Workshop at the Ranch – January 2007 – Answers to Popular Questions
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. Many of the questions from readers of Workshop at the Ranch during 2006 had to do with three topics … two techniques of lighting, that being location lighting using Nikon’s SB800 Speedlight system, Lightpainting and my teaching calendar of workshops. With these three things in mind let’s answer some questions and take a look back from Workshop at the Ranch at the year of 2006 …………. Continue reading article
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. Usually I address photographic techniques or issues that today’s photographer might find helpful, but this edition of WATR is going beyond my normal boundaries. Photographic workshops and seminars come in all shapes and sizes but when it comes to the big adventure the American PHOTO magazine’s Mentor Series may top them all. The Mentor Series, or Trek as it is also known, takes its participants to some of our nations most beautiful areas and to the worlds most exotic locations ……. in this case, Peru. It was my pleasure to work with fellow photographer/instructor and Peru Trek mentor Rosanne Pennella on this wonderful photographic journey to the Andes Mountains of Peru where our group photographed the land, the people and Machu Picchu. 
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. Last month I addressed Lightpainting subjects the industry would label as “Table Top” subjects in the studio. This month I thought it would be good to follow up that article by talking about Lightpainting in an outdoor environment. Each of these Lightpaintings feature a strong use of color, environment, weather conditions and of course Lightpainting. Some of the basics of Lightpainting should be kept in mind as you read this article … Tripod, Use the Long Exposure Noise Reduction Mode, Hand Held spot lights …etc, etc. ( NOTE: For those new to Lightpainting you should review past Workshop at the Ranch articles for a basic understanding of Lightpainting in order to fully grasp this months Workshop at the Ranch. ) Now that you have reviewed the previous Lightpainting articles, let’s have a look at the great outdoors as I see it using Lightpainting ………. 
Hi, and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. Are you like me? .. sometimes you just want to have some fun and let all the business work wait until tomorrow. Nine holes of golf sounded like fun but the rain/snow had already begun here in the mountains and I’m not a committed golfer who accepts the challenge of dodging lightning and enduring cold temperatures on the course. So, I did the next best thing ………. I Lightpainted some golf clubs. I’m always trying to learn something new and improve my Lightpainting skills. This project would offer a great indoor escape from the office. 
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. I have been using the Nikon SB800 Speedlight system for over two years now and I have written several articles illustrating their usefulness in the field (NOTE: see previous editions of WATR and OTR for SB800 instruction.) I have written about how I use two SB800s ( TANDEM ) banded together to form one easy handheld unit at sports events and location feature assignments. I have received more emails regarding the “Tandem” SB800s and “how to put them together” than any other technique question. So, for those who have asked, here is what I do ……….. 
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. I really enjoy teaching photography and do so through these articles and through a variety of workshops and lectures each year. Rich Clarkson’s Sports Photography Workshop is quite possibly the finest workshop around. His sports workshop takes place during the last week of June each year and is located in the Colorado Springs area where the US Olympic Training Center plays host to the 60 attendees and staff. There are many other activities and sports that the students photograph outside the USOTC like Colorado Rockies baseball and the Pikes Peak Hill Climb motorsports event plus faculty lectures and presentations, lighting classes, business discussions, portfolio reviews and in general a great week of learning and fun. 
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. Seems like I’m never finished. Seems like I’m always working. Seems like I’m always pushing myself. I think that is because I believe I can improve. I want my pictures to be unique, not average. I think that learning is often times the result of a person having the courage to risk failure.
Hi and welcome to this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. Last month I posted an article about a workshop that I had taught in Arches, Utah. I included an image of the famous Balanced Rock that I lightpainted, and eventually conducted a lightpainting class for the workshop at that location. Many of you emailed me through my website and asked to learn more about lightpainting. Past issues of WATR (January 2003 and December 2004) have addressed this technique, but for those who are new to the WATR and for those that enjoy lightpainting, here is another tutorial on LIGHTPAINTING….. 
Hi, and welcome this edition of Workshop at the Ranch. During the course of each year I will teach at a number of excellent photography workshops. This edition of WATR will feature a new workshop that I have added to my list…the MENTOR SERIES that Popular Photography & Imaging / American PHOTO Magazine conduct throughout the USA and the world. My first Mentor Series, a.k.a. “TREK” was held in Moab, Utah, home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands. First, let me say thanks to Mirjam Evers, the Director of the Mentor Series and Michelle Cast the Special Events Coordinator for inviting me to join the TREK along with fellow colleague and co-teacher for the Arches TREK, Tom Bol. ***( For those interested on future Mentor Series contact Michelle Cast at 