Photo Workshop :
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 LACS DE FENĘTRE
 Grand Saint-Bernard - Val Ferret
Dates : from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 September 2010
Length : 2 complete days
Number of participants : 4 maximum
Language : This workshop is done in French.
Note that if you don't master perfectly this language, no worries, I will be able to translate in English or Spanish as necessary.
Price / person : 290.- CHF
- This price only includes the photographic teaching.
- You must bring your own food.
- Payable in full at the registration stage in order to guaranty your place in the workshop.
Location : This workshop takes place within the beautiful mountains sitting between Val d'Entremont and Val Ferret, and more precisely around the Lacs de Fenętre (Window Lakes in French). Located at an altitude of 2500m in a very wild area, those three lakes enjoy a fantastic view over the eastern side of the Mont-Blanc massif. The view extends from Grand Golliat with its saw like picks, through the famous Grande Jorasses, Mont-Blanc and Mont Dolent, all the way to Tour Noir.
On Saturday, during our ascent to Lakes de Fenętre, we pass by Grand Lé lake which offers yet again a stunning panormic view over Grand Combin (4314m) and Mont Vélan, two impressive summits of the Valaisannes Alps.
Between lakes, mountains, wild flowers, wildlife, no need to precise that you are not short of subjects to photograph.
WHO CAN ATTEND : This workshop is open to beginners as well as more advanced photographers.
A small number of participants allows me to address the needs and questions of everyone individually, whatever your level.

Fitness level required:
A good fitness level is required to be able to attend this workshop.
Day 1: 750m of ascent and 300m of descent for an approximate total of 3 to 4 hours of walking.
Day 2: 300m of ascent and 800m of descent for an approximate total of 3 to 4 hours of walking.
Note that the walking pace adopted is quite slow and stops are frequent. We are here to do some photography, not to break records ;-) ! The mountain footpath used are easy. Only the Col des Bastillon is slightly exposed and requires confident footsteps.
Content : The following subjects are covered:
  • preparation (study of the terrain, the weather, organising and choosing your photo equipment, etc...)
  • location and subject finding, searching for attractive compositions, the basic rules of composition
  • learning how to appreciate the quality of different lighting conditions
  • how to correctly expose an image (diaphragm aperture, shutter speed, reading the histogram, etc...)
  • learning how to control the depth of field (zone of sharpness)
  • use of filters
  • techniques of panoramic photography
  • techniques of night photography and light trails
  • general usage of the camera (aperture or shutter priority, white balance, histograms, ISO, etc...)
  • the post-processing
All these subjects are covered in more or less details depending on the global level of the participants and also according to your individual interests. In other words I will customise the workshop to suit your needs.

Overview of the workshop:
This workshop runs over two full days with one bivouac (wild camping) in the mountains.
Over the course of those two days, we are in complete autonomy. We therefore carry back packs with all necessary equipment for the bivouac, as well as food, water and photographic equipment.

Here is the detailed schedule planned for this workshop:

Day 1:
  • Meeting at Grand Saint Bernard pass at 9am (we will not wait for those arriving late, as the light won't be waiting for us either).
  • Start of the walk towards Grand Lé lake at around 9:20am.
  • We make several stops during the ascent for small photographic sessions.
  • Arrival at Grand Lé lake. Photographic session followed by mid day lunch (picnic)
  • Walk up to col du Bastillon, from which we have yet again a good photographic session (great 360 degree view)
  • Walk down and arrival at Lacs de Fenętre during the middle of the afteroon.
  • Prepare camp for the night
  • Small debriefing to prepare for the evening photo session.
  • Photo session from sunset to dusk.
  • Diner.
  • We finish the day with a small night photo session (long exposures, light trails, etc).
Day 2:
  • We get up at dawn for the first photo session of the day, from dawn to after sunrise.
    Note that at sunrise time, we will have the privilege to see the moon setting over the Mont-Blanc massif (weather permitting of course!)
  • Breakfast.
  • We leave the camp (ensuring we leave nothing behind us other then the beautiful landscape we have had the chance to photograph) and head up towards Fenętre de Ferret pass before descending back to Grand Saint Bernard pass.
  • The walk is once again broken up by several photographic sessions, during which I will talk about the various subjects listed above.
  • Arrival at Grand Saint Bernard pass at around mid day, perfect for lunch (picnic).
  • Return to the cars.
  • I end the workshop by a short session on post-processing (on my lap-top). I present you my way of working by processing some of the pictures taken during those two days.
Equipment Required : A small and non-exhaustive list of the equipment required to attend the workshop :
  • First and foremost, VERY IMPORTANT: your eyes.
  • Also very important: a positive outlook :-) !
  • And of course your photographic equipment, film or digital.
  • A camera that can work in manual mode is strongly recommended.
  • A tripod is also essential for shots at dawn and dusk, when the light level is very low, and also for the night photography.
  • Warm clothing, as in early autumn, temperatures can be very cold in the mountains, so hat, gloves, warm base layers, and a waterproof jackets (Gore-Tex type) are essential.
  • Some good walking boots.
  • All necessary equipment for bivouac (sleeping bag, sleeping mat)
  • Water for the two days and food for one breakfast, two lunches and one diner. Also bring things that provide energy during the walks (e.g. chocolate, energy bars, etc..).
  • Obligatory: a head torch (with spare batteries)
As far as tents and stoves are concerned, we will organise ourselves once the group has been formed, as we will naturally have to share some of this equipment between us.
If you already own this type of equipment, please do let me know during your reservation.
Registration : Can be done from the workshops presentation main page. Click here to access it.
Terms and Conditions : Click here to read the general terms and conditions (payment facilities, cancellations, insurances, etc...).



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