Somerset Photography

This is a paid workshop, before you RSVP please register at https://www.lorenphotos.com/product/vt-winter-workshop/

I think winter is the most beautiful time of year to be a photographer. I love seeing the simplicity created by a heavy blanket of snow and photographing the clean lines and the pureness of the countryside that only appears in winter.

I have spent years driving the backroads of Vermont finding great locations for winter photos and now I will share them with you. Join me for this unique photographic experience as you learn the tricks and techniques involved in capturing those special winter scenes.

Transportation during the workshop is included, we'll travel together in Loren's 12 passenger van. Or you can opt to drive separately to the locations.

You will learn how to get proper exposures in the snow, which is one of the hardest conditions to get the right exposure. Once you learn how to photograph on a sunny day in the snow, you’ll never have trouble getting the perfect exposure again.

We will extensively talk about using geometric lines in your photos to improve your composition. Simplifying your photos by concentrating on lines can turn ordinary images into “wow” pictures. Winter is the best time to learn to simplify and what you learn will carry over into the rest of the year.

We will be based at my art gallery in Woodstock, VT, which is one of the most beautiful towns in New England. We will photograph historic covered bridges, one of America’s most photographed farms, rural scenes and classic small town Vermont.

Just so you know, I’m not one of those people who loves freezing, I know how to dress properly and I have found locations that don’t require a great deal of time outside the van. If you get cold, you’ll always be near a warm place to take the chill off. I’ll show you how to stay warm, including your hands and how to keep your camera and lenses from freezing or fogging up from condensation when bringing them in from the cold.

You’ll get a ton of information before the workshop to help you be prepared, it won’t involve spending money on lots of new things but maybe the right gloves. I’ll help you winterize your tripod for less than $5 so it doesn’t freeze your hands.

It is mostly a shooting workshop, we’ll start inside on Friday for about an hour as we get to know each other and talk about composition and shooting in the snow. We’ll shoot for the rest of the afternoon and then we’ll do light painting on a covered bridge at dusk. Saturday we are out at sunrise and shooting all day (with breaks of course!) and then after it gets dark we get together back at the gallery for pizza. Sunday it is shooting from sunrise until noon.

Although I can’t guarantee the ground will be covered with snow, Vermont is usually snow covered at this time of year. There will be snow at nearby ski resorts and plenty of great visual things to photograph. No matter the weather, we’ll be able to work on proper exposure and making better photos by visualizing the diagonal, vertical and horizontal lines that make for stronger composition.

For more information and to register go to https://www.lorenphotos.com/product/vt-winter-workshop/

There will be attendees who are not members of this Meetup.

Cuba is a photographer's dream location. It is a place where time has stood still: the buildings, the classic cars cruising the streets, the friendly and welcoming people, all make for a unique experience.
We'll start in Havana where we will photograph the street scenes of Central Havana, go along the Malecon, Havana's georgeous ocean front walkway.

We stay in casa particulars, the casas we are staying in are essentially privately owned boutique hotels. You will have your own room with bathroom and will get to know the local host. It is a great way to meet Cuban people on a personal level.

Professional photographer Loren Fisher is working with a one of Cuba's top photography guides, a native Cuban who is also an American citizen and lives in Havana. He has guided many photography and video shoots and knows when and where to be to have great photo opportunities.
We are traveling under guidance from the U.S. government and will help you with visas and making sure we are compliant with all regulations. We travel under the auspices of Support of the Cuban People and we'll give you suggestions of small items to bring that you'll can give to people we meet along the way.
You will be picked up at the airport and driven to the casa.

We will travel together in one van which assures you get to know the other participants and engage in great conversation.

### Our itinerary

A detailed itinerary coming soon.

### Who should attend:

Anyone interested in the Cuban culture and wanting to make memorable pictures of a place that has had limited access for Americans in the last half century. Your photographic experience doesn't matter, even if you shoot entirely with an iPhone you'll come away with amazing photos. Loren will be available at all times for professional photography instruction. There will be a good deal of walking. Getting around in Cuba, especially Havana, isn't always easy so many times we'll be walking to locations rather than taking our van.

### What’s included:

• Professional photography instruction
• Transportation while you are in Cuba in a van offering ample room for you and your photography gear
• Single occupancy lodging (a $150 discount per person is available for couples traveling together)
• Entrance fees to locations on itinerary
• Pre-trip planning assistance including flight suggestions and help with visa requirements
• Tips and gratuities

Not included:

• Flight to Cuba
• Meals
• Alcohol
• Personal items
• Snacks

### Date

Feb. 23-March 2, 2025

This is a paid workshop, for more information and to register go to https://www.lorenphotos.com/product/cuba-photography-workshop/.

There will be attendees who are not members of this Meetup.