PATAGONIA
Patagonia Photography Workshop: Chile
April 11 -14, 2019 | $1,525 $450 due at registration
Join me in photographing one of the most impressive landscapes on earth. Patagonia will leave you speechless with its jagged peaks, blue icebergs, emerald forests and pristine rivers. The scenery is incredibly photogenic — an oasis for those who seek the rare and the beautiful. I've been lucky enough to visit Patagonia several times in these past few years and am excited to return to share some magnificent sites with you.
This is a very safe and easy region to travel in for solo travelers (both male and female). A blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, Patagonia is rich in culture and home to warm, welcoming people. The photography workshop will take place in Torres del Paine National Park, South America’s southern frontier. We will be shooting on the eastern spur of Chile's Andes Mountains, rising high above the desert plains.
COME HOME WITH SPECTACULAR WORKS OF ART
Unique Locations • Individual Instruction • Creative Editing • Personal Critique Sessions
Experience Level
Beginner - Advanced
Both beginners & experienced photographers will benefit from this workshop. I will work closely with you to address strengths and weaknesses. All can expect to be challenged.
Endurance
Moderate
All age levels are welcome. Light hiking is involved on this photography workshop. We’ll drive to each location then walk to the best position for sunrise & sunset.
Terrain
Rivers & Jagged Peaks
We will be exploring the southern frontier of Chile, a vast plain of turquoise lakes leading up to a stunning backdrop of peaks ascending into swirling clouds and mist.
Group Size
7 people
I prefer to keep workshops small, ensuring that each person will have ample time for one-on-one instruction. This photography workshop is limited to 7 people.
CAPTURE THE RARE AND BEAUTIFUL
4 Day Patagonia Photography Workshop
I will guide you through 4 intensive days shooting the magnificent landscapes of Patagonia as we work on advanced photography concepts. We will stay at a hotel in the National Park featuring soaring glass windows overlooking the Cordillera Paine Mountains. Each day we will journey through the park and scout original scenes as well as capture stunning iconic landscapes.
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CHASING LIGHT
We will chase light and weather and choose our spots based on the most dramatic conditions. I will always be with the group providing thoughts, advice and real time critique as the light changes. I run my workshops the same way that I shoot personally. By keeping the group small we can react quickly to changing conditions and scout interesting locations.
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IMPROVING SKILLS
I will be instructing classes on creating more effective images; including an Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop session. You will have plenty of time to ask questions and get individual help with specific challenges while in the field and the classroom. We will end with a critique session that will break down 15-20 of your best images and give you new ideas on how to improve.
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"Never having taken any formal photography instruction, I was thrilled with my [workshop] with Dan Ballard. He has a very gentle and unassuming manner...you can see it his pleasure to impart his expertise to a group of "weekend warrior" photographers. I gained insight into image composition, camera settings, criteria for an interesting image and numerous other pearls.
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-Rob Lash
“I just completed a workshop with Dan Ballard and was totally blown away. I am a semi-professional photographer from Canada with my work showing in numerous galleries. On every level both Dan and his workshop exceeded my expectations. The workshop covered every possible aspect of photography. Dan’s communication was clear and his insights were priceless.
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—Mark Brodkin, Semi-Pro Photographer
Planning Your Trip to Patagonia
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This 4 day Patagonia Photography Workshop is perfect for independent photographers who enjoy learning with a group, but also enjoy having plenty of time to explore on their own. I encourage you to spend several days exploring before or after the workshop to discover all that this area has to offer.
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I have pre-booked rooms at Hotel Río Serrano for April 11-14, 2019. I will send you information on confirming your stay. We will meet April 11th in the early afternoon with a classroom session and wrap up on April 14th after a full morning of shooting. You are welcome to extend your stay at Hotel Río Serrano beyond these dates, simply inform the hotel and myself.
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The route getting to the Patagonia Photography Workshop is both easy and absolutely gorgeous! You will fly into Punta Arenes airport, then rent a car and drive 4 hours on a paved road to Torres del Paine National Park, where our hotel is located. It's about a 25 minute drive to Lake Pehoé.
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It is extremely safe to travel in Chile. It’s one of the most developed South American countries and is home to kind, friendly people. Spanish is the dominant language and outside the major tourist areas little English is spoken. The small town in Torres Del Paine has a handful of dining options, as well as places to buy food, gear and supplies.
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Please note that each participant is responsible for their own food, transportation and accommodations.
Years of Experience with Sony, Nikon, and Canon Gear
of Patagonia
As mentioned, I encourage you to spend a few days before or after the Patagonia Photography Workshop to explore. Here is a little more about the area.
Patagonia is a massive region of about 400,000 square miles, shared by Argentina and Chile. Torres del Paine National Park is located on an eastern spur of the Andes Mountains and east of the Grey Glacier, rising dramatically above the desert. The granite pillars of Torres del Paine rise from a transition area between emerald forests and vast desert.
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In April 1978, the park was stated as Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO and has since then become a paradise for hikers and backpackers, nature-lovers, birdwatchers and adventure sportsmen alike. Trails meander through lush forests, crossing wooden bridges over roaring rivers and one enormous, brilliantly blue glacier.
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Torres Del Paine has a diverse array of wildlife, with many species unique to the region. Be on the lookout for flocks of ostrich-like rhea, Andean condor, flamingo and many other bird species along with guanacos, Chilla and Culpeo foxes and pumas.