TBD
Hocking Hills Waterfall Photography with Sustainable Nature Tourism Workshop
This long weekend advanced Level 2 Photography Workshop with professional photographer Brian Akerson, will be combined with a custom nature tour lead by local Hocking Hills naturalist, Steve Roley. Class size is limited to 8 so you’ll have plenty of hands-on time in the field with advanced photography instruction, while also learning about the flora and fauna of beautiful Hocking Hills, Ohio.
Please note this workshop is not for beginning photographers and it will focus on using DSLR Cameras and/or Mirrorless higher-end cameras, lenses, filters, and equipment. A full equipment list will be sent after registration or be available approximately 3 months prior to the workshop.
Highlights of workshop to include:
(slight changes based on weather and rainfall may be necessary)
- Photography basics eBook sent at least 3 months prior to the workshop
- Welcome reception and introductions, overview and detailed daily schedule
- Your instructors – Brian Akerson, Akerson Studios and Steve Roley, Hocking Hills Ecotour/High Rock Adventures
- Pre-field classroom prep
- 2 full days in the field (Friday and Saturday) and a half-day on Sunday
- Evening editing session(s)
- Weather permitting, Night Sky photography session at John Glenn Astronomy Park
- Closing Reception and final view of some of the best images captured over the weekend
*Accommodations and meals are on your own but it is highly suggested you bring snacks and a brown bag lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Late April is not peak season but early reservations for accommodations are suggested especially over the weekends. High Rock is within 15-20 minutes of the towns of Logan and Lancaster, Ohio and the many cabins in and around the Hocking Hills State Park.
What makes this workshop unique from others:
*Access to several Private waterfalls, access to permit only nature preserves, access to off-the-beaten-path waterfalls that most visitors to the Hocking Hills do not know about and are not listed on state and local maps.
*Lots of hands-on time in the field with a pro experienced waterfall and nature photographer, lots of hands-on time with a local naturalist that specializes in ecotourism, sustainable travel, edible and medicinal plants.
*Not only will you learn how to get amazing waterfall and nature shots, you will also learn how to best edit them with some of the best digital editing software.
About Brian: You will have plenty of hands-on time with Brian Akerson-Akerson Studios, Brian’s main focus is on landscape and nature photography, with a distinct love for waterfalls. Brian, a veteran is proud to have served as an active duty submariner, he is a member of the Professional Photographers of America as an active professional (#8559388).
He has been published in View Camera Magazine, DC Style Magazine, Panorama – The Journal of the International Association of Panoramic Photographers, sat on the board of directors for the International Association of Panoramic Photographers.
His photos have well over 2 million views on Social Media with acclaims shared by major brands such as Adobe, Epson, Kodak, Nikon, along with the Professional Photographers of America, and the National Park Service.
About Steve: Also joining Brian for the nature side of things is Co-Owner and Hocking Hills Naturalist, Steve Roley. Steve has a BA in Business and a Masters in Education and taught Ecotourism and Adventure Travel at a regional college for 21 years, being honored with several Star teaching awards and accolades from many past students. He has 30 years in the tourism field, guided and managed travel and tour companies for 25 plus years before starting High Rock Adventures in 2016.
Steve is a Certified Interpretive Guide and a Certified Interpretive Trainer, in addition a Certified Travel Advisor, and Certified Sustainable Tourism Advisor. Additionally, he has completed Ecotourism training and consulting work in various locations in the United States, The Bahamas, Cyprus, and Micronesia. He also has served as a board member and ex-officio on the Hocking Hills Tourism board for several years. Despite all of this he is still a fun person to be on tour with, has a special appreciation for waterfalls, and loves teaching people about nature and the outdoors.
Payment and Booking Details:
The cost of this 3-day special event is $795. A 50% deposit will be required to hold your place in this workshop. The balance will be due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. A minimum of 5 participants will be required and a maximum of 8 participants will be accepted. We anticipate this workshop to fill quickly but also recommend that any accommodations you reserve allow you to cancel at least 60 days prior as that will be our final go/no go date. When the workshop has the minimum 5 participants registered we will notify everyone that we are a go but all participants still have the ability to cancel up to 60 days prior to protect them due to unforeseen life circumstances that may arise. High Rock Adventures/Hocking Hills Ecotours will fully refund any deposits paid should we need to cancel the workshop.
*Reserve online, or call us with your deposit or payment You may make a 50% deposit online, with the balance due 60 days prior or choose to make a full payment.
NDA-Since several waterfalls will be either on private property or in semi-secret locations and because of the popularity of the Hocking Hills and the fact that some do not respect Leave No Trace ethics and few cause real harm all participants in this workshop will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement concerning the locations of the non-public waterfall locations. We will ask that all geotagging and mapping devices on smartphones and cameras be turned off to respect the privacy of the owners and these pristine waterfall locations.
Springtime weather in the Hocking Hills:
When you are packing plan on raingear for yourself and your camera equipment. Spring is the best time for waterfalls in the Hocking Hills, it is also the best time for rain. While there is the possibility it will be sunny and dry be prepared for wet and sometimes cool weather. Severe weather could delay our schedule but our plan is to be out in the field every day whether it’s raining, cool weather, or sunny days. Bring layers, waterproof shoes or boots, and a good rain pants and a raincoat and/or wicking clothing and rain protection for your camera equipment.