2013-2014 WORKSHOPS
JOIN VERN, THE "PREMIERE" PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE SIERRA NEVADA.
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JAN 25 and 26, 2014, meet the evening of Jan. 24, $595
OCT 5 and 6, 2013, meet the evening of Oct 4, $595
OCT 11 through 13, 2013, meet the evening of Oct 10, $1245
Complete workshop descriptions appear later on this page....
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SPONSORED BY "THE WESTIN MONACHE RESORT"
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The Eastern Sierra is a photographers' paradise. Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills, the ancient Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains, and Mono Lake are all close by. The best autumn colors in California are nearby in the canyons between Bridgeport and Bishop. Vern has lived in the area for over thirty years, and has amassed an intimate knowledge of the area and will lead the classes to best locations during each seminar. Classes are designed to provide all photographers (digital and film) with a deep understanding of how to make best use of natural light, composition, and the techniques that Vern uses in his own photography. Vern’s goal is to teach you the difference between "taking a picture" and creating a fine art photograph. Our emphasis is on teaching you the combined techniques of using your camera, settings, and lens selection, to properly get the shot right whether you are using film or digital capture. We have a full-time photographic assistant available at all times to help you get the most from your investment. The field locations are carefully chosen to provide photographic opportunities matching the lectures of each day. We hope to send you home with a new vision of the natural world as well as being a more capable photographer. Past participants have all mentioned that one of the best features of these workshops is Vern's insightful knowledge of the eastern Sierra. We'll carefully focus on being at these locations, at the right time, set-up and ready to work! Class size is limited to eight students to ensure that each participant can receive individual attention from Vern at every location and at each critique.
The 2013 workshops are based in Mammoth Lakes.
Autumn 2011 Workshop based here in Mammoth Lakes
So join Vern for a beyond-the-basics weekend in an intimate group of only eight students. We'll do up to five separate field sessions to Vern's best locations in the canyons of the Eastern Sierra. Vern is planning on up to three lectures explaining the techniques that he uses for those wonderful fall images. And we'll add time for critiques and helpful hints of your work too! Remember that Vern has lived in the Eastern Sierra for 35 years, and knows exactly where the most spectacular colors are to be found on any given weekend.
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Quotes from previous students:
"I
have attended four workshops over the last three years, all with
well-known photographer-teachers. Vern is the best of the bunch and by
a wide margin. Here's why. First of all, he is the only one who kept
his own gear in his pack, choosing instead to spend his time and energy
on his students. In the other workshops the leaders had their equipment
set up even before the students could do so, with the result that we
felt we were interrupting them if we had questions or problems. Vern
and his very personable and knowledgeable assistants lavished
personal attention on us, answering all our questions and making
suggestions, as they visited us one by one. Only at the end of the day
did they take a few minutes to do a little shooting of their own, and
even then the students gathered around them to see their compositions,
settings, etc., as they explained exactly what they were doing and why.
When we drove from one shooting site to another, Vern made sure that a
different group of two or three accompanied him each time in his car so
that he could get to know them and give them even more personal
coaching. The classroom sessions took place in his gallery, where we
were surrounded by his stunning work, which he used to illustrate
important principles as he spoke about them. His classroom lectures and
student critiques were wonderful. The handouts and the copies of two
books that he gave us are permanent parts of my photography library.
Personally,
Vern is very warm, friendly, down-to-earth, and extremely accessible,
without a hint of self-importance or heightened ego. His helpers are
made from the same mold. And of course, they really know what they
are doing. They are a terrific team. Perhaps the loudest praise I can
give is this: I will join another of Vern's workshops as soon as I can,
and that is not the case with the others I've been with."
Jack Quintero 2010
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"There are things that no one can teach - You can!
There are places no one knows - You do!
And all that is wrapped in a friendly and effective attitude!
What else can we ask for?
I'll be happy to join future workshop should my travel plans coincide with them.
Thank you very much."
Benny Hanigal 2011
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"To be frank, I was somewhat intimidated before going to
the workshop. I've taken pictures for years,
wanted to do better, and had
never taken a workshop or course. I knew that I'd likely being the neophyte in the
group. I clearly knew the least among my eight classmates, all of whom were
genuinely nice people who shared ideas,opinions and observations. The location,
the Eastern Sierras in autumn, is magnificent. The synergism of the mountains,
lakes, foliage and light are breathtaking. The itinerary which Vern has
developed , early morning and late afternoon photography, and midday classroom
work couldn't be better. The classroom work is both technical and composition.
Most importantly, is the teaching by Vern and .... These two gentlemen have
known each other for over three decades, and work seamlessly , continually
focusing attention on us. Always available for questions, occasionally
prescriptive, and when needed. there to assist, assess, and question what we
were attempting to communicate with our composition. The one: one time was
invaluable, and the critiques of our work were invaluable. Vern is a person who has a
passion for landscape photography, who does it extremely well, and conveyed enthusiasm to us.
I was amazed at how much I learned . I had hoped to
capture several "really good pictures" over the three days. That was
accomplished , but more importantly, I learned to see better, slow down, start
to learn to compose, and to use light to its
advantage."
Robert Foglio 2011
Thank you again for creating and leading the "Autumn Spectacular" workshop in Mammoth. I was able to experience for the first time how a real professional chooses a site, works the site, creates a vision, uses the light, composes the image and applies the correct technique to capture the image in accordance with the vision. Both you and Margaret created a friendly environment which maximized the learning experience.
Glen Schofield 2012
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Each
day includes a critique of each student's work. The gallery in Mammoth
has a cozy comfortable setting with a Sony 46inch Bravia monitor. We
use Adobe Lightroom
for critiques. You will learn some basic techniques in Lightroom too. This is a great program to present your images, and to
begin the
workflow leading to your final presentation. In many cases, Lightroom
is all you
need.
Cost includes a light breakfast, coffee, snacks and a hearty lunch
while we
attend the day's lecture and then critique our work. Also included is
one group dinner at the Whitebark Restaurant at The Westin. We strongly
suggest that students eat dinner together to share knowledge and
stories about topics not covered during the daytime hours. This helps
to maximize your investment during your stay in the Eastern Sierra. We can
assist with overnight accommodations. A 50% deposit confirms your
booking with the balance
due 60 days before the class begins. We do maintain a wait list, so
please inquire about availability. Classes end by 1PM on the last day
so participants have time to travel home. Returning students will receive a 15% discount on any future workshop!
Overnight E-6 processing is no longer available, but film photographers are more
than welcome to attend. Vern has switched to a Canon 5D Mark II.
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Click here to see what other former students have
mentioned about Vern's classes.
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FALL WEEKEND IN THE EASTERN SIERRA
"Getting the most from your new digital camera!"
Date: October 5 and 6, 2013. Meet the evening of Oct 4.
You only need to take Friday afternoon off from work....
3 shooting sessions, one extensive lecture about your camera and basic composition, and a critique on Sunday.
Formats: Digital is best for learning, all other formats welcome!
Cost: $595
Limited to: 8 participants.
AUTUMN SPECTACULAR IN THE EASTERN SIERRA DURING PEAK COLORS!
"This one is the REAL deal. We talk about the basic and advanced use of your camera in landscape photography. There is a long lecture on Light on the Landscape, composition, image balance, and seeing with "mindfulness".
Date: October 11, 12 , and 13, 2013. Meet the evening of October 10
5 shooting sessions, two extensive lectures. And two critiques on Saturday and Sunday.
Limited to: 8 participants.
Formats: Digital is best for learning, all other formats welcome!
Cost: $1245
Book lodging at The Westin: $169 per night, information is later on this page.
WINTER IN THE ALABAMA HILLS, ABOVE LONE PINE
"Part two of our shorter workshops. We will continue with the long lecture on Light on the Landscape, composition, image balance, and seeing with "mindfulness"
Date: January 25 and 26, 2014. Meet the evening of Jan. 24.
This workshop will be based in Lone Pine, California.
We will be shooting extensively in the Alabama Hills.
Lodging at the Dow Villa Hotel.
You only need to take Friday afternoon off from work....
3 shooting sessions, one extensive lecture about your camera and advanced composition, and a critique on Sunday. We will visit five different arches duirng our stay this weekend.
Formats: Digital is best for learning, all other formats welcome!
Cost: $595
Limited to: 8 participants.
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SPRING WILDFLOWERS IN THE EASTERN SIERRA
Learn how to get the most from your new digital camera with this in-depth starter class. You'll be making great photographs by your summer vacation.
Date: May 4 and 5, 2013. Meet the evening of May 3.
You only need to take Friday afternoon off from work....
3 shooting sessions, one extensive lecture about your camera and basic composition, and a critique on Sunday.
Formats: Digital is best for learning, all other formats welcome!
Cost: $595
Limited to: 8 participants.
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SUMMER PHOTO ADVENTURE
Join Vern for a “beyond the basics”, three-day workshop. Based in Mammoth, we will adventure to five field locations, including Yosemite, the Ancient Bristlecones above Bishop, and exceptional locations in the Eastern Sierra. Enjoy three lectures: “The Basics”, “Light on Landscape”, “Landscape as Design”.
Date: June 20, 21, and 22, 2013. Meet the evening of June 20.
Date: June 28, 29, and 30, 2013. Meet the evening of June 27.
We will critiques on Saturday and Sunday.
Limited to: 8 participants.Formats: Digital is best for learning, all other formats welcome!
Cost: $1245
Package Cost with lodging at The Westin: $1845
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To sign up or ask for more information:
Email: vern@vernclevenger.com
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A 50% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 60 days before the class begins. We maintain a wait list, so please inquire about availability.
To sign up or ask for more information:
Email: vern@vernclevenger.com
Phone: 760 934 5100
Vern's Address:
Box 100, PMB 300
220 Sierra Manor Road #4
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
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Contact Lacey Behrens to book your lodging at "The Westin".
Email: Lacey.Behrens@westinmammoth.com
Phone: 760 934 0411
