Weekend Workshop on Landscape Photography Composition Duration: 2 Days (Saturday & Sunday) 

Target Audience: Beginners to Intermediate Photographers 

Day 1: Understanding Composition Principles and Camera Settings 

Session 1: Introduction to Landscape Photography (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)

• Objective: Familiarize participants with the basics of landscape photography and composition.
  • Brief Introduction to Landscape Photography
  • Types of Landscape Photography: Mountains, Seascapes, Forests, Deserts, etc.
  • Key Concepts of Composition: Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, Symmetry, Balance, and Patterns
  • Key Elements to Consider: Light, Mood, and Time of Day (Golden Hour, Blue Hour)

Break (10:30 AM - 10:45 AM) Session 2: Key Composition Techniques (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)

• Objective: Explore the essential techniques for composing a landscape photograph.
  • Rule of Thirds
  • Leading Lines: Rivers, Roads, Trails
  • Focal Points: How to Direct Attention
  • Layering & Depth: Foreground, Middle Ground, Background
  • Natural Framing: Using Trees, Rocks, and Other Elements to Frame the Image

Lunch Break (12:15 PM - 1:15 PM) Session 3: Camera Settings for Landscape Photography (1:15 PM - 2:45 PM)

• Objective: Equip participants with knowledge of camera settings suitable for landscape photography.
  • Aperture: How to Achieve Depth of Field
  • Shutter Speed: Capturing Movement vs. Stillness
  • ISO: Ensuring Image Quality and Avoiding Noise
  • White Balance: Getting the Right Color Temperature
  • Focus: Hyperfocal Distance and Focusing Techniques

Break (2:45 PM - 3:00 PM) Session 4: Field Assignment: Practical Composition Techniques (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

• Objective: Apply composition techniques in the field and begin shooting.
  • Group the participants into smaller teams
  • Explore nearby outdoor locations (e.g., park, nature reserve) to shoot
  • Focus on incorporating the composition rules learned earlier (rule of thirds, leading lines, depth, etc.)
  • Individual guidance and feedback during the shoot

Day 1 Wrap-Up & Review (5:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

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Day 2: Advanced Composition Techniques & Post-Processing 

Session 1: Creative Composition Techniques (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)

• Objective: Explore advanced composition techniques to elevate landscape photos.
  • Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Spiral
  • Minimalism in Landscape Photography
  • Using Reflections in Water
  • Incorporating Weather and Atmospheric Conditions (Fog, Storms, Sunsets)
  • Color Theory: Using Complementary and Contrasting Colors in Landscapes

Break (10:30 AM - 10:45 AM) Session 2: Photo Critique & Group Discussion (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)

• Objective: Review and critique photos taken by participants from the previous day’s field assignment.
  • Group discussion on composition choices
  • Individual photo critique (focusing on strengths and areas for improvement)
  • Sharing feedback on composition and technical aspects
  • Identifying common mistakes and learning from them

Lunch Break (12:15 PM - 1:15 PM) Session 3: Introduction to Post-Processing for Landscapes (1:15 PM - 2:45 PM)

• Objective: Learn how to enhance landscape photographs through post-processing techniques.
  • Basic Editing Workflow: Exposure, Contrast, and Highlights
  • Enhancing the Sky: Graduated Filters and Sky Replacement
  • Sharpening and Noise Reduction
  • Color Grading for Mood and Impact
  • Working with RAW Files vs JPEG

Break (2:45 PM - 3:00 PM) Session 4: Field Assignment: Capturing the “Perfect Shot” (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

• Objective: Go into the field again to capture a final landscape image using both composition and camera techniques.
  • Focus on the application of advanced techniques learned earlier
  • Encourage creativity and experimentation with new perspectives
  • Final group feedback and personal guidance from instructors

Wrap-Up and Q&A (5:00 PM - 5:30 PM)

• Review of the weekend's lessons
• Open Q&A session for individual questions
• Tips for continued learning and improvement
• Invitation to join online group/forum for sharing work and ongoing feedback

Materials Needed

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (with manual settings)
• Wide-angle lens (ideal for landscapes)
• Tripod
• Filters (e.g., ND filters, polarizer)
• Laptop or tablet for post-processing session
• Notebook and pen for notes

Additional Considerations

• Ensure the location has diverse landscapes (mountains, lakes, forests, etc.) for varied shooting opportunities.
• Provide handouts or a digital copy of key points, camera settings, and composition rules.
• Encourage group collaboration and sharing during fieldwork to foster a sense of community.

This structure balances theoretical learning with practical application, providing participants with the skills and confidence to improve their landscape photography composition.