The May 2013 workshop listed below was a blast.
Send me an e-mail to sign up or get on the priority mailing list for future workshops.
Dates: May 24 / 25 / 26, 2013 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Tuition: $950 Check or Paypal. This workshop will be limited to 7 photographers.
Basecamp: Lancaster, California
Workshop Description:
“This is a rare opportunity to learn from, and night shoot with night photography and light painting innovator Troy Paiva in Paul’s Junkyard, an amazing Lost America-style junkyard location on 3 full moon nights. Troy has been shooting at night for over 20 years and teaching workshops since 2008, instructing nearly 100 students in the intricacies of light painted night photography.”
Each afternoon there will be 2 hours of technique demos and critical analysis of your work. Then we’ll travel to the yard where we’ll have 6+ hours of legal access each night for photography, as well as dusk access for scouting. A full schedule is outlined below.
Paul’s Junkyard contains hundreds of vehicles, many used as props in the television and film industry. There are police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, buses, limousines, taxis, armored cars, garbage trucks, travel trailers/RVs, semi-trucks and heavy equipment. There are also a few aircraft, helicopters and (fake) subway cars. Hundreds of vehicles of every shape and description. The site also contains a full blown recycling operation as well as decrepit and collapsing garage buildings. There are enough subjects for 20 nights of shooting!
It’s easier to look at images than try to describe this incredible place:
Troy’s photography in the yard.
Student work from the previous workshops.
Technical Requirements:
I strongly recommended that you have some night shooting experience, but I’m always ready to make room for an exceptional novice. Be prepared to provide a link to your work for review.
A DSLR, cable release, tripod, and spare batteries are required. I highly recommend bringing a wide-angle lens, strobe-flash and a few flashlights. You’ll also need a laptop, card reader, and image processing software. A very detailed equipment check-list will be provided via email after you sign up.
Physical Requirements:
You will be spending 3 long nights outside in a high desert junkyard. You will be on your feet for 8+ hours each day and night, spending a lot of time crouching and kneeling while you are shooting. You must be in good physical condition to attend this workshop.
Weather:
Expect mild weather this time of year. At night temps will likely dip into the 50s after being in the 80s during the day, but you should be prepared for any weather. Be prepared for wind. Check the local weather the week of the workshop. The rainfall average for May in Lancaster is 0.00 inches, so you should expect it to be dry. Regardless, there are no rainchecks, we will be shooting, no matter the weather.
Accommodations:
The official hotel for the workshop is the (still kinda) new Hampton Inn in Lancaster. This is where I’m staying and where the classroom lectures will be held. I’ve reserved a block of rooms at a good discount rate here, so take advantage of it. Paul’s Junkyard is about a 20 minute drive from the hotel.
Schedule:
Lancaster is a 6+ hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, and 2+ hour drive from the Los Angeles area. If you’re traveling by air, the closest international airport is Los Angeles.
Please allow plenty of time for the drive and make sure you’re well rested for a late night of photography the first night. For those traveling a long distance I strongly suggest arriving the day before the workshop begins so you’re fresh. I will e-mail you some suggestions for nearby places to explore before, or after the workshop.
The following schedule for May is subject to change:
Day 1
12:00 Noon – Arrive at the workshop, meet and greet at the Hampton Inn, Lancaster.
12:30 – Lecture: NP and LP Technique overview/review of Troy’s photos, and logistics/shooting strategies.
3:00 – Classroom ends. Eat. Stock up on food and drinks. Travel to Paul’s.
6:00 – Meet at the yard for daylight scouting, photography. (8:15 sunset/moonrise 8:10)
6:00-2:00 a.m. — Shooting in the yard.
Day 2
12:30 — Lecture: Compositional strategies. Bring 3 images from last night for critique and analysis.
2:30 – Classroom ends. Eat. Stock up on food and drinks. Travel to Paul’s.
7:00 – Meet at the yard for daylight scouting, photography. (8:15 sunset/moonrise 9:15)
7:00-2:00 a.m. – Shooting in the yard.
Day 3
12:30 — Lecture: Post-production techniques using Photoshop. Bring 3 images from last night for critique and analysis.
2:30 – Classroom ends. Travel to the yard, stock up on food and drinks.
7:00 – Meet at the yard for daylight scouting, photography. (8:15 sunset/moonrise 10:15)
7:00-2:00 a.m. – Shooting in the yard.
The workshop concludes with the Day 3 night shoot.
Cancellation policy:
If the workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is refundable minus a $200 cancellation fee. Otherwise your tuition is non-refundable. If the workshop must be cancelled, your deposit will be refunded in full if you paid by check, or minus a $25 processing fee if you paid via Paypal.
I am not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons. No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the workshop begins. I am not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, and recommend the purchase of travel insurance.
Testimonials:
“I have taken several of Troy’s workshops and I keep coming back for more. Each one is an intense learning experience that revitalizes my excitement for night photography. Despite being a legend in the night photography world and a ground-breaking pioneer in the field, Troy is one of the most down to earth and friendly people you will meet, who also has a great sense of humor. The workshop is an ideal combination of classroom time with plenty of time for shooting at night and the venue offers more subjects than you can shoot in a year of full moons. Don’t hesitate to take this workshop–it will revolutionize your night photography. But warning: these workshops may be addictive, as evidenced by the number of ‘repeat offenders.’” –Dave E.
“This was AWESOME. It was so surreal being in a junkyard on 3 full moon nights in a row. The lighting was exceptional, the place out of this world, the people really cool and the host funny, knowledgeable, helpful, accomplished and ready, willing and able to share his secrets and skills, honed over many years of light painting.” –Mark S.
Do you have more questions? Feel free to e-mail Troy Paiva
