This is a half-day experience on trail, led by photographer Josh Reuck.

Participants slow down, learn to see the landscape with intention, and make photographs that reflect where they actually are. The focus is observation and presence, not gear or technical mastery. Any camera works, mobile phone cameras are discouraged. A tripod is also suggested as we’ll be shooting in low light during the late afternoon/ evening hours, but not required.

Session runs during golden hour on September 12 for roughly 4 hours, 3:00PM – 7:00PM. The sun will be setting around 7:45PM, so we’ll plan to be off the trail and at the trail head no later than this time. We’ll begin with an overview of the session and ensure everyone is prepared for our adventure.

How the evening works:

The group moves at a natural pace down the trail, when someone notices something worth stopping for, we stop. We talk about what drew their eye, what they’re trying to capture, and how to set themselves up for the best chance of getting it. Settings, light, lens choice, and framing come up in context, when they’re actually relevant. We will abstain from a long lecture in the classroom or at the trail head.

Throughout the evening there will be periodic pauses to read a scene together: what the light is doing, what the landscape is offering, what might be worth waiting for. The goal is to leave with a different relationship to observation, not just a card full of images.

Rachael – Naturalist: Rachael will be joining us on this experience to guide the group for a better understanding and education of our natural surroundings. The combination of ecological knowledge and photographic seeing creates a richer experience for participants and broadens the audience it serves.

Rain/Shine

Participants should come prepared for light rain, layers, waterproof footwear, and a bag or cover for camera gear are recommended. The event will proceed in light rain; the forest canopy provides meaningful shelter and overcast conditions can produce compelling light.

The event will not proceed if conditions present a risk to participant safety or equipment, specifically, active thunderstorms or severe weather.

Location: Utah Ridge Pond Parking
16000-, 16104 Utah Ridge Rd, Millfield, OH 45761