Hello everyone!

It's time to start getting everything formulated for the workshop in regards to transportation, carpools, required gear, both photo and non-photo, and additional details.


TRANSPORTATION/CARPOOLS:
We will utilize carpools to move from the airport (in necessary) to Yosemite as well as within the park for certain locations. There is no need whatsoever to drive 11 vehicles for 11 people. To start the carpool discussion, as well as establish arrival times for everyone, I need everyone to please post a response here on the forum stating if you:

1) Are you flying or driving to Fresno/Yosemite?
2) If flying, what are your flight numbers and arrival/departure times?
3) If flying, can you be a carpool leader (rent the vehicle/collect money from everyone)?
4) If you are driving, are you coming in from the south (Hwy. 41) or the north (Hwy. 140 or Hwy. 120)?
5) If you are driving, can you be carpool leader?
6) If are willing to carpool, what type of vehicle do you have and how many can you seat?

Reminder, all those flying into Fresno or driving through Fresno, we will be meeting at the airport arrivals lobby at the Starbucks cart at 9:30am, leaving the airport at 10:00am, arriving in Yosemite Valley around Noon to 12:30p.

If you are flying into Fresno on Wednesday night instead of early Friday morning, directly across the street from the airport is a Holiday Inn and a Picadilly Hotel/Inn. It's a short walk (literally a few minutes) and are typically the hotels of choice by workshop participants.

If you are driving to the Yosemite Valley on either Highway 120 or Highway 140, please plan on meeting at the Curry Village Amphitheater at 1:00pm. The Amphiteater is located directly behind the lounge and registration buildings, across from the Food Pavilion.


REQUIRED PHOTO GEAR:

LENSES: While a full-range of focal-length lenses, from wide to medium-tele is sufficient for this workshop, I am not one to state that the workshop requires certain lenses or cameras in order to properly capture the scene. Lenses that start in the 17mm range on the wide side and top out at 200mm on the long side will do a fine job. Chances of seeing wildlife and needing a 300mm or longer lens? About 1-5%.

TRIPOD: A tripod is a must.

COMPUTER: A laptop if you choose to download and/or edit your photos, or a download device, or lots of cards.

FILTERS: One piece of equipment that is required is a neutral density (ND) filter of at least -6 stops. There are several options out there for ND filters, from varying density to gradated to the Vario-n-Duo. If you are new to ND filters, or only bring one, either a Fader ND or a straight -6 stop (not a gradated ND!) is a great starter. NOTE: I caution everyone to avoid Cokin ND filters as they produce horrible color casts. In fact, nearly all non-glass ND filters have this problem.

Please read the post above that details the different type of ND filters available, as well as understanding the numbering system that denotes the degree of ND

CAMERA BAG: In regards to carrying your camera equipment, I strongly recommend a small photo backpack, waistbelt and/or chest harness (such as those from ThinkTank) as, especially in regards to our day-long trip, it will be much easier to carry your gear in this manner than with a bulky camera bag. When packing and choosing your gear to bring, remember one thing: keep it simple and light! Plan on carrying at least two water bottles (see below) in that bag, as well as a sack lunch.

CAMERA PROTECTION: At the minimum, bring a plastic trash bag (with no holes) to wrap your camera in to protect it from waterfall spray on the Mist Trail IF you will not be carrying it in a photo bag or backpack that day.


REQUIRED NON-PHOTO GEAR:
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots/shoots (must be waterproof) with good traction
• Minimum of at least two (2) water bottles of 24-to-32 oz. capacity. (I am very strict on this requirement; as a matter of safety, anyone not carrying two of these bottles of water will not be permitted to join the group on the full day hike.)
• Secure padlock of either of the two varieties in the photo below, for use in securing the food locker outside each cabin. These lockers will be used to store all scented items, as well as provide a secure locked location for any other valuables you will have. They are securely anchored in concrete and can not be removed, even by a bear.



Normal locks are usable, by all means. But if security is a concern, I strongly would recommend one of the two locks shown above. Last time I checked at Home Depot, the price of the two secure locks shown above were around the same price as a pair of bolt cutters…


RECOMMENDED/SUGGESTED PHOTO & NON-PHOTO GEAR:
• Remote timer for your camera
• Polarizer filter
• Hiking/trekking poles
• Rain gear for your camera (if you opt to not go with the plastic trash bag option above)
• Layered clothing for cool mornings/evenings and warm days
• Alarm clock


CONCLUSION:

• Be sure to read the details above regarding the full-day, 9-mile downhill hike on Saturday. If you have any concerns about this, you can mail email privately.

• I will be monitoring the snow clearing process on Glacier Point Road that is currently under way. In the event that the road is not cleared and open by the start of the worship, an alternate itinerary for the Saturday hike is in place and ready to be implemented. The alternate route is shorter but more moderate than the full-day hike. I will provide updates as conditions warrant.

• Please remember to post your travel details to the above six questions here in the forum (simply reply to this post). If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

• Note: I will be traveling and will be out of country for the Ultimate Travel Workshop, from Easter Sunday all the way until Wed, May 25, the day before the workshop starts. I will have limited internet access during this time, so my replies might be delayed. Please be patient and you can expect a reply within 1-2 days.


Thanks everyone!

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

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