This time around our photographer/instructor was John Barclay.  John’s take on photography leans towards the “artsy” side of the medium.  He showed us many very beautiful images taken with a moving camera technique that all of us tried but, at least for us, needs additional practice.  (Kathy's 12th image and the background for this page are attempts at it)  He also spoke about stacking slides and how the technique can be simulated by creating double exposures which many of our DSLR cameras are capable of. (Joe's 4th image is an example) 

The group size, 34, was the largest we have ever seen for a workshop.  A couple camera clubs were present most noticeably a group from a club in Connecticut.  John brought along a sidekick, Bill Strom, to assist with such a large group.  Bill’s biggest claim to fame is his macro work but many of the images he showed us, and was most excited about, involved some sort of Photoshop overlay painting technique.  Exactly what it was called or how to describe it escapes me at the moment. 

John and Bill were loads of fun to work with and we shared many laughs together.  Their sense of humor complemented each other which made the entire learning experience fun.  We look forward to working with both of them again someday. 

Virtually all instruction was done in the field with transportation between venues, because of the group size, provided by school bus.  John and Bill do not take pictures while working with participants which allows them to be entirely focused on teaching and coaching.  John did bring along a couple of his lenses and “Lens Babies” for people to try if they were interested in doing so. 

It should be noted that knowing the basics of camera use seemed to be assumed.  This session was not geared towards the individual who has always taken images in “auto” mode and now wants instruction on “aperture priority”, shutter priority”, and “manual” modes. 

Most of the participants were sporting DSLR cameras but a few had “point and shoot” digital cameras.  We were glad to see some P&S photographers participating because we run into people all the time who seem to think they need a DSLR to participate in a workshop.  Kathy and I were P&S photographers and participated in a bunch of workshops before converting to DSLR earlier this year.  It is amazing how great images from today’s P&S cameras can be and how much control even the simplest of them gives you over the image.