Morro Photo Expo

Photographing Birds, Landscapes, and Wildflowers: How to Improve Your Skills

If you've been reading the Slo Coast Journal, you've seen the great opportunities for photography our area presents. If you're a new reader, check out the Great Shots section and you'll see what we mean!

Whether you're a skilled photographer or a beginner, you'll have the opportunity to hone your skills at the Morro Photo Expo, March 30-April 1 2012. This year's expo features 40+ events with 110+ hours of information-packed workshops, portfolio reviews, field trips, and social events including:

Bird Photography — If you've been birding for any time at all, you've no doubt heard of Arthur Morris. Arthur, also known as Artie, is widely recognized as one of the world's premier bird and nature photographers and educators of our time. His first major book, “The Art of Bird Photography,” quickly became the go-to reference on bird photography. Artie will offer Photoshop for Bird Photography and the Master Class field experience on Sunday. Rich Hansen, a hit from last year's expo, will offer his expertise in a classroom and field setting.

Wildflowers — Spring is the most glorious time for photography wildflowers. To learn more about our local flora and to gain valuable tips on creating stunning photos, you can choose from several new field walks with resident experts Marlin Harms, Bill Bouton, Jerry Kirkhart, and Nan Calora.

Landscapes — Capture local photos from the water with water tours on a 34-foot, slow-moving catamaran, learn special equipment needs and techniques to take advantage of our local resource: fog, or learn how to create panorama photos of your favorite local landscapes.

Portfolio Reviews — Would you like individual attention to help you create the results you envision when you snap the shutter? If so, bring some photos to one of the five portfolio review sessions. They're in a group setting so not only will you get feedback on you own work, but you'll also listen to an expert and learn how to help others improve. Classes will be limited in size for a non-threatening, intimate setting.

The Morro Photo Expo is sponsored by the Morro Bay Art Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) California corporation. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Graphic Arts Department at Morro Bay High School, providing a scholarship for a college-bound senior and cameras for student use.

The expo is a great value at $149 for the three-day event. Go to Morro Photo Expo to register. Be sure to register early as some classes are limited in size.

Monarch Butterfly on Banner by Mike Baird