My Qualifications

I picked up my first 35mm camera when I was 12-years-old and have remained enamored with photography until this day. In fact, I would have to honestly say, my passion has never burned deeper. I began as a teenager exploring the landscape of both the coast and mountains of California. Though my early career path took me into the world of professional sports (Sports Illustrated, Major league Baseball, NBA Photos and the San Jose Sharks), I have come full-circle back to my roots as a landscape photographer. Much of my time is spent shooting stock landscape imagery throughout the western United States and teaching workshops. My work is represented worldwide by Getty Images the imaging leader in stock photography.

In early 2015, I was asked to become part of Sony Imaging Artisan's Team. I am also a member of Lexar Elite and Singh-Ray filters pro staff.

I have been a professional for the past 40 years and have learned that photography, no matter what genre, is a journey, one will never stop learning. I love teaching photography and I strive to help my students in all facets of landscape photography, from the technical to the art of seeing. I believe that once one is comfortable with the technical side of the process, they are free to let their mind become absorbed with the visionary process of light, subject, and composition. While on location, I share with you the creative process I work through when finding my own images.

So why should you take my workshop when there are so many others available? First, look at my work. If my style appeals to you then I am confident I can teach you. I have been blessed with two main gifts in life: creative vision and communication, two important ingredients to be an effective workshop instructor. Second, field photography is the primary goal. Although my workshops are "intense" in that we hit the ground running to capture the first light prior to sunrise and don't stop until the last light of the day has vanished, I still schedule time for Photoshop and Layer masking training along with image review and portfolio development.

I also give you time to work on your images, that is part of the learning curve, and no late night meetings - sleep is important to the creative process. Lastly, I like to make my workshops fun. My personal teaching style is relaxed but focused on the topics and concepts at hand. Once we begin the workshop, we become absorbed into the creative world of photography; I encourage students to let their outside cares melt away. Our groups become like a family with participants working together in the field. We share meal times and depart feeling we have all developed new long-lasting friendships.

My groups are limited to no more than 12 participants and I am assisted by another qualified instructor. You will get plenty of one-on-one attention. Let me put my 40 years of experience to work by helping you grow as a landscape photographer. I'm confident I can help you expedite your journey no matter what level you are currently at. I have successfully taught beginners through professionals for the past 10 years and have seen 45% of my students return for another workshop, some multiple times. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions: don@donsmithphotography.com