Douglas Steakley
Photography Tours and Expeditions

Big Sur Revealed
A Guided Photography Tour
Saturday, October 24, 2020
9:00 aM- Sunset (about 6:20 PM)
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October is a very photogenic time of year to visit and photograph the Big Sur coast; the days are sunny and warm, and October usually brings the first winter rain.

In this intensive one day tour we will visit many of the iconic locations along the Big Sur coast, from Soberanes to McWay Falls, as well as places that are not as well-known.

Expert photographic assistance will be provided to all participants and we will review such topics as stack focusing, using histograms to ensure correct exposure, and incorporating slower time exposures with neutral density filters to soften the movement of the water. While this is not a beginning workshop, please do not be intimidated about participating. It is my philosophy that everyone goes through similar learning stages as their photographic skills progress and it is my goal for you to become excited about your photography and anxious to return and keep shooting.

I have been taking small groups of photographers on tours in Big Sur for many years and recently have been calling these tours “Big Sur Revealed”, the same as the title of my new book.  As we drive down the coast I try to lift the veil of Big Sur to show you locations that you might not find easily on your own, and then I go a couple of steps further by pointing out perspectives or ways of seeing the landscape that are not readily apparent. As we walk down trails, or anywhere in our lives, we tend to look straight ahead and see things at eye level, and most photographers repeat this way of seeing by holding a camera in front of them or placing it on a tripod at eye level and taking a photograph. But there are more interesting angles and ways of capturing perspectives with a camera that will create images that are fresh, unexpected and visually compelling. I don’t think that photography should only describe a scene, it can also interpret and reveal aspects of scenes that can only be captured with a camera and that reflect our personal way of seeing. Good photographs inform the viewer, not only about the subject matter of the image, but, when successful, about themselves--their lives, thoughts and feelings. When images are taken consciously and intentionally, they prod us to be more thoughtful and reflective, some become embedded in our consciousness.
   
Each participant must have a DSLR camera, a wide angle lens and a stable tripod. Optional equipment may include neutral density filters and a circular polarizing filter as well as other lenses. If  you plan to purchase new equipment, please feel free to contact me and allow me assist you with recommendations. If you want to purchase filters, I highly recommend Singh-Ray and as one of their sponsored photographers I can off a 10% discount off of your purchases. Please enter douglas10 in the coupon blank space on the purchase order to receive the discounted price.

We will stop for lunch at the Big Sur River Inn and the lunch cost is not included in the workshop. You may also bring a lunch and eat at the outside picnic tables.

We will do some short hiking to reach several locations so please wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes and bring layers of clothing.

This tour will be limited to 10 participants and costs $250.00. A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is required upon registration.

Please print and return the following two forms along with a non-refundable deposit check in the amount of $75.00


Registration Form
Liability Release Form


To see more photographs of the Big Sur coast, please click here