Essentials of Seascape Photography Hands-on Workshop with Chris Crosby

Seascape is one of the more challenging landscapes to capture as it involves motion, changing light, and water.  To be successful you have to capture the motion of the water while exposing correctly.  In this two part course, Chris Crosby will teach you what he considers to be the essentials of seascape photography that will help you produce better and more interesting seascape images.

The lecture portion will focus on beginning to intermediate techniques that are fundamental to successful seascape captures.  Learn the keys to composition, exposure and capturing water motion. Plan for better seascapes by understanding weather, tides and sun angles. Get tips for gear and filters that will help you perfect your seascape captures.

The in-field workshop will take place on the beach at sunset and allow you to reinforce what Chris covered in the lecture. Chris will be providing hands on instruction and guidance as you learn these new techniques. The workshop will focus on composition, exposure and shutter speeds to create interesting seascape images. Students are encouraged to bring filters of their own, but Chris will have a few sets of filters for students to sample.

Topics Covered:

• Exposure – How to expose seascapes for beautiful tonal range;
• Composition – Learn how to make images more interesting immediately;
• Capturing Water Motion – Learn how shutter speed can make or break a photo;
• Filters – Learn what filters to use and how to use them.

What to Bring:

• For the Lecture you will need any note taking materials you prefer.
• For the Hands on Shoot, please bring the following:
• Camera – Preferably a DSLR or other camera that allows control over Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO.
• Wide Angle Lens – Chris suggests a lens between 10-50mm depending on your cameras sensor size.  He uses a 16-35mm on a Full Frame Canon.  This focal range or wider is preferred.
• Tripod – The sturdier the better.  Tripod will be necessary to capture longer exposures.
• Remote Shutter – Chris recommends a remote shutter or cable release to remove camera shake from your shots and to take long exposures.
• Lens Cloths/Towels – Chris recommends lens cleaning cloths for you lens/filters and a small towel for splashes or accidents. A rain cover for your camera is an option.
• Filters – Filters aren’t necessary, but are very helpful.  Bring what you have or try some during the workshop.
• Clothing – Chris recommends shorts/swim trunks and water shoes (not flip flops) that have heal and toe coverage.  He uses an inexpensive pair of running shoes that have good grip.  Expect to get wet from the knee down.  A light jacket is recommend if it becomes windy at sunset.

Instructor Bio:Chris Ewen Crosby is a photographer based in Long Beach, CA. Born and raised in Seal Beach, CA, he developed a love for the ocean and outdoors during his childhood. Chris was very active in sports and outdoor activities that took him from the California’s oceans, through the mountains and to the deserts. It was these formative years that sculpted his love of the beauty of the earth. He also inherited a love for teaching from his mother, It is a desire to teach, love for the outdoors, and a love for photography which shaped where Chris currently resides in his life.

Host or Publisher Samys Photo School Santa Ana