Hot photos. Heavenly places.

Detailed Course Schedule:

Welcome to our Antarctic Photo Cruise.   This is going to be a really great time.   Don’t let our web site name put you off.   We want the trip to have such an impact on you that our name becomes the way you describe your experience with us.   You’ll find no posturing, pontification or pretense, just a fun, fast paced immersive learning environment with an instructor who actually knows how to relate to new and experienced photographers alike.

Neil works with the 4 major camera brands almost every day and can help you learn not only how to operate your equipment but to make it work for you as you develop your very own photographic style.   You’ll enjoy working on your photographic skills as Neil transforms you into an officially rated “World’s Most Irritating Travel Companion”.   You’ll get a certificate to prove it!

We begin each class at 9:00 A.M. with a “hands on” demonstration of your camera functions as they relate to the audio visual materials covered in that day’s class.

Class I:   Feb. 15

Speeds, Shutter Speeds, ISO and more.   Learn definitions for the term “speed” and how to determine the correct shutter settings for use with your subject matter.   See how these terms relate to your personal equipment.   We’ll identify the location and adjustment of your camera’s shutter speed and ISO settings.  We’ll show how they can influence the way your pictures look and in which exposure modes you can make these adjustments. Class materials will show comparisons of various subjects at different settings.   Class time approximately 2.5 hours.

Break for lunch.

After lunch we reconvene out on one of the decks to use the materials we learned earlier today.   Spending a couple of hours, we’ll work as a group and solidify the new information.   Class ends for the day.

Class II:   Feb. 16

Lenses and Optical Systems.   Learn more meanings for the term “Speed”.   Learn the difference between wide angle and telephoto lenses.   Understand how to use their perspectives to best render your subject.   Learn about lens openings (also known as apertures and f stops) and how they relate to shutter speeds for the best rendering of your subject matter.   Explore depth of field and more.   See how these terms relate to your personal equipment.   We’ll identify the location and adjustment of your camera’s zoom, focus modes and lens openings.   We’ll show how they can influence the way your pictures look and in which exposure modes you can make these adjustments.   Class materials will show comparisons of various subjects at different settings.   Class time approximately 2.5 hours.

Break for lunch.

After lunch we reconvene out on one of the decks to use the materials we learned earlier today.   Spending a couple of hours, we’ll work as a group and solidify the new information.   Class ends for the day.

Class III:   Feb. 18

Lighting and Composition.   Understand the nature of light, color and exposure.   Work with color temperature, flash, balancing flash and ambient light as well as use of exposure compensation.   Recognize good composition practices and how they contribute to great photos. See how these terms relate to your personal equipment. We’ll locate exposure compensation controls, white balance controls and focus lock settings.   Class time approximately 2.5 hours.

Break for lunch

After lunch we reconvene out on one of the decks to use the materials we learned earlier today.   Spending a couple of hours, we’ll work as a group and solidify the new information.   Class ends for the day.

Class IV:   Feb. 21

People Pictures.   Bring together all photographic elements discussed so far to create great images of loved ones as well as people about whom you know little or nothing.   Determine use of lens focal length, lighting, color temperature, white balance and more.   See how these terms relate to your personal equipment.   We’ll point out the location of all settings involved on your personal equipment and practice making required adjustments.   Class time approximately 2.5 hours.

Break for lunch.

After lunch we reconvene out on one of the decks to use the materials we learned earlier today.   Spending a couple of hours, we’ll work as a group and solidify the new information.   Class ends for the day.

Class V   Feb. 24

Accessories and Special Situations.   Learn about shooting sunsets and sunrises.   Explore lightning and fireworks photography.  Learn why those early risings and late "to beds" are worthwhile.   Look at all the fun things you can add to your camera system to get those unusual shots right in your camera through use of filters and other accessories.   Decide which accessories make sense for you and your shooting style.   Leave the class with great excitement and enthusiasm!   Class time approximately 2.5 hours.

Break for lunch.

After lunch we reconvene out on one of the decks to use the materials we learned earlier today.   Spending a couple of hours, we’ll work as a group and solidify the new information.   Class ends for the day.

Class VI   Feb. 26

Show and tell.  Group critique of your images captured during the cruise.   Here you have the opportunity to present your images and demonstrate your new skills.   This is a no-pressure, no embarrassment event held to critique your images so that you can understand what you did right and what you can improve on.   After all, isn’t that the purpose of this cruise anyway?

Class VII   Feb. 27

Wrap it up.  Meet for distribution of “Irritating Travel Companion Certificates”. Wrap up class and prepare for those participating in Iguazú trip.

Montevideo, Uruguay   Feb. 27