Town of Queensbury - Parks and Recreation
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Nature Photography w/ James Rodewald

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The Department welcomes Jim Rodewald of Nature’s Sake Photography to present the following unique and exceptional programs!

James Rodewald is an environmental science educator and freelance nature photographer currently residing in Queensbury, NY. James has decades of experience behind the lens, starting first with 35 mm film in the mid-1980’s. Cameras have traveled with him across the country over the years, documenting many natural scenes from the American West, South, and Northeast.

Although the majority of his portfolio focuses upon the Adirondacks, recent additions include rural Costa Rica, Ecuador, Cape Cod, and Central New Jersey farmland. As a resident of Southern Washington County for thirteen years, agriculture and rural landscapes have informed much of his work, particularly as it relates to unique lines across landforms and the patterning of trees. He strives to create unique images of familiar places by focusing upon strong composition under rare lighting conditions.

In an effort to help conserve our natural heritage, James donates significant portions of his art sales to groups working to conserve the lands he photographs. These groups include the Adirondack Council, the Lake George Land Conservancy, and the Agricultural Stewardship Association.


PHOTOGRAPHING QBY’S NATURAL AREAS
  • Queensbury has some beautiful natural areas for you to get out and explore. In this course, we will learn some of the key aspects of composition, light and style, review some camera functionality to help you capture nature images better; and then, you will spend time outdoors practicing what you have learned. We will be traveling to several areas in Queensbury revealing some of what the park system has to offer for nature photography.
  • Students will learn some new techniques for nature photography, as well as gain a deeper appreciation for the natural areas in Queensbury.
  • For: Beginner to Intermediate Level (some experience with camera use and operation is recommended.)
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es), a full-featured point and shoot camera or a recent-edition cell phone with camera capability.
  • Location: Meadowbrook Preserve, Meadowbrook Road Note: From there, we will drive to Rush Pond Way-Fox Farm Road Trail Head.

INTRO. TO NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Explore the world of nature photography by learning some of the finer functions of your camera, and key aspects of composition, light, and style. We will cover some camera functionality as well as spend time outdoors shooting and practicing what we have learned. Digital post processing will also be discussed.
  • Students will emerge from the course with a better understanding of how to use their cameras outdoors and new skills to capture their view of the natural world.
  • For: Beginner to Intermediate Level (some experience with camera use and operation is recommended.)
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es), a full-featured point and shoot camera or a recent-edition cell phone with camera capability.
  • Please note: this is a 2-part program.
  • Location - Part 1 - (July 23) Gurney Lane Recreation Area Pavilion, 118 Gurney Lane Road, Queensbury
  • Location - Part 2 - (July 24) Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve, Hudson Pointe Boulevard, Queensbury

PHOTO TOUR: EXPLORING THE LAKE GEORGE WILD FOREST
  • The Lake George Wild Forest is a sprawling piece of protected land surrounding Lake George. It offers up a number of beautiful scenes for nature photography.
  • In this course, we will be exploring some of these areas photographically to develop your nature photography skills. Some experience and familiarity with your camera and nature photography is encouraged. After a brief introduction, we will be off to explore some special locations within this forest preserve. We will review compositional elements of photography and strive to expand your range of photography techniques while in the field.
  • For: Intermediate Level
  • Please note: will require some intermediate level hiking.
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es), a full-featured point and shoot camera or a recent-edition cell phone with camera capability. A tripod and filters are encouraged, but are not essential. A flashlight or headlamp is encouraged as we will be attempting to capture the evening light at the end of the course.
  • Location - Rush Pond Way Parking Area-West Mountain Road Trail Head, corner of West Mountain and Gurney Lane Roads Note: From there, we will drive to the Lake George Wild Forest.

NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY - Full Moon Evening!
  • The modern camera is capable of seeing in low light and is capable of making beautiful images even at night. In this course, we will explore the world of night photography by learning some of the tips and tricks for using cameras in dark conditions.
  • We will learn the proper camera settings, use ambient light, and get an introduction to light painting. Once we have a solid understanding of it all, we will venture out and explore the night with your cameras using natural and man-made light sources to illuminate your images.
  • For: Intermediate to Advanced Level
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es) or a full-featured point and shoot camera. For full-featured point and shoot cameras the camera must be able to shut off automatic focus and allow you to adjust your camera’s settings manually. A flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries and proper clothing for cool evenings. Night photography often requires long exposure times making hand-held shots very difficult, participants are highly encouraged to bring a tripod to attach to the camera.
  • Location - Queensbury Activity Center, 742 Bay Road Note: After the instruction component of the program, we will drive to a destination T.B.D., based on weather

NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY - Full Havest Moon!
  • The modern camera is capable of seeing in low light and is capable of making beautiful images even at night. In this course, we will explore the world of night photography by learning some of the tips and tricks for using cameras in dark conditions.
  • We will learn the proper camera settings, use ambient light, and get an introduction to light painting. Once we have a solid understanding of it all, we will venture out and explore the night with your cameras using natural and man-made light sources to illuminate your images.
  • For: Intermediate to Advanced Level
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es) or a full-featured point and shoot camera. For full-featured point and shoot cameras the camera must be able to shut off automatic focus and allow you to adjust your camera’s settings manually. A flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries and proper clothing for cool evenings. Night photography often requires long exposure times making hand-held shots very difficult, participants are highly encouraged to bring a tripod to attach to the camera.
  • Location - Queensbury Activity Center, 742 Bay Road Note: After the instruction component of the program, we will drive to a destination T.B.D., based on weather.

PHOTO TOUR: CAPTURING FALL’S COLORS
  • Fall is one of the most popular times for photographing nature in our region. To do it, well, requires a little bit of experience and know-how. In this course, we will learn some of the functionality of our cameras to help bring out fall’s colors and gain first-hand experience outside working with your new-found skills. We will also review key elements of composition and exposure. Some moderate hiking may be required, depending upon conditions.
  • For: Beginner to Intermediate Level (some experience with camera use and operation is recommended.)
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es), a full-featured point and shoot camera or a recent-edition cell phone with camera capability. If screw-on filters are available for your camera, bringing a circular polarizing filter is encouraged.
  • Location - Rush Pond Way Parking Area-West Mountain Road Trail Head, corner of West Mountain and Gurney Lane Roads Note: From there, we will drive to a destination T.B.D., based on weather.

ASTROLANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY
  • The modern camera is capable of seeing in low light and is capable of recording the light from stars in night time images. In this course, we will explore the world of astrolandscape photography.
  • We will learn the proper camera settings and get exposure to some of the tips and tricks of photographing the night sky.
  • We will also take a look at some of the post-processing options available for creating these kinds of images. Once we have a solid understanding of it all, we will venture out and explore the night with our cameras.
  • FOR: Intermediate to Advanced Level
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es), a full-featured point and shoot camera. Astrolandscape photography requires long exposure times so participants should bring a tripod to attach to the camera and make sure their camera is fully charged.
  • Replacement batteries for the camera are encouraged.
  • A remote release is also helpful, but is not critical.
  • A flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries and proper clothing for cool evenings.
  • Location - Rush Pond Way Parking Area-West Mountain Road Trail Head, corner of West Mountain and Gurney Lane Roads Note: From there, we will drive to a destination T.B.D., based on weather.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE WINTER LANDSCAPE
  • Winter photography offers a number of challenges; but with practice, it can offer up some beautiful opportunities for nature photography.
  • In this course, we will learn a number of the tricks for photographing outdoors in the Winter, including proper exposure for snow and ice, proper composition, helping your camera endure the cold, and staying safe.
  • We will have the opportunity to put these new skills into practice and explore some local spots for great snow and ice photography.
  • FOR: Intermediate Level
  • Equipment required: A DSLR and lens(es), a full-featured point and shoot camera or a recent-edition cell phone with camera capability.
  • If screw-on filters are available for your camera, bringing a circular polarizing filter is encouraged.
  • Proper outwear is definitely a necessity, which would include warm gloves or mittens, winter
  • boots, and microspikes for dealing with the potential of icy locations.
  • Location - Rush Pond Way Parking Area-West Mountain Road Trail Head, corner of West Mountain and Gurney Lane Roads Note: From there, we will drive to a destination T.B.D., based on weather.

PHOTOGRAPHING STREAMS & WATERFALLS
  • Stream and waterfall photography is very popular, but to do it well requires some experience.
  • In this course, we will learn a number of tips and tricks for photographing these subjects.
  • We will also be traveling to several locations to give you hands-on experience.
  • Some moderate hiking may be required.
  • FOR: Beginner to Intermediate Level
  • Equipment requirements: A DSLR and lens(es) or a full-featured point and shoot camera.
  • Screw-on filters and a tripod are highly encouraged to get the most out of this experience, but are not essential.
  • Location - Rush Pond Way Parking Area-West Mountain Road Trail Head, corner of West Mountain and Gurney Lane Roads Note: From there, we will drive to a destination T.B.D., based on weather.

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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