Starved Rock Spring
Nature Photography Outing & Learning Adventure

Photography Outing Requirements

NOTE: These outings are planned several months in advance based on the best available knowledge and history, but there is no way to know what nature will bring. We’ll make the best of it!

If you have questions about your experience level, please email us or phone 630-852-8448.

BASIC COURSE PREREQUISITES

You should be fairly comfortable with your camera’s operations and controls. If you’ve taken a class with us before, you probably qualify. However, this outing is not for people who are using their cameras for the first time. Instead, we offer very nice fundamental photography classes designed for your needs like Get to Know Your Camera and Make Great Pictures, Now!.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • DIGITAL SLR orĀ  MIRRORLESS INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA
  • LENSES: Ideally, the outing will coincide with the fall colors. To photograph the autumn landscape, then a wide-angle lens is ideal. For closeups, you’ll want a macro lens or one with a macro setting. For tighter scenes, like colored trees against a backdrop of the rocky walls, then a mid-range or telephoto lens might be in order. Bring a range of focal lengths.
  • BACKUP BATTERIES
  • FILTERS: Circular Polarizer has its advantages for reducing glare, improving color, and slowing motion like leaves and bubbles floating on the water.
  • TRIPOD & HEAD:
    • IT’S DARK IN THE CANYON. Handholding the camera will only result in blurry images. So, bring a sturdy tripod with an easy-to-adjust head.
    • A GOOD TRIPOD & HEAD makes for enjoyable and effective photography. If the tripod is flimsy and the head doesn’t accept a quick-release plate or has lots of levers, then you’ll be very frustrated. (Hint: If either is made of plastic, it’s going to be a problem.) Knowing this now will allow you to buy a tripod and head so you can enjoy taking pictures at the outing and far into the future!. Contact us for tripod and head recommendations. If it’s now close to the date of outing, please contact Mike (using the above link) to discuss possible options.
    • A TRIPOD STRAP flung over your shoulder is the easiest way to carry a tripod. A good photo backpack should also allow you to attached a tripod.
    • ELECTRONIC SHUTTER RELEASE (OPTIONAL) reduces camera shake.
  • FOR LANDSCAPES & SCENIC SHOTS, A METHOD FOR DETERMINING HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE:
    • You’ll need a steel tape measure and a way to determine the proper f-stop. If you don’t have the latter, do not fear. I offer a water-resistant hyperfocal card for just $10 that you can purchase from me BEFORE hiking in.
  • PHOTO VEST or BACKPACK: Where do you put all of your equipment? Well, I love photo vests with the possible addition of a fanny pack. But a lot of photographers carry backpacks. If you bring a photo backpack, I’m going to be on your case to be careful where you set it down so that you don’t harm the plants, which are always very closely spaced.
  • FOR LANDSCAPES & SCENIC SHOTS, A METHOD FOR DETERMINING HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE:
    • You’ll need a steel tape measure and a way to determine the proper f-stop. If you don’t have the latter, do not fear. I offer a water-resistant hyperfocal card for just $10 that you can purchase from me BEFORE hiking in.

Unless your taking abstract images, you’re going to need a tripod (with head, of course). It doesn’t hurt to bring whatever lenses you think you need to photograph a wide variety of subject matter: wide-angle for the bigger view, medium telephoto like 70-200mm for vignettes, and a macro lens for the small things. If you decide to shoot a landscape shot, then you’ll need to know how to focus using hyperfocal distance or you won’t be able to make sharp images. All you need is a small tape measure and a way to determine the proper f-stop. If you don’t have the latter, I offer a water-resistant hyperfocal guide for just ten bucks that will be available for purchase before hiking in.

WHAT TO WEAR, ETC.

You need to be ready for all weather conditions to protect yourself and your equipment. As with any outdoor situation, it is highly recommended that no cotton clothing of any sort be worn. It’s always cold at this time of year, especially in the canyons. Here’s a brief list of what you should bring:

  • Boots: We’ll probably have to cross a stream on a few occasions with water that’s between 3 and 10 inches deep. Therefore, higher boots or spats (over lower boots) are a good idea. And have a dry pair of shoes and socks in the car for afterwards.
  • Long Pants:, Hat, Gloves, & Rain Jacket: It’ll probably be cold and damp in the canyons. And, there isn’t much sun.
  • Synthetic Undergarments will keep you warm and wick away moisture from your skin.
  • Snack & Liquids: It’s important to keep hydrated and keep your energy.

GENERAL RULES

Please stay with the group so nobody gets lost. Plus, if you stray, there’s no way that I’ll be able to give you guidance.

BRING WATER & SNACKS

Carry water and snacks with you. Water is responsible for keeping you both cool and warm, depending on what the body needs. For slow-moving activity like photography, fatty foods like nuts will give you the most energy. Proteins, like beef jerky will stick to your ribs and stay with you longer than carbohydrates, which are important for a quick energy and mental alertness.

IN THE FIELD

When we’re in the field it’s important to have just what you need. But, it’s also important to respect the natural habitat and to prevent erosion. Luckily, we’re mostly walking on rocks. If you normally wear a backpack, please be careful about where you place it when you’re shooting.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Unless there’s a downpour, we’re shooting. And, cloudy weather is usually best to capture the canyons. But, if for some reason the weather prevents us from shooting, you’ll be notified the night before or just prior to the shoot. So, have your cell phones on. In case of inclement weather, the session will be held on the make-up date.

If you have further questions about Mike MacDonald workshops just email us or phone 630-852-8448.