Sunset at Back Bay
Photography Workshop

Sandbridge, Virginia Beach, VA

Dates:

2024 dates coming soon! Email me for info.

Investment

$150 for 2 hour workshop
+ 45 minute group virtual image review

Group

2-4 attendees

Skill level

Beginner to Intermediate

*Sunset at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sandbridge, Virginia Beach*

Sunset at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Photography Workshop

Join me on a sunset photography workshop at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach. This two hour workshop is suitable for all levels of photographer and is limited to 4 attendees to ensure ample time and attention is given to each attendee. You will leave this workshop with an improved understanding of landscape and nature photography.

The workshop will begin with guided instruction on the foundations of photography tailored to your skill level to ensure that you fully understand your camera and the fundamentals of exposure. We will discuss focusing techniques, lens choice, and compositional considerations. For the more advanced photographer, we will discuss elements of design and advanced exposure techniques to improve your photographs.

Once we have spent time on these essentials of photography, you will put into practice the concepts we discussed and photograph the sunset with your own camera. I will be available to offer advice, instruction, and answer additional questions. Following the workshop you will receive a 45 minute virtual mentoring session to review the images you created during the workshop.

Some topics we could cover include:

How to use manual mode- understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
How to get better focus- understanding focusing modes and points.
How to meter, read and histogram, and exposure images in challenging light.
How to photograph in any light- including overcast, shadow, sunset, and twilight.
How to approach and plan a landscape photography shoot on location.
What to photograph landscape and nature when conditions aren’t what you had hoped.
Additional topics for discussion- time permitting: How to shoot landscape, nature, wildlife, and special techniques including long exposure, macro, moonrise, Lensbaby lenses, manual focus, etc.

“The most valuable part to me was learning the technical aspects of photography. I gained confidence in my creative, artistic self...enough to want to pursue the technical understanding to further the fun part of taking photos.”

— Laura C.

*Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach, VA*

• Instruction on photography techniques including- exposure, composition, focus, creativity.
• 45 minute post workshop mentoring session to review images
•Transportation to/from Sandbridge, VA.
•Personal gear, clothing, and photographic equipment
•Meals, snacks, beverages
•Individual admission fee to workshop location
$150 for 2 hours + 45 minute virtual mentoring session
Some topics we could cover include:
How to use manual mode- understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
How to get better focus- understanding focusing modes and points.
How to meter, read and histogram, and exposure images in challenging light.
How to photograph in any light- including overcast, shadow, sunset, and twilight.
How to approach and plan a landscape photography shoot on location.
What to photograph landscape and nature when conditions aren’t what you had hoped.
Additional topics for discussion- time permitting: How to shoot landscape, nature, wildlife, and special techniques including long exposure, macro, moonrise, Lensbaby lenses, manual focus, etc.

A Few Sights You Might See

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Sunset at Back Bay

Great Blue Heron at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Reflected sunset at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

F.A.Q.

In Virginia Beach during May average daily high temperatures increase from 71°F to 78°F. Rain is always possible, so please come prepared to shoot in a variety of weather conditions.
Camera- dSLR or mirrorless camera capable of shooting on manual mode.

Lenses- A variety of lenses is nice to have, but magic can be made with one lens. A wide angle can be fun, particularly on a crop sensor. And a telephoto is helpful for shooting sunrises/sunsets, wildlife, and flowers. My favorite all around lens is the 24-74 f2.8 lens. It’s a reliable workhorse for me. Additionally a telephone lens will help photograph shorebirds and distant sights.
Tripod- I prefer lightweight travel style tripods. My current favorite tripod is the Travel Tripod by Peak Design. You will want a tripod studying enough to withstand sand and wind holding the weight of your camera and heaviest lens.
Filters- I recommend a neutral density and/or dark circular polarizing filter for long exposures.
Rain/Dust Cover- this will also help if the wind is off the water and there is sea spray.
I would expect it to be in the mid 70s for the workshop. I would suggest bringing layers, as the temperatures often dips in the evening.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located at the far southern end of Sandbridge in Virginia Beach.
Payment is due upon booking.
This workshop is non-refundable.