The Photo Bug Just Bit

OUCH! THAT HURT!! (my bank account)...I knew this would be a dangerous bug to mess with...

I took my first photo-workshop through a gallery/academy in my neighborhood. It was a day long class given by Aperture Academy. SOOO much fun! I was lucky enough to go with a couple of good friends who have a similar interest in this particular form of art. Chris is the technical guy who researches every camera, lens, filter, backpack, etc. to make sure that, whatever the device, he is ready with the best reviewed piece of equipment one might need within a budget. Lisa has a fantastic eye for photography. She takes amazing pictures but is in the same boat I am as far as knowing the the technical side and gear side of what she is shooting with. When one of the instructors asked if I had brought a wide angled lens with me, I handed him my bag and responded, "Here. You tell me."

There were about 12 of us with two well known photographers/instructors that paid one on one attention to each and every one of us at every location we visited. We started at Baker Beach (on the ocean side at the foot of Golden Gate Bridge), where we were given individual instruction on how shoot the environment and construct a photo with good composition. They were overflowing with information and suggestions on how to get a great shot. The instructors were working with a group of people that ranged in knowledge and ability that varied greatly. Some folks were already well seasoned photographers that were working on advancing their skill and others, like me, were just trying to learn how to use our cameras.

Next, we moved to the bay side of the bridge at Fort Point where we got to explore the interior and exterior of the building and all kinds of lighting conditions. This place was filled with old cannons, interesting vignettes and beautiful architectural details. It was definitely a place to go back to on a week day when we could take more time and not have a quite so many visitors in the way. After that stop, we drove over to Sausalito for dinner at a cute little cafe on the water where we could go over what we had learned so far.

We were then driven to Rodeo Beach (Fort Cronkite) where we hoped for a good sunset. Unfortunately, the weather didn't permit the typical orange, pink and blue skies you see at this time of year when the sun is going down over the ocean. BUT, there were sea stacks that we got to focus on and learn to manipulate the look of the water as it crashed against the rocks and swirled back into the ocean. Again, with more expert help from the instructors. Thank you, Brian and Scott!!

The last stop was at the Marin Headlands Overlook looking towards S.F. where we took shots of the lit up Golden Gate Bridge after sunset. BEAUTIFUL! Very gusty!! Raining. BEAUTIFUL!! Because of the weather, we were only there for a max of about 20 minutes. It was just enough time to get a perfect last shot without any rain spots on my lens. I lucked out. Not everyone had a rain free shot from that location.

So don't bother sending me links to the cure for a Photo Bug bite. I'm just fine with this disease, thank you!

To see more of this gallery go to Poppyfly.smugmug.com