
About the Course
Come out and enjoy the warm May sunshine with a friendly group of photography lovers of all experience levels. During this beginner-friendly photo-workshop, we will be focused on exploring the raw basics of photography in the wild, identifying assorted plants and the return of some migratory birds.
This photo-walk is geared for those who are learning to use a DSLR/mirrorless camera, where they can ask in-depth questions and gain valuable tips. During this workshop, we will be covering the following (and more!):
Types of Lighting
Compositions (Leading Lines, Rule of Thirds, etc.)
Shutter Speed
Depth of Field
The month of May is a wonderful time to get outdoors with a camera in hand. As we practice the basic foundations of photography, we will be exercising these skills while learning about and photographing some of New England's own ephemeral plants, first flowers, and spring buds. This course will be slow paced, allowing time for plenty of questions, and one-on-one critiques and tips as we go. An interest in natural woodlands/native plants is not required, but will make the experience highly enjoyable!

This photo-walk is estimated to be between 1-2 hours long, with frequent pausing and standing along forested trails. Physical abilities required will be standing, walking, and bending or crouching down. Warm clothes and comfortable, "rugged" footwear that you wouldn't mind getting wet or muddy is a must! Guests are encouraged to bring their own backpack snacks and water bottle. There will be no bathroom available on site.
Date: Sunday May 18th
Location: Lake Siog Park, Dug Hill Rd/Pond Rd. Holland MA
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does "Gratuity-Based" mean?
As a self-taught photographer with nearly 20 years of gaining helpful advice and critiques from photography forums, blog writers, YouTubers and the like- it wouldn't feel right to put a price on this knowledge for others that I've gained for "free" over the years. With that said, there is no upfront cost for these workshops, and there is no obligation to tip- no questions asked. However, if you truly enjoyed the experience and want to show your appreciation, a small donation or gratuity is always welcomed, though not mandatory; it's considered a kind gesture to the instructor for their time and expertise. If you do choose to tip, the amount is entirely up to you based on your satisfaction with the workshop.
What Camera Equipment Should I Bring?
This course is geared for those with a DSLR camera. If you own multiple lenses, I encourage you to bring them along. (2 lenses: a basic kit lens and a zoom lens is most ideal!) If you don't have multiple lenses to bring, that's okay. I learned a lot with just one simple lens for a very long time. I will be thrilled to guide you on how to maximize your creative potential with minimal equipment. A tripod and flash will not be necessary for this workshop, leave those at home please!
Cancellations/Weather:
A minimum of 3 guests in attendance will make this event worth while! With this said, if there is insufficient interest in this workshop OR poor weather (rain, thunder, extreme heat, etc) you will be notified via text and/or email of cancellation. Courses unfortunately will not be rescheduled to later dates.
Your Instructor
Sam Smalley

Sam Smalley is a self-taught landscape and portrait photographer based in western Massachusetts. With 19 years of experience particularly in landscape and nature photography, her general interest ignited when she was very young. Nothing else in her creative career would influence her the way macro images first did, which she discovered whilst flipping through her father's National Geographic magazine collection around 9 years old. At the age of 16, she got her first camera (a Samsung point and shoot), which was all she needed to learn the basics of lighting and compositions, catapulting her forward to eventually acquiring her first, second, and third DSLR cameras. Her enthusiasm overflows especially when she's able to share in the process with others. Sam believes there's a photographic opportunity in every situation. The art of being present and patient enough to construct it into a single frame is the most necessary ingredient to each photograph we want to make.