Night Photography
Night Photography is about the compression of time into a single moment, as represented by the image captured on film – be it a minute, or an hour. The camera records the passage of time in a way that we cannot ourselves perceive. With this in mind, we will venture out under the light of the full moon to see, and photograph the world from a new perspective.
New technologies in photography have made Night Photography more accessible and popular than ever. Digital cameras allow for instant feedback that can serve as a guide for determining exposures, but there is more to successful night photography than just exposure. Contrast, atmosphere, light sources, equipment choices, painting with light, and subject matter at night are some of the things this class will cover.
The Workshop
During the workshop, we will explore the world of Night Photography, with both film and digital cameras. We will work with the light of the moon and with artificial light sources. During the course, participants will create a body of nocturnal images in a variety of locations within Big Bend National Park. From relatively short exposures of a few seconds, to full moon exposures of an hour or more, we will explore the range of possibilities of Night Photography. There will be a presentation of both historical and contemporary night photography, discussions of the technical and aesthetic considerations and equipment choices, a demonstration of light painting techniques, and lots of time to photograph. Those shooting digitally are encouraged to bring their laptops for daily evaluations of the previous night’s work. We will use a digital projector to review participants images. Film photographers are most welcome, but there will be no facilities for processing or printing near the park. While some of the the information presented will be specific to either digital or film based night photography, there is also significant overlap of information, and both film and digital shooters will be accommodated equally. Lance will be happy to have follow up critiques by mail or telephone after the workshop for those shooting film.
Lodging
Rooms have been reserved at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, the only lodging in the park. TPS has reserved non-smoking rooms that are conveniently located near food service, a convenience store, gift shop, trail heads and other guest services. http://foreverlodging.com/destination.cfm?PropertyKey=73
RV Park & Campgrounds
There are three campgrounds in the park with well defined campsites. 25 RV sites in the Rio Grande Village Campground are full hook-up RV sites equipped with water, sewage, and electricity. 75 RV sites in the Rio Grande Campground and the sites in the Basin and Cottonwood Campgrounds do not have water or electrical hookup, but do usually have a BBQ Grill. Reservations for these sites can be made by calling 877-444-6777.
The campgrounds have water available and have lighted restrooms but do not have showers. The campgrounds are self registration and have campground hosts during the busier seasons. Campground fees are deposited in an envelope drop located at the entrance to each camping area.
Shopping & Dining
The Lodge Gift Shop features a wonderful selection of gifts made by local artists, as well as an exquisite selection of clothing, accessories, jewelry and Big Bend souvenirs.
Participants are on their own for meals. You may dine at the Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant and enjoy one of the best views in the state of Texas. The restaurant serves up a nice selection of Tex-Mex dishes to satisfy the heartiest appetite and features a new selection of wines. The Restaurant opens at 7:00am, perfect for early risers who are ready to head out in the Park for the day. In a hurry? Grab a ‘breakfast-in-a-box’ to take with you as you enjoy the outdoors.
Workshop Schedule
Oct 24 – First Session:
2 – 2.5 hours classroom: 4:00pm – 6:30pm.
Introductions – Workshop participants, instructor.
Slide Show: An annotated history of Night Photography.
Tech Talk: Discussion of, subject matter, exposure, contrast, light sources, film and digital basic techniques.
Workshop Business: Carpools, maps, locations, contact Cell Phone, special needs, where to re-group.
Photograph on location
4-5 hours photographing: 8:00pm – late.
Oct 25 – Second Session:
2.5 – 3 hours classroom: 12:00noon – 3:00pm.
Review digital images, questions from first night.
Contemporary Night Photographers – Slide Show.
Tech Talk: Light painting techniques. Post processing of digital images.
Confirm time and location for next day, directions, carpool arrangements.
Photograph on location, light painting demonstration.
4-5 hours photographing: 6:30pm – late.
Oct 26 –Third session:
2 – 2.5 hours classroom: 12:00noon – 3:00pm.
Review digital images/questions.
Tech Talk: Exposing and developing B&W film for night photography.
Personal work – Lance Keimig.
Photograph on location. Moonrise shoot.
4-5 hours photographing: 6:00 – late.
Oct 27 – Final session:
2 hours classroom: 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
Final critique, discussion of work.
Follow up questions, troubleshooting.
Future news and e-mail exchange, discuss print exchange.
Photograph on location. Group photo.
4 – 5 hours photographing: 8:00pm – late.
Workshop Fees: (see below)
You can reserve a space in the workshop with a $100 deposit, full payment will be due 45 days prior to the workshop. Single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. TPS will try to accommodate single travelers who request single accommodations, as well as single travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a double occupancy room is requested, and we are unable to find a suitable roommate, or you are in a single for another reason, you will need to pay the single occupancy rate. See the TPS website for more details www.texasphoto.org about the workshop.
About Lance Keimig
Lance Keimig is a Pembroke, Masssachusetts based photographer who is best known for his night time photographs of the built environment. His interest in Night Photography dates back to 1984 when he was first introduced to the camera. For the last five years, Keimig has been photographing New England textile mills at night, and plans to eventually publish the project in book form.
Keimig works with both film and digital cameras, although he is mainly known for his traditional black and white silver prints. He uses a medium format view camera for his film work, and has recently been creating digital panoramic images shot with a DSLR and shift lenses.
Keimig has been teaching photography since 1997, at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, at the New England School of Photography in Boston, as well as leading his own workshops in California, Massachusetts, and internationally. In 2003, Keimig founded the Mono Lake Photo Workshops in California, to promote interest in the fragile ecosystem of the Eastern Sierra through photography. Keimig is also cofounder of The Nocturnes Night Photography Workshops, a part of the San Francisco based organization The Nocturnes, that promotes Night Photography through workshops, exhibitions, and its acclaimed web site. Keimig leads annual photo tours to Ireland and Scotland for artists and photographers. His photographs are held in numerous collections including The Art Complex Museum, The Boston Athenaeum, The Boston Public Library, State Street Bank, Fidelity, Hitachi, Rayovac, and 3 Com Corporations. Examples of his work can be seen on his www.thenightskye.com.
Web sites of interest:
Chisos Mountain Lodge – http://foreverlodging.com/destination.cfm?PropertyKey=73
Big Bend Park – http://www.nps.gov/bibe/
Lance Keimig – http://www.thenightskye.com/.
More Information
Information regarding equipment, dress, arrival and departure times will be sent to registrants.
Download the Chisos Mountain Lodge
menu.
Download Workshop Registration Form.
| Workshop Costs |
|
| Workshop Fee |
$ 495.00
|
| Add Lodging: |
|
| RV Park or Campground |
No charge
|
| Single occupancy – 4 nights |
450.00
|
| Double occupancy – 4 nights |
230.00
|
| Triple occupancy – 4 nights |
155.00
|
| Membership Fee – If joining TPS |
35.00
|
| TOTAL – Workshop Fee plus Lodging Fee |
|
TPS is taking preregistration names of those interested in the Big Bend Workshop. Registration is limited to 12 people. If you are interested in the workshop, email Clarke at Clarke@texasphoto.org or call 210-824-4213.
