Anza-Borrego Institute of Photography

This program is full. Please call 760-767-4063 to be placed on the waiting list.

Instructors: Paul Johnson and Ernie Cowan
Fee: $325 or $295 for ABF members

Begins: 6:00 pm, Friday, March 12
Ends: 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 14

This advanced-level workshop is the second in a two-part program designed to improve the skills of photographers who focus on the natural environment.

Planned to take advantage of the desert in its spring glory, this workshop will take you beyond just "taking pictures" and introduce you to techniques that allow you to create photographic art. Students will be introduced to advanced techniques of creating panoramic images, macro photography, understanding and using light and "seeing" in more creative ways.

The workshop will begin on Friday evening with a classroom overview, discussion and examples of the techniques you will learn and perfect in the field.

On Saturday you will travel to a scenic location to experience the dramatic early morning light and to capture unique landscape images under the guidance of workshop instructors. The emphasis of each workshop will be to anchor your foundation in photographic techniques and to stretch your creative skills into new areas.

We return to Borrego Springs for lunch on your own and informal discussion, then return to the field in the afternoon for another shot at one of Anza-Borrego's many spectacular locations. Saturday evening will be a spirited time of interaction where we review some of the techniques used during our field shoots.

Sunday begins with a sunrise photography session and a final meeting to complete your weekend of photography instruction. Following the weekend of intense instruction and field shooting, students will be encouraged to edit and print their work for a group critique at a later time.

Students are expected to have a single lens reflex camera with the capability of interchangeable lenses. Participants provide their own meals and transportation.

Ernie Cowan is a photographer, journalist, and member of the ABF Board of Trustees. He brings a wealth of experience, gleaned from decades of exploring the backcountry of San Diego County, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Paul Johnson has lived and worked in Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park since 1973. During that time he has worked as a Park Naturalist, professional tour guide, photographer and photography instructor. He currently works for the Colorado Desert District as an Environmental Services Intern, conducting field research and photographic monitoring.