The Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop

September 28-October 4, 2008

Additional Information

Click item to scroll down

What Past Participants Have Said      return to top

"The trips are fun and you learn so much. Ralph is good at explaining and teaching the fundamentals of photography."

—Jo Helen Matheson, Texas

"I would highly recommend any of your tours to discriminating participants looking for a very high quality photo experience."

—Steve Carlisle, Montana

Lodging      return to top
Your Workshop fee includes six nights of lodging. Lodging is double occupancy in modern and comfortable motels.

Upgrade fees     return to top
Upgrade to a single room for a fee of $425. Please inquire for fees and availability for a non-photographer spouse or guest.

Portfolio reviews     return to top
We invite you to bring up to 20 images for group or private review and critique.

Itinerary for the 2008 Workshop      return to top

  • Day 1: Sunday, September 28
    Arrive at Reno, NV, airport in the afternoon, travel to accommodations in Lee Vining, CA. Evening orientation
  • Days 2–6
    Five full days of photography and instruction in the Eastern Sierra. Subject locations can include Mono Lake, The Bristlecone Pine Forest, the Alabama Hills. Our goal is to maximize your time in the field when the light is best
  • Day 7: Saturday, October 4
    Check out of accommodations in morning and depart for the airport in Reno, NV.

Extra Days      return to top
Participants wishing to extend their Workshop days for additional photography and instruction may do so by prior arrangement for a fee of $300 per day double occupancy, or $375 per day in a private room.

Meals      return to top
Your Workshop fee includes breakfast and lunch for each of the five photo days plus the departure day. You are responsible for dinners, and we generally go as a group. Our meals are scheduled around the best photography times. We sometimes take our meals with us to maximize time in the field.

Transportation      return to top
We provide all ground transportation during the Workshop from your arrival in Reno, NV. We will pick you up and drop you off at the airport in Reno.

For your convenience and flexibility, you can bring your own vehicle or rent at the airport. If you are driving, you can meet the group at our accommodations in Lee VIning.

About the location      return to top
The eastern face of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California thrusts up over ten thousand feet from the floor of the Owens Valley, a giant wall of stone crowned by Mt. Whitney, at 14,495 feet the highest point in the lower 48. Facing it to the east, the arid mass of the White Mountains also soars to over 14,000 feet.

In between these imposing ranges, with no drainage to the sea, is unique Mono Lake, a massive body of briny water famous for the striking and photogenic tufa columns formed over the millennia and revealed as the lake slowly receded. Surrounded by a desert landscape that includes volcanic craters and mountains, and reflecting the Sierra Nevada, Mono Lake provides rich and varied photo opportunities.

Further south, the scenic and weathered Alabama Hills mark the approach to Mt. Whitney. These boulders and crags are a favorite of film makers; you may have seen them in features from The Lone Ranger to Star Trek. From intimate closeups to sweeping panoramas, the Alabama Hills offer plenty of photo opportunities.

High in the White Mountains, in a desert landscape so severe and exposed that few plants and animals can even survive, the ancient and weather-twisted Bristlecone Pines thrive. They may be the oldest living organisms on Earth; some have been alive for over 5,000 years! Twisted and eroded into otherworldly shapes by thousands of years of wind and weather, the Bristlecones are some of the most amazing photo subjects anywhere.

These are only some of the highlights in a vast, remote, and little-visited area that offers some of the best and most unique nature photography in North America.

Photographer Guidelines       return to top
We will provide detailed information on equipment, clothing, travel, and suggested reading materials for Workshop participants.

A message from the trip leader      return to top
"I am an enthusiastic and patient instructor and trip leader. I offer these trips because I enjoy teaching and I love the natural world. I will gladly share my knowledge and love of nature and photography with you, and help you get the most from your experience.

"My photographs are published in such magazines as Birder's World, Birdwatcher's Digest, Nature and Wildlife, Outdoor Traveler, and WildBird. My work appears in numerous calendars including Sierra Club and Audubon, and numerous books and advertisements. I am a full time nature photographer and workshop leader.

"Past participants have been very enthusiastic about their experiences. Our small group size allows you plenty of time for your questions. I work hard to make your trip memorable and productive. I hope you’ll consider joining us!

"Feel free to call, write, or E–mail if you have any questions. References from past participants are available upon request."

—Ralph Paonessa

return to top