Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Trek

Whether you are a novice or a pro and enjoy photographing scenery and natural beauty, this is one event you will not want to miss!


Join photography professionals Ernie and Kati Cowan as they take you on a photo trek of the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park at the peak of the spring wildflower season. This is the largest state park in California and a photographer’s paradise. This seminar has more to offer than just the splendor of the park, however.

On Friday night, participants will meet at Calumet Photographic for a three-hour seminar on basic and advanced camera controls, elements of composition and awareness of natural lighting. Early Saturday the group will meet at Calumet Photographic and drive to the park for morning and afternoon location shoots. While in the field, instructors will offer insight into the best exposure techniques, use of histograms, macro techniques and other skills that will elevate your nature and wildlife photography to the next level. The day will conclude with a sunset shoot as a spectacular desert location.

Students should be prepared for a day in the field with sturdy shoes, hats, tripod, camera, lenses and accessories. Four-wheel drive is not required, but high clearance, SUVs are recommended. Once in Borrego, we will carpool and there are restaurants in town where we can have lunch before heading out to our afternoon locations.

About the Instructor
Ernie and Kati Cowan have been conducting photo tours for Calumet for several years and bring a depth of photographic experience. Ernie is the author of “Anza-Borrego: A Photographic Journey,” and his career includes experience as a newspaper photographer, more than 20 years as an instructor at Palomar College and 24 years as the owner of a photography studio. Kati is a published photographer and in addition to her work in the desert, considers the Eastern High Sierra her favorite nature and landscape location. Her specialty is macro photography and teaching photographers how to see and how to use the camera creatively.

What to Bring
Camera and lenses, tripod, water, lots of memory, filters (if desired), shutter release cable (if desired), sunscreen, sunglasses, and the most important part: good comfortable walking shoes! We will cover this topic Friday evening as well.

Meals
We will head into Borrego Springs for the meals (not included) and there are places to grab snacks to take along. It may be a good idea to pack some light snacks to maintain your energy.

Skill Level: Ideal for beginning to advanced photographer
Fee: $120 (does not include transportation or meals)

Friday, March 2: 6 to 9 p.m. at Calumet Photographic
Saturday, March 3: Meet at Calumet at 7:30 a.m. and we will head out to the park and shoot until approximately 7 p.m.