This course is timed for the extreme high and low tides which provide ideal conditions for photographing some of the most beautiful beaches and estuaries of Pt. Reyes National Seashore. With two guided Saturday field trips and three Tuesday evening Zoom classes, we’ll have plenty of time to both discuss good composition and field techniques, and evaluate your photos from our field shoots.

Class Schedule

1. Thursday 11/10/22 – 7:00pm-9:00pm – Online Class via Zoom

2. Saturday 11/12/22 – 1:00pm-6:00pm – Shoreline Hike Location TBD

3. Thursday 11/17/22 – 7:00pm-9:00pm – Online Class via Zoom

4. Saturday 11/26/22 – 1:00pm-6:00pm – Shoreline Hike Location TBD

5. Thursday 12/1/22 – 7:00pm-9:00pm – Online Class via Zoom

Bill Helsel – After a 35+ year career as a freelance photographer and adult education teacher, Bill is now concentrating on his own fine-art work and teaching. His landscape and travel photos have been widely exhibited and appeared in hundreds of publications internationally.

Photo Credit: Bill Helsel

Details:

-Links for the online classes and daily meeting locations for the hikes will be emailed to registered participants before each class

– Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in for hikes

– Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

-Registration for this class includes participation in all five sessions, partial refunds will not be given. COVID exceptions may be approved.

– Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

– Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

– Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

– Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

– Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Warm, variable-weather, layered clothing (waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket, hat, gloves)

•Face mask, and (if concerned about sunburn) sunscreen

•Comfortable walking shoes/boots that are waterproof or you don’t mind getting wet (for working in surf or mud)

•Daypack

•Notebook & Pen (optional)

•Lunch, snacks, and water for the day

•Binoculars (optional)

•Camera with lenses from wide to medium tele (or whatever you have), lens hoods, spare battery fully charged, spare camera card (or have lots of space on the one in your camera)

•Sturdy tripod and remote or cable release (you can use your self-timer in a pinch)

•Camera instruction book (your last resort for figuring out mysterious camera controls)

•Filters: protective filters (Skylight or UV) and polarizer are recommended;

neutral density and graduated N.D. may be useful, but don’t buy them just for this class.

•Lens cleaning fluid and tissue or microfiber cloth, plus a large soft (well-washed) cotton handkerchief or bandana for wiping water off your camera in case of rain

•Plastic bags for protecting cameras (when on tripods) from foul weather, or a camera “raincoat” such as an OP/TECH Rainsleeve

•Sturdy umbrella (if rain is predicted)

•Flashlight or head lamp for walking back to cars in semi-darkness

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• Masks are optional outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants or wearing a mask if gathered closely together

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering at all times

• Masks are optional indoors for vaccinated participants but strongly recommended

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.