Instructor Robert Berdan
Dates July 20, 21, 22 , 2011 from 9 am - 4 pm through SAIT
(Registration is through SAIT 403 284-7248 Southern Alberta Institute for Photography)
Course Description: Emphasis on specialized photography equipment, composition, close-up photography, slide presentation techniques and safety used in nature photography.
Course Evaluation Pass\Fail based on assignments.
Field Trips
Burns Memorial Garden - for close-up photography
Calgary Zoo - field trip to photograph animals and plants (Thursday all day, meet at the North entrance to Zoo)
Course Text: none - see notes and slide shows on this web site
Suggested Equipment: 35 mm Camera, digital or film, compact camera can be used but has limitations. A tripod is recommended. Emphasis will be on using digital photo-equipment.
Assignment: Show Portfolio of 12 images Friday for critique - Portfolio of images to include at least one of:
Most of these pictures can be taken at the zoo, wild animal shots can include a bird in your neighbourhood or a spider on a flower. If you already have some of these photos you can use exisiting images.
Short Movie of Baby Foxes Photographed near Airdrie, AB
1. General Introduction
Learning Outcome: Outline basic photographic approaches and equipment needs
Discuss the ethics of nature photography and ways to protect the photographic subjects
Review what to bring into the field and some of the dangers that may be encountered
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each piece of equipment that is used in nature photography
Consider where to start in pursuit of photographing nature and how to gain experience
2. Scenic Photographic Technique
Learning Outcome: consider a variety of photographic techniques used in nature photography
Compare different type of lighting for different type of scenic photography
Demonstrate the camera set-up to achieve the hyperfocal distance to deal with a scene
Review different elements of composition and formts to best depict a scene
Expose for different types of special scenes (different type of lighting).
3. Close-up Photographic Technique
Learning Outcome: Consider a variety of photographic techniques used in close-up photography.
Consider the effects of several specialized pieces of equipment used in close-up photography
Identify a variety of compositions used for different subjects and the exposure tha twill best render the image
apply photographic techniques to a variety of subjects in close-up photography, such as insects, reptiles and fungi
4. Working with the Subject - Mammals
Learning Outcome: examine a variety of photographic practices to use when working with mammals
Assess the importance of identifying one's subject
Recognize some of the lifecycles of mammals
Review animal behaviours and where to find out more about this subject
Methods of locating and stalking a subject, juse of blinds and bait
Discuss some techniques used in zoo photography
Barren land Caribou in the North West Territories
5. Working with the Subject - Birds
Learning Outcome: examine a variety of photographic practices when working with birds
Assess the importance of identifying one's subject
Recognize some of the lifecycles of birds
Review some bird behaviors and where to find out more about this subject
Consider methods of locating a stalking a subject and the best use of blins, feeders, recordings
Discuss the best equipment for bird photography
Consider how to photograph selected bird activities
6. Review
Learning Outcome: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio of scenicic and wildlife photography
Present a slide story to demonstrate scenic and wildlife photography skills
Great Gray Owl in Flight, 300 mm F2.8 lens + 1.4 X teleconverter.
Links to additional articles on Scenic and Wildlife Photography by R. Berdan
