Platinum/Palladium Printing, Gum over Platinum

Overview

Bridge the creation of digital negatives to classic platinum/palladium printing techniques in this four day intensive workshop with master printer Kerik Kouklis. Designed for beginning and intermediate students, you will learn how to make high quality digital negatives using the QuickCurveDN system by Richard Boutwell and Epson printers. According to Kerik, “This newest entry into the digital negative software field is by far the best and easiest to use and teach. It has made my life and my students’ lives much easier.”

From there you will learn the techniques and subtleties involved in making top-quality platinum/palladium prints, including paper choices, contrast controls, archival processing techniques, environmental controls and the best procedures for consistent results.  Finally you will learn the fundamentals of the  gum bichromate process to provide additional tones and depth to your prints..

Each workshop is limited to 6 persons, and to accommodate COVID related social distancing, there will be two groups. This will intensify the time available for printing and allow more time in the field with a staff photographer from The Ansel Adams Gallery.

This workshop is offered twice per year, in early spring and late fall.

SPRING  2023 - May 17-20
Mid May is a time of changeable weather, and with it often dramatic lighting and atmospherics. One thing that can be stated with certainty, the waterfalls in the valley will be booming (you can hear Yosemite Falls from the gallery classroom). It is a great time for a primarily indoor program with short opportunities to photograph the spectacular vistas in Yosemite Valley.

FALL 2023 - November 15-18  
Mid November typically has long bid adieu to the summer crowds. The weather is unpredictable and often unstable, leading to a high chance for dramatic clouds, mist, and rain or snow. By this time the cottonwoods and maples are typically bare, and the oaks have not yet shed their seasonal foliage. The contrast between pale granite and dark trees creates wonderful visual forms, perfect for exploring the rich tonalities inherent in platinum/palladium printing.

COVID WORKSHOP PRECAUTIONS:
The Ansel Adams Gallery has modified our workshops to be functional in a covid environment and has reduced class sizes to protect participants and staff. With the recent surge from Omicron, we are making it our main priority for a safe environment for all of our workshop participants. Masks are required in all buildings in the park and our workshop room is fully equipped with an air filtration system.

The Gallery will provide the following:
COVID-19 rapid test upon arrival
Masks
Hand sanitizer
Sanitation wipes

COVID-19 POLICY

The Ansel Adams Gallery will require all attendees to show proof of current Covid-19 Vaccination prior to the first day of the workshop. Furthermore, the presentation of a negative result Covid-19 Rapid Test will be required after travel to Yosemite and prior to entry into the first day of the workshop. A Covid-19 Rapid Test Kit will be included in your welcome package available at check in at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Please let us know if you have chosen different accommodations.

Limited Services:
Since Covid, Yosemite has been experiencing limited food services in the Valley. We suggest bringing breakfast and snack food. The Valley does have a small grocery store, but the selection is limited especially for specialty food items. 

Workshop Details

Currently the QCDN software by Richard Boutwell and Epson printers is only available for the MAC Operating System.

In this intensive 4-day workshop offered twice a year, you will start by learning to make high quality digital negatives using the QCDN software by Richard Boutwell and Epson printers. This software has greatly simplified the process of making digital negatives and includes creative controls to enhance your work.Using your new digital negatives you will learn the techniques and subtleties involved in making top-quality platinum/palladium prints including paper choices, contrast controls, environmental controls and the best procedures for consistent results. Kerik's approach to platinum printing is simple and straightforward and does not involve complex sensitometry or math that can make the process appear much more difficult that it is. And Kerik's casual and friendly teaching style will have you making excellent prints almost from the start.

There will also be time to make new photographs in the incomparable Yosemite Valley. Each student will be asked to provide digital images before the workshop so printing can begin right away. You will also be making new negatives during the workshop. This workshop will allow you to make beautiful platinum/palladium and gum over platinum prints and have a great time doing it.

About the Instructor

KERIK KOUKLIS

is a fine art and documentary photographer based in the Sierra foothills who has been involved in creating hand-made photographs since his father set up a darkroom in the basement when he was 12. Born and raised in California with a background in music and geology, Kerik combines a contemporary eye with 19th, 20th and 21st Century processes to produce work that is uniquely his own. He has used these processes to create his work since 1990 and has been teaching workshops in these processes since 1997, both in his home studio and at various locations around the US, Canada and the UK. In 2017 Kerik began working in color by combining inkjet pigments with palladium printing. These prints are reminiscent of hand-colored photographs from the late 1800’s. In 2019 Kerik learned the very first photographic process, the daguerreotype. He is still honing his skills in this difficult but uniquely beautiful process. Kerik’s work is currently represented in California by Oficino Uno in Carmel and the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite where he has been teaching hand-made photographic techniques since 2000. In recent years Kerik’s travels have taken him to Iceland, Scotland, Norway, the Galapagos, Mongolia and Japan. He has adopted the use of a drone to make aerial photographs on his travels, where permitted. In 2016 Kerik was awarded a two-week Artist in Residency in Yosemite National park by Yosemite Renaissance. In 2017 Kerik completed his first documentary short film “Mongolia in Winter''. He is currently working on a documentary film about an Antarctic expedition that occurred in 1958. His prints are held in private and corporate collections in North America and Europe as well as the Museum of Fine Art, Houston and the Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, Newcastle, Pennsylvania. In 2019 Kerik became the President of the Board of Directors for the Viewpoint Photographic Art Center in Sacramento, California. 

Selected Exhibitions

2019     From the Ends of the Earth II – Solo Exhibition, Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Sacramento, CA

2019     Yosemite Renaissance 34 – Yosemite National Park

2018     From the Ends of the Earth – Solo Exhibition, The Image Flow, Mill Valley, CA

2018     Yosemite Renaissance 33 – Yosemite National Park, Honorable Mention

2017     Old Lands, New Visions – Floyd Center of the Arts, Floyd, VA – Group Exhibit

2017     TRACE – Contemporary Photographers, Antiquarian Processes – Central MI University 

2017     Yosemite Renaissance 32 – Yosemite National Park

2016     Two-person Exhibit with Mark Citret - Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite

2015     The Alchemist's Vision – Solo exhibition of 58 works in a variety of alternative processes –  Viewpoint Photographic Art Center, Sacramento, CA

2015     The Alchemist's Vision with Diane Kaye - The Center for Photographic Art, Carmel, CA

2015     The Origins of Photography Past and Present, Pattern Shop Studio, Denver – Group exhibit

2014     Gallery 291, Mill Valley, CA – Exhibit of platinum and gum/platinum prints

2012     Group Exhibition of Alternative Process work in China

2011     Ansel Adams Gallery, Yosemite – Solo Exhibit of Gum-Platinum Work

2010     Taube Museum of Art, Minot, ND – Triple Exposure – Group exhibit

2010     ICA, San Jose, CA – Today’s Photography/Yesterday’s Technology

2009     C4 Gallery, Los Angeles, CA – M is for Melancholia – Group exhibit

2008     Ansel Adams Gallery Yosemite – Solo Exhibit of Wet Plate Collodion Work

2008     University of Alaska, Soldotna, AK – By Hand – Solo Exhibit of Wet Plate Collodion and Gum-Platinum Prints

2007     Studio 391, Gualala, California - Solo Exhibit of Wet Plate Collodion Work

2006     Watermark Gallery, Houston, Texas – Group exhibit

2006     The Ansel Adams Gallery, Two-person show, Yosemite, California

2005     Watermark Gallery, Houston, Texas – Group exhibit

2004     The Ansel Adams Gallery, Two-person show, Carmel, California

2003     The Ansel Adams Gallery, Three-person show, Yosemite, California

2002     Platinum: A Rare Passion - Group show, Gallery Sink, Denver, Colorado

1999     "Three Thoughts on the Landscape" - Group Show, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA

1999     A Sense of Place, Photographs by Kerik Kouklis - North Light Gallery, Toronto, Canada

Publications

Have Drones, Will Travel, Outdoor Photographer, September 2018

Expedition to Mongolia, Outdoor Photographer, December 2017

Platinum Prints from Digital Files, Outdoor Photographer, August 2016

Film Work

“Mongolia in Winter” – Documentary short about a winter expedition to Mongolia. https://vimeo.com/227807425

“Making Wet Plate Collodion Photographs” – Demonstration of wet plate collodion photography. https://vimeo.com/28602323

“Handmade Photographs in the 21st Century” – Presentation to the Penland School of Crafts. https://vimeo.com/296987551 

“Iceland Summit 2017” – Aerial videos, northern lights time lapse from Iceland. https://vimeo.com/275964077

“Tom & Mabel an Antarctic Love Story” – Currently in production.

Workshop FAQ

Experience
What to Expect
Getting Here / Getting Around
Equipment
Clothing / Dressing for the Elements
Registering for a workshop

EXPERIENCE:

How much photographic experience do I need? Our programs are designed for photographers of all levels, but to make the most of your time, participants should be familiar with the basic operation of their camera (bring your camera's manual). For most classes, a single lens reflex (SLR) camera is recommended for speed of operation and versatility, but advanced compact cameras with manual controls for aperture, shutter speed and RAW capture mode are sufficient. For workshops focusing on digital imaging, some prior experience with Lightroom or Photoshop software may be required. Please read the specific workshop descriptions provided on the website for more detailed information.

How much darkroom experience do I need? Several workshops focus on analog printing techniques. Significant experience is not required unless stated otherwise, most are designed to teach from the ground up or to cover, in-depth, principles and techniques that are fundamental to that medium.

Should I bring a portfolio? Most instructors encourage students to bring work to share. Depending on the type of class, the work may be in print or digital form and it may be shared with the instructor and/or with other attendees. Details on the type of work, when and where to bring it will be communicated to you once you have enrolled.

What kind of arrangements are made for those with physical limitations? The Ansel Adams Gallery classroom/restroom is ADA accessible to wheelchairs. Participants who are mobility-impaired can attend the classroom portions of the workshops with minor assistance entering and exiting the building, but ADA accessible transportation for field sessions will need to be arranged by the participant.

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WHAT TO EXPECT:

When do the workshop sessions start on the first day? And when do they end? Each instructor sets his or her own schedule with most workshops starting at 9:00 am on the first morning. Start times on subsequent days depends on the type of workshop offered and the agenda of the instructor. Field sessions are typically scheduled early morning and late afternoon/evening to take advantage of the best light. Instructors often adjust the schedule to take advantage of changes in weather and may conduct additional/longer field sessions as conditions permit and inspire! The workshop typically ends around mid-afternoon on the last day.

What happens each day? Each workshop will have a specific itinerary, but The Ansel Adams Gallery workshop is known for being an intensive learning experience. It is common to be out photographing early in the morning, coming in for breakfast, having a classroom session or darkroom demonstration, lunch, field or classroom again after lunch, field in the late afternoon, dinner, and a critique / discussion until 10 or 11 at night. This is a model developed by Ansel, and one which most people find invigorating (sometimes tiring, never tiresome) and inspirational. Our goal is not just a great experience with us in Yosemite, but for you to be able to take what you learn and apply it wherever you go. With alternative process workshops, the goal is for you to have enough experience at the end of the workshop to be able to continue working with and developing that process at home.

Where do the classroom sessions take place? Most classroom sessions will take place at The Ansel Adams Gallery in the heart of Yosemite Village, right next door to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Our classroom building is housed in what was Ansel's former studio/darkroom directly behind The Ansel Adams Gallery retail operations. Unless otherwise noted, all groups meet in the classroom on the first day of the workshop and for all subsequent indoor sessions. Signs will be posted at the entrance to the Gallery to guide you to the classroom. A workshop assistant or instructor will also be on hand to meet you on the Gallery front porch. In the event that a workshop meets in a location other than our classroom, you will be given specific directions in subsequent workshop materials and emails.

Do we have access to restrooms? The classroom has an ADA compliant restroom. For field sessions, instructors can direct students to the nearest public restrooms.

How much time will we spend indoors and how much time outdoors? While workshop schedules differ depending on the curriculum, instructors are alert and eager to take advantage of the best light and our unique location in what John Muir described as “Nature's Grandest Classroom” -- Yosemite Valley. Workshops that emphasize field sessions will spend roughly half the time outside the classroom.

Are there any ATMs in the park? Electronic cash machines are located in most of the business centers in the park including the hotel lobbies and many retail shops. Is there WIFI access in the park? Wifi is available in Yosemite Valley. Guests staying at a hotel property will have access to wifi in a common room or in their hotel room. Wifi is also available for a fee at Degnan’s Deli. Please note that service is slow in the park and activities that require a lot of bandwidth may not complete quickly or smoothly.

What sort of cell phone service coverage is there? There is limited cell phone coverage in Yosemite. The strongest cellular signals tend to be found in the populated areas of the park such as Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Crane Flat. AT&T customers will find a cellular signal for the full length of Yosemite Valley on Northside Drive (Yosemite Village to Pohono Bridge), at Tunnel View, and some areas on Highway 120 that have a line of sight view to the cell tower located near Sentinel Dome. Verizon customers can often receive a cellular signal in many areas of Yosemite Valley as well as Crane Flat and Wawona. There is a weak signal for cell phone services in The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (most likely due to the steel under-structure). The possibilities of cell service may be improved by standing inside at the southwest facing window or outside on the southwest side of the hotel behind the dining room. In the high country outside of Yosemite Valley, there may be a strong signal at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and a sliver of a signal at the west end of the Olmsted Point parking lot and the Lembert Dome parking lot. In all instances, voice and text are more reliable than cellular internet. All park visitors are on the same small pipe to the outside world. Internet is more reliable in the Gallery’s classroom, but also subject to park-wide demand related slowdowns.

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GETTING HERE / GETTING AROUND:

Where is The Ansel Adams Gallery? The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in Yosemite National Park in California next to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. There are three routes into Yosemite Valley:

• Highway 41 from Fresno and Oakhurst (driving time from Fresno Air Terminal is approximately 2-2:30)
• Highway 140 from Merced and Mariposa
• Highway 120 from San Francisco and Groveland (driving time from San Francisco International is approximately 4-4:40)

• Tioga Road (Highway 120 from Crane Flat to U.S. Highway 395) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Temporary closures may also occur due to weather or natural phenomena (rocks slides, fire etc.) at any time of year. If you plan on traveling to Yosemite Valley over Tioga Road via U.S. 395 we encourage you to research an alternative route in the event Tioga Road is closed.
• Glacier Point Road is closed from approximately November through late May, conditions permitting. The first five miles of the road (to Badger Pass ski area) are open when the ski area is open (approximately middle of December through March).
• Mariposa Grove Road is closed from November or December until April, conditions permitting. When the road is closed, visitors may walk, ski, or snowshoe on the road (though it may be covered in snow or ice). Please note that at the time of this posting, the Mariposa Grove is currently closed for renovations.
• Hetch Hetchy Road is closed overnight. Hours vary by season, but the road is generally open during daylight hours.

I’m flying, how can I get to Yosemite National Park? During most of the workshop season, the Tioga Road is closed. The possible exceptions are late Spring and early Fall, weather dependent. Given that, the most direct access for air travelers is from Fresno Air Terminal or one of several airports in the San Francisco Bay area. Car rental is the easiest means of getting to the park. Amtrak has a bus connection to Yosemite National Park through YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) in Merced. YARTS is a bus service from communities

But where is The Ansel Adams Gallery? The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in Yosemite Valley next to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center in the National Park Service (NPS) administrative area of Yosemite Village. The closest Shuttle bus stops are #5 or #9 (Valley Visitor Center). Click here for a map.

Is parking available? We suggest that you park at one of the nearby public lots (Visitor Center Parking, Day Use Parking) and walk or take the shuttle bus to The Ansel Adams Gallery (stops #5 or #9 are closest). The instructor may update you on parking protocol following the first day of the workshop. One ADA compliant parking space is available and marked behind the workshop building. Please contact our workshop coordinator via email at workshops@anseladams.com for directions.

How do we get to locations during the workshop? Since parking in Yosemite is limited, we typically carpool during each field session. Carpooling will be organized by your instructor. ADA accessible transportation for field sessions will need to be arranged by the participant. Due to COVID-19, we are evaluating different transportation options to maintain the safety of our visitors.

What about chain restrictions in winter and spring? The National Park Service places restrictions on vehicular access during the winter and spring as follows: R0 – no chain restrictions R1 – chains are required, vehicles with 4WD or snow tires exempted R2 – chains are required, vehicles with 4WD exempted R3 – all vehicles must have chains Please note that NPS requires all vehicles to carry chains between November and March. Including 4WD vehicles. During the winter and early spring, the chances are that the roads will be clear and dry for your entire workshop. However, 4 wheel drive vehicles are convenient in the event of a snowstorm. Car rental agencies do not provide tire chains as part of the car rental package. Therefore, if your travel includes a rental car, you may need to purchase a set of chains prior to arriving in the park. When purchasing, you will need to know the tire dimensions of your vehicle to get the proper size. The basic concept of supply and demand ensures that chains are less expensive the farther one is from where they are required. So acquiring a set as soon as possible will be easier on the pocket-book than trying to do so at the park entrance. Also, keep in mind that some rental car companies prohibit the use of chains on their vehicles. Please contact your rental car company about their specific policy on chains. Few businesses “rent” chains. It may be possible to purchase a set of chains, and return them to the merchant (especially larger retailers) if they go unused. Check with the vendor at the time of purchase for their policy. Furthermore, you may find independent contractors installing or selling chains alongside the highway during inclement weather. These operators will normally set up shop where chain restrictions are currently in place, but their activity/presence is not guaranteed. We advise caution.

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EQUIPMENT:

What kind of camera should I bring? 35 mm and medium format film and digital cameras are welcome. Please consider that if the workshop is not specifically geared for view cameras, the pace at which most groups move is not ideal for larger formats. We suggest in this case that you enjoy the larger format camera before and after the workshop since it may prove unwieldy during normal field sessions. Also note that certain workshops’ emphasis is towards the utilization of digital cameras.

Do I need to bring a computer? Due to the continuous updating of computer hardware and software, we require that you bring a computer to the workshop if there will be any processing or viewing of your images.. We also believe one of the best ways to learn and retain the valuable information provided for digital darkroom and/or printing is by using the computer you’ll be using at home. Laptops will be more than adequate, don’t take up much room for travel, and will allow for more space at your workshop station. Please contact us if you cannot bring a computer and we will do our best to provide one.

**QCDN software by Richard Boutwell and Epson printers is only available for the MAC Operating System.

Do I need to use a tripod? Most of our instructors favor the use of a tripod as a stable platform for your camera. With so many makes and models available, the bottom line is to find the balance between a tripod that provides stability for your camera coupled with your longest lens, but does not weigh so much that it inhibits your desire to photograph. One way to ensure stability is to select a tripod that places your camera at eye level without extending the center column. Equally helpful is a tripod which has legs that spread out to permit quick work at ground level. A tripod with a ball head is favored over a pan/tilt head or the video style head found on many inexpensive models. Carbon fiber tripods, though more expensive, are lighter. And the final feature to debate is the choice of twist lock legs vs. cam lock legs. The Ansel Adams Gallery has a limited supply of tripods for rent should you choose to travel light en route to the park. Please check in advance for availability and the determination that the offered tripods meet you needs.

What kind of filters should I bring? For black and white photography, a full filter set will be useful. For color photography, the typical filter pack includes three or four filters, Many professionals are opting for the style of filters that slide in and out of a filter holder on the front of the lens. Advances in digital imaging software have reduced the demand for some filters, but these are still useful:

• Polarizer filter
• Graduated Neutral Density filters: 1-Stop (.3) Graduated Neutral Density, 2-Stop (.6) Graduated Neutral Density, the two previous filters may be combined to create a 3-Stop (.9) Graduated Neutral Density, and 4-Stop (1.2) Graduated Neutral Density
• Simple or Variable Neutral Density filters for lengthening exposures as much as 10-stops
• 81A or 81B “Warming” filters for color film applications

What sort of digital media is available? The Ansel Adams Gallery carries a selection of memory card types. If you have a camera with hard to find memory cards, we suggest that you stock up before the workshop or call The Ansel Adams Gallery prior to your arrival and verify inventory availability. We are often asked “How much digital media do I need?” This depends on the pace at which you make images, the size of your image sensor, and your available back up options. Most instructors take breaks during the day that permit workshop attendees to charge batteries and offload digital media to redundant storage devices and laptops. As a ballpark recommendation, it seems that 8 to 32 GBs is a good amount of temporary storage to serve most workshop attendees during a field session with no worry of reaching maximum capacity. In the end, more memory is always better than less.

Will you have batteries to fit my camera? The Ansel Adams Gallery stocks universal standard battery sizes. Unfortunately, the variety of proprietary camera batteries on the market today is beyond what we are reasonably able to inventory. Therefore, we encourage you to bring spare batteries for your camera.

Should I bring my camera manual? Yes! Due to the vast offering of cameras on the market these days, keeping up with the subtle difference in each brand's operating menus can be a challenge. You do not want to miss out on a special photo because you and your instructor are working to unlock the secret setting for capturing a unicorn in low light or the camera is flashing some strange error message. We've seen a lot, but each workshop always brings us something new. So, just in case, bring your camera's manual! Some of the settings we will access frequently during digital workshops include: 1. Histogram 2. ISO 3. Auto Exposure Bracketing 4. Exposure Compensation 5. Continuous Mode 6. Noise Reduction

How do I keep my batteries charged? The classroom is equipped with power strips so that you may charge your equipment between daytime field sessions. Since groups often meet at locations other than the classroom for sunrise sessions, overnight charging of equipment is best accomplished in your overnight accommodation. Remember to bring your battery charger!

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CLOTHING / DRESSING FOR THE ELEMENTS:

How should I pack for my trip? Professionals know that it is difficult to concentrate on creating photographs when they are not comfortable. Proper clothing goes a long way in allowing photography to be a pleasant experience. Depending on your elevation and the time of year, weather in Yosemite can run the gamut. Since the lowest regions of the park are at an elevation of 3,000 feet and the Tioga Road climbs to nearly 10,000 feet, it is possible to experience three seasons in the same day. Most of our workshops are held in Yosemite Valley where extreme weather shifts (exciting!) are possible, especially in the shoulder months of autumn and spring. In the winter, sunny days in the seventies (Fahrenheit) can be followed by six inches of snow, only to have it melt in a couple of hours when the sun returns. It can be cold. It can be sloppy. But take heart! Some of the finest photographs are made when conditions are challenging. Come prepared for a full spectrum of experiences and increase your chances for capturing that “special image.” Given the variable nature of Sierra weather, mountain residents, photographers and backpackers have a lot in common. They all embrace the strategy of “layering” clothing. As temperatures increase or decrease, a layer is shed or added to maintain comfort. Mornings can be chilly, often with frost, so a warm hat, gloves (fingerless or finger-mitts are an advantage) and comfortable waterproof pants and footwear can be the difference between happiness and misery, success and failure. The conditions should not distract or inhibit your creativity. They should excite you! For starters, consider:

• Clothing for cool and warm weather conditions.
• Rain Gear. Rain coats or ponchos, rain paints (even if it isn't raining, you'll often find yourself kneeling down in the cold damp stuff), towels and plastic bags for your camera.
• Comfortable walking shoes for clear weather conditions. Waterproof shoes may still be helpful since the edges of some meadows and trails can be damp.
• Warm, calf-high boots such as Sorels with leather uppers and rubber bottoms are helpful in “sloppy” conditions like fresh snowfall.
• A water bottle to help you stay properly hydrated.
• Energy/snack bars to keep you fueled between meals.

• warm hat/headband
• extra socks (in case one pair gets wet)
• thermal tights
• long-sleeved thermal turtleneck zip up
• base layer pants
• base layer top
• fleece outer jacket
• gloves (finger-mitts are handy for photography)
• rain jacket
• rain pants (useful for kneeling and strolling through wet and frosty environments)
• hat (shade your eyes or your lens)
• hiking boots (for field sessions, waterproof snow boots November into April)
• camp shoes (to give your feet a break after a long day)
• hip or daypack
• bandana
• flashlight (help you see the trail and your camera settings in low light)
• sunscreen
• lip balm
• miniature binoculars for wildlife observation and scouting
• empty Ziploc bags (for garbage and to cover cameras in wet conditions)
• water bottles/water bladders (keep your energy up by staying properly hydrated)
• alarm (for early photo sessions and afternoon naps)
• aspirin
• moleskin or second skin (for hot spots and blisters)

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REGISTERING:

How do I register for a workshop? Navigate to the workshop you are interested on our website via the “Photography Education” heading, add the desired workshop to the cart via the “Add to Cart” button, and check out through the shopping cart. You will receive an order confirmation email and will be contacted by our workshop coordinator with additional materials.

After I sign-up for a workshop, how do I make a room reservation? Our workshop coordinator will send you an email confirming your reservation for a particular workshop. That email will also provide instructions for making your room reservation and a special group code. You must make your reservation 45 days before the workshop starts to secure your room. See the accommodations section for additional information.

What should I expect after I sign up for one of the workshops? We will send you a confirmation email with a 5-digit order confirmation number. Within a few days you will receive another email containing the general workshop information packet, including park information, a list of accommodations inside and outside the park, camping information, and a list of items to bring. Detailed information about the workshop itself will come directly from the instructor 2-4 weeks prior to the start date of the workshop.

What should I do if I do not receive a payment receipt email? If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder to make sure it did not get accidentally intercepted. If you still are unable to locate it, please email workshops@anseladams.com and the workshop coordinator will resend the confirmation.

When will I hear from the Instructor? Your instructor will send an email approximately 2 to 4 weeks prior to the workshop. This email will provide details on everything you need to know to get the most from your workshop experience, including what you should bring, weather conditions, and where and when to meet on the first day.

What if I need to withdraw from a workshop? We rely on your confirmed attendance to make important arrangements for the workshop. If you need to cancel, please notify us no fewer than 30 days prior to the first day of your workshop for a refund of your tuition, less a 10% non-refundable charge. Refunds cannot be made for cancellations initiated within 30 days of the first day of the scheduled workshop, or for no-shows, for any reason. If you are concerned with this possibility, please consider purchasing travel insurance. Workshop registration is NOT transferable. In the extremely rare event that The Ansel Adams Gallery needs to cancel a workshop, we will let you know at least 14 days prior to the first day of the scheduled workshop, and immediately refund your full tuition. However, we will not be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets or lodging reservations. (Lodging reservations made through Yosemite Hospitality/Aramark Co. are fully refundable 7 day in advance of the workshop). Please do not purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable deposits on lodging that cannot be canceled 14 days ahead of time.

More Questions: What is the best way to contact you if I have more questions? We want to provide the best learning experience possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us by email. If we are unable to answer your question we will forward it to the instructor or appropriate party. You can expect to hear back from us within 24 hours, or a few days at the very most. Our email address is workshops@anseladams.com

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Lodging and Meals FAQ

Accommodations
Meals
Related Logistics

Accommodations:

I understand that a group of rooms has been reserved in the park for each multi-day workshop. Where will I be staying?

Once you are enrolled in a workshop, you will receive a welcome email, which includes a lodging code to secure a hotel room set aside for workshop attendees. Rooms have been blocked at Yosemite Falls Lodge. You may be able to change your room to another facility with Yosemite Hospitality as availability permits. If you cancel your workshop attendance, your room reservation will be voided and you will be refunded per Yosemite Hospitality policy. Accommodations at the Lodge during 2021 are approximately $350 per night including tax.

What nights are reserved?

Reservations for 2021 have been made for arrivals the day before the first day of the workshop and checking out the day after the workshop ends. This allows for time in the park to photograph and hike and otherwise experience Yosemite on your own. You may of course adjust to your schedule. Reservations for 2020 check in the day before the workshop begins, and are scheduled to check-out on the day the workshop ends.

Can I see what the rooms look like online?

Yes! Please follow the link provided. http://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/yosemite-lodging-experience/

Can I share my accommodations with a family member or another participant?

It's always nice to share! You are welcome to share your room with whomever you choose. Most of the workshop programs have full days with little free time. Therefore, a great amount of your visit will not be in the hotel room. You may consider sharing expenses with a roommate. We will be happy to notify other workshop participants and put you in touch with any that are interested in sharing a room.

Can I choose to stay someplace else?

Yes, but we do encourage you to stay in Yosemite Valley. One of the greatest advantages to our programs is that our classroom is in the middle of Yosemite Valley, just steps away from some of Ansel's favorite photo spots. That proximity is critical when moments make the difference between a memorable image and a missed opportunity. By staying in Yosemite Valley, you minimize travel time to and from the classroom/field sessions and place yourself already on site during the best light. In short, acquiring accommodations in Yosemite Valley will maximize your time photographing.

Can I choose to camp?

Certainly, though we have no affiliation with the campgrounds, so you will need to book your campsite reservation through the same system that the general public uses. In peak season, this will be a challenge.

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Meals:

How are meals handled?

Meals are not included in the cost of tuition. You may choose to supply your own meals. However, to maximize time in the field and classroom, most participants will take advantage of the local food services. Instructors tend to favor a large mid-day meal with lighter breakfast and dinner. This permits students to be out early morning and late afternoon when restaurant services and prime photography hours conflict. Most workshop eating schedules quickly settle into a rhythm that is satisfactory to everyone. For example, organized lunches are commonly ordered after the morning field session from Degnan's Deli in Yosemite Village. A menu for the deli will be provided during the workshop. Organized dinners may be arranged as the workshop progresses. Traveling companions are usually welcomed. Due to COVID-19 and limited local food service, meals are generally going to be ordered from Degnan’s deli.

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Related Logistics Can a family member or friend join me in the workshop?

Our workshops are intensive learning opportunities tailored for participants only. However, some instructors schedule evening social time that is open to family members. Please check with your instructor for more information. That said, there are many opportunities for family members and friends to enjoy their time in Yosemite while you participate in the workshop. There are organized art classes, Gallery photo classes, National Park Service walks, tours, and a wide variety of interpretive programs provided by all the Yosemite Park Partners. We would be happy to provide more information on all other activities available in the park during the workshop.

Can I arrive early or stay beyond the scheduled dates of the class / reservation?

Absolutely! We encourage you to do so. Scheduling additional time to enjoy the park allows furthering exploration of the landscape and creative concepts covered in the workshop. Your reservations agent can supply more information about room availability and rates outside of the workshop dates. For workshops beginning in 2021, we have added one extra night at the end of the workshop to the room block. If you do not plan to use this, please be sure to let the reservation agent know in order to release the room and not be charged.

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Cancellation Policy

Multi-day Photography Workshop Cancellation Policy: 

We rely on your confirmed attendance to make important arrangements for the workshop. If you need to cancel, please let us know no fewer than 30 days prior to the first day of your workshop for a refund of your tuition, less a 10% non-refundable charge. Refunds cannot be made for cancellations initiated within 30 days of the first day of the scheduled workshop, or for no-shows, for any reason. If you are concerned with this possibility, please consider purchasing travel insurance. Workshop registration is NOT transferable.

In the extremely rare event that The Ansel Adams Gallery needs to cancel a workshop, we will let you know at least 14 days prior to the first day of the scheduled workshop, and immediately refund your full tuition. However, we will not be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets or lodging reservations. (Lodging reservations made through Yosemite Hospitality, Aramark are fully refundable 7 days in advance). Please do not purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable deposits on lodging that cannot be canceled 7 days ahead of time.