Hunt’s Photo Adventure: Bodie Ghost Town

Workshop Description
Bodie was one of the biggest and ?bad-dest? of California?s gold mining boom-towns in the last century. Thirty-five million dollars worth of gold and silver was discovered in Bodie?s mines between 1877 and 1888. Stagecoaches arrived daily and the town?s population quickly swelled. But? the boom years were few. By 1890 the mines were shutting down. It was determined that over a hundred million dollars (in 1890 value) in gold was taken from the mines of Bodie. Major fires, the worst in 1932, destroyed most of the town. By 1940, everyone was gone. Today Bodie is a ghost of its former glory. It is the largest and best-preserved gold mining ghost town in California. In 1964, it was purchased by California and declared a State Historical park.
Winters can be brutally cold in Bodie. At 8,375 feet, the wind can pile up snow drifts 20? deep and temperatures can drop to -20? F. In the museum, there are records of citizens who never made it back from a mid-winter trip to the backyard outhouse.
We will photograph in the following locations:
?Bodie Angel in the cemetery
?Boone General Store window
?Dodge truck by general store
?IOOF Hall & Miners
?Union Hall
?Bodie Bank on north end of town
?Cemetery
?Cain house
?Sawmill behind Cain house
?Methodist church
?Morgue front window
?Mining equipment & machinery by parking lot
?School House on Green St
?The Mill from doorways on north end of town
?Swazey Hotel south side
?Fire Station
?County Barn on south end of Main St.
?Houses at Wood & Green (east end of Green St.)
?County Barn interior
?Panoramic from parking lot hilltop
?Wheaton & Hollis Hotel on Main St. & Green St.
?Panoramic from cemetery
What?s included in the workshop:
? Five days of in-field photography and instruction
? Ground transportation during the 7 days of the workshop
? Lunch while in the field (Please advise us of any food restrictions or food allergies)
? All photo workshop permits
? Experienced workshop leaders
? Image Discussion and Review Sessions
What?s not included in the workshop:
? Air fare or baggage fees to and from ONT airport
? Cost of hotel (We will be staying at The Virginia Creek Settlement- (760) 932-7780- A block of rooms have been reserved but you will need to call to make your own reservation and payment.)
? Cost of food (with the exception of lunch in the field)
? Any activities outside the tour itinerary
? Travel insurance (which is highly recommended for all travelers)
Skill Sets:?All Levels of Photographers are Welcome
Physical Activity:?Low
In this workshop we will cover:
Exposure
Composition
Metering
Use of Lenses
Subject Development
Creative Thinking
Shooting in Low Light
Long Exposures
Use of Filters (polarizers and ND)
Image Processing
Image Review
Image Critiquing
Recommended gear:
Camera, memory cards, batteries
Wide angle, standard, and telephoto lenses (If you are looking for a lens to rent, you can rent it from us at?rentals.huntsphoto.com!)
Tripod
Cable release
Polarizers and Neutral Density filters if you have them
Travel information
We recommend flying into Ontario, CA airport (ONT). We will be making a bulk pickup of attendees at the airport at noon. It is a 6-hour drive from ONT to Bridgeport, CA. If you choose to arrive early or stay late, you will need to rent a vehicle at ONT to provide your own transportation.
Hotel information
We will be lodging at The Virginia Creek Settlement–(760) 932-7780– near Bishop, CA. A block of rooms have been reserved, but you will need to call to make your own reservation and payment.
About Weather
Weather can change rapidly (as with any mountain region), so preparedness is the key. Layering is your best friend. Mornings can be in the 40’s. Be prepared with gloves, hats, and scarves, and a warm jacket. The afternoons can warm up into the 60’s.
Payments
A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip is required upon sign-up to secure a spot. The remaining balance is due 90-days prior to the workshop. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.