WORKSHOP: Photography of Dragonflies and Damselflies
Date & Time:
Saturday, August 4th, 1 – 5pm (Rain date: August 5th, 1-5pm)
Location:
Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, West Brattleboro, VT
Instructor:
Frank Gorga is an accomplished amateur photographer. His usual subjects include the landscape and wildlife with an emphasis on birds and odes (dragonflies and damselflies) – however, he makes photographs of whatever catches his eye as he goes about life. Frank started photographing around 1970 using a 4×5 view camera and switched to digital with the introduction of the Nikon D70 in 2004. As a retired chemistry professor, Frank is an experienced instructor in both classroom and lab settings and currently serves as president of the board of the Vermont Center for Photography.
Course Description:
The afternoon will begin with a brief introduction covering the biology of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) and approaches to photographing these insects. The bulk of the afternoon will be spent outside searching for and photographing odes on the grounds of the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center in West Brattleboro. Very cool weather or rain will force us to utilize our rain date of August 5th as odes do not fly in these conditions.
Participants:
Minimum of 4, maximum of 8 participants
Materials & Equipment Students Should Bring:
Student should bring a camera/moderate telephoto lens combination that is able to focus at a distance of about three feet. The instructor will be using a camera with either a 70-300mm lens or a 300mm prime lens with an additional extension tube – however, many other types of cameras and lenses will work. The key is close focusing ability with moderate magnification. A monopod can be very useful if you have one.
Students should come prepared for field work and the possibility of wading in shallow water. Synthetic material clothing and waterproof boots (‘wellies’) are advisable, as is a wide-brimmed hat. A small backpack with a snack, sunscreen, insect repellent, and drinking water is also advisable.
Please email the instructor at fgorga@gmail.com with any questions about equipment.
Materials provided at the workshop:
Handouts covering some of the material will be provided.
Cost:
$65 for non-members, $55 for VCP members. Online registration below.
Schedule:
• Personal introductions – 10 minutes
• Classroom discussion – 50 minutes (Biology of odes in brief – 30 mins, strategies for photographing – 20 mins)
• Field Session – 3 hours
Questions?
Email info@vcphoto.org or call 802-251-6051
Register Online: