I have been running my Yosemite Private Workshops for ten years now. Although I taught group workshops around the world starting in the early 1980s, I have greatly enjoyed the one-on-one sessions and personal connections I’ve had while showing my approach to landscape photography in my beloved Yosemite Valley.
The best times to come photograph YV are the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May, or the end of October or the first two weeks of November.
Here are a few endorsements from past students:
Bill Henderson: “My William Neill workshop experience was exceptional! The most significant outcome was the change in perspective. Bill finds images everywhere, his ability to see photographically is something you can’t learn from reading, it’s a gift from many years of hard work and study. This is what I found so interesting and helpful.
Now I didn’t walk away with his skill, but I learned something significant that has stayed with me. I still find that workshop useful today.”
Rick Hardt: “I have always been drawn to Bill’s work, because I think he leads the pack in the arena of “Less is More”. His images define the idea of “Clean and Simple”. Through that perspective, he communicates powerful feeling that I don’t often see in other areas.
He is extremely present and open during the process. What I felt from him was kindness and patience. I never felt judged for my lack of experience or ability. Seeing through his eyes for subject matter and lighting really opened my eyes to things that I’d completely missed before.
In the end, I walked away with a pocket full of images that I cherish to this day, AND a much better understanding of how to get more on my own.
Lastly and most importantly, the conversations that we had during those times, often come to mind when I’m in the field looking for new images.
I continue to get benefit from a class that I took some time ago. Amazing.“
Bob Cole: “I greatly appreciated the personal attention Bill provided in our two-student, two-day Private Workshop. The limit to one or two students is a significant advantage. There were many other photography workshops happening in Yosemite Valley at the same time, with van loads of students for one or two instructors. Bill’s Private Workshops are simply superior in the personal attention he provides.
The Private Workshop provided a great opportunity to explore Yosemite beyond the obvious icons. Bill provides a wealth of information about the Yosemite environment and history. Understanding the place is important to helping one see the what is really there beyond the often photographed icons. This leads to more photographic possibilities. Bill helps the student “see” nature in new ways that translate into stronger, more creative photographs.
I created better images during the two-day Private Workshop, and that improvement continued after it was over. When I consider the many ways photographers spend their resources on cameras, lenses, other gear, software, and travel, I can think of no more effective way to improve one’s photography than the William Neill Private Workshop.“
See this link to see details, instructional content options discounts for small groups or multiple day sessions:
Private Yosemite Sessions
Instructional Content Options
William teaches simple ways to capture quality images in order to focus more on your expressive vision. These methods are what he uses for his own photography. Potential topics to be covered include:
Improve your Creative Vision
Learn to see deeply, to convey your emotional connection with the subject
Exposure Techniques
Using Histograms, HDR, Long Exposures
Composition
How to create clean, well-balanced designs without distractions
Planning Your Photographic Sessions
When to photograph and where, weather and seasonal considerations
Photo Critiques of New and Previous Images
Learn about your strengths and areas for improvement in your prints and downloaded digital files from field sessions.
Digital Camera Workflow
Basic and Advanced Techniques in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Photograph with William in Yosemite
Guidance while you photograph with in-field suggestions
Explore alternate perceptions and locations
Watch and ask questions as he selects and photographs Yosemite subjects.
Techniques in Impressionistic Photography
Learn how to create “light paintings” with intentional camera movement. William will demonstrate how he creates his Impressions of Light” photographs, and guide you with your efforts in the field.
March 31, 2019 at 9:22 PM
While many people know that I grew up in the Bay Area, few actually know of my historic ties to Yosemite. My great great grandfather was a man named William E. Colby and he was one of the original members of the Sierra Club with John Muir. Together, they worked hard to help protect Yosemite in the early 1900 s and when Muir passed away in 1914, William became the director of the Sierra Club, staying in the position for nearly 49 years before retiring. I feel this is part of the reason why Yosemite has always felt like home.
April 1, 2019 at 8:29 AM
Thanks for your comment, and very cool story. But I have to ask who is posting this? Edenfantasys is not a name.
March 18, 2013 at 3:31 PM
Sounds like a real treat, Bill. What a great opportunity.