Outdoor Photography Course

This is an outdoor photography class geared towards wilderness trips. Students will get a basic understanding of:

• Composition
• Using natural light
• Technical fundamentals, including exposure, metering, focus, and sharpness
• Gear selection and use
• Logistical planning for photography while hiking and climbing
• Fundamentals of digital darkroom

Additionally, students will have the opportunity for hands-on learning and feedback with two field sessions, each followed by a classroom photo review.

This course is aimed at advanced beginner to intermediate photographers. No previous photography coursework is expected, but we do expect that you have taken a few photos, and want to improve your photography!

The course consists of five lectures and two outings, and the second outing is an overnighter. Classroom sessions are from 7:15pm to 9:45pm, and are held at a Seattle high school classroom.

Course Requirements

Students must have use of either a digital or film camera, preferably with manual controls such as an SLR (Single lens reflex, with interchangeable lenses). Students must provide their own film if shooting a film camera. A tripod is also recommended, but is not a necessity. Students are also responsible for bringing appropriate clothing and gear for field sessions, and for transportation to the lectures and the outings.

The cost of the course is $150, which includes the textbook and other course materials. All students must be BWCC members. New members are always welcome - see Join the Club! for more information.

Course Status

This course was last offered in 2010 and is currently on hiatus. We will leave the schedule below to show a typical itinerary.

2010 Outdoor Photography Course Schedule

Wed, May 19th	Introduction; Composition and lighting; Student image review
Sat, May 22nd	Photography field session (location TBD, in Seattle; please reserve the whole day)
Wed, May 26	Field session #1 image review; Focus and sharpness
Wed, June 2	Exposure and metering; Photo trip logistics and planning
Wed, June 9	Digital darkroom fundamentals
Sat, June 12 through Sun, June 13	Photography backpacking field session (location TBD, in the mountains around Seattle; please reserve the whole weekend)
Wed, June 16	Field session #2 image review; Gear selection

About the Instructors

Seth Pollack became strongly interested in photography when he started mountaineering, and wanted to be able to share these experiences with others. He particularly enjoys shooting wilderness trips, nature, and people in the outdoors. His images have been published in magazines and catalogs, and he has given slideshows at places such as REI and The Mountaineers. His web site is www.pollackphoto.com.

Stephen Matera has been shooting for ten years and is working as a full-time photographer. He has extensively photographed landscape and sports in the wilderness of the Northwest. He has been published broadly in national magazines, calendars, and catalogs. His web site is www.materaphoto.com.