The Newport-based studio, Onne van der Wal Photography, manages an extensive collection of stock and fine art photography of over one million photographs, including images of the most spectacular classic yachts, the sleekest racing machines, quiet harbors and fabulous beaches, icebergs, and wildlife. In Summer 2009, Onne started offering Photo Workshops to give insight into his photography.
Summer Workshops on the Water with Onne van der Wal Photography - Photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal Photography
The studio has had a huge success with 4 years of “Workshops on the Water”, held over the summers since 2009. These unique workshops bring shutter bugs and working pros out on the water to shoot lighthouses boats and coastal scenes of Narragansett Bay from aboard a beautifully restored lobster boat, The M/V Gansett.
Summer Workshops on the Water from aboard The M/V Gansett - Photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal Photography
2013 SUMMER DATES FOR WORKSHOPS ON THE WATER:
• Wed. June 26 – Nautical Newport
o From approximately 3-730pm – Shooting lighthouses, Newport harbor, Wednesday night racing, the bridge and many boats on the water
• Sat. August 31 – Classic Yacht Regatta
o From approximately 10a-330pm – Shooting the Classic Yacht Regatta – wooden boats racing mostly in the Bay and near the bridge
• Sat. Sept 28 – 12 Metre North American Championships
o From approximately 10a-330pm – Shooting 12 Metre NA Regatta – Newport’s 12 metre yachts and many from abroad racing mostly in the Bay and near the bridge
COST: $595 and a $50 discount if registered by 5/31 ($545)
INCLUDES: An afternoon- evening or day on the water with Onne limited to 15 photographers to ensure individual instruction (boat holds 49 passengers so there is plenty of room to shoot). Onne shoots and discusses his shots as he goes along. He wanders the boat offering help with your own gear – your questions and offers tips and tricks.
Dinner or Lunch (depending on which WS) is included. Choice of Lobster Roll or Turkey Club plus snacks (fruit, chips, cookies) and drinks (water, soft drinks, beer and wine included). The studio also raffles a framed gallery print and has “Swag Bags” of goodies from its photo sponsors like LowePro, Manfrotto, Canon, Lexar, Onne’s Gallery and more. The meeting point is at the Gallery at 1 Bannister’s Wharf a half hour prior to the boat’s departure to have an intro session, go over a few things with Onne and then walking down to the boat at Bowen’s Wharf all together. It is a short walk and there is a parking lot adjacent to the gallery.
Photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal Photography
ABOUT THE BOAT: “Gansett” is a stable, comfortable boat with cushioned bench seating, a hard top over the bottom deck (shade!) and a top deck which is higher for great shooting perspective. You can also shoot from the Bow. Capt. Jeff is an excellent captain and with Onne’s guidance puts everybody in the best spot for action, good light and great timing. There is a central area on the bottom deck for storage of camera bags (soft bags only – no cases please and NO TRIPODS). Must wear boat friendly shoes and bring jackets and sunscreen.
WHAT TO BRING: Bring it all! Bring every lens you can fit into your bag and many people also rent a lens that they might not have in their arsenal. Onne lends his CANON lenses to those with Canon bodies so you can try out his 300mm or an extender or a 17-35 or a 14mm etc. No hard (Pelican type) cases, no tripods, and no flashes needed for the most part. Bring a rag to wipe salt spray off your lenses – it happens – even though the boat is a fairly dry ride! Bring your polarizer if you like and definitely bring as many CF Cards as possible! You’ll need them!
Photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal Photography
ABILITY/ WHO CAN COME: Anyone with a DSLR camera and a basic understanding of how to use it is welcome. NO point and shoots. The studio will allow up to 5 “riders” to come along (spouses, kids over 8, friends) but they cannot shoot. They will have to stay out of the way of everyone with a camera and will have to move around a lot to do so. Onne will not spend any time with them. The studio understands sometimes it’s hard to leave your spouse ashore when you get to go have all the fun! They will be served the same food and beverage and their discounted rate is $300. If you have a disability or mobility issue, you will be comfortable on the lower deck and will have plenty of good shooting from there.
PAYMENT and REFUND POLICY: Payment in full is due at time of registration. ($595 with a $50 discount before 5/31 – also $50 OFF for repeat students!) by check, credit card or cash. You can choose to apply a gift certificate you might have or purchase one for someone for the whole or partial amount. IF you need to cancel – the studio will refund your deposit if it is at least 30 days prior to the event. If you cancel inside of 30 days the studio will issue you a CREDIT to use towards another workshop.
Photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal Photography
WEATHER and CANCELLATION: Each event has a weather day built in on either side of the studio’s scheduled trip. Onne tries to use the day AFTER the event but in some cases might choose to go a day prior. The studio will give as much notice as possible and will be in contact with everyone as the dates approach. Weather days are used when it will be uncomfortable for students to be on the water. High winds, rain and storms will delay our workshop. Clouds and light rain will NOT. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
ACCOMODATION in Newport: If you need a room while in town, Bannister’s Wharf – where Onne’s office and gallery is located – has lovely rooms right on the dock and Newport Harbor. They have offered the studio’s students a discount on their room rates for these workshops with the EXCEPTION of the Sept 28th date when the 12 Metre crews and boats take over the dock and the rooms. Please call ALI at Bannister’s Wharf 401-846-4500 to request a room and your discounted rate. Please mention you are with ONNE’s workshop and she will help you. There is a Marriott and Hyatt in town as well as a number of great B&B’s which are in walking distance of the gallery.
Photo courtesy of Onne van der Wal Photography
QUESTIONS? Call or email KRISTIN at 401-846-9552 / Kristin@vanderwal.com
An email with details about each class is sent out approx. 2 weeks prior to confirm your space (again) and to provide all the necessary info for the class.
