Massachusetts Horticultural Society is pleased to offer a one-day workshop featuring the talented garden photographer and instructor (and April Garden Club of the Back Bay speaker) Rich Pomerantz. This workshop, on Tuesday, June 15 from noon – 5, will help participants use cameras to see gardens in new ways and bring their garden photography to a higher level. Instruction will cover basic camera functions and digital basics in easy-to-understand concepts and then apply them to the unique challenges of photographing a garden
Participants will spend time outdoor photographing the beautiful gardens at Elm Bank. Following the shooting session, reviews and critiques will be made.
Camera: Any camera is suitable, even a fully automatic point-and-shoot, but you should be familiar with it’s use, and you absolutely should bring the manual to class with the camera. However, the better your tools, the more you will be able to accomplish, so here is the recommended equipment:
A 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) camera (this is the type of camera that allows you to change lenses). Please be familiar with its operation.
Lenses: The best lens will have a macro feature, but a regular short telephoto lens (in the 85 to 135mm range) will do fine. Other good lenses (though optional) are a wide angle (24 or 35mm) or a longer telephoto lens.
A sturdy tripod. This can be a lifesaver. Rich will explain the reasons for using a tripod early in the workshop. If the tripod has a detachable head upon which to mount your camera, you will find it much easier to work, especially if it is a type known as a ball head.
Optional equipment:
cable release
reflectors
warming and polarizing filters
closeup attachments
Rich has conducted garden and flower photography classes at the NY Botanical Gardens, The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Tower Hill and Berkshire Botanical Gardens. Rich’s first book, Wild Horses of the Dunes, about the wild horses of Assateague Island, was published in 2004 by Running Press and is in its second printing. Rich’s second book, Great Gardens of the Berkshires, was published in October, 2008 by Down East Books. His third book, Hudson River Valley Farms, about organic and sustainable agriculture in the Hudson Valley, was published by Globe Pequot in September, 2009. Rich’s images have appeared in periodicals including Garden Design, Traditional Home, Horticulture and Fine Gardening.
The cost of this workshop is $95 for members and $125 for non-members. There is also an option for a $10 lunch. To register, log on to www.masshort.org, or call 617-933-4995. This workshop is limited to twenty participants, so please register before June 10 to guarantee a spot. In case of severe rain, the workshop will be held on June 17.
