Are you ready for an educational photographic trip that takes you into glorious wooded locations and jaw-dropping coastal scenes, all in the slow, laid-back region of the Big Sur Coast, California?

Harking back to an era where time is irrelevant, there's no rush to things and just enjoying yourself is the number one priority, the Big Sur Workshop focuses (in a relaxed manner!) on the oft-forgotten yet well-known coastal region of California's Highway 1 through the dense redwood forests and along the coastal bluffs and beaches made famous both from stories of adventures in the 1960s and as Ansel Adams and Edward Weston's photographic stomping grounds.

And it hasn't changed one bit.


-----------------------------------------

Nikonians Academy Big Sur Workshop
Thursday, April 15 - Sunday, April 18, 2010
Instructor: Michael A. Mariant

DEADLINE TO SIGN-UP: MARCH 25, 2010

This forum is an opportunity for those interested in the workshop to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about the Big Sur workshop as well as for workshop participants to discuss planning, preparation and needs for the workshop!

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I asked a couple of last year's participants about the hotels for this workshop, but got mostly general answers: Stay close to the group, not a lot of choices, cabins were rustic, not 4-star but nonetheless somewhat expensive.

I poked around on the lodging websites this evening and am inclined to pick the Quality Inn in San Simeon (just because the chain hotels are fairly consistent and I kinda know what to expect) but I don't have a clue where you guys stayed in Big Sur last year... I don't suppose I'd mind sharing a cabin with two bedrooms, but otherwise would probably take a room by myself. Is there a "best choice" or "most frequently chosen" lodging at Big Sur? Where did everyone stay last year?

I'm still working all the numbers, but at this point I am inclined to drive rather than fly. If so, I could share the ride with a couple others, for shared expenses. I suppose I'd better get busy and sign up... Does this workshop "sell out" like an ANPAT does?

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Dan,

I will be posting a Big Sur Workshop FAQ soon that will discuss the hotel options for both in San Simeon and Big Sur. While there aren't many choices, the hotels listed will be all in close proximity to each other.

The workshop already has several participants signed-up, several quite recently. While it is difficult to gauge whether a workshop will sell-out, already this year I am seeing a faster pace of sign-ups with the travel/landscape workshops, pushing them to sell-outs quite quickly. As with all the workshops, it is better to sign-up sooner than later to avoid risking that last 'coveted' spot.

OK, I'm in... Now where is that FAQ? <laugh>


Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

I don't know if any of this is reasonable for this workshop, but...

1) I need to work on visualization of a black and white image, whether produced from black and white film or from conversion of an RGB digital image. It seems that I'm frequently "surprised" by the black and white result and I'd like to better know what I'm going to get.

2) I'd like to work on a small body of images from the workshop that others would see as a set of related photographs. I don't know that "photo essay" is exactly the right term (because I think that's more journalistic than what I have in mind), but that expression will do until something better comes along.

In this workshop, can you help me see in black and white, and steer me in the direction of a coherent photo essay (or insert a more correct term)?

If not, I'll just enjoy the location (I love the area...), the opportunity to be with other Nikonians and the chance to wear "the hat" again. <laugh>

Regards,
Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Dan,

Good questions!

For B&W visualization, I have a little piece of 'equipment' that I bring to the workshop that will solve all you problems. Sounds like a Miracle Tonic, eh? It is, and I will share it with you and anyone else interested. For perspective, this is what I use for all the visualization for my B&W landscape shooting on 4x5 film, where that pre-visualization is critical and necessary.

As for creating a body of work that carries a related theme, topic or over-riding message/story, we can certainly make that one of your goals for the workshop. While there is group instruction on the general themes of visualization, composition and structure, I work with everyone on a one-on-one basis to achieve and resolve their goals.

Is this where I can post questions about the Big Sur Workshop?

Peter

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Peter,

Yes, this is the forum thread for the Big Sur workshop. Please take the time to read the starter post as well as the questions and responses posted by the other participants here in this forum thread.

I am very interested in this class. I have never been to any photo trek before.. so kind of new to treks (and photography). What is the class size for this one?

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Hello and welcome!

All of my travel landscape workshops are limted to a maximum of 10 participants. This is to ensure the opportunity for one-on-one instruction and assistance with each participant as well as ensure that each shooting location is not over-crowded and retains an intimite environment where everyone can focus on the scene and their composition.

And I would use the term 'trek' lightly as hiking is not an aspect of the workshop but all locations require a walk to get to, but none beyond an easy access.

Michael

Thanks for the clarification. I will sign up today

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What time does it start on day 1? I want to see if I can drive to the location on day 1 or I need to get there the day before.

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A question from the requirements for the trip. It says you need

"the full range of lens from ultra-wide to zoom, macro lens, filters (graduated and solid neutral density, IR, as a starting point)"

I currently have a 18-200, 50/1.4 and a 105 Macro. Would this do? I do not have the filters, any pointers for which filter to get and for which lens? Thanks

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The workshop will begin at 8am on Thursday morning, Day One, of the workshop in San Simeon. I would highly recommend arriving on Wednesday evening to be in San Simeon for the workshop start the next morning. I will be posting the workshop FAQ this week, that includes hotel suggestions.

(NOTE:For anyone driving from Monterey/San Jose/ San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay Area, I would discourage taking Highway 1 south through Big Sur as, while it is only roughly 70 miles, it can take about 8 hours to get from Monterey to San Simeon, and up to 12 hours if you get stuck behind a motorhome. Driving directions will be included in the FAQ.)

The lenses you have will be a perfect selection for the Big Sur workshop. Filters will be reviewed in the FAQ, but I can tell you that a 6-stop ND filter will be required for the workshop. This can be either a variable ND that goes to 6-stop (more expensive) or just a fixed 6-stop (much cheaper).

It is not just getting stuck behind a motorhome -- I have also been stuck behind the tourist-driver-photographer that is both driving and has his arm out the window with a camera. Don't know why more don't end up over the cliff into the pacific ocean.

It has been a while since I visited San Simeon, and I am really tempted to sign-up.

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

Michael -

All signed up and looking forward to Big Sur... first time on a dedicated photo education adventure! Writing in response to your comment on a required 6-stop ND filter. Noting the FAQ is on the way, thought I would ask if a B+W .9 (8x) 3-stop ND filter combined with a B+W circular polarizer (2-3 stops?) would work... to get to roughly 6 stops? Having the above, I have no problem in getting a 6-stop filter, but don't have enough experience to know how often/when the polarizer would be used in addition to the ND filters; and the right balance/use of each for this workshop. Any comments/insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Michael

>Writing in response to your comment on a required 6-stop ND filter.
>... thought I would ask if a B+W .9 (8x) 3-stop ND
>filter combined with a B+W circular polarizer (2-3 stops?)
>would work... to get to roughly 6 stops?

Michael,

Great question!

Yes, a 3-4 stop ND filter combined with a 2-3 stop polarizer would provide you with the necessary 6-stops of ND needed for the locations at this workshop. But there is a flip-side to this solution that everyone needs to be aware of...

All filters are nothing more than tools to help us get the desired image captured from within the scene before us. A polarizer is one of those tools in the bag that has a very clear use but also conveniently has a side-effect (an increase in ND) that can be utilized — if it is in collaboration with the filter's effect.

The scene might call for 6-stops of ND, and putting on the polarizer will accomplish that but it will also apply the filter's primary purpose to the scene as well, which quite well could be an effect you don't want to see in the final image. In the case of water (the main reason we are using the 6-stop ND filter in Big Sur), the loss of the reflection of the water's surface actually severely alters the visual perspective of the scene. So in this case, it wouldn't work well.

This will be elaborated on much more and through example at our first location on the first day during our Big Sur workshop.

So do plan on getting a 6-stop ND filter. More details will be in the FAQ.

1) What do we need to bring?
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%.

A tripod is a must, however.

One piece of equipment that is required is a neutral density (ND) filter of -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, the -6 stop is a great starter, especially for the studies in water motion we will be doing during the workshop. The additional ND options that are available will only contribute to your photographic creativity, but certainly are not necessary for this workshop. (See #2 below for more info.)

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 it will be much easier to carry your gear in this manner and less cumbersome than with a bulky camera bag. When packing and choosing your gear to bring, remember one thing: keep it simple and light!

A laptop computer/download device or hard drive for downloading cards/editing images will be needed, unless you carry LOTS of cards. (This workshop will be an intensive shooting workshop with no time spent indoors at the hotels.)

In the non-photographic equipment:
Light-weight long-sleeved shirts, light-weight pants, hat (ideally a wide-brimmed hat; no visors), rain or all-weather jacket. Layered clothing is ideal as the temperature changes drastically from cold winds to hot sun.

Good light-duty hiking boots or shoes with excellent traction are necessary as we will be off-trail and doing some light boulder scrambling at times and good foot traction and strong ankle support is necessary.

Also, water bottles, at least 32oz capacity (not bottled water but bottles that can be filled with water, such as Nalgene), sunscreen and headlamp or flashlight is necessary!


2) Is there a specific ND filter or brand that you recommend? Will a gradated ND filter work? What about a polarizer?
A straight 6-stop ND filter will help in lowering your shutter speed enough to capture the blur of the waterfalls. A gradated ND filter is used for when half the scene is too bright compared to the other half, such as sky compared to foreground. This will ‘balance out’ the two scenes, or make the sky darker and richer in the final photo. While they can certainly help with waterfall photos, they won’t impact the shutter speed in allowing for the blur of water.

A 3-4 stop ND filter combined with a 2-3 stop polarizer would provide you with the necessary 6-stops of ND needed for the locations at this workshop. But there is a flip-side to this solution that everyone needs to be aware of...

All filters are nothing more than tools to help us get the desired image captured from within the scene before us. A polarizer is one of those tools in the bag that has a very clear use but also conveniently has a side-effect (an increase in ND) that can be utilized — if it is in collaboration with the filter's effect.

The scene might call for 6-stops of ND, and putting on the polarizer will accomplish that but it will also apply the filter's primary purpose to the scene as well, which quite well could be an effect you don't want to see in the final image. In the case of water (the main reason we are using the 6-stop ND filter in Big Sur), the loss of the reflection of the water's surface actually severely alters the visual perspective of the scene. So in this case, it wouldn't work well.

A glass ND filter of a set-number of stops can be found by most filter makers, including Hoya, Tiffen and B+W. Sometimes they are listed as the number of stops of light reduced, such as a –6 stop ND filter, while other times they are listed in a 0.3, or 0.6, or 1.3, etc. reference. In this case, every ‘.3’ equals one stop of light. So a .9 ND is a –3 stop ND filter. So a –6 stop ND filter then would be listed as a ND 1.8 filter. (They couldn’t keep it simple, could they?) Of course, some manufactures have their own numbering system, so you will have to check with each manufacturer to confirm the number so stops of ND for each filter.

A quick look on B&H Photo’s web site and they have 72mm ND filters available from B+W, Formatt and Tiffen. Of course, there are thousands of filter, but by narrowing the search results down to just 72mm, Neutral Density filter and the type (density) of filter, such as .6 or 1.8, you can see all your options.


3) What's the terrain like where we will be?
The Big Sur region is a coastal, mountainous region with steep ascents and wide sandy beaches, sheer cliffs and dense forests. Nearly all of our photo locations are either just off trail or in fairly level locations. Some might require light boulder-scrambling for additional vantage points while others include light hiking on level or slightly elevated terrain. The Big Sur region is also Poison Oak territory; if you are not familiar with Poison Oak, safety and identifying it will be reviewed during the orientation. If you have concerns or reservations about any of this, please email me.


4) What's the workshop schedule?
The itinerary that is listed in the workshop description is a ‘boilerplate’ schedule, one created several years ago and used many times since for workshops. Every location workshop I teach has a ‘boilerplate’ itinerary that can – and is – modified to suit not only the terrain conditions and weather conditions but also the workshop attendee conditions. It would be impossible to constantly update all of my itineraries every time there is a modification needed. These adjustments are made and reviewed with attendees during the workshop orientation. A detailed itinerary of our daily schedule will be provided to everyone during  the workshop orientation.

The workshop will begin on Thursday, April 15 with the required orientation at breakfast, and will conclude Sunday, April 18 following sunset at Point Lobos. While some might have departing flight requirements that necessitate a earlier departure from Big Sur or Point Lobos on Sunday, we will be in the extreme northern portion of Big Sur and it will be quick to get to the Monterey airport. (See #6 below for transportation details)

Each day will include a full-schedule of shooting of all the springtime environments of Big Sur, from the waterfalls to the beaches to the cliffs to the spring-time blooms. We will begin at sunrise and go to sunset each day, with some days going past sunset. There will also be an exercise in "Painting with Light" one evening.


5) Where do we meet to start the workshop?
We will be meeting at 7am outside the entrance to the Big Sur California Café in San Simeon. The restaurant is located between the Day’s Inn and Silver Surf Hotel. I will be the one standing outside with a bright orange clipboard; you can’t miss me. The workshop will begin with orientation during breakfast. We will leave the café at 8:00am and head to our first shooting location. As the schedule is fluid based on conditions and taking into consideration that cellphone service is spotty, it will be impossible to coordinate any late arrivals.


6) How do we get to San Simeon? What airport do we fly to?
The airport of arrival/departure should be Monterey or San Jose (1.5 hours away from Monterey) with a drive to San Simeon via Highway 101 (2.5 hours) for the start of the workshop. Take Highway 101 south to the city of Paso Robles, and take Highway 46 WEST (through the wine country) to Highway 1 NORTH, up a quick 10 minutes to San Simeon.

We will be ending the workshop late on Day 4, after sunset. Plan your departing flights accordingly or plan for an additional night of lodging in Monterey.


7) Where should we book our hotel rooms?
You will need to book a room for Wed (4/14) and Thurs (4/15) night in San Simeon and for Friday (4/16) and Saturday (4/17) night in Big Sur Village.

A list of recommended accommodations are found below:

Lodging in San Simeon:
* Motel 6: San Simeon - www.motel6.com - (805) 927-5341 ($)
* Courtesy Inn - www.courtesyinns.com - (805) 927-4691 ($)
* San Simeon Days Inn - www.daysinn.com - (805) 927-8659 ($$)
* San Simeon Lodge - www.sansimeonbeachresort.net - (805) 927-4601 ($)
* Silver Surf Motel - www.silversurfmotel.com - (805) 927-4661 ($)
* Quality Inn - www.qualityinn.com - (805) 927-3998 ($$)
* Inns of California San Simeon - www.innsofcal.com - (805) 927-8659 ($$)
* Sea Breeze Inn - www.seabreezeinnsansimeon.com - (805) 927-3284 ($$)
* Sands Motel - www.sandsmotel.com - (805) 927-3243 ($$)


Lodging in Big Sur Village:
* Fernwood Resort - www.fernwoodbigsur.com - (831) 667-2422 ($-$$) (limited number of lodging units, our base operations in Big Sur Village)
* Big Sur River Inn - www.bigsurriverinn.com - (831) 667-2700 ($$$)
* Big Sur Campground & Cabins - www.bigsurcamp.com - (831) 667-2322 ($-$$) (limited lodging options)
* Riverside Campgrounds & Cabins - www.riversidecampground.com - (831) 667-2414 ($-$$)
* Ripplewood Resort - www.ripplewoodresort.com - (831) 667-2242 ($$)
* Glen Oaks Motel - www.glenoaksbigsur.com - (831) 667-2105 ($$)
* Big Sur Lodge - www.bigsurlodge.com - (831) 667-3100 ($$) (large quantity of lodging units, however, it is away from Village)
* Ventana Inn & Spa - www.ventanainn.com - (831) 667-2331 ($$$$)
* Post Ranch Inn - www.postranchinn.com - (831) 667-2200 ($$$$)

The workshop concludes after sunset on Sunday evening in Carmel at Point Lobos.

If you are flying out of Monterey on Monday morning, there is a Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport located at the airport. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from our final shooting location at Point Lobos on Sunday evening.


8) Will we be carpooling?
The morning orientation will include establishing a carpool scenario where we will all be in just 3-4 cars. Many of the locations we are going to are accessed from small turnouts on the side of the road and there is not much room for lots of cars, hence the need to utilize as few vehicles as possible. With rare exception, as cell reception is nearly non-existent in Big Sur we will be using hand-held radios to communicate between the cars during the daily travels.


9) What is the meals/eating situation?
The workshop schedule usually allows for a sit-down breakfast and sit-down dinner every day, while some days we will have a sit-down lunch or have get a lunch to-go in order to maximize our shooting time.  All of our breakfast and dinner meals will be at dining establishments either in San Simeon or Big Sur Village. You can budget that breakfast will cost between $8-10 and lunch/dinner between $15-18. Lunch in the isolated hamlets within the Big Sur region (outside of Big Sur Village) is very pricey as it is very remote. A simple hamburger can run a shocking $18!


10) Do I need a certain level of experience for this workshop?
I can assure you that NONE of my travel/location workshops are too advanced for anyone! I structure my location workshops, with a maximum number of attendees capped at 10, with an emphasis on one-on-one instruction. While we travel from one location to another throughout Big Sur, not only will I be guiding the group and providing group instruction on certain overall techniques, I find out from each attendee what areas of photography they want to focus on or improve during the workshop.

Then for the next four days, at each location, I go from attendee to attendee to individually work with each person on their own area of focus. In such, there is no specific pre-requisite level of experience needed; everyone is part of the group learning what they need to better themselves as a photographer.

If some of the descriptions of what we will be doing, or filters or equipment that is recommended, seems foreign or unfamiliar to you, rest assured that you will be an expert by the time we reach Point Lobos in Carmel at the conclusion of the workshop!

I'm signed in. I would be flying into Monterey from North Carolina. Anybody flying in to Monterey? Maybe we can carpool and share the cost. Let me know. Thanks.

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Halley,

I didn't even have a chance to send you the email letting you know about the forum thread! Welcome to Big Sur. Glad you were able to make it.

Michael

Yup! Can't wait for April now. I hope somebody is flying in to Monterey so we could carpool.

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Michael,

Just want to make sure I have the room schedule correct. One night the 14th in San Simeon and then 15,16,17 and 18 in Big Sur. Is that correct?

Peter

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Peter,

Refer to #7 in the FAQ above for lodging dates and locations.

Thank you sir. Missed it first time i looked.

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I see Fernwood Resort is the base of operations for Big Sur; is there a designated base of operations for San Simeon, or is everything so close to the Big Sur California Café that it really doesn't matter?

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Thanks for the question Dan; let me clarify a bit.

Yes, for San Simeon, it is so small with all the motel/hotels lining both sides of the road for less than a 1/4 mile, there really is no 'base' at San Simeon. All we are really doing there is eating breakfast and sleeping, so you could say the Big Sur California Café is our San Simeon base.

For Big Sur, when I say Fernwood is our base, mostly it is because we will eat our meals there. The lodging choices in Big Sur are spread out over a 3-mile stretch of road. Any of the hotels listed in the FAQ for Big Sur are in the central region and can be utilized. We will need to coordinate in the mornings picking everyone up at each hotel before our breakfast start.

Fernwood is more 'basic' in its lodging amenities, especially in comparison to the other locations. It also has fewer units available. Big Sur Lodge, located in Big Sur State Park, has the largest number of units available.

Don't feel that you need to book at Fernwood simply because I listed it as the base of operations. Any of the lodging choices listed will be fine. I would recommend looking at the websites for each location first to see what the place is like.

I presume Point Lobos, Monterey not SF, right?

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>I presume Point Lobos, Monterey not SF, right?

Yes, Point Lobos State Reserve, technically in Carmel, adjacent (to the south) of Monterey.

I am trying to make sure I have "enough" portable storage. Will we be shooting RAW?

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>I am trying to make sure I have "enough" portable
>storage. Will we be shooting RAW?

It is up to each individual as to what to what file type they shoot. However, you will be encouraged to shoot RAW, with examples of how the RAW format is incorporated into your workflow and not just a 'cover your butt' format.

Gotcha.

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In Yosemite a couple years ago, you showed us use of collapsible reflectors with home-made flexible clamps. Can you run through how those clamps were made again? Quick, before someone moves the questions to the reflector forum...

Thanks!
Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Dan,

Are you asking about the LightDisk reflectors (which I got from the Photo Pro shop), or the home-made clamps. What I remember from that flash mini-workshop in Yosemite was the squirrels dropping pine cones on us and thinking I wanted a hard-hat. Little did I know how much I needed the hard-hat the next day

If you are wondering why I am online at this hour, power has been off since the storm on Saturday, and I am living in my RV. The PSE&G folks are just now (well after midnight) cutting down the tree that took out my power line. I have been living in the RV full time since Saturday. I hate to be the last 2% that have not been restored (over 150k without power Saturday night).

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

>In Yosemite a couple years ago, you showed us use of
>collapsible reflectors with home-made flexible clamps. Can
>you run through how those clamps were made again? Quick,
>before someone moves the questions to the reflector forum...
>
>
>Thanks!
>Dan Johnsen
>Garland, TX
>A lion bit it
>off

Dan,

I made the clamps out of your standard hardware store items: A-clamps (those rubber tipped gizmos), copper wire (heavy gauge), flex-conduit pipe, electrical tape, and 2 nuts & bolts per clamp. I made three different lengths (1-foot, 2-foot & 3-foot) to accommodate various needs.

To calculate your supplies, 2 A-clamps for each clamp, as well as 2 nuts & bolts, the flex-conduit is the length of your total clamp, and copper wire that is 3x the length of the flex-conduit (three separate strands braided together; not sure on gauge, but then enough so that three braided can fit through the flex-conduit).

1) On the A-clamps, drill a hole in one end of the handle, same size as the bolt. (You will have to remove the rubber end cap on the handle.)

2) Braid three strands of copper wire together and then run them through the flex-conduit pipe. NOTE: let one of the strands of copper wire go about an inch longer than the braid at each end, like a pigtail. Make sure you account for that extra length when cutting the wire into three lengths per clamp.

3) Wrap that pigtail around the bolt, push the bolt through the hole in the handle and tighten it down with the nut.

4) Wrap the bolt/nut/wire pigtail/flex-conduit end with electrical tape (or PVC pipe tape) to protect yourself.

5) You're done.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Good luck and have fun!

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

A picture for reference...

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

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Looks EZ to make, and if you have two (and long enough) can double as jumper cables for the car
DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

Michael, Thanks for the picture. That tape is elegant!

David, I ordered a set of 22" reflectors from B&H last night, along with a right angle finder. I suppose I should have checked the Photo Pro Shop first, but I was already at B&H looking for the DR-5. Hope you've got power back now!

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Yeah, the tape is showing its use. I wonder if they make a shrink-wrap tubing that size...

I realized late last night that on the first one I made, I did the pigtail method of the wire wrapped around the bolt. The subsequent clamps I made I used a wire connector to connect the wire to the bolt/handle. I crimped the copper wire to the wire connector, which had a circle connector, sized for the bolt.

Similar to this:

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

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Yes, they make heat shrink tubing in that size.





Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

>Yes, they make heat shrink tubing in that size.
>
>
>
>
>
>Dan Johnsen
>Garland, TX
>A lion bit it
>off

Those are beautiful!!! I never thought conduit and A clamps could look so nice. Matching red, no less. Any problems making them? Great job!!!

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

Thanks!

I had some problem with braiding three wires together. Wire sized so I could braid it was conveniently available in insulated, stranded copper only, but three strands of 10 ga. ended up being "too floppy". I settled on 8 ga. solid, uninsulated copper and just twisted it together rather than truly braiding it. I could probably get three stands of 6 ga. in there, but don't know if I could twist them together, let alone bend it when I was done.

What type and gauge of wire do you use in these?

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Ok... here comes the naive question...

How are you guys using these clamp / reflector combinations; what type of shooting situations do these benefit most? I like building things too... and the result above looks great! Makes me want to run down to the HW store Thanks in advance!

Michael

Michael,

Dan is referencing a mini-demo I give regarding light control and light modification for macro or wildflower photography. If time allows, I will do one during the Big Sur workshop. The clamps Dan made are used to hold reflectors and diffusion discs to modify the light when shooting. Very handy and relatively easy to make. You can then clamp the reflector/diffusion at one end and the other on a tree, branch, stick, stand, tripod or whatever else you can clamp on to.

If you feel ambitious, they are a great tool to have in the bag with your diffusion discs.

-M

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

Thanks Michael... that is what I figured, but was curious to specifics. I may give it a try!

I remember that the ideal wire gauge was insulated, so I striped all the wire. A very slow process, but it worked. As long as there is enough 'stiffness' in the three-wire braid/twist, it will work find.

The only concern I would have of a twist versus a braid is that over time would it 'unravel' itself? Not sure, but the whole thing is tight in the conduit so it should be fine.

Have you tried it out yet?

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

I haven't had a chance to try them other than to clamp one end to stuff around the house, just to see is the wire is stiff enought to support its own weight. The right angle finder showed up today, the reflectors should arrive tomorrow.

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

>I haven't had a chance to try them other than to clamp one
>end to stuff around the house, just to see is the wire is
>stiff enought to support its own weight. The right angle
>finder showed up today, the reflectors should arrive
>tomorrow.
>
>Dan Johnsen
>Garland, TX
>A lion bit it
>off

What is the use of the angle finder?

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So I don't have to lie on my belly for those low angle shots! You can put the camera on a very low tripod and look down into the right angle finder, instead of having get low enough to look through the normal viewfinder...

The two (reflectors and right angle finder) are really unrelated, but may be used together under some circumstances. Really just more toys for me.

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

>So I don't have to lie on my belly for those low angle shots!
> You can put the camera on a very low tripod and look down
>into the right angle finder, instead of having get low enough
>to look through the normal viewfinder...
>
>The two (reflectors and right angle finder) are really
>unrelated, but may be used together under some circumstances.
>Really just more toys for me.
>
>Dan Johnsen
>Garland, TX
>A lion bit it
>off

I should have taken your advice.

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The power company was out cutting the trees down between 1 and 2 AM this morning, with the power back on by 3 AM (so out about 3 1/2 days and I got to camp out in the RV for 4 nights).

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

I am on the waiting list, first I think. Any idea what my chances are and when I might find out either way? This activity is by far my first choice, but I also have the opportunity to do a bicycle ride, same place in April. Don't know if I should commit or not!!! Thanks.

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Scott,

It's hard to say if someone will cancel. By all means it does happen, and as soon as it does we immediately contact those on the waiting list. It could be a month ahead of the workshop or a week ahead of the workshop. Hard to say.

Item three in the FAQ notes, "The Big Sur region is also Poison Oak territory; if you are not familiar with Poison Oak, safety and identifying it will be reviewed during the orientation."

Being a midwesterner, I know and carefully avoid Poison Ivy, but I wasn't looking for Poison Oak when I apparently got into some while scrambling (don't laugh) around the Big Sur hills a couple years ago. That was a very unpleasant experience and I'd like to avoid repeating it this year, if possible!

Do you know if Ivy Block or Tec Labs Poison Oak-n-Ivy Armor are effective at preventing Poison Oak rash in the first place? Is the stuff available on every street corner in San Simeon? I understand that we'll talk about Poison Oak identification during orientation, but I'd like to do whatever I can to be ready before I arrive.

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

No worries Dan. We do go over an extensive identification of poison oak followed with a location sighting practice throughout the entire workshop. We NEVER will go into an area that requires transit through poison oak. While some trails are 'lined' with poison oak, it will be clearly identified at each location and our location sighting practice will ensure that everyone knows exactly where it is.

While I have heard that Tecnu is the only real poison oak treatment, we don't have either of the items you listed as prevention methods. Our best prevention method is to not go in it! We do use a local soap out here for after-the-fact that works well. It can be purchased in Cambria, just south of San Simeon, and in Big Sur proper if anyone is really worried.

I've never had anyone return from a Big Sur workshop with poison oak and I plan on keeping it that way!

(Not to make you nervous, but we also do a review on ticks, as those are out here, too. I always recommend long sleeves and long pants when going out hiking, as if you brush the poison oak or a tick wants to go for a ride, your skin is protected. There are also tick repellent wipes you can purchase which work real well, if you don't mind chemicals on the skin.)

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

Michael: Still trying to access my chances of picking up a cancellation. When are final payments due? This is usually a good firm date for those who wish to change their mind. I have a bicycle ride through the same area next month that I can get in on if this doesn't work out, but I don't want to fool around and miss both opportunities! Thanks, and sorry to be such a pain!!!

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Scott,

I just checked and you are #1 on a waiting list of five people. When Nikonians sign up for a workshop, they are paying in full at that time, so there is no final payment due date. Cancellations can happen right up until the last minute, but there is no way of knowing if someone will cancel.

Just last month, for the Yosemite Winter workshop, we had a cancellation two weeks out but by then, all the people on the waiting list had made other commitments and we ended up doing the workshop with only 9 participants.

Don't know if there is anyway to keep this option open while you plan for the bicycle ride, but being that you are #1 on the waiting list is a good place to be!

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

Thanks for the prompt reply Michael...since the photo tour is my #1 choice I'll not make any firm plans for the bike tour. Hope I don't wind up missing both!!!

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Michael -

One more question regarding ND filters, in this case, graduated. If I had one to select from for this trip, what stop filter would you reccomend? I do not have any graduated ND filters and would like to pick one up... just not sure how many stops would be a good first choice. Of course, each scene is unique... but I would like to get the most common/practical one if possible. BTW, I have the solid ND department covered (6 stops and 3 stops respectively). Thanks!

Michael

>Michael -
>
>One more question regarding ND filters, in this case,
>graduated. If I had one to select from for this trip, what
>stop filter would you reccomend? I do not have any graduated
>ND filters and would like to pick one up... just not sure how
>many stops would be a good first choice. Of course, each
>scene is unique... but I would like to get the most
>common/practical one if possible. BTW, I have the solid ND
>department covered (6 stops and 3 stops respectively).
>Thanks!
>
>Michael

Michael,

You are about to venture into the "one is not enough" territory. Yes, you are correct that each scene is different, and one grad filter is never enough. It would be impossible to try and predict which filter would be best for you, as soon as you get that first one, you will realize you need a different one for the next scene!

In my opinion (and I would strongly encourage others to chime in here as well), a 2- or 3-stop soft grad would be a good place to start. It is general and not as difficult to apply as a hard grad, but each has its own purpose.

I will say that all four nights of the workshop, the sunset location could be improved with a grad filter, but certainly is not necessary. Other techniques and options (such as HDR) are possible.

Michael

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

Thanks Michael!

Sorry, I realize that was probably not a fair question I did forget to mention that I was looking at the soft grad as a priority. Guess I am just curious what others carry in their bag and utilize most often. I do enjoy HDR and would utilize that and/or post processing to achieve similar results, but getting it right in the camera is my first preference. Thanks for providing a start...

Michael

I did some research on ND Graduated filters after my last workshop and I learned a couple of things. One is that even people in the photography specialty stores in SF sadly did not understand ND Filters. However, there is some good material and lots of opinions online and the consensus online and in a couple of books on Exposure that I read seemed to be that if you only carry one then a 2 stop (.6) ND Graduated was the one to carry. I also learned that to avoid vinetting a 4" x 6" (100mm x 150mm) was preferred so that, and a filter holder, are what I now carry and all I need now is for Michael to set up the sunsets and show me how to use it.

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A 2 stop soft and a 3 stop hard seems to be the standard "starter kit". I think I've added a 4 soft and a 1 (can't remember if it is hard or soft), but seem to fall back on the 2 soft a lot...

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

I see the Yosemite in Spring workshop (which occurs after this one) is discussing carpooling and such. I think it's only about 3 weeks before we get started up the coast to Big sur and while I appreciate that Big Sur = "laid back", should we be working that sort of stuff out now, or am I unnecessarily concerned? Have I missed out on any relevant email?

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

>I see the Yosemite in Spring workshop (which occurs after
>this one) is discussing carpooling and such. I think it's
>only about 3 weeks before we get started up the coast to Big
>sur and while I appreciate that Big Sur = "laid
>back", should we be working that sort of stuff out now,
>or am I unnecessarily concerned? Have I missed out on
>any relevant email?
>
>Dan Johnsen
>Garland, TX
>A lion bit it
>off

Dan,

Are you flying in to Monterrey? And what time? I will be arriving in Monterrey around 12:30 and leaving on Monday at 11:00 am. Let me know what your plans are.

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Hi Halley,

Actually I'm planning on driving; nothing like three days on the road to clear all thoughts of work out of my head.    If nothing changes my plans I'll arrive from the south and head straight for San Simeon.  If anyone is flying in through San Luis Obispo (as the original workshop listing suggested) I'd be delighted to pick 'em up at the airport.

Otherwise once we all get together, I can take four or five people (myself included) in a carpool without any problem.  Technically it's a seven passenger configuration, but if all the seats are "up", room for camera gear and luggage is probably too restricted.

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Dan,

I was going to begin the discussion on carpooling next week. Let's just say the Yosemite Spring folks are a bit ambitious.

Thanks for starting the discussion here.

-M

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

Michael -

I will be driving down from the San Jose area Wednesday morning. Planning to arrive a little early and maybe catch a few sights (Hearst Castle, etc). As it stands right now, I plan to have an SUV that could seat 3 additional with equipment comfortably (I will confirm with you prior to our trip). Returning, I will be heading back to San Jose after our session ends on Sunday evening. Do you want hotel information posted here as well? Let me know. Counting the days!

Michael

Michael,

Sounds good! And thanks for volunteering for carpooling. I know a few people are flying in, and that could be helpful.

Yes, please post hotel information here as well. This is simply so, if anyone oversleeps, I can get in touch with you. Lodging for both San Simeon and Big Sur would be great.

-M

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

OK, here you go...

San Simeon - Quality Inn
Big Sur - Ripplewood

Michael

Days Inn San Simeon
Fernwood Big Sur

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Sands Motel
Big Sur River Inn

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Days Inn San Simeon
Big Sur River Inn

+ Car w/ low ground clearance

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Driving, will carpool in CUV. Maybe foolish, but I'm not worried about a few ruts and holes, can take 1-3 passengers in relative comfort, 4-6 if y'all hold your gear in your lap.

Lodging at Silver Surf in San Simeon, Fernwood in Big Sur.

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Some clarification on the road conditions: The 'worst' road we will travel... I drive up regularly in my VW Westy Vanagon.

I have no worries at all about vehicle access. It won't be a problem as we will have more than enough vehicles to choose from if necessary.

Thanks to those who have posted travel details; if you haven't please post them in the days ahead.

Just an FYI: from Monday 4/5 through Saturday 4/10, I will have limited internet access while traveling. If you post a question or comment on the forum, I will respond at quickly as I can, but it might be a day or two.

See everyone in a few weeks!

Cheers,
Michael

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

I will be coming in and returning to San Francisco (working in SF earlier in the week). I won't know what type of rental car I have until I pick it up. Options will be to catch a ride from someone coming down from SF (I need to be back in SF Sunday night, near the airport), or meet up in San Simion (and car pool except for the drive to Big Sur). If option 2 -- Dan, can I ride with you since I won't have my RV along for this workshop?

San Simion: Days Inn
Big Sur: Fernwood Resort

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

I'd be delighted to have you along, David. Getting back to SF on the 18th shouldn't be a problem; now we just need to get you to San Simeon on the 14th. If that's a problem, I can swing through San Francisco on the way in. What the heck, they're both in California and they both start with 'San', so how far apart can they be?

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

I'll be in San Francisco (on business) April 12 - 14 (actually flying into San Jose on the morning of the 12th).

I hope to shoot a little and also get to Muir Woods while in the Bay Area. I will be driving from San Franciso to San Simeon on the 14th in some unknown (intermediate size) rental car .

San Simeon: Best Western
Big Sur: Ripplewood

I'll be driving to San Jose on Sunday but my flight will make me leave the group early on Sunday.

Looking forward to meeting everyone and a great workshop.

John

San Simeon - Days Inn
Big Sur - Fernwood Resort

Arriving Monterrey 12:30 on Wednesday and flying out on Monday at 11:00 am.

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Hello Michael,

Looks like I'm a little late to the party as there appears to be quite a bit of discussion here already. Just dropping a line to check in and say "Hello" to you and to the other participants. After missing the sign up last year, I've been looking forward to this experience for a long time. Oh...and I've been looking for an excuse to get back to "The Sows Ear" in Cambria for their delicious LOBSTER POT PIE...yummie...hope it's still on the menu!

I glanced at your FAQ earlier in this thread and looks like I'm set for gear. Now I just have to book accommodations.

Looking forward to meeting you,

Geo Wu
San Francisco, CA

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Geo,

Welcome to the forum thread discussion! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask here!

See you in a few weeks!

Cheers,
Michael

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