The Orion Constellation rises above delicate tufa columns
Instruction
This workshop is designed to accommodate photographers of any skill level. If you’re just picking up a camera for the first time and want to learn all the basics of shooting in manual mode, finding a good composition, developing a unique editing style, etc., my goal is to help you progress as much as possible during the four days of the workshop and equip you with all the tools necessary to take your photography to the next level. On the other hand, if you’re already a seasoned pro and are just looking to be guided through an unfamiliar location by someone who knows the area, it is of my best interest to have you in the right place at the right time as often as possible to help you get the most out of the trip. I have no agenda in the way of teaching; my intention is to cater specifically to your level of experience, be it absolutely none, a lifetime’s worth, or anything in between, and hopefully pass on some of the knowledge that I’ve developed over my young career as both an outdoor photographer and a traveler. Please note that while there is time built into the itinerary for editing, the main focus of this workshop will be on the in-the-field side of photography due to time and electricity restrictions. In previous workshops I have given participants the option to leave me with one of their raw files for me to record myself editing and then send them the recording, which has worked well and remains an option that I highly recommend for this workshop.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrive and meet up at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nevada*
Begin to drive south towards Mono Lake
Stop for lunch at the L.A. Bakery in Carson City
Arrive at the lake, set up camp
Cook and eat dinner
Spend the evening exploring the tufa formations and photographing the sunset
Stay up late to shoot the stars
Days 2-3 (Sunday-Monday)
Wake up early to shoot the sunrise
Have breakfast
Spend the middle of the day reviewing photos, editing, eating lunch, and resting
Dinner
Shoot the sunset and, if it’s clear, stay up late into the night to shoot the stars
Day 4 (Tuesday)
Wake up early for one last sunrise shoot
Breakfast
Pack up camp
Drive back to Reno for departure
* If there is a more convenient way for you to get to the lake than what is outlined above, please let me know upon signup and I would be more than happy to make the necessary arrangements.
Our campsite on the south side of Mono Lake
To sign up for the workshop, please submit an initial deposit of $500.00 USD via the PayPal button below. The deadline to sign up is Saturday, May 16th. The remaining balance of $250.00 USD is due on Saturday, June 6th (instructions for final payment will be sent out via email upon registration). If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me an email at garret@garretweintrob.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
The tufa formations at sunrise
Disclaimer: This workshop is not designed to be a luxurious vacation. We will be cooking most of our own meals, cleaning our own dishes, and sleeping in tents at non-designated campgrounds with no access to showers. My goal as trip leader is not to provide a relaxing getaway, but to help you be in the right place at the right time as often as possible to get the best shot. That said, the trip is not intended to be physically strenuous - most of our shooting locations will be reached via car, with a few short hikes interspersed here and there. Do keep in mind though that Mono Lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet, which can be noticeable coming from sea level. If you have any questions regarding the style of the workshop, feel free to send me an email at garret@garretweintrob.com.
Cancellation Policy:
Initial deposit is fully refundable up until May 16th, after which it is only 50% refundable.
Payment of the remaining balance is fully refundable until June 6th, after which it is only 50% refundable.
No refunds of any kind can be made after the start of the trip (June 13th).
If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met by May 16th, the trip will be cancelled. A full refund and 10% credit toward a future workshop will be awarded to those already signed up.
What to pack: You are responsible for bringing your own camera gear, clothes, toiletries, and any other personal necessities. Food and water, cooking utensils, tents*, sleeping bags*, sleeping pads*, first aid materials, transportation, and accommodations from Saturday night through Monday night will be provided. A more detailed packing list will be sent out upon registration.
*You are welcome to bring your own; please let me know if you plan on doing so
About Garret:
Garret Weintrob is a 20-year-old landscape and sports photographer from Washington, DC. He began working professionally 5 years ago when he created Chairlift Productions, a video production company that focused on creating promotional films for small businesses and young athletes. He has since expanded his creative scope and developed a strong still photography repertoire, having spent much of the last few years traveling around the western portion of the United States. After spending a year at college in Connecticut, he decided to take a leave of absence from school and subsequently spent a year living in his car, traveling all around North America and continuing to expand his portfolio. Garret then transferred to the University of Oregon, where he is currently studying film. Garret has a Wilderness First Aid certification. His work has been featured on Canon and Outside Magazine’s websites.