A small, quiet three-hour session on seeing color, background, distance, and mood among the late-summer dahlias.
Ask about a spot →Field Sessions are quiet, small-group experiences centered on learning to see light, background, color, depth, and atmosphere. The subjects change through the year, but the emphasis remains the same: becoming a more observant photographer.
A quiet three-hour session exploring color, selective focus, thoughtful backgrounds, and late-summer evening light.
View this session →Autumn color, depth, distance, and the way small changes in position can transform an ordinary background.
Join the interest list →A seasonal study of restrained color, quiet details, natural forms, and subjects that are easily overlooked in winter.
An intimate session using soft light, layered color, selective focus, and careful observation among spring roses.
We’ll meet in one of Seattle’s dahlia gardens and work slowly, paying attention to how a photograph begins before the camera comes up.
Dahlias can be visually overwhelming. Hundreds of flowers compete for attention, and many photographs end up feeling busy or unfocused.
This session is about learning to simplify. We’ll explore how light, background, color relationships, distance, and selective focus can turn visual chaos into quiet photographs.
Some comfort with your camera is helpful, but the emphasis is on seeing rather than gear or technical formulas.
These photographs were made using many of the ideas we’ll explore during the session: soft light, thoughtful backgrounds, selective focus, distance, color relationships, and careful composition.
We’ll spend time observing before photographing, making small adjustments, and learning how a subject changes with light, angle, patience, distance, and restraint.
Dahlias reward careful observation. A small change in where you stand, the direction you face, or the distance between the flower and its background often matters more than a camera setting.
This is not a gear-intensive workshop. Bring the camera and lens you are comfortable using. A portrait lens, short telephoto, macro lens, or close-focusing prime can all work well.
To ask about availability, send a note.
“I learned more about where to stand and when to wait for light in a few hours than I had in years of shooting on my own.”
— Chuck
“The way Mike explains light and restraint changed how I approach every photograph I make.”
— Raina
“A few hours in the field with Mike was more valuable than an entire photography course. I came away seeing places differently.”
— Rachel