Light Classroom Photosynth

Playing around with Microsoft Photosynth today and shot a few images of the Light classroom.  This one was just a test so I could figure out how to really make these cool.  Look for more soon.

A Photography Filled Weekend

Our Epic Light Gallery filled with DSLR students

This weekend was filled with photography! We had our Beginning DSLR workshop with Hal Schmitt Saturday and Sunday. It was a huge success with a full house of 15 participants. Our students learned essential tips and techniques from Hal on how to use their new DSLR to its full potential. Saturday we took the class to Morro Bay Harbor for some shooting practice and also met up with our Meetup members for a fantastic sunset. Check out the Photo Album!


Morro Bay Harbor Meetup © Hal Schmitt 2011

 Sunday morning we went back down to the Embarcadero for some more practice. Students were able to photograph birds, seals, boats and everything else Morro Bay has to offer. We came back to the school in the afternoon to finish up with a discussion on flash integration and our essential gear list. We had an awesome weekend with great weather and a wonderful group of students. 

Thanks to our workshop participants for joining the Light family, and thanks to our members for another great Meetup!


Fiat Lux!

Geotagging Safety - A Few Things to Think About

As many of you know we at Light strive to educate our clients as much as possible so they can make the best choices with their photography, gear, software, workflow, etc. In the same spirit, I attached a relatively recent Army training presentation concerning Geotagging safety.

There are some amazing advances in technology these days and they have been applied fairly aggressively with social networking and sharing applications. Cool stuff but sometimes there are some things going on behind the scenes that you may or may not want.

The discussion below is from an operational, military perspective but it applies to most folks. I have shown it to a few people so far and most made some immediate changes to their phones, cameras, and more.  Not trying to make anyone paranoid but good information.

Feel free to shoot me an email at Hal@Lightworkshops.com if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or feedback.

GeotaggingSafety Army  



Fiat Lux!

Farewell to Photographer Don Gale

We are sad to hear of the passing of photography icon Don Gale. Don was an award-winning photographer who earned national recognition for his stunning nature and landscape photography. He is  remembered as a talented and generous teacher, who loved to share his passion with his students. Our deepest condolences to Don's family and friends.
Farewell Don, you will be greatly missed.




Fiat Lux

Early Bird Price Extended to January 14th for Introduction to The Photo Essay with David Wells!

© David Wells

If you missed out on the Early Bird pricing for David Wells' Introduction to The Photo Essay workshop February 28-March 4, we're giving you a second chance! We've extended our Early Bird pricing to January 14th. This is an incredible opportunity to work with one of the most respected photographers in photo journalism.

David will define and guide you through the necessary steps to creating a powerful visual narrative.You'll then be set loose on your own assignment with David by your side to provide valuable input as you go.

Join a master of the photo-essay for a one-week exploration of the simultaneously disciplined strategy and magical process that turns a bunch of simple pictures into a powerful photo-essay.

Take a look at David's current project "Foreclosed Dreams" 

and visit TheWellsPoint.com to learn more about David and his incredible adventures!

We love to have David here and are so excited to be offering this course Register Today!


Fiat Lux!

Glaciers Up Close

Still 1/2 mile from the glacier face!

I was putting together a new PDF for our upcoming Alaska cruises and came across this image.  The staff had never seen it and thought it was pretty cool.

I took the shot from a small zodiac-like boat as I headed to shore for some different vantage points.  The shot below is a quick pano I took from the bluffs overlooking this glacier and fjord.  I am sometimes prone to hyperbole but this experience was life changing.

The yacht isn't even in the image.

It seems as the boat is right next to the glacier in the background but is, in fact, about 1/2 mile away.  The face of the glacier is over 500', just an unbelievable scale up there.  As you might expect it is not at all safe to get any closer to the face.  There are huge calving events and also ice launching up from the depths as well.  We normally only think about the glacier calving above the water but it also splits below the water line.  When the submerged ice breaks free it shoots to the surface and sometimes launches airborne.

Fiat Lux!

Happy New Year!



© Hal Schmitt

 We're just three days into the New Year and already our 2011 January and February workshops are filling up!

We've got some great beginning courses scheduled for anyone with a new camera. We're also bringing back two of our most popular workshops Coastal Discoveries and The Best of Light! These courses are designed to get you out shooting all day on the beautiful Central Coast.

This weekend is Sea Pines Golf Resort's 3rd Annual Snow Day. The Crew from Light Workshops will be there taking some fun family portraits and enjoying the festivities. The fun goes from 3-8p, bring the whole family and get a great picture to take home!

If you want to stay up-to-date on all the great events happening at Light this year sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter. Get free tips from Director Hal Schmitt, special offers, and all the updates on the events happening at the Second Annual California Photo Festival October 12-16, 2011!
Check out lats week'snewsletter "A New Year of Photographic Adventure is Here!"


Fiat Lux!