Upcoming Educational Events
Webinar:
"How to Plan an Epic Photo Adventure"
Hosted by: Journal of Wildlife Photography
In this webinar, I will be walking viewers through how they can plan an awesome photography adventure to help ensure they come home with a vast catalog of images. Topics covered will include how to pick a destination, knowing your travel style, scheduling individual locations, picking and packing gear, ensuring the shot, and tips on safety.
November 29, 2023 at 5:00pm PT
JOWP Membership & Registration required here.
In Person: Seminars & Portfolio Reviews
NJ Camera Show
Hosted by: Unique Photo, Fairfield, NJ
I'm thrilled to be a part of Unique Photo's NJ Camera Show this December. I will be speaking on the 1st and 2nd of December and offering portfolio reviews. The topics I'll be presenting are Impressionistic Photography and Tips and Tricks for Portfolio Worth Wildlife Images. So if you are in the area, put this event on your calendar now and come say hi!
December 1-2, 2023
More details here.
Looking for a guest speaker or workshop instructor?
I love sharing my experience and knowledge with groups across the country!
Course Experience
I like keeping things down to Earth. Never should students feel intimidated, unwelcome, or ignored. My objective is to keep the atmosphere light and engaging so the students can relax, have fun, and learn. Discussion and questions are always encouraged! Classroom sessions are a mix of discussion, stories, and demonstrations. Workshops are completely focused on the students' learning field skills through direct hands-on application. I will carry a camera for specific demonstration purposes only and do not personally shoot during workshops. My focus is 100% on the students.
Topics
Below are my current offerings in alphabetical order. However, if you or your group is looking for something specific, in the realm of nature photography or locations I have traveled to, please let me know and I can create a custom program specifically for your group!
10 Key Principles to Nature Photography
Ten Basic Principles for Better Nature Images
There are certain principles that, when implemented, elevate an image regardless of the specific genre within nature photography. In this session we will look at these ten key aspects of nature photography, defining them and discussing how to achieve them. By understanding these principles and how they relate to each other, you can further your photography skills in the field and create portfolio-worthy images.
Length: 60-75 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate Photographers
The Diverse Landscape
Capturing Landscapes and All They Have to Offer
Grand landscapes have long drawn the photographer’s focus. From the mountains to the oceans, landscapes are all around. But how can we diversify our landscapes beyond just changing the environment? In this session, we will explore various landscape photography genres spanning from the traditional to intimate small scene and creative landscapes. Participants will learn about gear selection, maximizing traditional landscapes, how to see beyond the “Epic” view, and making the most of your time in the field.
Length: 60-90 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All Levels
DIY: Plan Your Own Photo Adventure
How to Have a Blast, Save Some Money, and Come Home with Images You Love
Have you ever wanted to go on your own photo adventure but workshops and photo tours don't line up with your schedule? Maybe you want to try something new and travel solo for a change. Whatever the reason, planning your own photography adventure can be a thrill of its own before you ever even slide behind the wheel or step on a plane. In this course we will walk through the the steps you should work through in order to plan the best photography adventure trip for yourself. We will also go over some subjects to keep in mind while on the road, such as safety and traveling with camera gear.
Length: 60-90 minutes or half day classroom workshop
Type: Feature Presentation, Class/Workshop
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate Photographers
Spending 20+ weeks a year on the road in recent years, Bender will share stories and insights on how nature photography has led her on an ever-growing adventure while providing a deeper connection to the environment and those around her. Along the way, she will provide helpful tips on how to grow your own photography skills in subjects like wildlife, landscape, macro, and creative photography.
Length: 60-120 minutes
Type: Keynote, Inspirational, or Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
Exploring Nature Through the Lens
A Photographic Journey of Self-Discovery and Connection Through the Lens
A Glimpse of ... Series: California
Exploring the Natural Beauty of California Through the Lens
Focusing primarily on the opportunities in North and Central California, we will cover a wide variety of natural subjects from traditional landscapes to wildlife and macro subjects. Sharing some of my favorite locations, we will cover topics such as what locations are best for what type of photography, the best times to go, and how to get the most from these locations while exploring your own vision. We will also talk a bit about gear selection and what you might consider doing with your images after returning home. By the end, you will be inspired to get out and explore your home state with a focus on Nature!
Length: 75-120 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
A Glimpse of ... Series: Japan
A Visual Journey Through the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan! A far off land filled steeped in traditions and brimming with beauty. In this presentation, part of a growing travel photography based series, we explore Japan through the seasons and areas off the traditional tourist path. Focusing on the nature Japan has to offer, topics such as cherry blossom viewing, winter wildlife adventures, and secret fall foliage locations are discussed. Having lived there for over two years and an annual visitor, I bring first hand knowledge of this often overlooked photography destination.
Length: 90-120 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
A Glimpse of ... Series: Texas
Exploring the Natural Beauty of Texas Through the Lens
Texas is home to as much natural beauty as the state is wide. Everything from traditional landscapes to wildlife, macro subjects and moody environments. Through this presentation, I will be sharing some of my favorite locations while covering topics such as the best times to visit, suggested gear, and how to get the most from these locations while exploring your own vision. My hope is that by the end you will be inspired to get out and explore the vast state of Texas and all the nature it has to offer!
Length: 60-90 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
Impressionistic Photography
Using Creative In-Camera Techniques to Create Artistic Images
In this session, we will explore the world of Impressionistic Photography. Topics covered will include pre-visualizing scenes, selecting camera settings, in-field techniques, and a few tips on post processing these special images.
This will give participants the basic tools to start experimenting on their own in the field to create unique images even in popular shooting locations or with common backyard subjects.
Length: 60-90 minutes or half day workshop with hands-on work
Type: Feature Presentation, Class/Workshop
Audience: All Levels
The Magic of Macro
Focusing on the Small Things in Life
Its not always about the grand landscape or the largest bull moose. Sometimes, we need to slow down and take a look at the beauty all around us in the details. With this class, we will explore the world at our feet, focusing on macro photography. Participants will learn about finding scenes, gear selection, special lighting considerations, choosing an appropriate depth of field, and basic Lightroom post processing techniques for macro images.
Length: 60-120 minutes or half day workshop with hands-on work
Type: Feature Presentation, Class/Workshop
Audience: All Levels
Putting Nature First
An Introduction to the Seven Principles
There are seven general principles that, when implemented, can help ensure we as nature photographers are putting nature first. In this session, I, a Nature First Ambassador for the Texas Region, will introduce viewers to the Nature First Principles and how they apply to both landscape and wildlife photography. I will also discuss why these principles are important to nature photographers and the positive impacts that following these principles can have for both photographers and nature.
Length: 60-75 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
Small Scale Wildlife Photography
Creating Unique Wildlife Images with a Macro Lens
Not all wildlife is covered in fur, stands eight feet all, or has three-inch claws. With over 900 thousand species of insects on this planet, one of the most accessible wildlife photography opportunities a photographer has is that of the insects around them. In this class, we will explore the world at our feet, in our gardens, and out in the field by focusing on macro wildlife and insect photography. Participants will learn how to find subjects, composition and lighting considerations, and how to choose correct settings for their subject. Post-processing images will be touched on as well.
Length: 45-60 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
Summer Getaway Photography
Balancing Photography and Recreation
Summer is the classic time of year for families to get out and explore the world together through road trips, beach stays, and camping adventures. So how does a photographer balance quality time with family and quality time in the field while still creating quality images? In this webinar, Bender will have you considering potential photographic subjects based on various traditional vacation locations as well as logistical solutions to working around other recreational activities with family.
Length: 45-60 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate Photographers
Wildflower Photography
Capturing Seasonal Beauty
Wildflowers are by definition a seasonal treat that blooms and fades, often quickly. So how do you make the most of your time with them? Whether you are looking for flowers in the desert or the high mountains, there are certain techniques you will want to employ. In this program we will explore how to find wildflowers, gear selection, composition choice, choosing settings, and field ethics.
Length: 45-60 minutes
Type: Feature Presentation
Audience: All levels
Wildlife Photography
Tips and Tricks for Capturing Portfolio Worthy Wildlife Images
In this class, we will delve into wildlife photography. Topics covered will include finding wildlife, dressing for the occasion, in-field techniques, thoughts on composition, suggested gear, and maintaining ethical wildlife photography practices. This will give participants a broad base of understanding for wildlife photography, enabling them to go out into the field and capture images of animals everyone is sure to love!
Length: 60-120 minutes or full day workshop with hands-on work
Type: Feature Presentation, Class/Workshop
Audience: Beginner to Intermediate Photographers