I’ve only had the good fortune to take one of Brad’s workshops, which was back in 2016. I cringe at some of my early efforts back then, but I think I’ve improved since then. I remember Brad emphasizing that while it was important to consider the forecast, it was only a forecast. It’s almost always worth taking a chance.
I finally moved back to my home state of Colorado last year. I had this shot in mind for a while even though I had never been to the location. It was late September, near the end of the Milky Way Season, and I had one evening where my schedule would allow me to give it a go. All week long, the forecast was for cloudy skies. But on my one day off, the forecast looked more favorable. I decided to throw everything in the SUV and begin the two-hour journey. I had not done tons of planning for this shot but I had it in my mind’s eye. I decided to take my chances.
It was still light when I arrived, so I set up a rough composition. As dusk set in, the stars came out, and I started to recognize the ones familiar to me that I use to locate the Milky Way, beginning with Antares in Scorpio. I refined my composition a bit. The water was so calm, that I could now see the mirror-like reflection of Scorpio in the water. I had never been able to capture a reflection I was really thrilled with, but it looked like tonight might be the night.
This image is the end result of that night. I hope you like it.
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Brad goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone is comfortable and getting the help they need, both out in the field and in post-processing. He is always there to answer any questions and he does so with kindness and patience. The small class size is perfect, and because he does not bring his own camera to the workshops, it allows him to spend quality time with each participant. – Jenny
Brad bleeds excellence in everything photography-related. He is kind, intelligent, quick-witted, knowledgeable, but most of all, caring. At no additional cost, Brad offered to lead during extra nights when weather threatened planned photoshoot evenings. He purposefully left behind his camera to ensure focus on helping students.– Roger
I just attended my third Goldpaint Photography 5 day workshop in beautiful Mt. Shasta. That alone should tell you a lot about Brad’s workshops. I love Brad’s work professionally and love that he teaches his own processes to his students. He is the only instructor of workshops I have attended who does NOT bring his own camera. His full attention is on his students.– Patricia
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