THE GRANDEUR OF YOSEMITE

Five days - Yosemite National Park and Bodie Ghost Town
Monday, June 6 to Sunday, June 12, 2011
A minimum of 8 attendees is required
Workshop Order Form

INSTRUCTOR - John Mariana

I’ve experienced the beauty of Yosemite in the four seasons with each time of year providing its own unique beauty. Spring is the time of fresh green leaves, gushing waterfalls and a roaring Merced River. The dogwoods are often in bloom in early June.

Even as late as May the upper valley roads may remain closed from the winter snows. By June 6th the roads are open providing the diverse landscape of the Tuolumne Valley and access to Bodie Ghost Town in the Sierra foothills.

In 1990 I started photography workshops and since then have conducted numerous in-the-field workshops in Yosemite National Park, Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Monument Valley, the Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde and Illinois State Parks.

Considered an excellent, experienced instructor, I specialize in teaching the beginner through the experienced level student how to improve their visions and how to really see the images they want to capture. This workshop is ideal for learning how to use digital photography to capture the full range of a scene including panoramas and high dynamic range (HDR) images.

THE WORKSHOP

Join me in one of the most scenic, beautiful and magical areas of the United States. Even though I have explored and photographed in Yosemite on more than 35 visits, each time I discover new places, views and natural wonders.

This five day workshop is designed for the photographer who wants to experience the scenic beauty of the glacial valley of Yosemite National Park.

Photographic areas include: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, The Mariposa Grove and my favorite places along the Merced River. We’ll also photograph the upper part of the National Park along Tioga Road including Siesta Lake and Olmsted point. We’ll spend a full day in Bodie Ghost Town in the Sierras.

The first full day is dedicated to the best locations within the valley. We’ll photograph at many of the sites made famous by Ansel Adams. The valley provides opportunities to photograph 2000-foot waterfalls, soaring rock formations, reflections in the Merced River and redwood filled forests. We’ll photograph in the Mariposa Grove of giant redwoods and visit the Grizzly Giant - a 3000-year-old Sequoia.

Each evening is on your own but many attendees often join me at dinner and talk about their photography. It’s a delight discussing the highlights of the day’s photography while sitting in the Great Room of the unique Ahwahnee Hotel built in 1927.

The workshop is open to beginners through experienced photographers. Yosemite is ideal for digital photography of panorama scenes and high dynamic range images.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Eight rooms for six nights have been reserved at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls on the valley floor at the base of Yosemite Falls. These rooms are extremely difficult to reserve and are booked a year in advance. The workshop will begin at the Yosemite Lodge on Monday evening and continue through the following Saturday.

THE FEE

THIS INCLUDES A 5-DAY WORKSHOP FEE AND A YOSEMITE LODGE ROOM FOR 6 NIGHTS (double occupancy) - Estimated at this time, pending 2011 room rates - $1775 per person for two attendees - double occupancy (see registration options below). A $750 deposit/person is required with enrollment. This deposit is non-refundable unless a replacement is available. A registration form and a $750 non-refundable deposit will be necessary to reserve a place in the workshop. Your deposit guarantees your registration. The remaining amount is due 120 days prior to the workshop.

REGISTRATION

When registering you would select one of the following registration options:

1. Register along with another photographer who will be your roommate.

2. Register as a single attendee and pay the additional $750 single room supplement. You may ask to be notified of possible roommates, however, if no roommate is found you will be responsible for the additional supplement.

3. Register and notify me that a non-photographing roommate will accompany you. You agree to pay the additional $750 single room supplement plus a $185 non-photographer fee.

4. Register for Workshop only and obtain your own lodging. Contact me for further information.

CANCELLATION

If you cancel for any reason, including emergencies, your deposit will be refunded only if a replacement is available. All deposits will be returned if the minimum of 8 attendees is not reached by April 1, 2011. It is advised that you obtain Trip Cancellation insurance.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is not included. Arrange your flights and travel time to arrive at the Yosemite Lodge no later than 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2011. You can fly into San Francisco International, Oakland International or the Fresno Airport. Detailed maps will be provided directing you from the airport to Yosemite Lodge. Driving time from San Francisco is approximately 4 1/2 hours.

THE FEE INCLUDES

In-the-field instructions on metering, digital exposures, lenses, filters and composition
Guided tours to the best photographic locations in the best light
Visits to the famous sites of Ansel Adams' prints with comparisons to copies of his prints
Six nights double occupancy accommodations (or you may provide your own accommodations and be charged only a workshop fee)
A document recommending equipment, clothing and luggage

INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDE:

One-on-one composition and subject selection at each photographic area
Metering for digital cameras - single exposures and panoramas
High Dynamic Range (HDR) concepts for your level of experience
Exposures for backlight, sidelight and soft light
Guidance on the selection and uses of lenses

WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

Visits to famous Ansel Adams sites. We will view his prints of the scene, discuss Ansel's technique and compare his prints to the scene as it is today.
Instructions on metering, composition, lighting and subject selection at each location.
Guided tours through the valley, Tioga Road and through Tioga Pass to Bodie Ghost Town.

YOU PROVIDE:

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, a tripod and film if applicable.
Round-trip transportation from your home to Yosemite Lodge.
Transportation during the workshop (an effort will be made to group attendees in cars)
Meals -- a grocery store, restaurants and cafeteria are available in the valley near the Lodge.