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Hi Reader,
We hope you're soaking up these last beautiful days of spring and looking forward to a wonderful summer ahead!
May was an inspiring month for us. We spent a good portion of it in central Utah, leading a fantastic workshop and then taking some sought-after time for our own explorations around Capitol Reef and Factory Butte. The landscapes there never cease to amaze. We left there rejuvenated and invigorated with our photography time, and enjoyed the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with our cameras and the natural world.
Back in Colorado, June is already buzzing with activity. David is putting the finishing touches on his Rethink Landscape course (heβs really excited to share this one!), and Jennifer is beginning a new book project.
Itβs hard to keep us still for long, though! We just made a spontaneous dash to Yellowstone to try to catch the Aurora Borealis. While the Northern Lights were elusive this time, we always believe in seizing those fleeting opportunities.
And speaking of chances that pop up, weβve just had a spot open in our highly sought-after California Coast workshop this November due to a rare cancellation. If you've been hoping to join, now is a perfect opportunity!
There's more to share below, including creative insights from our travels and other workshop news.
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Warmly,
David Kingham and Jennifer Renwick |
β¬οΈ More exciting updates, creative tips, and photos below! β¬οΈ
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New Paths Rekindled Our Vision
Lately, Jennifer and I had sensed a familiar creative flatness creeping in. It was nothing dramatic, just that subtle drag that made picking up the camera feel more like an effort than excitement. So, while in Utah for our workshop, we made a pact to dedicate our free time to truly explore, to seek out those hidden corners and lesser-trodden paths that don't make it into the guidebooks.
One canyon, in particular, called to us. With minimal information online, it promised more of a fun hike than a photographic goldmine. Our expectations for creating images were low, and our primary goal was simply to immerse ourselves in nature and enjoy the discovery.
But from the moment we stepped into its depths, we were captivated. The unfamiliarity was exhilarating! Every bend revealed something new, something unexpected, free from the shadow of iconic compositions. Over nine miles, we felt that old, familiar buzz return. We couldn't stop seeing, composing, and photographing. The spark wasn't just back; it felt brighter.
It's a powerful reminder that when a creative block hits, a conscious shift is often the key. Sticking to the familiar might keep you comfortable, but it's venturing into the unknown, perhaps a new place, a fresh perspective, or even just a different approach, that can jolt your creative mind awake and help you see the world, and your art, with fresh eyes.
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Our workshop schedule is buzzing with excitement! While many of our 2026 dates are filling fast (with some already sold out!), we're thrilled to announce that a couple of spots have just opened up for our popular California Coast workshop in November 2025! Are you ready to deepen your creative vision with personalized guidance from us? Explore all remaining opportunities for both 2025 and 2026 below. Spots are truly limited, so secure yours soon!
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2025 Workshops with Open Spots
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2026 & 2027 Workshops with Open Spots
π« Sold Out (Click to Join the Waitlist π€πΌ)
π― Private Workshops Available!
In addition to our scheduled group trips, we offer Private Workshops tailored to your specific learning goals, location preferences, and schedule. Whether you're seeking intensive one-on-one mentoring or want to arrange a custom trip for your small group, we can design the perfect photographic experience just for you.
βLearn More about our Private Workshopsβ
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Latest in Nature Photography |
π We're always on the lookout for inspiring, informative, and innovative content in the world of photography. Here's what caught our eye this month:
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By David duChemin
In this thought-provoking piece, David duChemin challenges the often-heard "rules" about what "real photographers" supposedly do (like always shooting in manual). He argues for prioritizing creative expression and personal satisfaction over rigid, prescriptive notions, encouraging photographers to find what works best for them to create images they love. A great read for anyone who's ever felt constrained by photographic dogma!β
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by Sarah Marinoβ
βSarah shares her latest stunning portfolio from the California coast and reflects on photographing familiar places with a fresh perspective. She discusses how a place's rich photographic history can serve as inspiration rather than a limitation, encouraging a personal connection to the landscape.
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By Michael Fryeβ
βMichael explores the unique challenges and rewards of photographing new, unfamiliar locations. He contrasts this with the benefits of deeply knowing a place, and shares his insights on how to approach fresh scenes, whether by doing extensive research or by embracing a completely open mind. Frye encourages photographers to tune into their personal reactions and impressions to create meaningful images, drawing from his own experiences in diverse landscapes like Antarctica and the Grand Canyon.
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In May, our Central Utah workshop was a journey of discovery, both for us and our wonderful group of photographers. We explored a remarkable range of desert environments, including the intricate details of badlands, the sculpted walls of deep canyons, and the refreshing coolness of high-elevation aspen groves. It was inspiring to see our participants embrace the challenge of finding compelling images in such varied settings.
We encouraged a wide range of creative approaches, from capturing the grand landscape to seeking out intimate narratives and experimenting with ICM. The daily image shares were a joy, showcasing an incredible diversity of perspectives. This workshop was such a rewarding experience that we're already planning its return in Fall 2027, where we'll get to explore these landscapes transformed by autumn colors. Stay tuned for details!
Another step in the journeyβ
βThe 2025 Central Utah workshop is just the latest in many workshops I have taken with David and Jennifer. I consider each one as a step forward in my journey to become a better landscape photographer. Although the locations may be different from one workshop to the other, David and Jennifer are consistent in their teaching philosophy and guidance toward your own personal growth. The Central Utah workshop presented us with many different opportunities and subject matter to challenge our photographic vision. There was more variation in the Utah landscape than I had expected, and I came away with some shots that I am very happy with. β Keith
Wonderful experience - fun, personal attention and great learning
βI just finished a second workshop with David and Jennifer in Central Utah. I truly appreciate the hard work and extensive preparation they do beforehand. You get all the information you could possibly need beforehand and during, such that you don't need to worry about anything. The whole workshop is designed to promote each participant's vision, learning and goals. From the first session to the last, the only focus was on giving us the tools to achieve what we want in our photography. They were there to give us personal guidance on how to accomplish what we wanted to do, and helped us follow what we wished to shoot. In this setting, I allowed myself to experiment and try out new things with my photography. I also feel my post-processing has advanced significantly, as I understand now the logic of what I can do in Lightroom. I highly recommend joining them as this is the best investment in your photography. β Tamar
I just returned home from the Central Utah workshop. Despite the windy conditions I came home with a huge pile of photos to work through. David and Jennifer prepared us well for the conditions and provided excellent support while in the field. I can't say enough about their approach to teaching. They make themselves available for on the spot coaching and direction without making me feel silly for having asked the question. They have the ability to work with a wide range of photography skill levels across various formats (camera brand). I will be a repeat customer again as soon as I can afford to do so.
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I am looking forward to playing with David's presets. I think that will help my processing skills greatly. I look forward to the release of this product as I am sure it will revolutionize my productivity. β lore
Personal expression is always encouraged
If you participate in photography workshops with the goals of learning new skills and wanting to get guidance on how you can realize your own self expression but have been told that there's only one "correct" way to photograph a scene, you will be delighted to find that David and Jennifer can help you find how to "do you". Your images can be your own and not necessarily look like everyone else's who came to the same scene. There are ample opportunities to learn ICM, finding abstracts and small scenes and experimenting with wide angle perspectives, but you can also approach things in your own way if you want; this is encouraged. I have found that this is the best way for me to personally grow as a photographer. Learn as much as you can about many techniques and then utilize that knowledge to advance your own style.
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We were so fortunate on this workshop to have all kinds of dramatic weather (stormy clouds, a little snow) and we went to locations that took the best advantage of these changing conditions. Honestly, it was just fun!
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Looking forward to more adventures and opportunities to learn and grow. β Ellen
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