Martin Luther King Day. But for workshops, it is like any other day, except that there were more people in town. Our hours, however, are not the norm. We get up early to catch that special light, and we generally shoot after dark. Between times, there are imaging and critiques. Personal time? What’s that? For instructors or participants!
Some of our participants prefer to photograph alone and share their images in the mid-day sessions. Others like to work with Arnie and me. Each person has to do what is right for him or her.
Arnie and I headed for an area with charming houses, a place we have frequented before. We gave assignments and worked with individuals to challenge them and help them see the light.
Later, we walked to a nearby place for breakfast, but on the way, of course, we are still photographing. I had been showing people how light makes a huge difference and illustrated it with a beautiful grill.
As we waited at the restaurant for our table to be arranged, many found the shadows along the sidewalk interesting. I chose to keep it really simple, a study of light and shadow.
In alumni workshops, the critiques are more direct. That is why many of our alumni come to this workshop, as they know we will challenge them and make them work harder to produce ever better images. Our critique sessions are easily as important as our locations, but it was time to take a break and get our gear.
There was a special treat in the afternoon. We were headed for the bayou on a “tour” of our own, one that we did not have to share with non-photographers. We had absolutely amazing drivers of the vans who took us to and from the bayou. Each had his and her own strengths, and the audiences in both vans, I think, got a lot out of what they had to offer. I cannot speak for the other van, but the people in “mine” were laughing, asking good questions, and enjoying the at-times comedic presentation by our driver.
Our airboat was ready, and after the normal, prudent stop, there being no loos on an airboat, we took off. Our captain was born and raised in these parts. The various backwaters, canals, and labyrinthian waterways were his childhood playground.
He took us up one of his favorite waterways, one that produced the bulk of images by most of our group. I may have been the only one who had been in the bayou a couple of times before, so I knew what I wanted photographically. Each tour is different, so one never knows the exact area, but there was an effect I wanted, and I found it in this scene.
I also love reflections, and I was looking for the right combination (for me) of sky, water, and trees, Cypress, of course.
Next: Back in town.
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