Field Seminars

Explore and Discover Lassen Volcanic with Ed-Venture Workshops
Experience Lassen Volcanic National Park at a greater level, through hands-on Ed-Venture Workshops! Education and adventure can easily be found at Lassen Volcanic National Park through Lassen Association’s Field Seminar Program. Lassen Association is an educational non-profit organization contracted with the National Park Service since 1939 to provide quality and professional education and interpretation about Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Course registration is highly recommended, however walk-ons are welcome if course is not full (cash or personal check only for walk-ons). All workshops are subject to last minute cancellation due to extreme conditions. Course dates and times may also change.

For more information, please contact the Lassen Association at [phone]. Pre-registration is available on-line at www.lassenassociation.org.

 

©Terry Nathan

Example photo by instructor Terry Nathan

Nature Photography in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Photography is among the most accessible art forms but among the most difficult to master. In this two-day photography workshop, we will use Lassen Volcanic National Park's stunning landscape, rich history, and diversity of ecosystems to improve our skills making photographs. By combining in-class and hands-on photography experiences in the park, we will learn about compositional principles that will enable us to make more compelling photographs spanning a wide range of natural subjects. These subjects will include the park's wildflowers, geologic features, and grand mountain views. The workshop will consist of a two-hour in class presentation on the principles of lighting and composition, a six-hour hands-on field excursion, and a two-hour post photo shoot critique session.

Experience Level: Beginner to Experienced
Ages: 18 and up
Cost: $150 per person
Instructor: Terry Nathan

August 17 - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lecture on lighting and composition in the Loomis Museum Auditorium

August 18 - 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Field Excursion; meet in front of the Loomis Museum. Topics include:

• The camera; a tool for the heart and mind: camera basics: aperture, shutter speed, depth-of-field…
• Learning to see like an artist: documentation and interpretation
• Designing a photograph: vantage point, intrinsic frame, time…
• Basic principles of composition: visual weight and energy, proportion, perspective…
• Seeing the light: quality and direction of light
• Color as a design element: color in the landscape (complimentary versus harmonious colors)
• From concept to portfolio: telling a story
• August 18 - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  

Photo critiques in the Loomis Museum Auditorium. Review and critique the images made during the field excursion.

What to Pack
Camera! Digital, film, and point-and-shoot cameras are all welcome. Bring plenty of water, sack lunch, snacks, backpack, sunscreen, insect repellant, sturdy/comfortable shoes, layers of light, loose and protective clothing, hat, rain gear for your person and camera gear, and a small folding stool/chair (last item optional).

Important Notes
Keep in mind that you will be at 6,000+ feet. Altitude and exposure to the elements are important considerations. Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly and dramatically. The workshop will continue as planned in reasonable rain conditions. Lighting, thunder, heavy rain or snow may cancel the course. The course itinerary is tentative and may change due to weather conditions, participants' experience levels, and accessibility to resources, etc…