Photography Is Different With Others

There was this moment that I remember during the second night of our Lassen Workshop in Sept. of 2018. We were all sitting around a table at an Italian restaurant near Lake Almanor, high in the mountains of Northern California. I took this picture. It had been a good day followed by a great evening.

We were tired, hungry, and happy. The group had really come together after a day of working together. Everyone was relaxed and could be themselves. The guy on the end, Kirk, was on east coast time and really feeling the lag. We would jab him back to life every so often.

The interesting things about photography workshops aren’t the pictures as much as the people. Each of these artists could probably get many of the same the shots on their own. But it’s a much different endeavor when working with others. And I think, every now and then, a necessary one.

I keep putting together these events because I believe that photographers need to rub elbows with one another. It’s so very different than traveling on your own, with your family, or even with friends who don’t share your same passion for image making. There are a dozen little things that make the shared experience more satisfying. This night was one of them.

Maybe I keep doing these so that I can attend four workshops a year myself. Maybe I do it for the pizza. Whatever the reason, I’m doing it again in 2019. And I’m hoping that maybe this year you’ll take a seat at the table as well.

It’s the only way that you’ll ever really know what I’m trying to say here.

-Derrick

The 2019 TDS Workshop Season

Joshua Tree National Park - March 13-15, 2019 - This will be our first workshop visit to Joshua Tree. This fascinating environment is perfect for landscape work by day and night photography once the sun sets. We'll also visit the Salton Sea to capture migratory birds and to explore this unusual body of water. During our lab sessions, there will be instruction on maximizing your results with Aurora HDR, Lightroom CC, and Luminar. Add a little aerial photography, and we're set for photographically satisfying adventure. Three days, $725

San Francisco Street Photography - April 26-28, 2019 - We'll work entirely on location in San Francisco. We'll book a hotel in picturesque Union Square that will serve as our headquarters during the event. No rental car will be necessary. We'll explore the City's hidden treasures and capture them through our lenses. And we're adding new shooting locations again this year, including twilight assignments. This is San Francisco like you've never seen it before. And as a bonus, Olympus Trailblazer Mike Boening will be joining the teaching staff and leading sessions on street shooting and night photography. Two instructors, three days, small group, and all for just $725. (That's right, it's 3 full days in one of the most photogenic cities in the U.S.)

The Sonoma Coast Exploration - July 17-19, 2019 - Northern California's rugged coastline is the perfect setting to fine-tune our landscape and long-exposure water images. Plus, we'll visit a former Russian fort, movie locations, and interesting fishing villages. This workshop is the perfect escape from summer heat and humidity while adding hundreds of beautiful images to your photo library. During our lab sessions, there will be instruction on maximizing your results with Aurora HDR, Lightroom CC, and Luminar. If a workshop could be relaxing and stimulating all at the same time, this is it. 3 days - $725.

Humboldt Redwoods Photography Workshop - Sept. 18-20, 2019 - There is magic in the forest. If you've never experienced the magnificent redwoods of Humboldt County, you are in for a treat. Every detail of this vibrant ecosystem presents a photographic opportunity. The fern-covered floor with Dogwoods and azaleas, the towering Redwoods, fallen logs across bubbling streams... so much to work with. Additionally, we'll explore the fascinating Eel River and its wildlife. During our lab sessions, there will be instruction on maximizing your results with Aurora HDR, Lightroom CC, and Luminar. This workshop will delight your eyes and satisfy your soul. 3 days - $725

You can reserve your spot by visiting the 2019 TDS Workshops page and placing your $100 deposit for the event of your choice. If you have questions, please use the Contact Form on this site. I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

The Round of 16

I was texting with my boys on a blazing hot Saturday when two of soccer's biggest stars were sent home packing in the World Cup round of 16.

We fell in love with the sport four years ago on a ship sailing through the British Isles. It was thrilling to be in Europe during the 2014 Cup, especially on an international vessel where cruisers from all over the world were passionately rooting for their country's team. 

The energy was impossible to resist. We were infected with the fever. And the game has been part of our relationship ever since.

I was onboard to teach photography. But that was only when we were at sea. Once we docked at any of the ports, the four of us explored London, Paris, Glasgow, Cork, Dublin, and a handful of other destinations. Every step of the way I had a camera with me.

At the time, I was shooting with an Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera, plus 14-42mm EZ zoom, 17mm f/1.8, and 45mm f/1.8 optics. I also had a Canon S110 in my pocket. Everything fit in a small shoulder bag. I had what I needed, and nothing more. It was nimble photography at its best.

I think this year's World Cup made us all a little nostalgic. Out of nowhere, Max texted me, asking if I had a list of all the stops we made on that trip. I had been thinking about it as well, and I was delighted to compare notes with him.

Just like four years ago, the conversation was a mix of soccer and travel - an international sport on a trip abroad.

I have two images from Europe hanging on my studio wall. Both of them are street shots. I would wander off on my own when the others were nosing around in shops. You wouldn't think that family travel could accommodate good photography. It can. You just have to know how to do it - because to not take pictures isn't an option.

Photography is so integrated in my life, that if I tried to separate it, I would die in the process. I remember every camera that I've ever owned and practically every image I've captured. Maybe that's to be expected for someone like me.

But what I didn't anticipate was how it has connected me with others. Almost every story starts with a picture. "We were lost in Mexico, exploring in Wales, freezing in Iceland, sweltering in Austin, drinking rum in Cuba..." These were all adventures with people who are important to me.

And on a hot Saturday in Northern California, reminiscing with my boys via our iPhones while watching Portugal lose to Uruguay in the round of 16.

I'm not a person who second guesses life. But even if I were, I know that I would not trade a minute of this journey for anything. And I'm curious to see what the next round will bring.

-Derrick

The Nimble Photographer, circa 2014, Europe.

The Cat that Brought Me Back

I haven't journaled much since the fire last October. Not because I haven't wanted to. I just couldn't.

So, I put the journal down and focused on my other work. Staying busy and not reflecting too much is my way of recovering from tragedy. I knew the someday I would be able to get back here. I just didn't know when.

Then in March, I met Sylvester. Despite the name, she's a girl. A black and white kitty that found herself trapped in the middle of a firestorm that destroyed everything in its path. She had belonged to by brother-in-law Pat, who lost his home in the tragedy. 

During the following weeks, we kept an eye out for her when sifting through the ruble. But she was nowhere to be found. There were no animals in the area that we could see. So we just tried not to think about it - not to think about her fate.

Then one day Pat received a phone call that she was alive - singed, dirty, thin, and with burned paws, but alive. The microchip that the vet had placed in her neck made the connection possible.

Pat was thrilled, but he didn't have a place for her to stay. He and his wife were now living in a one-room apartment with the two inside kitties. Sylvester, who had resided outside at the house, found herself odd cat out.

Pat arranged a temporary home for her while he tried to figure out what to do. During this time, she began her recovery. 

When I learned about Sylvester's amazing story from Pat, I wanted to photograph her. I thought she might be a good addition to my ongoing documentation about the firestorm and its aftermath. So I made an appointment at her temporary home and went for a visit.

When I got there, she was sleeping in a walk-in closet. I sat on the floor and asked her how she was doing. Her meow was funny. It was more like a lamb bleating than a cat. She came over to me, and I took her picture.

I just couldn't believe my eyes. The firestorm was fueled by 50 MPH winds that torn down the hill where Sylvester lived. It seemed impossible that any creature could outrun it. Maybe she found a place to hide. Maybe she sprinted for her life. I wish she could tell me. None of it seems possible.

Pat asked me if I wanted her. I didn't have a cat at home; Dibs lives at the studio. I talked it over with Theresa, and a week later Sylvester arrived at our house.

She is the happiest, most energetic animal I have ever owned. And she's the most athletic as well. Sylvester has unbelievable speed and jumping ability. That's probably why she's here.

Or maybe there's another reason. Maybe we need her as much as she needs us. That amazing cat is the one good thing that rose from those ashes. And she reminds me of that every morning that I feed her.

Sylvester has a home again. And now, thanks to her, I'm back as well.

-Derrick

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Sylvester the Cat - This is the photograph of her that I captured back in March during my visit to her temporary home. By this time, her whiskers had grown back, and her paws had healed. 

iPhone X

There are certain things in first world life that we have to have. We need a place to live, a way to get around, and a reliable communication device. All of these necessities come at a price. 

I owe a mortgage on my house, the car is paid for, and I just started payments for an iPhone X. 

My previous handset, the iPhone 6S, is already in the hands of my oldest son. His phone is barely functional and needs a new display. And rather pay for a repair that's only a temporary solution at best, we wiped mine and set it up for him. That's the kind of family activity that goes on during Thanksgiving break.

I had bought my 6S from Apple using their plan. That gives me an unlocked phone and two years of AppleCare coverage in exchange for 24 monthly payments. I went the same route with the iPhone X.

After a week of use, I have to say that the X is the best handset I've ever used. Not so much in a bells and whistles way. I don't remember saying to myself, "Wow, this is blowing my mind." It's not that kind of device.

You know that precision-thud you hear when you close the door of a finely crafted automobile? Right away you know that it's a great car. That's the iPhone X.

It has heft. It feels solid. It checks off all the boxes for great screen, fast processor, excellent sounding calls, and best of all, a fantastic camera.

This is my first dual camera phone. I'll never go back. Having wide angle f/1.8 and mild telephoto f/2.4 cameras, both optically stabilized delivering 12 MP images in Jpeg, DNG, or HEIF, gives me the confidence that if something noteworthy happens, I'll be able to capture it. That's a big deal.

The iPhone X does not replace my camera kit, it completes it. I carry my Retrospective 7 (with Contax film camera and Olympus PEN-F) with me about 80 percent of the time. I love shooting with those cameras. But a lot of life happens in that other 20 percent.

My boys had their 21st birthdays the other night. (Yes, the oldest was born 1 minute before his brother.) At midnight we took them to a local casino where they could flash their driver's licenses and buy beers at the bar. Then they saddled up to a blackjack table, played a few hands, and moved on to the food court. They're still my boys, but they look like men.

This was not a situation for my shoulder bag full of gear. I quietly documented the event with the iPhone X. That was the right camera for the moment. I'll have those pictures forever.

A few years from now, someone will need my X. Maybe it will replace another cracked screen or be used for a trip abroad. Fathers once gave their sons watches, maybe even a car. My boy drove back to college yesterday with a 6s in his pocket.

I'm perfectly fine with how this is working out.

-Derrick

One Week After the Fire

I love the morning air after a rain. Yes, rain came to Sonoma County.

I haven't had much time to explore our neighborhood since the mandatory evacuation was lifted in Larkfield-Wikiup. Our house survived, as well as those of my neighbors.

What I didn't know was the extent of the damage up the hill to the north-east and south of us. So off we went on foot. A step towards normalcy. A morning walk.

Life was slowly returning in our neighborhood. Cars were parked on the street and people were out with their dogs. All of the houses around us were intact, even those nestled at the base of the hill.

I looked up and saw a stand of Eucalyptus trees on the ridge. "Thank God the flames didn't hit those," I thought. They would have burned like matchsticks. 

Further south, we began to see some damage. The old abandonded golf course was singed. The ground was black and ashen. But four otters had discovered the pond and were playing in it. I found it oddly heartening to see them going about their business in the center of the burn.

Beyond that, there was structural loss. Houses chared to the foundation, sometimes with cars still in the garage. Many people couldn't get their automated doors to open - because the 50 MPH winds had blown the power out - and had to flee on foot or with the help of others. My sister-in-law was rescued by my wife, for that very reason. Her car was trapped.

"She isn't answering the phone," Theresa said to me at 1:30 am that night. "Should I go get her?"

The flames were coming from that direction. 

"Yes, I would go see." I said. "I will continue to pack the Vanagon."

I heard minutes later that Theresa had her sister and the cats safe in the her car, and we were coordinating by cell phone where to rendezvous. Later we learned that you had to remove a pin in order to open the garage door manually. How utterly stupid.

Fortunately, her sister's house survived. But we didn't know until 3 days later.

Our exploration was cut short by a very nice CHP officer who was guarding a neighborhood still closed because of fire damage. He was up here working from San Francisco. Help had come to Sonoma County from every direction.

We talked with him for a while, then headed back toward our house. It was good to see what had survived, and sad to see what did not.

That's the way it's been. Heart warming moments mixed with heartbreak.

We're having Theresa's sister over for dinner tonight. She needs to be around family. My brother in law secured a permit today to sift through the rubble of his home. We will see him again tomorrow. Hopefully they will retrieve a few meaningful items from today's work.

There are so many things in the news that I can do nothing about. But I can address the people standing right in front of me. And of all the lessons that I've learned one week after the fire, that one is the most important.

-Derrick