Note: If you have taken my 2 -Day 'Fall Photography Workshop' at Beavers Bend in previous years, this is NOT the same type of workshop. It is quite different!
'Rekindle' A Unique 3-Day Workshop/Retreat for Photographers
Recharge and re-connect with your love of photography in a beautiful resort park.
Sometimes we reach a point where we just need to get away and reconnect with...
... why we fell in love with photography!
You might have reached a point where you feel uninspired, 'burned out', or just feel like you have lost that spark of creativity.
Maybe you just don't feel good about the images you are creating, like they're 'missing something'.
Perhaps you need some fresh ideas to help you grow as a photographer.
Or you are new to photography and even though you know the fundamental technical stuff, you want to explore more of the artistry of photography.
This workshop is for anyone who is yearning to grow more deeply in their photography. It's for those who are ready to challenge themselves, to see the world around them in new ways, to "connect" with the beauty of nature, and to rekindle that 'artist' within. The art of photography is really more about YOU than it is about your camera.
Photography is MORE than camera settings, f/stops, and shutter speeds!
"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety."
- Ansel Adams
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. " ~ -
Albert Schweitzer
You know how to use your camera, but the real challenge is taking the next step beyond camera "settings" to discover the art you yearn to create. The answer lies in a mixture of technical skills, artistic skills, 'seeing' the world in new and different ways, applying a mix of photographic techniques with computer digital imagery techniques.
This is a chance to retreat, regroup, rediscover, and recreate. What better place to do this than in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains of Southeast Oklahoma in the Fall!
We'll be photographing in various areas of the park, but we will be encouraging you to pursue numerous creative techniques as you do your photography.
Beavers Bend is the perfect place for a workshop like this 'Rekindle' Workshop because in spite of the park's beauty, the best way to photograph this park is to take a little extra time to look deeply into its beauty to 'find the shot' that expresses its beauty from YOUR perspective. In fact, our goal isn't even for you to create a large quantity of pretty photos. Our goal is to help you find ways to nurture your artistic expression. Expect to be challenged.
For beginner, intermediate, and experienced photographers
We will be focusing on activities to creatively "see" the world around us, and find a fresh perspective.
Reconnect with your love of photography and discover or rediscover the artist within you.
We'll explore various other forms of art, poetry, literature, and music and how they can inspire and motivate us, and even enhance our photography.
Explore the wonderful artistry of photography, which is a mix of technical adjustments in camera, careful attention to composition, seeing the world "differently", and using the many tools we have available today for "digital imagery"
Stay at the Lakeview Lodge which has a beautiful view overlooking Broken Bow Lake, a perfect vantage point for enjoying sunrises over the lake.
Idea: Take the workshop with a photographer friend and you can share a room and cut your lodging costs in half!
Limited to 12 students
You have 6 months to pay, if you use PayPal Credit!
Oct 20-22, 2016Thursday-Saturday
(Arrive on the 19th, Depart on the 23rd)
Limited to 12 students
$599
"Kevin is a gifted instructor."
Student Comments:
"I have been on a number of workshops with Kevin, which were all amazing, but this was exceptionally different. It really was a retreat, a chance to consider new ideas and approaches, a chance to try new things in a beautiful setting. We had the right combination of classroom discussions and having the chance to immediately go out an try new things in such a great setting. I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking for new sparks or wanting to push yourself in new ways creatively and technically."
"The retreat and the information covered really helped me to look at my photography in a more emotional way rather that being so concerned about technical aspects. Good photography I think makes an impact not just visually but should affect emotions and feelings, thoughts, and maybe even be motivational in some instances... I loved the projects and homework we were given to apply the information after leaving the workshop and returning home."
"Had the wonderful opportunity this week to go on a photographers retreat led by Kevin Gourley ... The idea was to rekindle your creativity, try new things and just enjoy the world around us. It was a fantastic experience."
"The Rekindle Workshop was just what I needed to inspire me to pick up my camera again after being away from it for a time. Kevin's creative ideas for sparking photographic enthusiasm and the opportunity to think about project ideas, and go out and photograph with that new philosophy, made holding a camera in my hand new and exciting again. It was a perfect mix of classroom inspiration, outdoor photo opportunities and after class opportunities to look at photos and plan a reprise the following day, if needed. It also exposed me to other photographer's ways of looking through the lens, which is always interesting and inspiring. As always, Kevin's experience and in depth knowledge combined with his expert teaching made this a winner for me for all three days."
"Kevin always brings insight into his lessons that inspire and challenge in a positive way to move you forward into your own creative world through the lens."
"This is just the kind of workshop I have been needing!"
"Kevin is very passionate about photography and also teaching photographers."
"His love of photography as an art form really shows and I appreciated being inspired to think about my own relationship to the medium. I can't say enough how much this class has improved my photography!"
"His knowledge and love of photography is inspiring."
"He is very accommodating in every way. He has a great sense of humor, a sincere passion for photography."
"I have taken two classes with Kevin over the past few years. They have been, by far, the best thing I've done for my photography!!"
Demonstration of various photographic and computer skills that help you achieve the images you envision
Group and individual activities in classroom and in the park
Travel information and resources provided ahead of the workshop
Bring your computer with you! You will be sharing your results in class with the rest of the group.
Special Benefits for Our Students
Color Inc is an excellent professional photography lab specializing in photographic printing, press printing, gallery wrapped canvas, mounting, and much more! My students receive special discounts!
Bring your photos to life! All of my students receive 15% OFFTopaz Products, plus one student in each workshop wins a FREETopaz product! Wide range of products for image enhancement and excellent artistic effects.
HDR (High Dynamic Range Photography) All of my students receive 25% OFFPhotomatix Pro or Photomatix Essentials! Create stunning photographs of high contrast scenes. (For Mac or PC)
HDR (High Dynamic Range Photography) All of my students receive discounts off AuroraHDR! Great software for creating outstanding High Dynamic Range (HDR) images! (For Mac or PC)
Powerful image editing software! Noise reduction, black and white conversion, image enhancements and much more!
ThinkTank Photo - Inventive Camera Bags for All of Your Gear - The Choice of Working Professionals For all friends of Kevin Gourley Photography Workshops, follow this link to their website and you will receive a free gift with your order of $50 or more!
Do MORE with your photography using these specialized programs from HeliconSoft! All of my students receive 20% OFFHeliconSoft Products! Achieve super depth-of-field images (Helicon Focus), remote control your camera (Helicon Remote), etc.
Alien Skin Software makes creative tools for photographers and graphic designers! All of my students receive 10% OFFAlien Skin Software Products! Powerful yet simple tools that render beautiful pictures.
Who should choose the 'Rekindle' Photography Workshop?
Anyone who already knows how to operate their camera in various useful modes such as Aperture Priority or Manual, and is wanting to advance further in the art of photography. If you do not have a firm understanding of the fundamentals of photography, you are encouraged to gain those skills before signing up for this class OR you could even take the Fall Photographers Boot Camp to learn those skills AND take this workshop, and spend the whole week at Beavers Bend! If you have any questions about whether you are 'qualified' to take this workshop, just Contact Kevin!
When You Register
When you register, you will need to call the Lakeview Lodge to book your room. (We'll remind you.)
The workshop price only covers the cost of the workshop itself. You are responsible for booking and paying for your own lodging, meals, and transportation.
Accommodations: Lakeview Lodge, Beavers Bend State Resort Park, Oklahoma
The rooms of Lakeview Lodge each have a million-dollar view, sitting
high above Broken Bow Lake. Refined country furnishings, cable TV
and in-room coffee service are among the many features standard in
each room. Enjoy complimentary continental breakfast by the fireplace in the
Great Room or relax on the Balcony Terrace.
The rooms are very reasonably priced. Students can book their room by calling the Lakeview Lodge at 580-494-6179. You must pay a deposit equal to the value of one night's accommodation and tax. You would need to check in the day before the workshop starts, and check out the morning after it ends. Make sure you book your room, checking in on Oct 19, and checking out on Oct 23, 2016.
F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked
Questions
I'll add answers to this
section as I get questions ... :-)
Q: I see your business
is based in Austin,
Texas but I don't live anywhere near Austin. Can I still take
this course?
A: Absolutely! You can come from anywhere to take this
destination workshop at Beavers Bend State Resort Park in Southeast
Oklahoma.
Q: I live in Austin,
Texas. Can I drive to Beavers Bend or should I fly?
A: Drive! Beavers Bend is about 380 miles from
Austin, just about a 6.5 hour drive. If you drive and leave at
Noon, you can get there by 7pm! No complicated flight
arrangements needed.
Q: What will the temperatures be
like?
A: Hard to predict exactly, of course. It's the
Fall! Temperatures will likely be cool, but it's
possible the highs could be in the 80's or maybe just the 60's.
Bring clothing for both possibilities. Layers are good, in
case it is a chilly morning and then the temperatures warm up.
Pack a rain jacket and umbrella just in case it rains.
Q: Will there be Fall Colors?
A: They say peak Fall colors are in late October into early November.
The main point of this workshops is not really "Fall Colors" but rather is about growing in your photographic and artistic skills.
Q: What if I have to cancel? A: For cancellations made before June 1, 2016, a Cancellation Fee of $99 will be charged. For cancellations made on or after June 1, 2016, a $199 Cancellation Fee will be charged. For cancellations made after August 1, 2016, cancellation forfeits the full amount paid unless a new registration fills your vacated space, then only a $99 Cancellation Processing Fee is charged.
Students Are Talking About Our Workshops at Beavers Bend
"Interested in photography? Take a class with Kevin. He's fantastic."
"Great teacher! Very patient and always making sure I understood. Learning in the classroom and then going out and applying what we learned was so helpful!! Would recommend this class to a friend for sure!"
"Even though I am pretty familiar with basic photography, the course really brought me up to speed with digital techniques and familiarization with my own equipment and its capabilities."
"I came into the Beavers Bend Fall Photographers Boot Camp knowing nothing, other than I liked other's photography. I left the workshop with a wealth of usable knowledge, and an ability to create lovely photographs. I am very happy I went, and am excited about my new hobby."
"I just wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed the workshop. I felt like I got a lot out of it and I loved your teaching style."
"I learned a lot of technical things about photography, but the personal experiences that Kevin shared really touched my heart! It was great to see the positive things people are giving back to the communities in which they live. I'd recommend this class to anyone who has a desire to make new friends & see the world in a new way."
"Kevin Gourley has it together from beginning to end! His attention to detail has you prepared for anything so that your experience is at it's best. The information is great and he presents it with humor. We had a great time! Kevin and Gail are very nice people and a joy to be with. I would recommend any of Kevin's classes!"
"Kevin is a great instructor. I really appreciated how organized Kevin was and how he truly maximized our instructional time by adapting the schedule for the weather. The classroom location with nearby trails made it easy to run outside and put the classroom training to use."
"The Beavers Bend Fall Photographers Boot Camp at Beaver's Bend was an amazing experience. I had already taken Kevin Gourley's Photography 101 class, but found I still learned a lot going through it the second time. The added benefit of the hands-on experience and ability to ask questions on the spot really helped me understand how to adjust my camera settings. Kevin did an amazing job of adjusting the schedule to the rainy weather we experienced so that we were able to be in the field as much as possible. Kevin and Gail explored the park ahead of time and knew exactly where to take us to get some amazing shots. They are great hosts and really know how get a group of complete strangers to gel. I came away from this workshop knowing much more about photography and made some great new friends. Thank you!"
"Kevin is a fantastic teacher and has a great ability to communicate to all ability levels and backgrounds. He truly loves what he does and it shows. His sense of humor and positivity are great to work with. He has a great knowledge of the many camera bodies and lenses and their quirks and is able to adjust the walks in the park as the need arises due to weather because of his knowledge of the park which is a great benefit. I'd recommend this class to anyone - beginner and advanced alike!"
"Beavers Bend provides a beautiful setting in which to hone photography skills, and having Kevin there to take us to all the best spots and provide coaching made the experience fun and valuable."
"Kevin's workshop was better than I had expected or imagined. First, the organization was incredible. Despite making adjustments for impromptu photo ops or lighting, everything was still organized. Having class time to review basics and apply knowledge to trip conditions was good as well. Kevin also allows you to be comfortable asking anything and will work with you to achieve the picture you want to capture. The park was so beautiful and having locations already scouted for photo opportunities was great."
"To me, taking a class like this is like hiring a guide to take you hunting or fishing. You may be comfortable using your equipment, but you may not know the best place to take it for the end result you desire. In this case, amazing photographs!! Kevin was very knowledgeable about the park, and knew what places were best to photograph and the best time of day to be at those location. Kevin's teaching skills and photography know how were like an added bonus when you were stumped by your camera. Kevin offers a positive learning environment where you are encouraged to ask questions and never made to feel like you should know the answer already. My advice to anyone interested in learning or furthering their photography know how? Take Kevin's Classes!"
Too Late to
