Neil Chaput de Saintonge and Drew Lefebrve – January Speakers
Introduction to Bird Photography
NOTICE: THE ZOOM MEETING WILL BE PROJECTED ON THE BIG SCREEN AT THE CHURCH
INSTRUCTOR: Neil Chaput de Saintonge
Neil Chaput de Saintonge, a former junior high science teacher, has taught photography for almost 50 years, to over 20,000 students. In that time, he has taught classes and workshops in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. He is well-known for his enthusiasm, technical knowledge and love of teaching. In 1973, Neil studied under Ansel Adams. In Professional Intensive, Summer Intensive, and Workshops, Neil lectures, critiques student work, and meets one-on-one with students to talk about cameras and lenses, and – most importantly – he helps them find their own path in photography. Neil’s photography interests include ballet, documentary, people, birds, landscape, and fine art. In 1979, Neil founded the Southeastern Center for the Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, a two-year school that trained students for careers in graphic arts and photography. After vacationing in Montana in 1988, Neil and his wife Jeanne moved to Missoula and started Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Neil has also been a licensed massage therapist for 30 years, is a Reiki Master, and teaches healing work.
INSTRUCTOR: Drew Lefebvre
Drew Lefebvre is a naturalist, birder, and general outdoor-enthusiast, and she holds an MS in Environmental Education from the University of Montana. She has led a variety of adult education programs, including citizen science, natural history, and trail work crews, and currently works as the Museum Programs Coordinator at the Montana Natural History Center. She enjoys guiding students toward a deeper understanding of the outdoor areas and ecosystems that are right on our doorstep.
Birds are some of the most appealing creatures to photograph, but they can also be some of the trickiest. Many of them are tiny, they move quickly, and their behavior can seem almost unpredictable. In this class, you’ll learn basic observational and photographic strategies to help you get the most from your time in the field or in your backyard.
Topics include:
* Cameras and lenses that are best for bird photography
* Photographing birds that are stationary and in-flight
* Different ways of exposing
* Finding and identifying birds