Overview

“Wine is bottled poetry.” –Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island, and Napa Valley resident

Coinciding with amazing Napa Valley fall color, this workshop captures the essence of autumn in wine country. Napa has figured prominently in the lives of instructors Elizabeth Carmel and Jerry Dodrill, both of whom have spent significant portions of their careers here. Not only do they know the valley like the backs of their hands, but they each have excellent connections in the community and at some of the world’s very best wine estates, which enables us to offer exclusive access to unique Napa Valley photo locations, along with wine tasting and gourmet dining. Our accommodations and classroom will be based at the Mount View Hotel & Spa, in the charming historic town of Calistoga, California, located beneath Mount St. Helena at the north end of Napa Valley.

Participants can expect attentive and thoughtful instruction both in the field and in the classroom, all in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun. Elizabeth and Jerry will lead eight field trips to locations in and around the local vineyards and beautiful Napa Valley, including highlights such as special visits with our friends at Chateau Montelena, the historic and very photogenic winery featured in feature film Bottleshock, as well as the architecturally splendid Castella di Amarosa. In the classroom, Elizabeth and Jerry will present classroom lectures, and provide two constructive group critiques of images made by participants during the workshop. Elizabeth will also give a tour of Carmel Gallery in downtown Calistoga, and well as her fine printing studio and frame shop. Elizabeth and Jerry will each demonstrate the processes and techniques they use in the creation of museum-grade fine prints.

This course is suitable for a wide range of experience levels, from enthusiastic beginners to serious amateurs, and professionals. Anyone who understands the basic operations of their camera will advance their skills with this workshop. Manageable group size ensures that every participant has ample opportunity to ask questions, photograph alongside Elizabeth and Jerry in the field, and discuss the exciting world of photography with fellow enthusiasts. Excellent group meals provide an informal setting to socialize and address specific interests that may not be covered during lectures and classroom discussion.