Ponca Photography Workshops

"Awaken Your Photographic Vision" with nationally acclaimed photographer Matt Bradley

Featuring majestic elk, fall color and portraiture fieldwork with Arkansas' finest scenery as your backdrop.

October 10 - 12, 2012 at Buffalo Outdoor Center

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Novice & Intermediate Photographers:  Immerse yourself in a fantastic learning environment with one of America's best teachers and authorities on the subjects of landscape, portrait and wildlife photography.  Come away with a far more confident photographic eye, as well as a better understanding of how to work in a variety of lighting conditions, even those challenging contrast situations!  Matt loves to teach and share, so don't be intimidated by his pro status; all you need is a DSLR, a general comfort zone with changing your camera's basic settings (i.e. ISO, exposure level, white balance) and a desire to improve! 

Advanced Photographers:  Because we intentionally limit our class size, Matt has plenty of time to mentor those who have a good grip on the subject of photography, yet who aspire to expand their creativity and refine their techniques.  Matt's extensive background as a freelance photographer with National Geographic magazine gives you an invaluable opportunity to rub shoulders with a pro who knows how to capture the qualities in an image that a top-echelon photography editor would select.

ABOUT MATT

Matt Bradley is an Arkansas boy who made good---particularly in the field of professional free-lance photography.  A native of Pine Bluff, Matt began his career in the 70's, when film was king and getting it "right" in the field was imperative.  Matt has a long list of career credentials, including multiple assignments with the National Geographic Society - both magazine and book divisions, and extensive international work with Heifer International.  Matt's busy schedule rarely permits time for a workshop, so we are extremely excited to be able to make his caliber of talent available through BOC.  To view a selection of Matt's work, visit his Flickr gallery.

Matt is a world-class professional photographer who has a heart for teaching and inspiring others to achieve a higher level of performance in their photographic pursuits.  Whether you enjoy photography as a hobby or, like Matt, make your living with a camera, you'll find your hours with him to have a lasting, significant impact on your craft.  

Many pros have a primary area of focus; Matt, however, is just as gifted at photographing beautiful landscapes as he is at capturing stunning wildlife images, compelling portraits of people, even architectural and underwater photography!  So, whatever your photographic interests, you'll have access to Matt's wealth of experience on a variety of subjects!

THINGS YOU'LL LEARN

Wow, we have so much packed into this year's workshop, but here are some highlights of what to anticipate:

• Understanding Light Quality - Learn how to work and meter in a variety of lighting conditions and how to make the most of the challenging lighting situations photographers encounter.
• The Under-Appreciated Histogram - Delve deeper into the mysterious histogram, which can tell you an awful lot about whether or not the image you just took is a keeper.  What are the key things to look for and understand?  Matt reveals all at the workshop!
• Camera Control Boot Camp - Camera functions and settings you really, really need to understand for creating postcard-perfect photographs and soul-stirring portraits.
• Fill Flash in the Outdoors - For portraits, an off-camera flash can make a difference in the outdoors---even in mid-day light!  But, what's the proper way to use it?  Learn to work with off-camera flash outdoors, including working with a model and umbrella as part of this fieldwork assignment!
• Going Deeper Into RAW - OK, once you have that histogram figured out, how can you use raw to maximize your image?  Learn what Matt looks to bring out or control in an image as he takes you through his personal camera raw workflow.
• Panorama Stitching - A pro's how-to on putting together a jaw-dropping landscape image.
• How to See in Black & White - B&W conversion is becoming quite the rage as photographers seek new ways to add detail, contrast and interest to their images.  Unfortunately, most of us have little or no background in B&W film, much less the darkroom processes used to produce it.  So, how exactly does one "see in black and white" in order to craft an image that nicely converts?  What are the hallmarks of a truly quality B&W photograph?  Matt will draw on his back-in-the-film-day experiences to help you gain a more clear understanding of how to create in B&W.  
• Improve Your Panning - Panned images are becoming very popular as they enhance the movement and feel of an image.  And, contrary to popular belief, they aren't just sheer luck, so we felt it would be important to include some fieldwork related to this technique in the workshop. (See below for a panned photo that took last year's "Best Overall" workshop honors!) 
• Think Like an Editor - What image qualities does it take to break through the World's Coldest Heart?  You'll learn what's on an editor's mind, as well as enjoy Matt's personal stories about encounters with big-time magazine editor personalities.
• Actions, Presets & Tweaks - Love post processing?  Or, looking to learn more about it?  Explore how software like Nik, Kubota, and others---as well as Photoshop itself---can take your images in a variety of interesting directions!  
• In-the-Field Assignments - Last year's workshop guests loved these---and asked for more!  Impromptu, on-the-spot outdoor assignments that made them think and work fast, using whatever new information Matt is teaching on at the moment.  These exercises are great fun and represent some of the most valuable workshop learning time.  This year we're including a "model shootout," where you get to spend 5 minutes with a model to capture something unique for a show-and-tell session in the classroom.  Like we said, great fun and learning!
• Try Uber Lenses / See New Cool Gear - Once again, our buds at Arkansas' own Bedford Camera & Video will be bringing some high-powered lenses for you to try, as well as introducing you to some of the latest and greatest camera gear.  Gifted photographers in their own right, the Bedford folks will join us throughout the workshop to offer assistance and insight---so, you not only get Matt, you get them as well!
• Awakening Your Photographic Vision - At the heart of Matt's work are the absolute, non-negotiable principles unique to his particular shooting methods and style.  This is where he lives.  These are the things he abides by as he approaches a scene or subject.  What will surprise you is how easy they are to learn and, most importantly, practice.  This is focused classroom time where we put our cameras aside and drink in the thinking and techniques of a world-class pro.

ENJOY FIELDWORK SURROUNDED BY ARKANSAS' FINEST SCENERY

It's no accident that we planned this workshop for October---fall color and light make for beautiful photographs, especially when they're in Arkansas' most beautiful place.  And, it is intentionally scheduled for a Wed - Fri time frame as October weekends see heavy visitation to places like Whitaker Point and Steel Creek (two of our fieldwork locations), not to mention lots of people and cars stationed along the road trying to view or photograph elk.  A through-the-week venue helps us put you in a more prime position to take beautiful photographs without standing elbow to elbow with other folks. 

PHOTOGRAPH ELK, ELK & MORE ELK

Ponca's majestic elk will be in prime mating season form during the workshop, which can make for some splendid wildlife photography moments.  Think big racks and massive, battling bulls...and big lenses to work with thanks to our friends at Bedford!

THE CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES!

On the last morning of the workshop, we have a fun and friendly competition amongst workshop guests, with you and your peers voting on the top three photos taken during the event.  Each winner will be awarded a Bedford Camera & Video gift card for taking a top honor!   

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The workshop begins at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 and ends at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 12th.  If you're interested in staying with us, we're offering a 15% rate discount on cabin rates to workshop participants for October 9 - 11, 2012.  (We've included Tuesday night, October 9th, in the discounted rate should you wish to arrive a day early.)

A TERRIFIC WORKSHOP VALUE

Minute for minute, dollar for dollar, a Matt Bradley workshop is one of the best learning values available on the subject of photography.  If you look at the typical price of a workshop featuring an instructor of Matt's caliber, you'll easily pay $1,000 or more for the instructor alone and oftentimes for fewer instruction hours.  Also, no meals or snacks, no big lenses to try, no fieldwork transportation---just instructor only.  At our workshop, we include everything except lodging.   So, all you basically have to do is show up with your personal camera equipment and the spirit of learning!

"While the entire experience was great, the classroom work was spectacular. Having Matt Bradley walk us through the creative and technical process was truly inspiring and opened my eyes to a whole new world of photography."  - John from Springfield, MO / 2011 Guest

WANT AN OPINION OF LAST YEAR'S WORKSHOP?

Then take a minute to watch this quick video that Bill Ramsey of Beyond Photography shared in his blog.  Plus, here are some written comments from other 2011 participants:

• "Fantastic - too short! Sign me up for the next one!!  
• "Matt, your patience and graciousness were beyond compare, your advice and wisdom will be put to use and not forgotten."
• "Matt is a super instructor. Completely approachable, knowledgeable, eager to help."
• "The conference far exceeded my expectations. Want to broaden your photographic horizons? This workshop is a must."

WORKSHOP TUITION 

Tuition is $859+tax, which includes all fieldwork and classroom time with Matt, your meals and snacks, a stellar classroom location (beautiful RiverWind Lodge with a 30-mile view of Buffalo River country!), and transportation to and from all fieldwork sessions.  A $250 deposit along with a valid Visa, Mastercard or Discover Card number and signed confirmation letter on file holds your workshop reservation with the balance due on October 1, 2012.    

TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

Simply call us at 1-800-221-5514 to reserve your place.  Upon receiving your information, we'll send you a confirmation letter to sign and return to us by mail or fax.  Very soon thereafter, we'll send you a more detailed workshop itinerary, as well as important information that will help you prepare for and get the most from your time with Matt!       

LIMITED ENROLLMENT

Please note that this is a small group workshop so as to provide more opportunity for each guest with Matt.  The workshop will fill, so we encourage you to make your reservation just as soon as you know you're schedule permits.  We're not trying to be alarmists or pushy...just genuinely honest that if you're interested, it's a good measure to book sooner than later.  :)      

CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS

A cancellation must be made by personal phone call to our office (1-800-221-5514) as email is unreliable due to our use of spam filters.

Deposit Refund:  A cancellation received by July 31, 2012 will receive a deposit refund, less a $50 cancellation fee.  A cancellation received August 1 – September 14, 2012 will result in the forfeiture of the $250 deposit, unless on October 10, 2012 your vacated slot has been filled.  If this occurs, your credit card will be reimbursed for the deposit amount less a $50 rebooking fee.

Tuition Refund:  A cancellation received on September 15, 2012 or later is obligated for the outstanding workshop tuition balance owed, which will be assessed to your credit card on October 1, 2012.  A refund of this charge is available less a $50 rebooking fee if your vacated slot is filled on the date the workshop begins, which is October 10, 2012.