September 2015
Fellow photographers
I just completed a three day photography course at the Hunewill Ranch in Bridgeport, CA taught by Dwayne Leonard. What a superb class it was! I had never moved past the “program” setting on my Nikon D800. But within a day or so, I was on pure manual taking pictures and making shots that I never would have been able to make using the program setting of the camera.
We spent a chunk of time understanding the limits of the digital camera and understanding that funny thing called the histogram. I used to routinely delete pictures that I took because they were too dark on the LCD review screen. Little did I know that I might have a terrific shot that I could work with in post-production. Using the histogram as an indicator would tell me if I blew the shot or if I had a good chance of bringing the shot to life in post-production. There are dozens more tips that I picked up during the class and one on one time with Dwayne. And so will you!
As far as a setting to take a photography class, you won’t find a better one than the High Sierras and Hunewill Ranch. Set at 6,500 feet on a huge expanse of land, photographic opportunities abound. One day, we got up before sunrise and took a trip to the picturesque Mono Lake. I made some shots there that I am thrilled with of water, reflections and unique birds. Another trip was to Bodie an abandoned mining town. I stood in one place for an hour shooting away with too much material to photograph.
In conclusion, you won’t meet a nicer man than Dwayne. That plus his vast knowledge of photography and use of “Lightroom” will give you a huge bump in your photography skills and knowledge. I plan to take the next level class that he is planning now. Figure out which level you should take and sign up for the class. You won’t regret it.
Dr. Dr. Pitts AKA Richard
Spent last week at the Hunewill Ranch with Dwayne Leonard is his first photography workshop. It was fantastic! He is a great mentor and I went from knowing very little about shooting full manual with my DSLR camera to becoming proficient in full manual as well as post production using Lightroom. The field trip to Bodie and sunrise shoot at Mono Lake were fantastic. Having a small group gave Dwayne the one on one time to really teach, not only the technical aspects of the camera, lighting, metering, etc., but artistic composition as well. I highly recommend this workshop - with the added bonus of the beauty of the ranch and surrounding landscape. Everywhere you turn there is a photo-op! I am looking forward to his next "advanced" workshop, and another excuse to get back to Hunewill Ranch. — with Dwayne Leonard.
Dee and Dwayne are my dear friends. Dwayne is very dedicated to his photography and has the equipment and drive to have some of the best photos around! Dwayne also loves to live in the cowboy way, experiencing it first hand. Please support his Ranch Memories Art!
I have had the blessed opportunity to travel , and cruise the world, and this week at the ranch has been the best of a lifetime. I will be back. Dee, exceptional in the office, and Dwayne the photographer, and wrangler extraordinaire are the best.
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