Speaking Presentations, Group Workshops and Private Consultations by Jim Crotty on Photography
Jim Crotty Photography Workshops, Lessons and Presentations

SeptemberWorkshopPromoFlyerHalfPage

I'm excited to announce three local photography workshops that I will be presenting, for summer and fall 2009.

The first two are free, one and half hour sessions on the basics of macro photography in the garden, sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks. Titled "Summer Shots," these Saturday morning programs will be presented at the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio on July 11 and August 8, 2009, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. I will be providing an overview of the best ways to shoot close-ups of flowers, insects and people and the do's and don'ts of photography in the summer sun. Registration is requested and walk-ins are welcome. Call 937-277-6545 or visit
metroparks.org to register.

A far more in-depth program on nature and landscape photography will be presented on September 26, 2009 at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, just south of Dayton. This workshop, titled "Exploring Nature Photography - the Autumn Prairie with Jim Crotty" is a full-day program of interactive learning and actual field shooting that I am presenting on my own. It's going to a lot of fun, photographing in one of my favorite locations here in Dayton during the golden light of early autumn. Here's some more info from the program flyer -

About the Workshop September 26, 2009 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This is a unique, one-day program that offers instruction and guidance for those who seek to take their photography to the next level while capturing the natural beauty of an Ohio woodland and prairie in early autumn. The workshop will include both classroom instruction and hands-on application of effective techniques in the photography of natural subjects to include landscape, wildflowers, insects and wildlife, all on location at the Cox Arboretum and MetroPark, located near Dayton, Ohio. Participants will also learn the importance of developing a unique, artistic vision in their pursuit of nature photography and how to view the subject as the camera sees it. Also included will be an introduction to effective digital image editing and workflow. Box lunches will be provided and are included in the cost of the program. The group will be limited to the first 20 participants who call or email for pre-registration. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. The cost of the program is $89.00 per participant, payable on the day of the program. Check or cash. Transportation and hotel costs are not included. Call 937-432-6711 or 1-877-JCrotty (527-6889), or email
jim@ohiophoto.org to register and if there are additional questions about the workshop.

What to Expect
Lots of fun with supportive feedback and positive instruction on how to improve your nature photography. About half the day will be spent exploring the grounds of Cox Arboretum, so participants should be comfortable with moderate walking while carrying camera gear. The other half of the program will spent within the MeadWestvaco Theater room at the Cox facilities, where we will be reviewing equipment, digital workflow and images.

What To Bring
Preferably a digital, 35mm camera that allows for interchangeable lenses. Also, tripod, cable release, macro lens or normal lens with extension tubes, telephoto or zoom lens and wide angle lens. Plenty of memory cards, either compact flash or SD. Also please remember to dress comfortably and with sturdy hiking boots. Wet weather gear is recommended.

Cancellations, Delays and Refunds
Jim Crotty retains the right to cancel any workshop for lack of registrants up to 30 days prior to the workshop date. In the event of cancellation every effort will be made to contact each registrant via email and/or phone. Under no circumstances will Jim Crotty or Picture Ohio, llc be responsible for any other expenses such as flights, medical, car rentals and hotels that you may have incurred. Since payment is not due until the day of the program, refunds will be issued only in the event that a participant needs to leave due to a medical or family emergency.

Also, one thing that won't be tolerated is any type of rudeness or negative behavior displayed toward the instructor or other participants. Sometimes photographers attend workshop programs with the goal of "competing" against the work of others or to demonstrate that they "know more." If this occurs the instructor reserves the right to remove any participant who is disruptive to the positive, learning process. No refunds will be issued.

A detailed flyer in PDF format is available at:
http://ohiophoto.org/SeptemberWorkshopFlyer.pdf


Private Lessons and Consultations: Fee: $50 (minimum) for up to one hour for phone, e-chat or in-studio session, available at my home/studio location in Centerville, Ohio. Topics covered can include basic camera operations, lighting techniques, digital workflow, digital editing and alterations, portfolio critiques, how to market your work, etc. Please call 1-877-527-6889 or email at least seven days in advance.

Private Group and Individual Workshops: In-studio (I can accommodate groups up to six people) or on location photography workshops and lessons, for small groups and individuals, are offered at a fee of $500 for half-day (four hours instruction) and $1000 for full day (eight hours instruction), plus travel expenses for locations outside the Dayton area. In-studio workshops will cover such topics as digital workflow, marketing your photography on the web, digital editing, digital file storage and organization, optimal large format inkjet print making, camera operations and studio lighting for portraits and still life subjects.

Location photography workshops conducted in the field will address the more hands-on techniques and artistic aspects of nature, landscape and wildlife photography, including understanding natural light and how to make it work to your advantage, knowing and respecting your subject, slowing down and learning to see as a visual artist, making the best use of minimal equipment, image capture and storage in the field, composition and working with natural elements to lead the eye plus many more practical lessons learned from decades of experience photographing in natural environments and scenic locations throughout North America.

Participants are asked to bring their own camera equipment. Tripods are required as well as good, sturdy hiking boots. Also, photographers should be able to hike unassisted. Scenic locations in and around Dayton, Ohio will be pre-selected based on the current level of skills of participating photographers, current season, accessibility and topics to be covered. Please call 1-877-527-6889 or email at least three months in advance to schedule a private group or individual workshop.

Presentations to Schools, Clubs and Corporate Organizations: I've presented my work and my creative vision to various groups over the last four years, including many schools, camera clubs and professional organizations. I have a very relaxed style, incorporating a fair amount of story telling about my many experiences photographing in the field and for a wide variety of clients as well as what it took to overcome some personal obstacles and challenges to finally being on the right path with my life and my artistic vision.

I like to have fun with my presentations, but most important of all, I like to inspire and motivate my audience to follow their own dreams and goals in life as well as develop and integrate creative vision in all that they do. Obviously my presentations are geared toward the showing of my photographic images. I use select photographs, via both large format, mounted prints as well as audio-visaul digital slide presentations through a MacBook Pro and projector, that best illustrate a particular photographic technique as well as those that communicate my unique creative vision and approach toward life.

I adjust my presentation style and material according to the select audience I'm scheduled to speak to, such as "how I got involved with photography" for school groups or "Finding the Light: More Than Just a Photographer" for social and corporate organizations.

Fees for presentations are based on intended audience, time required, travel and hand-out materials. Fees can vary based on whether the organization is a non-profit or profit. I retain the right to donate presentation time to select non-profit and educational organizations. Please call 1-877-527-6889 or email to learn more about how my presentations can enhance your classroom or organizational meeting. Please schedule at least three months in advance.