© Chelsea Mandes
Bring your camera into the water with confidence in this two day workshop with Rhode Island photographer Cate Brown
This workshop has been developed for both aspiring & established photographers with an interest in learning the technical skills and expertise specific to water photography, especially for shooting in surf and dynamic ocean environments.
Gain valuable knowledge plus hands-on experience in this two part series, including an informational lecture plus field day session in the wild!
As an established professional photographer from New England, Cate has built a career specializing in marine photography with extensive experience shooting surf, sail, and commercial projects in and around the water. Combined with her experience teaching in private settings, she is finally bringing her decade+ of knowledge to a group workshop to teach about what it takes to safely & successfully capture memorable photographic moments in the ocean.
Date & Location:
Informational Lecture -- Saturday April 25th, 3–6pm @ Surf Exchange Cafe, 1155 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Hands-On Field Day -- Saturday May 2nd, RAIN DATE Sunday May 3rd, Start Time TBD @ Narragansett Town Beach
~ Limited Availability! Max 12 Students ~
Made possible from our friends at:
© Cate Brown
Topics Covered:
- Water Cameras, Housings, and Set Ups -- From the most basic to the most advanced, learn about all types of cameras and housings for water photography to find the best option for you!
- Recommended Lenses & Camera Settings -- Depending on your goals or aesthetic preferences, different lenses or settings can make all the difference for success. Learn what combinations can deliver results for what you're looking to capture.
- Water Housing Set Up, Cleaning & Maintenance -- Just like any piece of equipment, water housings deserve specific care & attention. Learn how to keep your equipment clean & functioning properly for every session.
- Recommended Cold Water Gear -- New England water temps swing wildly, and while you may surf in the winter, swimming in the winter can be a bit different! Learn what gear can help keep you warm, no matter the season
- How to Shoot in the Water -- Take it into the water in our hands-on field day session, where you can swim & shoot alongside experienced photographers Cate Brown, Cody DeGroff, James McGraghan, and Kaeli Baker. Learn firsthand how to anticipate & time your moments to capture dynamic action!
- In-Water Shooting Techniques -- Surface photography can be different if you have experience with water photography at depth. Learn surface-specific techniques to manage water droplets, work with changing conditions, and in crowded lineups to successfully capture the action.
- Ocean Awareness -- Understanding & respecting the ocean is the first step in staying safe while shooting in the water. Learn how to read the weather, forecast, and current conditions before swimming out with a camera.
- Surf Photography Safety -- Knowing your limits, understanding your environment, and having systems in place for risk management are important for any watersport or adventure based activity, including water photography. Learn the unique challenges that surf photographers might encounter, and how to face them with confidence.
- Anatomy of a Lineup -- Specifically for surf, photographers are part of a greater community when shooting in a lineup. Learn how surf photographers' perspectives might be different from surfers on boards, and how to best approach a lineup in any conditions.
- Surf Photogs Etiquette -- Surfers have their etiquette, and photographers do too! Learn industry accepted do's / don'ts, and unspoken rules of shooting with other photographers in the water.
- Ocean Stewardship -- As visitors to the shore and regular observers of our oceans, it is our duty to help care for it. We'll discuss ways to help care for the ocean, and share useful tips for every visit to the water.
- Spot Protection -- Learn small but effective ways beyond #nolandmarks to help respectively protect local spots and maintain community relations as a surf photographer.
Prerequisites:
Basic Swimming Skills -- Lifeguards will not be on duty. Must be able to swim 200yd and tread water for 10 minutes unassisted.
Basic Camera & Manual Exposure Knowledge -- We will not be covering photography from the ground up, this course is designed for intermediate+ photographers with established basic camera skills
What's Provided:
- LIMITED Cameras & Water Housings -- select photo gear will be available for students to share. Students are welcome to bring their own equipment if available, or rent at LensProToGo, LensRentals.com, or AquaTech
- Surf Subjects -- several talented surfers will be available for our field day, to provide a trusted real-world experience for shooting in a lineup
- Multiple Instructors -- along with Cate, surf photographers Cody DeGroff and James McGraghan will also be available for the hands-on field day session. Get access to their gear, and additional insights from their experience!
- Swim Fins -- select fins will be provided, not all sizes guaranteed! If you have a personal pair, you're welcome to bring
- Coffee & Tea -- in partnership with our friends at Surf Exchange Cafe
What's NOT Provided:
- Wetsuits & Gear -- water temps will still be chilly this time of year! 5/4mm wetsuits, boots, and gloves recommended. Wetsuit Rentals available at Narragansett Surf & Skate, Matunuck Surf Shop, and Warm Winds
- Towels & Dry Robes -- be sure to bring everything you need to get changed at the beach in cooler spring temperatures! Surf ponchos & Dry Robes strongly encouraged if you have them.
- Memory Cards, Computers, Hard Drives -- this workshop is informational plus hands-on field work. We will not be covering post-production, editing, or workflow.
- Helmets -- surf helmets can be used by surf photographers! While not a required piece of equipment, they are encouraged for safety. Gath and Simba are both trusted brands for those looking to invest in their own gear.
- Film -- select water cameras take film! We will have a Nikonos available for use, but you must provide your own 35mm film.
© Cate Brown
Scholarship Option:
One Student will be awarded a spot on full scholarship, no class fee required! Winner will be notified April 11. To be considered, email cate@catebrownphoto.com with your:
- current body of work
- background in ocean activity / water sport
- goals for your water photography
Meet our additional instructors for the May 2nd in-water session:
© Corey Favino
Two-Day Workshop Pricing: $450 USD
Availability Limited to 12 Students
Payment Option 1: $150 Today / $300 Later
Deposit to secure your spot, Balance due by April 18. Refundable through April 11 (non-refundable within 2 weeks of start date)
Payment Option 2: $450 Today
Pay in Full, refundable through April 11 (non-refundable within 2 weeks of start date)
Waitlist will be available if class fills up!
If you are on the waitlist, you will be notified of spot availability the week before class (April 18–25)
Class will only run if we reach a minimum of 6 students paid in full.