Fall in the South Dakota Badlands
September 25 - 28, 2024
Join award winning landscape photographer Craig McCord September 25-28, 2024 for 4 days and 3 nights as he guides you through the spectacular landscapes of the South Dakota Badlands. This workshop will focus on techniques for capturing compelling landscape images in the unique rock formations of the South Dakota Badlands. It is open to all skill levels and both digital and film and is designed to help you expand your creative eye. We will also consider how to better see in black and white, for those interested in these techniques, and examine what to look for in terms of texture, tones, tonal contrast, and patterns. You will learn how to best use wide angle lenses to create depth in your landscape images, whether photographing for color or black and white. Also, we will review how to use telephoto lenses to isolate intimate landscape details. This workshop could very well change your creative approach to photography.
What to Expect:
One-on-one personal instruction to help you get the most out of your field experience
At least one photo critique/post processing session.
How to see and pre-visualize for black and white, for those wanting to broaden their skills
Field assignments to help you expand your creative vision.
Techniques for eliminating distracting elements and simplify to emphasize your subject
Using wide-angle and telephoto lenses to tell your story
Shooting the Milky Way. Tools and Techniques
Night Shoot
During this workshop there may be an opportunity to do some night sky photography. And while the primary focus of this workshop will be Badland landscape, depending on sky conditions, we might get a milky way shoot in. If so, we will discuss:
Focus techniques
Exposure
Composing using foreground elements
Light painting and blue hour blending
Best equipment
and more
The South Dakota Badlands are a unique and beautiful landscape filled with dramatic rock formations, bison, bighorn sheep, and cottonwoods that turn golden in the fall. It's a great place to explore the geology of the area as well as photograph stunning sunrises and sunsets. During the fall months, the cottonwoods light up in shades of reds and yellows against the backdrop of the rugged terrain.
Lodging: We will be staying at the Best Western Plains Hotel in Wall, South Dakota tel:(605) 279-2145, where a block of rooms has been set aside for our group. You are responsible for making your own reservations. When making your reservations indicate that you are with the Craig McCord Photography Workshop group.
Meetup: The workshop will kick off at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25th. We will gather in the lobby of the Best Western Hotel and to start off we will go over some administrative matters, spend a little time getting to know one another, and review our workshop itinerary. Then we will head out for our first afternoon/sunset session.
The workshop will end after the morning shoot on Sept 28th.
Group Size: Only 6 Slots will be available for this workshop. So, it is important to sign up early.
Why Only 6: By keeping the group size small it best enables me to provide quality one-on-one instruction to participants based on individual needs and skills. This is not a photo tour, it is meant to be a valuable learning experience as well as an opportunity to bring home some fabulous images.
Tuition: $1695. A $300 non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of registration. Balance will be due no later than 60 days prior to the workshop start date.
Items Not Included: Lodging, airfare, transportation, and meals.
Please Review Cancellation Policy
The South Dakota Badlands is home to a diverse array of wildlife from the majestic bison to the nimble antelope, and from the elusive bighorn sheep to the curious groundhogs. This region is teeming with fascinating creatures offering countless photographic opportunities.
