Hualalai

Everyone wants to return home from a trip with fantastic vacation photographs, and we’re pleased to announce that you have a chance of a lifetime to learn from one of the masters. Don’t miss this opportunity for hands-on photography and lighting instruction by legendary National Geographic photographer, Joe McNally. Back by popular demand, Joe will lead a series of photography classes, all small groups, which will include the topics of light, color and composition in an astonishingly beautiful location – Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Attend a four-day module or simply choose the session that most appeals to you and your level of experience. Flexibility is the key to this workshop model. Pending availability, you can even sign up for a workshop session the day before! 

Mix and match instruction that perfectly suits your needs. To enhance your shooting experience and personal gear, we will provide access to loaner Nikon lenses, DSLR cameras and Speedlights for you to use to make extraordinary images on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the full-day instruction offerings, unique add-ons include a spectacular helicopter shoot, portfolio reviews and special group dinners with Joe McNally. 

May 13 – May 17, 2018

Special Group Dinners

Sunday, May 13; Tuesday, May 15; Wednesday, May 16; Thursday, May 17

Dine with Annie and Joe McNally at either Beach Tree Restaurant or ‘Ulu Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge and receive one on one “shop talk” with the pros.

Helicopter Shoot

Embark on this extraordinary adventure around the Big Island with Joe McNally.

2-Hour Private Portfolio Review Session 

Get one-on-one personalized feedback and tips from Joe McNally.

Workshops are available to all registered Resort guests and can be booked by contacting annie@joemcnally.com.

Session One: Camera and Lighting Fundamentals 

The session is designed to show you how to get great results with a minimum amount of gear in the least amount of time. We will begin the day with breakfast as a class, followed by classroom-style instruction and a review of overall camera fundamentals. The mysteries of digital photography, such as settings on the camera, will be explained in concise, easy-to-understand terms. Following an afternoon lunch break, the group will gather once again and progress into hands-on shooting scenarios at Kumukea Beach with a Hula dancer. The day ends shooting the famed Kona sunset, where Joe will take each participant’s portrait or family portrait, if desired.

Session Two: Lighting Fire & Sky: Advanced Techniques and Lighting Challenges

Session two continues our photographic journey with a workshop day focused on practicing camera skills and more advanced lighting techniques. Ideal for the intermediate to advanced, you will learn to raise the quality of your images with the application of flash and more lighting tools. Following breakfast together as a class, Joe will review highlights from Session One, fielding questions on technique, composition and any technical tips the group has. During Session Two we will build on the fundamentals and experiment with light and a fire dancer in an amazing environment. Joe will work with the class to sort through difficult lighting situations, work on composition and camera/lens techniques. Following a lunch break, we meet again as a class in the afternoon and continue hands-on instruction at the Palm Grove. As a special bonus, Joe will take each participant’s portrait or family portrait, if desired. As the sun begins to go down the fun will heat up with a talented fire dancer as a model. It will be exciting and challenging because we will be working with flash (and fire torches in motion) in low-light scenarios – an incredibly unique experience not to be missed! 

Session Three: Athletic Portraiture: Lighting the Human Form 

Our week continues and builds on principles and skills beyond “buttons and dials” and equipment choices. Session three incorporates helpful skills on directing your subjects, the timing of a shoot, posing, model and property releases and location assessment under time constraints. The day will be incredibly valuable whether you are the family documentarian (and frequently asked to take portraits) or working with a professional model. Realistic expectations within a given timeframe and location will be important topics covered. Participants will have the amazing opportunity to watch Joe work with a Yoga/Fitness model in the stunning location of the iconic Wedding Tree on the beach front at sunset in addition to taking photographs of our professional model themselves.

Session Four: Beauty Portraiture on the Beach 

How can there be “bad” light in the idyllic setting of Hawaii at one of the most beautiful locations on the planet? I think we’ve all experienced it! When the sun is reaching high noon (and several hours before and after), the quality of light is direct and problematic. Whether it’s taking vacation photos, portraits, trying food photography, it can be very challenging to get good results. And often we don’t have the luxury or flexibility to “come back” and you have to get a photograph in these challenging lighting conditions no matter what. What strategies can be employed? No matter the experience level, participants will benefit from the years of experience Joe McNally brings to the table. We will work with a Bikini/Fashion model in various lighting conditions throughout the day and learn how to make the most of the location and lighting you are given. 

• Optional helicopter shoot or pro workshop.