Light and shadow are the most basic building blocks of expressive photography. Learning how to harness control over these elements is the key to making compelling photographs. We will explore these topics in the ever-changing light of California’s magnificent central coast.

The class will start with Wells showing his work and sharing specific techniques (and particular images that highlight his techniques for controlling and utilizing the play of light and shadow as well as later, twilight and night. We will also review the student’s previous work, so bring some of your best images, particularly those dealing with light, shadow, twilight and night.

In class, these topics will be explored:

1. specific issues of time of day / morning vs. evening light
2. quality and direction of light
3. basics of twilight / night photography
4. basics of flash photography
5. scouting a location with a compass to plot the play of light
6. lens choice / composition
7. the importance of the photographer's position
8. the use of lines, light and dark
9. framing to create dramatic images when no dramatic light exists

This class is for students who can operate their cameras on manual.

David H. Wells is a photographer specializing in "Light Studies," (bodies of work that explore the light and atmosphere of a given place.)  He has produced these on locations across the globe, for a wide range of exhibitions and publication. Talking about these works, one critic wrote, "Wells uses light and dark like a surgeon."

His "Light Studies" have been published in magazines such as Aramco World, Mid-Atlantic Country, the Philadelphia Inquirer and Rhode Island Monthly. Portfolios from these projects have been published in Camera and Darkroom, Communication Arts, and Nikon World among others. These have also been exhibited at the Bristol Art Museum in Bristol, RI, Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA, Museo Bardini in Florence, Italy, Southern Light Gallery in Amarillo, TX, and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island.

On most afternoons, the group will be to be out photographing on location, between about 3 and 7 p.m. in order to take advantage of the best afternoon and early evening light. Wells will work one on one with each student during the afternoon's outing.  There will be a few twilight/night shoot and a few early morning shoots to appreciate the difference between morning and evening light.  Each day of class will start with a detailed critique of the previous day's work.  At mid-day, work by Wells and other master photographers will also be reviewed.

Workshop Schedule:
(subject to change because of weather or if other local opportunities become available)

Monday: Introductions among the group, an orientation to the workshop and the area and instructor will share his work. Review students’ work, discuss class schedule and photograph in the afternoon as a group at the farmer’s market in nearby Baywood Park. Open lab after dinner.

Tuesday: Early morning photographing session at the Morro bay marina. Mid day class, critique and technical discussions. Photograph in the afternoon as a group at the beach in Cayucos. Open lab after dinner.

Wednesday: Morning photographing session/inside at the mission San Luis Obispo. Mid day class, critique and technical discussions. Photograph in the afternoon through twilight and night as a group at the marina in Morro bay. Open lab after dinner.

Thursday: Early morning photographing session at a Paso Robles winery. Mid day class, critique and technical discussions. Students photograph in the afternoon, on their own. Open lab after dinner.

Friday: Students photograph in the morning, on their own. Mid day class, critique and technical discussions. Afternoon prep final prints for final portfolio review/critique of work followed by evening wrap-up dinner.