Species Spotlight - The Great Northern Loon

The Great Northern Loon is one of the five loon species. Its closest relative is the other large black-headed species, the Yellow-billed Loon or White-billed Diver.

Adults can range from 61 to 100 cm (24–40 inches) in length with a 122–152 cm (4–5-foot) wingspan, slightly smaller than the similar Yellow-billed Loon (or "White-billed Diver"). The weight can vary from 1.6 to 8 kg (3.6 to 17.6 lbs). On average a Great Northern Loon is about 81 cm (32 inches) long, has a wingspan of 136 cm (54 inches), and weighs about 4.1 kg (9 lbs).

Breeding adults have a black head, white underparts, and a checkered black-and-white mantle. Non-breeding plumage is brownish, with the chin and foreneck white. The bill is black-blue and held horizontally. The bill colour and angle distinguish this species from the similar Yellow-billed Loon.

Bone structure contains a number of solid bones (unlike normally hollow avian bones), which add weight but help in diving.

Distribution and habitat

The Great Northern Loon breeds in North America, Greenland, Iceland, and Great Britain. This species winters on sea coasts or on large lakes of south Europe and the United States, and south to northwestern areas of Africa.

Behaviour

Chicks will ride on their parents' backs

This species, like all divers, is a specialist fish-eater, catching its prey underwater, diving as deep as 60 m (200 ft). Freshwater diets consist of pike, perch, sunfish, trout, and bass; salt-water diets consist of rock fish, flounder, sea trout, and herring.

The bird needs a long distance to gain momentum for take-off, and is ungainly on landing. Its clumsiness on land is due to the legs being positioned at the rear of the body: this is ideal for diving but not well-suited for walking. When the birds land on water, they skim along on their bellies to slow down, rather than on their feet, as these are set too far back. The loon swims gracefully on the surface, dives as well as any flying bird, and flies competently for hundreds of kilometers in migration. It flies with its neck outstretched, usually calling a particular tremolo that can be used to identify a flying loon. Its flying speed is about 120 km/h (75 mph) during migration. Its call has been alternately called "haunting," "beautiful," "thrilling," "mystical", and "enchanting."

Great Northern Loon nests are usually placed on islands, where ground-based predators cannot normally access them. However, eggs and nestlings have been taken by gulls, raccoons, skunks, minks, foxes, snapping turtles, and large fish. Adults are not regularly preyed upon, but have been taken by sea otters (when wintering) and Bald Eagles. Ospreys have been observed harassing divers, more likely out of kleptoparasitism than predation.  When approached by a predator of either its nest or itself, divers sometimes attack the predator by rushing at it and attempting to impale it through the abdomen or the back of the head or neck.

Breeding

The female lays 1 to 3 eggs on a hollowed-out mound of dirt and vegetation very close to water. Both parents build the nest, sit on the egg or eggs, and feed the young.

Relationship with humans

These birds have disappeared from some lakes in eastern North America due to the effects of acid rain and pollution, as well as lead poisoning from fishing sinkers and mercury contamination from industrial waste. Artificial floating nesting platforms have been provided for loons in some lakes to reduce the impact of changing water levels due to dams and other human activities.

This diver is well known in Canada, appearing on the one-dollar "loonie" coin and the previous series of $20 bill, and is the provincial bird of Ontario. Also, it is the state bird of Minnesota.

The voice and appearance of the Great Northern Loon has made it prominent in several Native American tales. These include a story of a loon which created the world in a Chippewa story; a Micmac saga describes Kwee-moo, the loon who was a special messenger of Glooscap (Glu-skap), the tribal hero; native tribes of British Columbia believed that an excess of calls from this bird predicted rain, and even brought it; and the tale of the loon's necklace was handed down in many versions among Pacific Coast peoples. Folk names include big loon, black-billed loon, call-up-a-storm, ember-goose,

We often see Loons on our workshops and have experience anticipating their movement to offer you the best opportunity to photograph them in the environment.

Please check out our workshops and come photograph some Loons. www.northof49photography.com

 

Canadian Photography Workshop Series

I have had the pleasure of travelling to some fantastic places... Africa, France, Mongolia, Eastern Europe, South America... and no matter where I go, and who I meet, I always get asked about Canada, my home.

I guess its the expansive nature of our country. The draw of the Rocky Mountains, the expansive prairies, the eclectic economic center of Ontario and Quebec, and the iconic eastern provinces on the Atlantic Ocean... and definately not to be left out, our territories to the north, and their allure of untamed lands and wildlife...

Over the past year I have been mulling an idea that would bring International Photographers to Canada. A friend of mine, Tim Vollmer, brings photographers from around the world to Iceland and hosts amazing trips that can be found nowhere else on earth...

Canada also has that diverse and unique offering, and frankly, I think better opportunities than Iceland, (sorry Tim... LOL)

So in July of 2013, North of 49 Photography was launched. North of 49 refers to the latitude line of our border with the USA. So all workshops and tours that this new company will conduct, will be north of the 49th latitude line.

Our Canadian instructors and guides have knowledge of the lands and the wildlife that we will be photographing to ensure that you have the best experience possible. These Canadian instructors and guides will also support the International Photographers that visit Canada with their friends and clients. So, you get two professional photographers to help you when you come to Canada. This offers a great ratio and increases your learning time.

Currently we have a variety of workshops and tours that focus on the very photogenic Pacific coast in Tofino, British Columbia, a few workshops centred around thousands of migratory bald eagles, Northwest Territories for landscape and Northern Lights, and as well, a workshop up in Algonquin Park and the Kawartha region of Ontario.

All of these workshops can be found at www.northof49photography.com

In the coming months we will also be adding a few polar bear workshops in Nunavut and an east coast lighthouse workshop along the Atlantic coastline.

I hope you will bookmark the site and refer back to it often. We will be constantly updating the workshops and the blog will be filling up with all the information you will ever need on Canada, its people, its regions and where we will be travelling to.

I wanted to thank you all for your support with the Photographers Lounge. That company will continue to operate our International Workshops and local one day workshops under www.photographerslounge.ca

Thanks,

Kev

Photography Workshop Options

BALD EAGLES IN BC

This photo workshop is centered on a convergence of thousands of bald eagles in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Your instructor(s) for this workshop will guide you to the best locations for photographing the eagles in the Fraser Valley that is surrounded by the Cascade Mountain range, including a private boat tour up the river within meters of the eagles. You will be provide detailed instruction on how to capture your perfect landscape photo and eagle shots by your instructors .

Dates: November 30 - December 4, 2013

Price; $2950

See more details: http://northof49photography.com/bald-eagle-worskhop-with-tim-vollmer

ICELAND

The winter of 2014 is supposed to be a spectacular year for viewing northern lights. In February I will be headed to one of the best places on earth to view the northern lights, Iceland.

Dates: February 5th to February 10th

Price: $3895

See more details: http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/iceland-winter-wonderland

TANZANIA

And back we go again to Tanzania to bear witness to the great wildebeest migration through the Serengeti. Please join me as we head back to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti plains to photograph some of earths most amazing landscapes and animals in their natural habitat.

Dates:  April 28th to May 7th

Price: $4780

See more details: http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/tanzania-photo-safari

NEWFOUNDLAND

This ten day workshop will see us visiting northern Newfoundland and Labrador during the beginning of summer. That magical time when whales migrate north through iceberg alley as the crystal palaces float south.

Dates: June 1st to June 10th

Price: $4250

See more details: http://northof49photography.com/newfoundland-and-labrador

I hope you consider joining us on one of our workshops or photo tours. There are many more in the last half of 2014 that have been recently announced. You can check out those workshops and photo tours on www.photographerslounge.ca and www.northof49photography.com

TOFINO

Have you ever been to the extreme west coast of Canada? The unique location where you can enjoy the sights of a rainforest one day and be photographing black bears, bald eagles and whales the next... then switch things up and turn inland to photograph snow covered mountains?

Join Kevin and Ellen on another "North of 49 Photography" photo workshop to this unique land. August is a magical time of year in Tofino; "fog"ust as it is referred to creates spectacular images along the expansive shoreline in the morning hours, animals like black bears, sea lions and yes, even whales are a frequent part of the day’s activities in the Tofino area.

Dates: August 10 to 17, 2014
Price: $1295USD

See more details here: http://northof49photography.com/tofino-workshop-with-ellen-anon

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Over the course of the five days & nights at the lodge, your leaders will cover topics on macro-photography, long exposure night photography, bird and wildlife photography. This area offers a wide variety of plants, many of which will be brightly colored in September and lay upon the landscape like a blanket.  This is also a great time of year to capture northern lights (aurora borealis), migratory wildlife & birds, including possible bear sightings, fox, tundra swans, eagles, owls and falcons.     

Dates: September 20 to 27, 2014

Price: $5500USD

See more details: http://www.rodbarbee.com/workshops/140920-northwest-territories

I hope you consider joining me and my fellow workshop leaders,

Kevin

Photo Composition Tip - Symmetry and Patterns

We are surrounded by symmetry and patterns, both natural and man-made., They can make for very eye-catching compositions, particularly in situations where they are not expected. Another great way to use them is to break the symmetry or pattern in some way, introducing tension and a focal point to the scene. (like i did above with the bird)

To learn more about composition, check out our composition workshops at the Photographer's Lounge.

Photo Composition Tip

Two important elements of a photograph's composition are "leading lines" and "light". The eye is drawn towards the brightest spot(s) in a photo and a line, natural or man made aide in leading someones eye.

This photo uses the lighter bench on the bottom left as an anchor, then the path leads the eye into the heart of the photo, with the brighter sky as another draw of the eye.

A properly composed photo rarely happens by change. Next time you are out shooting look for leading lines and light as a way to create interest in your images.

If you want to learn more you can check out our "Composition Workshops" at the Photographer's Lounge.

Costumes, Props and Accessories for your Studio Photography

Something that is often overlooked and you might not think to include is placing props into a photo… take this photo above… if I just shot Morgan standing there it would have been just another photo. But taking that black shower curtain and draping it over her head added a new dimension and gave the photo a voice… that photo now has emotion and evokes a sense of peace.

So consider scouring through your house and consider picking up a bunch of props. If you take portrait photos for clients in your studio, having props there make the situation a less boring process for many people and having silly stuff for them to dress up and play with can be a great way to loosen everyone up and inject a little fun into the situation. Even if the ultimate goal of the shoot is a serious portrait, starting off with some funny props encourages your subjects to relax, become comfortable with you and be themselves.

You’ll also want to consider some more practical props as well. Such as a few pieces of stylish furniture you can quickly move in and out of the scene. Anything you can do to break the typical mould of studio photography will help your photography stand out.

If you are just shooting for your portfolio and for the experience of taking photos… take a trip down to the local costume shop… they have an abundance of costumes and cheap accessories you can pick up to enhance your photos. I am doing that next week. I will be picking up a replica dress from the movie, "The Seven Year Itch" and photographing a model with a fan placed beneath her so we get the blown dress look. While the photos are for a client, I also intend to have a little fun and try some new ideas.

Check back tomorrow when we address the main subject of your studio set up… lighting. There are a variety of lighting options, each coming with a different price tag and allowing you the creative control that will separate your images form the average photographer.

Please check out our lighting workshops that we hold 8 times a year. http://www.photographers-lounge.com/canadian-workshops/lighting-workshop-series/

Landscape Photography Tips and Workshops

Are you a fan of landscape photos? Personally, I am someone that likes to photograph landscapes more than any other subject... probably because they don't talk back like people, or flutter around like a bird. :-)

I always try to look for creative ways to shoot the landscape. It does not always work out, but sometimes  I catch a view point not many people get a photograph of... and those photos my friends are what separates a good photographer from a  great photographer.

So let’s take a look at some tips that have been handed down to me for shooting landscape photos from fellow photographers and some professionals.

Tip 1: Bring a Tripod

Always bring a tripod if you plan on shooting landscapes. Even if the day is sunny, you may need to use a small aperture to achieve a much larger depth of field. In these instances, you may be using a low shutter speed – which leads to camera shake if you can’t hold the camera stable in your hands.

Hence the need for a tripod. I would suggest a ball head on the tripod as it allows for more versatility in moving the camera around and helping you capture a more unique looking composition.

Tip 2: Cable Release

One good tip is to carry a cable release. Instead of using the timer function on the camera, use the cable release. This ensures that you can trigger the shutter at precisely the right timing. In turn, this leads to reduced camera shake and a more beautiful "tack sharp" photo. If you do not have a cable release or a remote shutter activator, the timer on your camera does work as well.

For those of you that are more advanced, locking up the mirror increases your chances of getting a sharper image as well.

Tip 3: Use the Right Filters

Filters are important when taking landscape photos. There are different types of filters that I use – polarizers, neutral density filters and graduated neutral density filters. There are screw on filters and handheld ones as well. I prefer to use the hand held filters to give myself more control of gettign the properly exposed photo right in the camera.

Polarizers are useful for reducing glare from water and other reflective surfaces. These create a more well-balanced and beautiful picture.

Neutral density filters will stop a specified amount of light entering the camera. I tend to use these for shooting waterfalls on a sunny day, high noon sun and occasionally in the winter months when the snow glare is blinding.

Graduated neutral density filters are a slight variation of this – they are dark on top and clear on the bottom, creating a ‘gradual transition’ from the dark to clear area. These filters are good for blocking out bright parts of a scene (say the sky) to create a more evenly exposed picture.

Tip 4: Research the Landscape

One thing to do before taking landscape photos is to do some background research on the landscape. If you’re taking pictures of the Niagara Falls, or the Grand Canyon, try to do some background study on what the most scenic spots are, where does the sun rise and sun set around the subject, etc... There are many sites where you can investigate vantage points. Sites like flickr or google images will allow you to see photos and give yousomething to emulate.

It’s also good to check out the weather conditions of the place you want to photograph. Check the weather network and look at the hour by hour schedule to see what you can expect when you want to visit your location – if the weather doesn’t look good, you may want to try shooting another day.

But, for the diehards like me that like to shoot landscapes, if I know its going to rain, or is going to be foggy... i put on the rain gear, grab the umbrella and get out in the rain. Atmospheric conditions offer fantastic settings that create great depth of field, offer a view not many people photograph... and more importantly greatly reduces the chances of photographing the local family out for a hike with their two dogs and 4 kids.

Tip 5: Lenses

For shooting landscape photos, it’s usually best to bring wide-angle lenses. I also bring along a telephoto lens in case I want to shoot some creative, "zoomed-in" shots.

Tip 6: Composition

I think the most important thing to remember is that composition rules are still important in landscape photos. Make sure you have something in the foreground, mid-ground and background.

Also, when taking photos of landscapes or a photo of a natural setting... have these three things in the back of your mind as you are composing your photo. (1) where is the bright spot... does it draw the eye into the image. FYI, the eye is naturally drawn to light and using light to draw someone's eye into your photograph is a good way to increase the quality of your work, (2) Is the image that sits in front of you giving you a 3 dimensional feeling. Creating a 3d (ish) effect creates more visual appeal, and (3) try and take a photo of your subject from a unique perspective. I mean, if you want the standard cookie cutter photo, set up and snap the photo... but if you want a different look of a subject that has been photographed to death... take some time and study the subject and see if you can find an angle that you may not have thought of at first glance.

Tip 7: Shoot at the Right Time

For landscape photography, an important thing to remember is that you should avoid shooting during mid-day. There is a lot of harsh lighting and bad shadow effects during that period. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be best. So be prepared to miss a few dinners or breakfasts.

I personally shoot all my landscape, OK, well almost all my landscape photos in and around the golden hour... that hour that happens 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunrise  or 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunset.

Conclusion

As you can see, landscape photography poses its own challenges. However, bear the above tips in mind the next time you’re taking these photos, and I’m sure you’ll be much happier with your photos when you get home and look at them on the computer!

 

Why don't you join me on our Canadian Adventure workshops... we focus on nature and landscape in some of Canada's most beautiful locations.

 

2013 Canadian Adventure - http://www.photographers-lounge.com/canadian-workshops/2013-canadian-adventure-ontario/

 

2014 Canadian Adventure - http://www.photographers-lounge.com/canadian-workshops/2014-canadian-adventure-tofino/

Planning Your Photographic Holidays for 2013 and 2014?

Check out these awesome locations that we will be travelling to in the next 24 months... we would love to have you come with us on one of our workshops and trips... heck, on some of the workshops you can even bring your spouse for free! Ask us for details!  :-)

April 2013 – Tanzania - Come join us on a African Photo Safari in April of 2013. We will be going for a 7 days safari, spending time at Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Central Serengeti. Lake Manyara is a beautiful little park and is famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants and large troops of baboons. The park is home to an amazing variety of birds and animals considering its small size. A short visit to this serene park will greatly diversify your safari experience as the lush green jungle habitat is of stark contrast to the other parks you will visit during your safari. The Ngorongoro Crater, described as one of the wonders of the world, is an amazing natural sanctuary not to be missed. Game viewing here is among the very best Africa has to offer and is excellent at any time of year. The Central Serengeti offers superb game viewing year round due to the abundance of resident animals. Specifically, the Seronera River Valley in the Central Serengeti is a ‘must see’ on every safari regardless of the specific month of travel.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/photo-tours/our-2013-photo-tours/tanzania-photo-tour

 

June 2013 – Provence - To start the tour we will bring the white ranch horses to different properties, allowing for a wide range of photogenic backdrops and behaviours. We photograph the white horses running through the shallow water of salt marshes and along the beach in the waves and salt spray. With shots of fighting stallions, mares with their dark foals in the fields or at the ranches, and detailed portrait head shots and guardian riders in their gear. During our first few days we will also shoot greater flamingos feeding, displaying and in flight at the Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau. Located in the middle of the Parc naturel régional de Camargue, the bird park’s natural habitats primarily include marsh and ponds with remarkable proximity to migratory and resident birds, such as flamingos, herons, storks, ducks, raptors and other small waders.

During our second half of the trip you will stay three nights in the Parc Naturel du Luberon, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The Luberon valley is a picturesque landscape of vineyards, lavender fields flanking country roads, quaint delightful villages with local artisans shops, winding alleys and beautiful vistas

To see more details on this workshop with Rick Sammon and Denise Ippolito, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2013-workshops/south-of-france/

 
July 2013 – Mongolia - The Naadam Festival originates from Hunnu era (209BC) and has come to our time through centuries. It consists of the 3 Games of Men, namely, archery, wrestling and horse racing. The Mongols started celebrating Naadam Festival nationwide on 11-12 July each year since 1921. The Opening Ceremony is the most impressive part of this glorious festival, and everyone loves taking part in it. During the Opening Ceremony you will admire the ritual of Genghis Khan’s 9 white flags carried into the stadium by soldiers in the military uniform of Genghis Khan. Hundreds of artists in traditional Mongolian costumes of different eras perform dances and songs for the Opening Ceremony while are parading with hundreds of musicians and Tsam masked dancers. 512-1024 wrestlers take part in the wrestling competition of Naadam for high ranking titles. They dress in traditional wrestling costume, the “zodog”, “shuudag”and “Mongol boots”. Horse racing consists of 6 races with 6 ages of horses. Horses race for 15-30 km depending on their ages and 300-500 horses compete in each race. The jockeys are aged between 6-12 years of age. Archery is one of the oldest sports of the Mongols besides wrestling and horse racing. Male archers shoot for 75m while female archers shoot for 60m with traditional Mongolian bow and arrows. We take part in the Naadam opening ceremony, see the first round of the wrestling, final rounds of the archery competition and enjoy the horse racing.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2013-workshops/mongolia-photo-tour/
 

August 2013 – Kawartha Region of Ontario – Join Deb Sandidge on his first workshop in Ontario. We will be headed up near Minden, Ontario in the Kawartha’s to photograph areas extending up into Algonquin Park.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/canadian-workshops/2013-canadian-adventure-ontario/

 



 

September 2013 – Iceland – Join Rick Sammon, Kevin Pepper and Tim Vollmer for a tour across Iceland. Tim has been running workshops in Iceland for many years, and in 2013 he has offered to show Rick and I the most amazing locations in Iceland.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2013-workshops/iceland-photo-tour/

 

October 2013 – Venezuela - Prepare for your first experience of the natural phenomenon of the Catatumbo lightning. This natural phenomenon has existed for centuries, yet many of us have never heard of it. The first written mention of the was in the 1597 poem "La Dragontea" by Lope de Vega, which recounts the defeat of Sir Francis Drake.

Imagine the most intense thunderstorm you may have witnessed in North America... now imagine increasing that intensity for 6 hours of a lightening show. During the first and second night you are positioned to witness massive, arching strikes that can exceed 250 times an hour. Your view will be over a pristine tropical lagoon that offers calm reflections of the action in the skies.

In addition to the Catatumbo lightning we will also head up into the Andes Mountains to see some of the most awe inspiring mountain vistas on the globe.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2013-workshops/venezuela-photo-tour/

 

March 2014 - We are going to heat things up and head back to one of my favorite locations on earth... Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. I have wanted to head back here for years, and I finally created a workshop that I know you will love. From the Medina to the Sahara desert, the photography opportunities will be fantastic.

To see more details on this workshop please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/moroccan-photo-workshop/

April 2014 – Namibia - Namibia is a land of endless horizons, where the impossible feels possible. Where you can climb the highest sand dunes in the world. Descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa. Immerse yourself in the past at one of the Africa’s richest rock art sites, and watch wildlife shimmer against one of the most spectacular pans on earth. Explore the oldest, driest desert in the world and take time to listen to the silence and to your soul.

Namibia is home to vibrant cities where people are excited about the future, while remaining deeply connected to their rich, cultural past. A stable, democratic government, infrastructure that allows guests to move confidently off the beaten path and those endless horizons that beckon you to explore define a country, African wildlife such as the "Big 5" and countless other herds of animals and amazing people.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/northern-namibia-safari/
 

August 2014 – Tofino - Have you ever been to the extreme west coast of Canada? The unique location where you can enjoy the sights of a rainforest one day and be photographing black bears, bald eagles and whales the next... then switch things up and turn inland to photograph snow covered mountains?

Join Kevin Pepper on another "Photographers Lounge" photo workshop to this unique land. August is a magical time of year in Tofino; "fog"ust as it is referred to creates spectacular images along the expansive shoreline in the morning hours, animals like black bears, sea lions and yes, even whales are a frequent part of the days activities in the Tofino area.

I will make sure you have the chance to photograph all of these places you expect to capture, but also take you to little known gems for those unique shots the everyday tourist will not capture.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/canadian-workshops/2014-canadian-adventure-tofino/

 

September 2014 – Mongolia – You will fly with Jim Zuckerman and Kevin Pepper to Mongolia's western-most province - Bayan Olgii. Olgii is home to Kazakh people, who have a rich cultural heritage, music, handicrafts and traditional Hunting with Golden Eagles.

It is here where we will photograph the Eagle trainers that will gather to show their skills and their eagle's abilities. The festival will begin with the hunters displaying their traditional Kazakh dress and their eagle's equipment and ornaments. This is an exciting and authentic event which not only features eagle hunters' competitions, but also other Kazakh traditional games such as Kokbar (goat carcass polo), Kazak archery, etc.

To see more details on this workshop with Jim Zuckerman, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/mongolia-photo-tour/

 

September 2014 – Paris, France - Experience the "city of lights and love" during a six day workshop in Paris. This is a photo workshop for students interested in exploring the rich traditions of Parisian street photography and capture the buildings that have been synonymous with photography for generations.

Students will spend much time exploring and photographing the daily life of Paris and will visit many of the rich museums housing some of the greatest works of art ever produced. The workshop deals with the humanistic traditions of street photography, and students will be expected to think not only in terms of single images in a fine art sense, but will be highly encouraged to think of the notion of telling a story with a group of pictures.

Students will be encouraged to photograph the life of Paris and accept the challenge of photographing people, as well as the environment and visual landscape of the city. Kevin will help the students with this process and offer tips for overcoming any hesitations or mental blocks of timidity in this process.

To see more details on these workshops with Deb Sandidge and Denise Ippolito, please visit,
http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/paris-workshop-1/
http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/paris-workshop-2/

October 2014 – Venezuela - Prepare for your first experience of the natural phenomenon of the Catatumbo lightning. This natural phenomenon has existed for centuries, yet many of us have never heard of it. The first written mention of the was in the 1597 poem "La Dragontea" by Lope de Vega, which recounts the defeat of Sir Francis Drake.

Imagine the most intense thunderstorm you may have witnessed in North America... now imagine increasing that intensity for 6 hours of a lightening show. During the first and second night you are positioned to witness massive, arching strikes that can exceed 250 times an hour. Your view will be over a pristine tropical lagoon that offers calm reflections of the action in the skies.

In addition to the Catatumbo lightning we will also head up into the Andes Mountains to see some of the most awe inspiring mountain vistas on the globe.

To see more details on this workshop, please visit, http://www.photographers-lounge.com/international-workshops/2014-workshops/venezuela-workshop-1

 

 

How about treating the photographer in your life to the gift of learning

Today's bonus gift idea is about the gift of learning... Its a personal plug for my company :)~

My company, the Photographer's Lounge has just announced a new teaching arm called "The Lounge". "The Lounge" was started to give all levels of photographers the opportunity to take a more in-depth look into different genre's of photography with other like minded people that share the passion of photography. We do this in a relaxed group setting twice a month from September to April.

Why would a photographer want to become a member of "The Lounge"? Where else can you meet people who enjoy creating photographs, experienced and amateur photographers sharing their shooting methods, discussing possible travel locations, talk apertures, f-stops and Photoshop, the opportunity to look at and try the latest photogrpahic gear, get wholesale pricing on photographic workshops ... plus PRO's giving you their inside tips - and all in one place?

Our members receive access to the latest photography gear through our sponsorships and relationships. This gear is brought to our meetings for them to look at and see first hand on how it operates in the real world... from professional studio lighting set ups, to the latest super telephoto lens and new products that hit the shelves. At the Lounge photographers will have opportunities to see this gear, opportunities that they will not get at your local photography club.

The Photographer's Lounge also has far reaching relationships with professional photographers from Canada, America and Europe. When possible, we bring you these photographers that work with the Photographer's Lounge when they visit Ontario. As a benefit of membership we offer our members the opportunity to talk one-on-one with these world class PRO's without an extra fee as you would have to pay elsewhere.

We also introduce photographers to the latest photographic news and information as it is announced... no need to scour the web anymore, we sent it right to their inbox as we get the press releases. We cover topics from photography gear, composition, editing tips, photographic destinations, printing and the latest news from the industry.

As a member of "The Lounge" photographers also will receive the opportunity to attend our workshops with our International Teachers at a more attractive price than they would have to pay if they were not a member.

Member's also receive discounts on products. Our partners and sponsors have authorized us to extend to you affiliate discounts on their various products. The membership investment could easily be erased with the deep discounts you will receive on software and photographic gear through "The Lounge".

The Photographer's Lounge is an advocate for conserving the natural beauty of the world we live in. For the 2013/2014 season 5% of all money collected from the membership dues for "The Lounge" will be donated to our partner, Polar Bears International. To learn more about PBI's gloabal efforts please visit their website at, http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/

These benefits begin from the moment of registration and are active till the end of our meeting season in which you registered. For example, any member registering in February of 2013 will have an active membership until April 30, 2014. You will be required to renew your membership after April 30, 2014 in order to activate your membership for the following year.

To see how we structure our meetings please see the "Meeting Page"

To see our calendar please have a look here.

To register and become a member please visit our "Membership Page"

2013 Photography Workshop Schedule at the Photographer's Lounge

Our 2013 workshop schedule is set. We have created an abundance of learning opportunities for photographers of all levels.

From basic composition classes to advanced photography workshops in International destinations, we believe that every photographer, no matter what genre they specialize in will find a workshop that will help you on your own personal journey.

We have also secured some exceptional workshop leaders to help lead these workshops here in Ontario, in Canada and around the world. Our workshop leaders include internationally renowned photographers such as Rick Sammon, Denise Oppolito, Jim Zuckerman and Tim Vollmer. To see a list of our workshop leaders, and to see their own images, please visit our Gallery Page on the Photographer’s Lounge website.

Below you will find a breakdown of what we have to offer. Please feel free to look through our learning opportunities and contact Kevin at Kevin@photographers-lounge.com with any questions.

Private One-on-one Workshops- For our private workshops; with flexible scheduling and lessons tailored exactly for you, you will advance quickly in your chosen subject. We will also do our best to work around your timeline.

We can cover all aspects of photography from capture through to print and all photographic levels from beginner to advanced. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

Composition Workshops – Have you ever wondered why professional photographers can take a photo of the same scene as you but their photos seem to be better than yours. Our 13 composition workshops in 2013 are designed to help you take better photos through the use of time tested composition rules. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

Kawartha Region Workshops – Come and join us on our weekend retreats to Lake Salerno in the Kawartha's. In 2013 we are only offering four workshops, a winter, spring, summer and fall workshop. At our home in Northern Ontario we will spend a weekend together capturing the beautiful nature that surrounds us. From basic composition, to more advanced photography techniques and lots of laughs along the way, you are assured to come home with fantastic images and armed with new skills. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

Niagara Falls Workshops – Join us as we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This workshop will help you with photography composition techniques and teach you some editing skills that you can use in the digital darkroom. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

Junk Yard Dog Workshops – Come and join us on our "Junk Yard Dog" workshops near Milton, Ontario. These 3 hour workshops will be some of the coolest shoots you will be on in 2013. We will enter the private property of an operational junk yard that is one of the largest in Ontario. The workshops are designed to work on your lighting skills and your composition skills.

The photography opportunities range from capturing decaying cars in nature to photographing professional models amidst the vehicles. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

Boudoir Workshops – Boudoir photography is a very challenging genre, far more than simple snaps of a partly clothed subject or a photo of a loved one. To create the results in images people are proud to show, those images with an obvious look of combined art and sensuality, rather than ‘tacky’ or ‘raunchy’ snaps; one must plan and prepare and go into a shoot knowing what it is you want to create. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

 

Social Media for Photographers – Are you a photographer wearing multiple hats within your company? Do you struggle with finding the right balance of taking photos instead of growing your business? Are you on a budget and would love to hear inexpensive ways to market your photography business right here in the local market? Do you often find yourself sitting at your computer in the morning, ready to post an update to your Facebook page, Twitter or other social media website – and then you drew a complete blank and don’t know what to write?

Our time together will teach you techniques you can use to find more clients using social media. Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

The Law of Photography in Canada – This is a seminar you do not want to miss.  Jordan is coming to the Photographers Lounge to speak to us one two subjects.

In the first half of the day Jordan will address the legalities surrounding photographer’s rights, copyright laws in Canada, the internet and how it has changed a photographers ownership rights to images. He will also address contracts, and what the Canadian laws are around taking the image of a person, place or thing. In the second half of Jordan’s seminar he will be addressing how to structure your business. The advantages and disadvantages of the many ways you can register your business in Canada.

For anyone that takes a photo and sells a photo, you need to come and be informed about your legal rights, and the rights of your subjects.

Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops

HDR Workshop with Rick Sammon – This is a one day only HDR workshop with one of the world’s top photographers. Rick Sammon will lead a small group of photographers on an HDR workshop. The day will be spent teaching photographers, not only about HDR, but also about lighting and composition. A one day workshop with Rick Sammon is a great way to learn to take better photos.  Please visit the workshop page to learn more bout these workshops.

Canadian Caravan – Join Rick Sammon on his first Canadian Caravan in Northern Ontario. Rick runs Caravan type workshops all over the US and this will be his first in Canada. This is a one week workshop that will cover many, MANY different photography and editing techniques. To learn more about the Canadian Caravan please visit the Photographer’s Lounge website.

Tanzania Photo Safari – Our first visit back to Africa in 2013 is going to be a fantastic journey. Together with Rick Sammon we will visit some of the most iconic areas in Tanzania. Together we will capture the Nogorongoro Crater and the famous, Serengeti National Park. To learn more about the workshop in Africa please visit the Photographer’s Lounge website.

Provence Photo Workshop – Together with Denise Ippolito and Rick Sammon you will visit the Provence area of France in June of 2013. Together we will spend time visiting the quaint villages in the hills of Provence and spend time photographing the Carmague horses along the seaside.  To learn more about the workshop in France please visit the Photographer’s Lounge website.

Mongolia Photo Workshop – Join the Photographer’s Lounge as we visit the Naadam festival in the summer of 2013. This ancient Olympic style festival offers the photographer the opportunity to capture cultural Mongolia, monasteries and the famous Naadam Festival.

This is one of two trips to Mongolia in the next two years. In 2014 we will be returning to photograph the Golden Eagle festival with Jim Zuckerman. To learn more about the workshops in Mongolia please visit the Photographer’s Lounge website.

Iceland Photo Workshop – Three Professional Photographers’ will be leading this tour. Rick Sammon, Tim Vollmer and Kevin Pepper will take you on a workshop that will take you to some of the most amazing photographic destinations you will find anywhere in the world. To learn more about the workshop in Iceland please visit the Photographer’s Lounge website.

Venezuela Photo Workshop – This trip as so much interest that we added a second trip in 2013 already. Join us as we visit the north west area of Venezuela. We will spend time in the floating city of Ologa photographing a natural wonder of the world, the Catatumbo Lightening before we head up into the Andes Mountains to capture some inspiring landscapes and unique animals. To learn more about the workshops in Venezuela please visit the Photographer’s Lounge website.