2024

We are currently in the process of planning several Zoom presentations for the rest of 2024. To stay informed about the dates of these presentations, we invite you to join our mailing list. All skill levels are welcome.

Please see below for program descriptions.

Landscape Photography
This program will provide several techniques on how to take your landscape photography to the next level. Some examples are demonstrated with before and after photos and video.  We will also discuss how to get great DOF, shutter speed, and compositions to make your photos stand out. This will help you understand light and how to use it to your advantage. John will also discuss how to maximize special weather conditions like fog, rainbows and storms. John will also discuss strategies for photographing water (lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean).

A bulk of this program will have a section on different strategies to deal with contrast and bad light. It is a common problem to have a properly exposed foreground and a washed-out sky or a properly exposed sky and a dark foreground. We will also cover how to use contrast to your advantage, which equipment to buy or skip, which filters to use, and how and when to use them. There will be a demo on common cell phone apps and software that predict the Milky Way, sunrise, sunset, tides, and moon rise/set and direction of light. 

Wildlife Photography
This program will provide several techniques on how to take your wildlife photography to the next level. Some examples are demonstrated with before and after photos and video. We will also discuss how to get great DOF, shutter speed, and compositions to make your photos stand out. This will help you understand light and how to use it to your advantage.

We will also discuss what equipment to buy: tripods, ballheads, gimbal heads, long lenses, blinds, and window mounts. Planning is critical in wildlife photography. John will discuss how to find the best places at the best time of year. He will offer techniques on how to get closer, how to photograph birds in flight, and common mistakes. It is important to understand animal behavior, biology, and ethics.

Night Photography Tools and Techniques (Milky Way and Aurora)

Night photography adds a whole new element to your portfolio. Learn how to compose, shoot, and focus in the dark. We will discuss the best techniques and strategies. It is important to get correct exposure at night. John will cover the following subjects: equipment, software, time lapse photography, intervalometer, reducing flicker, and a few post processing tips with Lightroom. 

Using common cell phone apps and websites, John will teach you how to plan and predict the path of the Milky Way. He will also discuss where to go, the best time of year, and the best time at night to photograph the Milky Way and the Aurora.

Alaska: Wild America Series
Alaska is the Superbowl of photography and is a top destination for many nature photographers. Unfortunately, it’s not the easiest place to get to. The extreme weather, logistics, and natural hazards make planning a trip a very precise process.

This is an educational program which includes tips on photo techniques and dealing with unpredictable weather. Other topics include photographing glaciers, wildlife, and how to see and photograph the aurora. John will discuss bear safety and the best locations to see them. We will discuss the different seasons and the best way to see Alaska by boat, plane, and car.

This program celebrates Alaska and its incredible wildlife and landscapes. It is one of John’s favorite places to photograph. He has visited the last frontier multiple times per year for over a decade.

Nature Photography for Beginners

If you're new to nature photography, this lecture is designed just for you. We'll guide you through essential topics to kickstart your journey into capturing the beauty of the natural world. From understanding how to begin and what equipment to invest in, to mastering the intricacies of exposure settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, we'll cover all the fundamentals. You'll learn how to interpret histograms for better exposure control, select the right lenses for different scenarios, and maintain sharpness and focus in your images. Additionally, we'll explore different shooting modes like AV, TV, Manual, and Auto, as well as the pros and cons of shooting in Raw, JPEG, or TIFF formats. Understanding white balance settings and the differences between mirrorless and DSLR cameras will also be addressed. Plus, we'll discuss the importance of tripods and basic equipment, the principles of composition, and how to develop your unique photographic style.

Fine-Tuning Your Nature Photography

This program aims to enhance your nature photography by emphasizing the importance of going the extra mile. Covering topics such as planning for seasonal events, identifying favorite locations, mastering exposure techniques, utilizing resources like calendars, maps, and digital tools, as well as adapting to various weather conditions, this lecture will equip you with essential skills. Additionally, we'll explore tips for optimizing lighting, understanding wildlife behavior, navigating exposure modes, and employing effective focusing strategies.

Wild America

In this program, we'll unveil the top destinations across North America for landscape, wildlife, and night photography. Learn how to meticulously plan your trips using calendars, maps, online resources, and mobile apps to maximize your photographic opportunities. Discover the optimal times of year to visit each location, along with essential tips for planning your itinerary, including what to look for and what to avoid. Gain insights into nearby hidden gems and receive suggestions for exploring multiple locations in one trip.

Biography

John Slonina is an award-winning professional nature photographer, tour leader, and speaker who is devoted to the conservation of wild places and wild things. His work has been published in numerous books, calendars, and post cards. His photographs are featured in private collections and galleries throughout the world.

Growing up in New England John’s passion for wild places led to a childhood rich in outdoor adventures. He has been studying and photographing nature for over 40 years. He believes that a personal connection to nature is necessary to increase a person's desire to protect a particular species and habitat.

With a degree in Business Management, John decided to change course and align his career with his passion—nature photography. He began offering photo tours over 13 years ago and enjoys teaching and sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with others. He finds it rewarding to watch the excitement of his participants as they see a particular animal or natural phenomena for the first time.

When he is not out photographing John enjoys kayaking, watching wildlife, hiking, snowshoeing, and spending time with family and friends.

Email: john@sphotography.com
Phone (508) 736-1167 
www.sphotography.com