Bodie State Historic Park Photography Workshop 2024

Two-Day Photography Workshop: October 8th & 9th 2024

Join our exclusive two-day photography workshop at Bodie State Historic Park for a rare opportunity to capture the untouched interiors of buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Take advantage of this chance to capture the essence of Bodie’s history through your lens.

Your instructor, Gino Creglia, has over 25 years of experience as a photographer, color management consultant, and digital workflow expert.

Join us for private and exclusive access to INTERIOR BUILDINGS at the Bodie State Historic Park and Eastern Sierra Fall Color Photography (Lundy Lake, Virginia Lake, and June Lake Loop)

Please note we have no affiliation with Leica or Leica Akademie.

Gino’s two-day workshop at Bodie State Historic Park was excellent. We’d been to Bodie several times before, but having private access to the interiors of typically ‘off limits’ buildings made all the difference.
We started at Bodie before sunrise. Getting images of the buildings and old vehicles as the sun slowly illuminated everything was fantastic—a surprise we hadn’t anticipated.
With the sun up, we had exclusive access to several building interiors and got shots we never could have otherwise. We photographed until noon and had the park to ourselves for most of that time.
Gino’s tour also takes you to the South Tufa area of nearby Mono Lake. It is not to be missed if you’ve never been there, especially at sunrise.
Gino offers instruction and shooting tips if needed, allowing participants to ‘go at your own pace.’ His easy manner and no-stress approach made the workshop all the better. They are highly recommended!

Chris and Carolyn, Workshop Participants, September 2023

I attended the 2023 Bodie State Historic Park Workshop in September, which was outstanding. The workshop allowed VIP access to buildings inaccessible to the general public in the morning. Also, the workshop surrounds you with creative photographers, which enables you to collaborate with them in challenging light situations to help create an exceptional imaging experience with final images that are genuinely portfolio-worthy.
Gino, who led this workshop, created an environment for photographers who need more personal attention to achieve their vision and those who want a more hands-off “go for it” approach.
Thank you again for such a great experience. I look forward to the following LP Workshops soon.

Fred, Workshop Participant, September 2023

Bodie State Historic Park & Eastern Sierra Fall Color Photography Workshop Itinerary

October 7th

Meet & Greet in Lee Vining, CA, at 7:00 pm (Location TBD)

October 8th

Sunrise – noon: Exclusive access to the interior of the buildings at Bodie State Historic Park.

Note: Participants can stay at the park for additional photographic opportunities in the afternoon.

Sunset: East Tufas, Mono Lake
Dinner: Location TBD

October 9th

Sunrise: Navy Beach, Mono Lake
During the day: Eastern Sierra Fall Color Photography (Lundy Lake, Virginia Lake, and June Lake Loop)
Dinner: Location TBD

October 10th

Breakfast & Departures

Physical Requirements

This workshop requires walking or hiking several miles while carrying your photo gear. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about the workshop activity levels.

Gino has the following hiking gear for the workshop:

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles (TSA will not allow you to pack your hiking pole in your carry-on luggage. You must pack the hiking poles in your check-in luggage)
Garmin InReach Mini
Garmin epix™ (Gen 2) Smartwatch
Sunscreen
Hiking Ball Cap
Think Tank Photo BackLight Sprint Camera Backpack

Also, during your visit to the old Bodie State Historic Park buildings, please remember that dust and allergens may be present. It is essential to take precautions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and considering any personal allergies or sensitivities.

Please have a look at our Workshop Terms and Conditions.

What photographic equipment does Gino take when traveling to Bodie State Historic Park?

Leica Q3 and SL3 Camera
Nikon F3 & F100 with assorted number of Carl Zeiss lenses
Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens
Cable Release for the Leica SL3
Extra Camera Batteries and SD Cards
Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 Lens
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm f/2.8 ASPH Lens
Panasonic S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S. Lens
Ulanzi & COMAN Lightweight Travel Tripod
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
NiSi 75mm Professional Kit, NiSi 100mm v7 Advance Kit, and B+W Series color filters
16-inch MacBook Pro M1 Max

Note:

It’s important to note that you don’t need a specific camera system, such as a Leica digital or film camera, to attend the workshop. Your existing camera equipment is more than sufficient.
A comprehensive understanding of your camera equipment is vital for capturing exceptional photographs at our workshop. This knowledge empowers you to maximize the capabilities of your camera gear, make well-informed decisions in diverse shooting conditions, and unleash your creative potential. By knowing your camera’s functions, settings, and features, you will confidently navigate through menus, swiftly adjust settings, and effectively troubleshoot any technical issues with your camera system.

Weather Conditions

Before embarking on a journey to Bodie State Historic Park, workshop participants must know some vital information. First, I would like to point out that Bodie is prone to unpredictable weather conditions, such as frigid temperatures, rain, hail, and even snow. These weather elements can happen unexpectedly, so it is best to be prepared for any situation.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Bodie is situated at an elevation of nearly 8400 ft. This high altitude may raise health concerns for specific individuals. It is essential to be mindful of the potential effects of such an elevation on one’s well-being, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Because of these considerations, participants should take necessary precautions and come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear to tackle the varying weather conditions and potential challenges at Bodie’s altitude.

Here are some clothing recommendations for your trip:

Layered Clothing: Layering is critical since the weather can vary throughout the day. Start with a base layer, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, and add a fleece or sweater for extra warmth. A light jacket or windbreaker can be helpful for cooler mornings or evenings.
Pants and Shorts: Packing long pants and shorts is a good idea. During the day, temperatures can be warm enough for shorts, but it can cool down significantly as evening approaches. Opt for lightweight, quick-drying, or convertible pants that can be zipped off into shorts.
Rain Gear: September can bring occasional rainfall, so packing a waterproof jacket or a poncho is advisable. Getting waterproof pants or a rain cover for your backpack is also a good idea to keep your belongings dry.
Footwear: For exploring the Eastern Sierras, choose comfortable and sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Make sure they have good traction and ankle support for uneven terrain.
Headwear and Accessories: Bring a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun and sunglasses to shield your eyes. Additionally, consider bringing a lightweight scarf or bandana that can be used for sun protection, as a headband, or as a face covering if needed.
Other Essentials: Pack moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable during hikes. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect your skin from the intense sun at higher elevations. Also, carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your adventures.

Remember to check the weather forecast closer to your trip and adjust your clothing choices accordingly. It’s always better to be prepared for changing conditions in the mountains, around Lee Vining, Mono Lake, and Bodie State Historic Park.

Lodging

Lee Vining, California, is an excellent choice for lodging during our Bodie State Historic Park photography workshop. Near the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake, Lee Vining provides the perfect backdrop for capturing breathtaking images. The town offers a variety of lodging options, including cozy cabins, rustic lodges, and comfortable motels, providing participants with a relaxed and convenient stay during our photography workshop.

The following accommodations are top-rated by TripAdvisor:

Food

When venturing into isolated locations like Mono Lake and Bodie State Historic Park, planning and bringing your food for breakfast and lunch is essential. These remote areas do not have nearby dining options, making it necessary to be self-sufficient. Packing nutritious and easily portable meals ensures sustenance throughout the day’s activities. Consider granola bars, sandwiches, fruits, trail mix, and bottled water. Opt for non-perishable and lightweight food options that provide energy and keep you fueled for your adventures. Also, pack any necessary utensils, napkins, and reusable containers for a convenient and eco-friendly dining experience in these isolated locations.
Although the workshop fee does not cover meals, we encourage participants to join us for group dining. This allows us to gather together, discuss the day’s events, and be available to address any questions.

Spouse, Friend, Companion, or Child

Due to limited space availability, we must charge participants prices for spouses, friends, companions, or children.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about the workshop.