to class and bringing it with you for reference.
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Workshop:
Birds in Flight
Price: $25
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Larry Ditto
After this class, you will wonder why you waited so long to start photographing birds on the wing! Flight photography can be made easier if you do the following: (1) Select the right digital camera and auto focus telephoto lens; (2) Learn the right settings to take full advantage of the technology at your fingertips; (3) Learn what it takes to make a good flight photo (best shutter speeds, ISO settings, f-stop recommendations, and more); (4) Learn more about where to go and when to be there; and (5) Know about other equipment that can make you even better at flight photography. Time permitting, a few tricks of the trade in flight photography will be discussed.
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Larry Ditto
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Field Trip:
Bolivar Ferry Landing, Jetty and Flats
Price: $50
Date: Friday, April 9 /Saturday, April 10
Time: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Saturday Photo Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
The tip of the Bolivar Peninsula offers a wide variety of photographic opportunities. These trips begin with sunrise across the Houston Ship Channel and photographing birds around the ferry landing. The trip then moves to the North Jetty for an opportunity to photograph American Avocets and other wading birds. Finally, the group will photograph birds in flight along the shoreline at Bolivar Flats.
Suggested Equipment: Digital SLR camera with a 300mm lens or greater. Smaller digital cameras with a 10x or 12x zoom will be adequate. Tripod. Small or moderate camera bag to keep equipment organized in the vehicle. Sturdy walking shoes for the jetty. Snacks and water.
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Kathy Adams Clark
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Welcome to FeatherFest Social Plus Evening Workshop:
Did Anyone Bring A Camera?
Price: No Charge!
Date: Thursday, April 8
Social Time: 5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Workshop Time: 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Expert Presenter: Larry Ditto
Don’t miss this free Welcome to FeatherFest social and evening workshop! Digital cameras have expanded our capabilities both as birders and bird photographers. Join Photo Fest Expert Presenter Larry Ditto for a look at how modern photography equipment can help you keep memories alive and tell the story to those who couldn't be there.
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Larry Ditto
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Field Trip:
East Beach for Flying Birds
Price: $50
Dates: Friday, April 9 /
Saturday, April 10
Times: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. /
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday Photo Experts: Sean Fitzgerald, Debbie Ferrell
Saturday Photo Experts: Larry Ditto, Debbie Ferrell
East Beach is a small spit of land with shoreline and gentle surf on one side and tidal marsh on the other. Brown Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, the many different herons and egrets, laughing gulls and other birds fly overhead as they move through the area. This event will concentrate on capturing images of birds in flight but won’t pass up a great opportunity to photograph a Tri-colored Heron or Reddish Egret feeding in the marsh.
Suggested Equipment: Digital SLR with a 300mm or greater lens. Smaller digital cameras with a 10x or 12x will be adequate. Other equipment including a tripod, flash, and 1.4x or 2x extender will enhance your experience. Bring a small to mid-sized camera bag to carry your equipment in the vehicle, plus snacks and water. Minimal walking required.
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Sean Fitzgerald
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Sean Fitzgerald
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Field Trip:
Galveston at Night – Painting with Light
Price: $35
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Historic Galveston around The Strand has a lot of wonderful old buildings. This workshop begins with a brief explanation of light painting as the sun goes down. Once night falls, participants will begin photographing area buildings in the dark and accentuating details with flashlights and flashes. Expect the unexpected on this trip!
Suggested Equipment: Digital SLR camera with a wide angle lens. Smaller digital cameras that can be operated in the manual or aperture priority mode are acceptable. Tripod, flash, camera manual, flash manual, a flashlight or two, extra batteries for camera and flash. Small camera bag that will hold equipment. Sturdy walking shoes. Expect to cover several blocks during the evening and cover rough terrain. Bring some water and snacks.
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Workshop:
High-Dynamic Range and Panoramic Photography
Price: $25
Date: Friday, April 9
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Interesting photos happen when you combine several images into a composite that captures all the dynamic range the human eye can see. Grand landscapes come to life when you combine 15 or 20 images into a panoramic photo. Come learn the techniques needed to capture high- dynamic range (HDR) and panorama photos, what equipment is needed, and how to process the images. No need to bring camera to class. All camera types welcome.
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Field Trip:
High Island Photo Blind
Limited to five people per session.
Transportation is on your own.
Photo Blind Trip Price: $50
Photo Blind/Rookery Sunset Shoot Combination Price: $75
Dates: Friday, April 9 / Saturday, April 10
Meet at Blind: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday Photo Experts: Debbie Ferrell, Larry Ditto
Saturday Photo Experts: Sean Fitzgerald, Kathy Adams Clark
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Kathy Adams Clark
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The High Island photo blind is well known as one of THE best places on the Upper Texas Coast to capture stunning photographs of neo-tropical migrants. Six ports look out on two small pools of water. Birds drop in for a drink or a bath throughout the day. Species of birds will vary and the photo opportunities are always incredible, especially during spring migration. A professional photographer will be in the blind to assist with questions and offer suggestions.
…and Stay for Rookery Option – Field Trip Add-on
Why not do it all while you’re there? Combine the 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Photo Blind trip with the Rookery Sunset Shoot and join that group from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Suggested Equipment: Digital SLR camera with a 300mm or greater lens, extension tubes might be necessary for close focusing, 1.4x or 2.0x extender for added magnification, off-camera flash via a bracket or small light stand, camera manual, flash manual, extra flash batteries, mosquito repellant, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, snacks/lunch, water.
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Field Trip:
High Island Rookery Sunset Shoot
Price: $50
Dates: Friday, April 9 / Saturday, April 10
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday Photo Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Saturday Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
The Rookery at High Island is the nesting location for hundreds of Great Egrets and Roseate Spoonbills. Several other species nest around the edges of the rookery. This trip offers an opportunity to photograph colonial nesting birds, nest building, young in the nest, and birds in flight. Occasionally, nature offers a startling display like an alligator grabbing a young bird. The action is varied and never stops!
Suggested Equipment: Digital SLR with a 300mm or greater lens. Smaller digital cameras with a 10x or 12x will be adequate. Other equipment including a tripod, flash, and 1.4x or 2x extender will enhance your experience. Bring a small to mid-sized camera bag to carry your equipment when away from the vehicle plus snacks and water. Some stairs and moderately rough terrain.
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Workshop:
Prepare and Process Photos for the Web
Price: $25
Dates: Saturday, April 10
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday Photo Expert: Debbie Ferrell
This program is designed to teach photographers of all levels the basics to preparing their images for the web. In this new digital age, half the battle is capturing the image properly in the field. The second half is being adept with your processing skills so that the images we strive for in the field get the recognition they deserve once they are published on the Web. We will be using Photoshop CS3 or later and Photoshop Bridge as our software, with most processing done in Bridge.
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Workshop:
Review of Photography Basics
Price: $10
Date: Thursday, April 8
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
“Sometimes my pictures work and sometimes they don’t!” That’s a common complaint that indicates it’s time to review the basics of photography. This program will cover light meters, the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, camera modes, lenses, flash, stopping action, ISO, white balance and resolution. Digital SLR cameras will be emphasized but all cameras operate with the same principles so owners of the smallest camera can benefit from this class. Please bring camera, flash, camera manual and flash manual to class.
Note: Further discussion of these topics will be included in Basic Birding Photography.
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Workshop:
Simple Tips for Better Images
Price: $25
Date: Friday, April 9
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Nature photographers can take great photos by learning "the rules," but the images tend to look alike at the end of the day. Learn how to get out of your rut, find your own vision, and do what it takes to give your images that something "extra" that sets them apart from the norm!
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Kathy Adams Clark
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Field Trip:
The Strand at Night – Twilight, High-Dynamic Range and Panoramic
Price: $35
Date: Friday, April 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Photo Fest Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
The Stand area of Galveston is charming during the day but at night it takes on a different appearance. This trip includes capturing images of buildings and people as the sun goes down, then moves to photographing under the twilight sky, playing with light through HDR photography, and capturing images that can be blended into a panoramic photograph.
Suggested Equipment: Digital SLR camera with a wide angle lens. Smaller digital cameras that can be operated in the manual or aperture priority mode are acceptable. Tripod, flash, camera manual, flash manual, extra batteries for camera and flash. Small camera bag that will hold equipment. Sturdy walking shoes. Expect to cover several blocks during the evening. Water and snacks.
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For Further Information
Email: NatureTourismGalv@juno.com
Phone: 409.392.0841 or 1.888.425.4753
Fax: 409.737.2264
Mail: Galveston FeatherFest, P.O. Box 1468
Galveston, TX 77553-1468
FeatherFest is a project of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council which supports eco-tourism and education, and promotes the value of area natural habitats.
www.GalvestonNatureTourism.org
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