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Landscape and Night Photography Workshop
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Marti Jeffers Photography & Thomas J. Avery Photography
Big Bend National Park
Dates: February 26 - March 2 , 2012
Students: 12
Spaces Remaining: 0 *A Waiting List Has Been Started* Please email me to sign up.
Instructors: Marti Jeffers and TJ Avery
Tuition: $895
Deposit: $250
How to Register: Contact TJ Avery
dancing agave - Marti Jeffers
Join Marti and TJ in one of the best kept secrets in the US, Big Bend National Park, for 6 days of photography instruction and amazing scenery. Both Marti and TJ have a deep love for this area and have visited and photographed here on many different occasions. They both know the area and the best places and times to shoot.
The Big Bend of the Rio Grande River (or Rio Bravo del Norte as it is known south of the border) is deep in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert. From the heights of the Chisos Mountains, at 7825 feet at the highest peak, to the deep gorges carved out of solid rock by the Rio Grande, we will photograph the rugged natural beauty of this large and least visited national park at what is typically the peak of the spring wildflower season. We may even encounter some of the abundant wildlife that inhabits the park.
As night photography is one of TJ's loves, this workshop will include sessions on photographing the amazing night skies in Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is one of the darkest places in the US at night, allowing for one to see the night sky as few have ever seen.
With two instructors and 12 students, there will be a good teacher to student ratio, better that what you'd find in a typical photography workshop.
Big Bend Blue Bonnets - TJ Avery
Table of Contents
Schedule
Details
Getting There
Lodging
What to Bring
Policies
Feedback and Testimonials
Additional Info
Sun and Moon Calendar
Schedule
NOTE: All times given are approximate. We may shift things around depending on weather, distance to shooting location, etc. The times and activities listed are just to give you an idea of how the workshop will operate. Please plan on being flexible.
DAY 1 (Sun, Feb 26):
DAY 2 (Mon, Feb 27):
DAY 3 (Tue, Feb 28):
DAY 4 (Wed, Feb 29):
DAY 5 (Thr, Mar 1):
DAY 6 (Fri, Mar 2):
* Morning shoots will be skipped if we go out and shoot the night before. This will allow everyone to get proper rest.
4:00 pm -- Meet in lobby of Big Bend Resort & Adventures
4:30pm to 6:30pm -- Greetings and introductions in classroom
6:30pm to 9:00pm -- Dinner
9:00pm to 11:30pm -- Night shoot
6:00am to 9:30am -- Morning field shoot*
9:30am to 11:30am -- Breakfast
11:30am to 4:00pm -- Classroom session (with short lunch/snack break)
4:00pm to 8:00pm -- Afternoon field shoot
8:00pm to 10:00pm -- Dinner
10:00pm to 12:30am -- Night shoot
(same schedule as Day 2)
(same schedule as Day 2)
(same schedule as Day 2)
6:00am to 9:00am -- Morning field shoot*
9:00am to 10:30am -- Breakfast
10:30am to 1:00pm -- Final classroom session
Santa Elena Canyon - TJ Avery
Details
Places included in our agenda include some of Big Bend's classic locations including Santa Elena Canyon, scenic views along Ross Maxwell Drive, Ernst Tinaja, Sotol Vista Overlook, Casa Grande, Rio Grande Village, the view through the Window, Boquillas Canyon, as well as the eclectic Terlingua Ghost Town (still inhabited) and the historic boot-hill cemetery (still in use) in the ghost town.
The workshop also includes classroom presentations on landscape photography, night photography, and different ways to shoot including macro, motion blurs, abstracts and the Lensbaby.
We will also cover post processing techniques using Photoshop, Lightroom and processing for HDR. If you are interested in purchasing a Lensbaby prior to the worskhop, please contact Marti for a discount code.
Critique of images created by the participants during our shooting sessions are also a major part of this workshop.
This workshop is limited to 12 participants to allow for maximum individual instruction for participants both in the classroom and in the field.
ghost town church and stars - TJ Avery
Getting There
The Big Bend area is located in remote, southwestern Texas. Big Bend National Park and the villages of Study Butte and Terlingua are part of the Chihuahuan Desert that extends throughout that area of Texas and northern Mexico.
Road map of Texas; click to see larger
The closest commercial airport to Big Bend National Park is either Midland/Odessa Airport (MAF) in Midland, TX or El Paso Airport (ELP) in El Paso, TX. From Midland/Odessa, it is a 235-mile drive to the park headquarters. From El Paso, it is 330 miles. The drive from El Paso is a much more scenic route if you have the extra time to drive it.
We will put the members of this workshop in touch with each other, with their approval, as the workshop dates approach so that you may arrange car sharing, etc., with each other.
The Big Bend National Park website contains a lot of useful information about the park, traveling to it, and visiting/using it. Note that you will need to pay a $20 entry fee to the park, and the fee will be good for seven days.
Map of Study Butte-Terlingua; click to see larger
Study Butte-Terlingua is just outside the west entrance of the park. It contains only a few hundred permanent residents, but there are restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores available. There is even a small grocery store (Cottonwood General Store) that is fairly well stocked. There are no chain stores or restaurants (e.g. Walmart) in the area. The closest "big" city is Alpine, about 80 miles to the north.
Lodging
The workshop will be hosted at:
Big Bend Resort & Adventures
Reservations: 877.386.4383 (Forever Resorts)
We have a block of rooms set aside for the class from Saturday, 2/26/2012 through Saturday, 3/3/2011 at the rate $108, per day, plus tax. Each room has two double beds.
We also have a meeting room reserved at the Inn. Our classroom sessions will be held in this meeting room.
When you call for reservations, please tell them that you are with Marti Jeffers Photography and/or TJ Avery Photography Workshop in order to get the special rate.
Please reserve your room by January 26, 2012. After that date, our block of rooms will be released to the general pool of rooms.
For additional information and to register for this workshop, please contact TJ Avery and let him know that you are interested in registering for this workshop.
(formerly known as the Big Bend Motor Inn).
Located at the intersection of TX 118 and TX 170
Terlingua, Texas 79852
OR phone at the Motor Inn: 432.371.2218.
RGV overlook - Marti Jeffers
What to Bring
When you make the commitment to attend this workshop and make all the arrangements for your trip, you will certainly want to arrive with what you need. While gear doesn’t make the artist, having a checklist handy while you are packing can prevent being in a beautiful place with a dead battery and no charger.
The following is a list of basic items to consider for your packing list to optimize your time at the workshop.
Camera: Bring your DSLR, or any camera on which you can manually adjust your aperture, shutter speed and ISO. If you have a backup body and/or a favorite point and shoot camera, bring them along too.
Camera Manual: For each camera you bring along, make sure its manual comes too. While the instructors are well-acquainted with their own cameras, they may not know yours. Your manual can help answer a “how-to” or a “where is” question for a new technique or a new function with your camera.
Comfortable Carrying System: Make sure the carrying system you choose to carry your equipment in the field is comfortable and easy for you.
Batteries: Extra batteries can save the images at the end of a long day in the field or in cold temperatures. Be sure to have at least 1 or 2 extra batteries as well as the battery charger for your model.
Memory Cards: Include extra memory cards. Shooting in RAW is recommended, and those large files can fill up a card quickly.
Lenses: Include all your favorite lenses to cover from a wide angle (17-20mm) up to a telephoto focal length (100-400mm) or as much of that range as you have. If you have a specialty lens like a macro, the Lensbaby or a fisheye, be sure to bring it. A workshop is a great time to try an old lens in a new way. You will receive more specific recommendations once you register for a particular workshop.
Tripod: Be sure to include a sturdy tripod. Even with the wonderful advancements in lenses with image stabilization, a tripod is still a necessity for a stunning image in some situations, especially in low light (dawn/dusk) and night shots.
thorns and lace - Marti Jeffers
Flashlight or headlamp: A flashlight is always helpful and can be a necessity when walking in or out of shooting locations in the dark. It can also be very useful for light painting when shooting at night.
Filters: Bring filters if you have them. The one filter to make sure you have in your bag is the circular polarizer.
Laptop: Bring your laptop with power cord, your favorite photo-editing software and your card reader. Also bring a USB memory stick. This will be required to transfer your selected images to our computers for critiques.
Our classroom will have desk space and power outlets so each student can set up an individual work station. Wi-Fi is available at the main office of the motel. It may be available in our classroom, but please do not count on it.
Clothing: Dressing in layers is the best way to go. Workshops may span many hours in the day, temperatures, and even elevation changes. A rain poncho is always a good addition to your camera bag. Check the extended weather forecast for the workshop location and come as prepared as you can. Good comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a must. A hat for protection from the sun, or warmth if in a cold climate is a good item ot include. A more specific suggestion for clothing will be sent to you for each workshop for which you register.
Average high temperatures in late February are typically around 72°F. Temperatures within the area can range by 10 or 15 degrees depending on elevation. The lower desert areas are much warmer than the mountains. Typical low temperatures can be around 42°F. The rainfall average in February is under half an inch.
Personal toiletries and medications: Don't forget your medications and personal toiletries. It's a great idea to carry your medications with you in your carry-on bags if you are flying. Sunscreen and lip balm are always good items to bring along. Other items will be suggested for the specific workshop for which you register.
Grapevine Hills - TJ Avery
Policies
Below are the policies, terms and conditions of this workshop. If you have any questions, please contact TJ Avery.
Our Pledge to You
Our purpose for being there is to teach and guide you. We will not shoot photos for ourselves during the workshop except for the occasional snapshot of the group at work or of the landscape for the purpose of teaching (e.g. using the scene for illustrative purposes later in the classroom). I.e. we will not wander off alone with our camera and tripod and shoot the landscape; we will be visiting with you and interacting with you during our field outings.
Payment for the Workshop
When you reserve a spot on a workshop, you will be notified of the amount of the deposit. If your deposit is not received within 10 working days of the date on your invoice, your position can be released. We will notify you that your spot is being released before doing so in case there was a problem with receiving your deposit payment.
Any remaining workshop tuition is due 90 days prior to the start of the workshop (November 29, 2011). You will receive notification that your remaining tuition is due prior to the 90-day cut-off. If your remaining tuition is not received by the due date on your invoice, your space on the workshop is subject to being released to the waiting list. We will notify you that your spot is being released.
Once your spot is reserved via your deposit, the cancellation policies listed below are in effect.
Cancellations
- More Than 120 Days Prior
If your cancellation is received more than 120 days prior to the beginning of a workshop, all of your deposit will be refunded to you, except for a $100 administrative fee.
- 91 to 120 Days Prior
If your cancellation is received between 91 and 120 days prior to the beginning of a workshop, all of your deposit will be retained. The only exception to this is that if the workshop is full and we fill your reservation on the workshop. In that case, all of your deposit will be refunded to you except for a $125 administrative fee.
All tuition is due 90 days from the start of the workshop (November 29, 2011).
- 31 to 90 Days Prior
If your cancellation is received between 31 and 90 days prior to the beginning of a workshop, all tuition is retained. The only exception to this is that if the workshop is full and we fill your reservation on the workshop. In that case, all money will be returned to you except for a $150 administrative fee.
- 30 Days or Less
If your cancellation is received 30 days or less prior to the beginning of a workshop, all tuition is retained. Because we are extremely busy preparing for the workshop inside 30 days, we may not have time to actively try to fill your position. We will send out an announcement indicating that an opening is available. We may have to put you in touch with anyone interested in taking the position. It may be up to you and the interested party to workout a payment price and arrangement.
Transfer of Deposit and Tuition for Cancellations
If your cancel your workshop space and your vacated position is filled, you have the option to transfer your money to another workshop (offered by either Marti or TJ) with available space for the current year. If the new workshop tuition is more than the one from which you are canceling, you will be responsible for the difference. If the new workshop tuition is less than the one from which you are canceling, we will refund the difference you have paid to you.
It is not our policy to transfer deposits or tuition from one year to the next.
In the very rare and unfortunate situation where we are forced to cancel a workshop due to circumstances beyond our control (earthquakes, floods, storms, etc in the workshop area), all of your deposit and tuition will be returned.
What the Tuition Covers
The tuition covers the cost of the workshop. Transportation to and from the workshop, lodging, rental car (if needed), and meals are the responsibility of the participant. Entry fees to the national park are also the responsibility of the participant.
Making Travel Plans
We suggest that you not make non-refundable travel plans prior to 60 days before the start of the workshop. There are also companies that will provide travel insurance for your trip.
Equipment Insurance
We strongly suggest that you insure all of your equipment prior to leaving for a workshop.
How to Register for a Workshop
Please contact TJ Avery (by email) requesting registration. TJ will send you all the details.
Weather Permitting
Our shooting sessions in the field will always be weather permitting. In the event of adverse weather, we will opt out of our field shoots and spend time in the classroom. There will be plenty to learn and discuss, and we'll even do some shooting exercises inside. Typical rain events in the area usually do not last very long.
We will do our best to ensure that your time in the classroom and the field is meaningful and productive, and that a comfortable learning environment exists for you.
Guests
Spouses are welcome to join us during the workshop except during the classroom sessions. They are welcome in the field during our shoots, but they will not receive any photographic instruction. They are most welcome to join us for meals.
Any other guests traveling with you are asked not to participate in any workshop activities except evening meals.
badlands - TJ Avery
Feedback and Testimonials
"This was awesome. I loved that you were there to help the entire time and didn't leave us out on our own while you were off taking pictures- makes a huge different vs. the workshops that don't do that." - Shanda (Big Bend, Oct. 2011)
"This is my first workshop and I loved it, both the workshop and the people. It is totally worth my time and money and helped me a lot with night shoot techniques, general composition and photography in general. I am definitely interested in other workshops you may have. Please keep me in the loop." - Naga (Big Bend, Oct. 2011)
"It was a blast. I was able to learn/advance techniques for night photography. Sadly my home up north doesn't offer a place to practice! Your first workshop was wonderful, what a great collection of people. Perfect balance of field/workshop/sleep. Well done. I will recommend you to friends." - Scott (Big Bend, Oct. 2011)
"Definitely worth it. Loved the field outings and group shoots and getting to learn the park more in depth. Appreciate your knowledge of the park and willingness to help and answer any question. The group came together well too." - Launa (Big Bend, Oct. 2011)
"Had a great time. It was absolutely worth it. I hope I can remember half of what I learned." - Wes (Big Bend, Oct. 2011)
"Learned a lot. Definitely worth it. Very beneficial. Can't wait to apply all I learned. Had a great time!" - Oscar (Big Bend, Oct. 2011)
Also, please see Marti's page containing feedback on her previous workshops: www.martijeffers.com/index.php/pages/workshop_testimonials.html
Additional Info
For more information on workshops offered by Marti and TJ, please visit:
To contact either TJ or Marti, please visit these pages:
To see some of TJ and Marti's personal work, please visit:
(from previous workshops)
- TJ's workshop listings
- Marti's photography workshop page
- contact TJ Avery
- contact Marti
- TJ's Big Bend Project
- Marti's website
Agave and Chisos Mtns - TJ Avery
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