Capture the Land: A Three-Part Landscape Photography Workshop (Feb 18, 20 & 23)

Led by photographer and educator Reid Thaler in 2026

Format/Schedule: Three Part Workshop. Part 1: Classroom Presentation on Wednesday, February 18 from 10:30 to 12:00pm. Part 2: Field Shoot on Friday, February 20 (location TBD) from 8:30am to 10:30am. Part 3: Image Review & Discussion in Classroom on Monday, February 23 from 10:30 am to 12:00pm.
Location: Looking Glass Photo & designated field location
Enrollment: Limited small group of seven students
Tuition: $199

Learn to See, Shoot, and Refine Beautiful Landscape Images — With Clarity and Intention

Landscape photography is more than pointing a camera at a dramatic scene — it’s about slowing down, noticing the light, understanding the land, and shaping a photograph that reflects how the moment felt.

This immersive, three-part workshop teaches you how to move from snapshots to intentional, expressive landscape photographs through a blend of classroom learning, guided field practice, and collaborative image review.

Led by longtime Bay Area instructor Reid Thaler, you’ll learn how to plan a shot, work with light, make smart exposure decisions, compose with purpose, and refine your images in a way that brings out their full beauty.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer looking to sharpen your creative tools, this workshop will give you the confidence and skills to approach any landscape with clarity and vision.

How the Workshop Works

Session 1 — Learn the Craft (In-Person at Looking Glass)

A foundation-building classroom session where you’ll learn:

• Essential compositional tools
  (rule of thirds, leading lines, balance, framing, foreground interest)

• How to think like a landscape photographer

• Lens choice and focal length for impact

• Depth of field, sharpness, and focusing techniques

• How to use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO intentionally

• Working with golden hour, blue hour, overcast, and directional light

• Planning tools, scouting mindset, and shooting with intention

You’ll see examples, discuss concepts, and prepare for the field outing.

Session 2 — Field Shoot (Location TBD)

A dedicated landscape outing to a safe Bay Area location.

During this guided shoot you will:

• Practice multiple compositions of a single subject

• Work with changing natural light

• Experiment with depth of field, focal length, and exposure

• Learn to see lines, shapes, and atmosphere

• Create a three-image “story” series of the location

• Receive one-on-one coaching from Reid as you shoot

This is where you bring the classroom lessons into the real world — and start seeing landscapes differently.

Session 3 — Image Review + Lightroom Classic Demonstration

A live online session where you’ll:

• Receive thoughtful critique of your field session images

• Learn what’s working and what to refine

• See live demonstrations of Lightroom Classic editing (focused on possibilities, not full tutorials)
  

• Understand how post-processing supports the vision you had in the field

This feedback session is one of the most valuable parts of the workshop and consistently the moment where concepts click.

What You’ll Learn

• How to build intentional, compelling compositions

• Ways to use lens choice to shape meaning in the scene

• How to control depth of field for both sweeping and intimate landscapes

• Exposure techniques for challenging outdoor light

• Working with atmosphere, weather, and natural conditions

• The role of filters (polarizers, ND, graduated ND)

• Creating motion with long exposures

• Storytelling through series

• How to refine and elevate landscapes in Lightroom Classic

• A workflow for approaching landscapes with consistency and confidence

What to Bring

• A camera (DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras recommended, but any camera with manual controls will work)

• Fully charged batteries

• Tripod (recommended, especially for low light or long exposures)

• Weather-appropriate clothing for field day

• Optional: filters (polarizer, ND)

• A notebook
  

Who This Workshop Is For

Photographers of all levels who want to:

• Improve their landscape compositions

• Understand natural light and atmospheric mood

• Learn intentional exposure and focusing techniques

• Build confidence in outdoor photography

• Receive individualized feedback on their work

• Connect their field approach with post-processing

Beginners are welcome — you just need basic familiarity with your camera’s menus and settings.

About Your Instructor

Reid Thaler has spent decades photographing the natural world and teaching photography throughout the Bay Area, including at Santa Rosa Junior College, College of Marin, and Walnut Creek Civic Arts. His teaching blends clarity, patience, technical mastery, and a deep love of exploration.

Cancellation Policy

Full refunds available with at least 72 hours’ notice.