Ansel Adams’ Yosemite: The Art of Seeing
May 6 – 10, 2025
Yosemite National Park
This workshop is full. Please email The Ansel Adams Gallery to be placed on the waiting list.
Overview
“Chance favors the prepared mind” was one of Ansel Adams’ favorite expressions and a concept that allowed him to so successfully achieve his artistic vision.
The secret to creating your own expressive image, one that communicates your artistic vision, is not in the tools or technology you use. It’s in knowing how to “see” with intention and having the skills to capture and interpret what you see to make it your own. It’s being prepared, like Ansel, so you’re ready for that magical moment when light, beauty and chance define opportunity.
Alan Ross brings to every workshop he leads his intimate familiarity with Adams’ approach and technique, and years of photographing and teaching.
In this inspirational and hands-on session, the emphasis is on composition and exposure in the field. Alan will help you connect Ansel’s approach and mastery with your own photographic vision and skills so that you are prepared to successfully express that vision.
What You’ll Learn
Among the important topics covered during each intensive week:
- The importance of intention in expressive photography
- Evaluating a scene and finding its essence
- Organizing your composition
- Creating your image structure
- Choosing the right lens
- Nailing your exposure
- “Useful” vs “perfect” when it comes to capture or negative
- Post processing tips and techniques to take your image from “meh” to “wow” (or using Photoshop and Lightroom to explore darkroom effects for those working in film)
- Bringing your image to life on paper
Evenings will be spent on individual help and support, image reviews, printing or post-processing demonstrations, film processing for those working in silver, and photographic conversation and discussion.
By the end of the workshop, you will have a better idea of the tools and technique you need to respond to your vision with confidence.
Please note that this workshop may involve some walking and hiking around uneven, hilly and rocky locations that may present a physical challenge to some attendees. The Gallery workshop team asks you to use your individual judgment to abstain from workshop activities that may be beyond your capabilities. Although the workshop instructor and assistant will try to accommodate all attendees, please be advised that The Gallery relies on your abstinence should you feel that a site location may not be safe for you.
Registration
This workshop is offered through the Ansel Adams Gallery. Fee is $1,700 and lodging has been reserved in the Park for workshop participants. 