Introduction
Hello! I’m Trey Ratcliff. Nice to meet you! I am commonly found here on the blog, and I am generally known for HDR Photography. I live in Austin. I have a wife and three human children. I have a book (to be released in December 2009) called “A World in HDR” from Peachpit. It’s cool. Trust me. Also, when it comes to HDR, I know what I’m doing. Trust me on that too.
We’ll be holding the workshop on Jan 9th and 10th in 2010. It will have two 8-hour days with lots of bonus time, if you so choose. More details below, of course
Registration – cost is $999 per attendee – SOLD OUT
Edit: We went live just after midnight at 12:46 AM. We sold out in 11 minutes. That is really great and I am excited as you guys are!
Did you miss out? Well, stay tuned. You might have seen we are making an HDR DVD of the workshop that will be available. To be sure you get one, sign up for our free Newsletter!
What will I receive at the workshop?
- A ton of one-on-one time with me. I’ll sit there with you until you get it. And you will.
- Two fun-filled days of shooting and post-processing
- A signed copy of my new book “A World in HDR“
- The Ultimate Version of the Textures Tutorial
- A big thumbdrive containing all materials, screencasts, etc from the workshop (good idea, huh?)
- An HDR DVD after the event with footage of the weekend (to be mailed after it is edited)
Who are the sponsors?
I only opened it up to sponsors of products that I actually use. I think that’s kind a nice way to do it.
- Nik Software – a cool software suite! See my Nik Software Review for more
- Canvas Press – you want your stuff printed on canvas don’t you? Sure you do! Canvas Press is the one I use!
- HDR Spotting – designed as a free and fun website to help artists get the attention they deserve and drive more traffic to cool blogs, portfolios, and websites. It’s still in beta, but you can go sign up now!
- If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Scott at globalwide@mac.com — he can get you the details you need.
Where is it?
The conference is here in beautiful and artsy Austin. I have a beautiful room for us all to meet in the Driskill. Do you know of this hotel? If not, you should! It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful and famous hotels in Texas. Something about just being inside of it – you feel awesome!
If you are flying in, we can get you a deal at the hotel. Those codes to come soon.
Below are a few HDRs (of course!) that I took of the hotel.
In case you are not familiar with the city, here are a few other shots from Austin.
When is it?
January 9, 2010 (Sat) and January 10, 2010 (Sun).
The main workshop hours will be 9 AM till 6 PM each day.
In addition, there is “Bonus time with Trey”! Hehe… what’s that?
- I want to make myself available after hours in case you want to make the most of your weekend
- On Friday night at 6 PM, meet me at the Driskill for dinner (I’ll buy). After that, we can have a casual photowalk through downtown, geek out, and just talk photography!
- On Saturday, after the day ends, I will not! I’ll stay late and help anyone out deep into the night. Even if no one needs any help, I’ll stay there and process my own photos on the big screen. Heck, it’s the same thing I do every night, so it will be fun to have you guys and gals around to ask questions.
- On Sunday, I’ll stay late again!
- (my family won’t be happy… but you will!)
What will I need?
You’ll need to come with a laptop installed with Photoshop and Photomatix Pro. I describe these tools and have discount codes for Photomatix in my HDR Tutorial here on the site.
You do not need to be an expert in either! I do ask that you have at least used Photoshop a little… and that you are familiar with the concept of “layers”. Basic tool knowledge would be good too!
There are some optional tools. These are not at all required. However, insofar as I want to show you some of the coolest stuff out there, i’ll be showing you how I use combinations of Noiseware, Nik Software, Topaz, Lucis Pro, Onone Suite, and maybe a few others. If you want to find out more about those or get discount codes, go to the Reviews area.
What’s Gonna Happen?
It will be a two-day workshop. I’m still choosing locations for shooting, but here is the general shape of the event:
- Saturday: 8 hours of HDR training. We’ll spend half the time shooting and half the time post-processing. Lots of one-on-one. We’ll also have a fun dinner together to cap off the night.
- Sunday: 8 more hours of HDR training. Some more shooting in the wild and more post-processing. A lot more one-on-one time. I’ll sit there with you at your computer until you nail this.
As for topics of discussion:
- Tonemapping until your eyes bleed sweet HDR. I will show you everything I know and go over common mistakes.
- A variety of shots from indoor to outdoor, daytime to nighttime
- Getting rid of halos
- Motion HDR – how to do it with a single RAW file
- How to make the HDR look realistic and not scare people.
- Good opportunities for Black and White with HDR.
Focus on Post-Processing
- I believe that the tone-mapping is only the first step. The master’s touch is in the post-processing.
- I’ll show you how I do these thing to my photos, the reasoning and thinking behind it, and more
- I’ll show you a wide variety of other tools that you might not have experienced. As noted above, they are not required.
It’s gonna be crowded, right?
No. I’m only inviting about 10-15 people. Quality of interaction is very important. I want everyone to come away thinking, “Wow, I think I just spent a little too much time with Trey. But now, my life is much more complete. And Austin has good Mexican food.”
What about travel and hotels and food?
Get yourself to Austin on Friday night so you are ready at 9 AM on Saturday. You can leave on Sunday any time after 5 PM. I’ll have a few hotel specials for you shortly.
We’ll have a group dinner together on Saturday night someplace cool and Austin-y. I’ll buy that. Otherwise, you are on your own to eat whatever and wherever you like… As we take lunch breaks, there are dozens of places all around downtown. You can come out with the group… or the group can split a few different ways… no worries… It’s very loosey-goosey like Austin.
Besides, as we wander around a the cool downtown area for lunch, we’ll go “the long way”, with cameras in hand, of course. You guys and gals like distressed textures, cool buildings, and interesting people, don’t you? It’s a great city for street photography!
How will the sessions be formatted?
We’ll have a nice room somewhere in downtown where we can post-process in peace. I’ll have my computer, a projector, and a screen. I’ll show you in detail how I do everything… over and over and over again. You’ll get it! And then, after I get through those bits, I’ll come around and help each and every person process their photos.
As for the shooting sessions, we’ll all be together taking photos of subjects around Austin that are ideal for HDR. You’ll take home some real winners. Wait till your family and friends see them. You’ll be a hero.
How much will it cost?
I’m still pricing it.
What’s HDR anyway?
Whoa! You made it this far and you aren’t sure? In the workshop, I’ll also go through why you don’t want to HDR Photoshop — that is not enough. Regulars already know that I suggest using Photomatix in the process. Here, I’ll show you some sample HDR shots. Now, I can’t guarantee that you will be making these kinda shots by the end of the workshop. That depends on YOU! 
November 4th, 2009 01:56 | A New HDR Workshop! Announcement!
[...] It’s true. I have a new HDR Workshop page that you can visit for a few more details. This is gonna be awesome. It’s the first time [...]
November 4th, 2009 04:10 | Dolby
Its sad i am on other side of the rock. Will be happy to know if you have any travel plans to Europe so that i can join you on a live session.
November 4th, 2009 06:55 | Alan Kesselhaut
What a great idea. I’ve been hoping that some day you would have workshops. Can’t make it to TX but if you take the tour East I’m in.
November 4th, 2009 07:26 | Cliff Baise
Yes! I’m totally in for this! Eagerly anticipating Nov. 13th to secure my spot!
November 4th, 2009 08:33 | Michael S. / MDSimages
Sounds very cool! January is normally kinda busy for me, but I will have to look at my schedule. If not this one, perhaps another. Definitely interested….good luck
November 4th, 2009 08:49 | John W
Yes, I can do this. I will try to register on Nov. 13th. Thanks Trey!
November 4th, 2009 09:14 | Sam Patel
Hey trey..
awesome idea..can’t wait to sign up..
Whatever the cost may be; i know it will be well worth it…
take care
sam
November 4th, 2009 09:47 | JD
Hope I can attend from Eastern Canada
November 4th, 2009 10:26 | Evangeline
Hopefully the cost is reasonable
I’m fairly new to photography and Photoshop so I still have a lot to learn. Would love to join depending on cost as I’m just a stone-throw away from Austin! Yehahh Texas! 
November 4th, 2009 10:35 | Cindy Williams
I’m in if I am lucky enough to get a slot.
November 4th, 2009 10:37 | Rod Cole
Count me in. I live in Austin.
November 4th, 2009 11:33 | mark daughn
Im very interested and very curious to see the tech used on people.
November 4th, 2009 11:35 | Peter
Lol -> did you think the germans are all hardcore-drinking? You’ve been on the Oktoberfest. Really funny. Sorry, if i live in Austin i would join the whole weekend, but i live in Stuttgart/Germany. You know the famous town of 1. wine (you are right with drinking) 2. Porsche and 3. Mercedes. Have fun.
November 4th, 2009 11:48 | Ryan Joy
This Austinite is very excited about this opportunity. Hopefully there will be room for me!
November 4th, 2009 11:51 | Scott Maccubbin
Trey, I know that you are incredibly busy, but this is a step in the right direction! A better step would be a HDR Webinar!
November 4th, 2009 11:55 | r.c. french
Tray, I just put 11/13 on my calendar. I can’t wait. Thanks
November 4th, 2009 12:13 | Bob Kerr
Very interested in the workshop.
November 4th, 2009 15:07 | Jeff Carsten
Trey — Sounds like a great idea. Would love to study with you. I’ll mark my calendar for 11/13. Thanx!
November 4th, 2009 15:20 | Mark Swindler
I’m also very interested! I’m in Odessa, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to get there…
November 4th, 2009 16:06 | 2 Lam
Trey! Thanks for the opportunity, I am very interested. I will mark this on my calender on 11/13 to sign up.
November 4th, 2009 16:33 | Trevor Driscoll
Wish I could come!
November 4th, 2009 17:17 | Noah
Hey Trey,
Been thinking a lot ‘how cool would it be if Trey did a workshop!’ Not sure I can make that one but please do others. I’m in Boulder Colorado. Maybe you could come here and we can do one out west. You bet I’ll be checking my schedule though for the January one and see if I can take the weekend off.
Cheers,
Noah
November 4th, 2009 19:17 | Susan Caplan
If only I could afford to go ANYWHERE these days…..but S Florida is a great place to visit in the wintertime……..
November 4th, 2009 19:31 | Scott
Can I use a compact digital with manual exposure control?
November 4th, 2009 20:47 | Adam Schmid
Depending on the price, I would be very interested in making the trip out there!
November 4th, 2009 20:53 | Janine Marie
Hi Trey ,
This is a wonderful idea and I would love to be able to attend , I would be flying in from Michigan . Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity for us to share in the magic that you do . =)
Janine
November 4th, 2009 22:17 | Stuck In Customs
Hehe thanks all – I am happy to get this feedback. I appreciate it.
I can’t make everyone happy I’m afraid! I hope you understand.
Scott – yes – as long as you can quickly take 3 exposures with no movement in between.
November 4th, 2009 23:46 | Patrick Hirscher
Hey Trey;Im game…easy trip from Long Beach..count me in please!
November 5th, 2009 01:20 | diana hudson
HDR is the BOMB!!!! I am so hooked on this I technique I have been shooting almost everything I see. But have found out that not everything is created equal with HDR. Thanks for all of the tutorials, they helped to confirm what I was doing. Would love to come to Austin for the class, I think you are going to be very busy on the 13th. When are you going to post the cost? A webinar is also a great idea. I have done several of those for other venues and it works great. Trey, thanks for sharing.
November 5th, 2009 02:15 | Taylor
Trey, I would LOVE to be there. Yet, it will come down to costs and logistics (coming from SF w/class on fridays and mondays). Will we know the cost before the 13th?
November 6th, 2009 01:24 | andie
I’d kill to go…well not kill..i wouldnt look good in an orange jumpsuit if i got caught, It would be a blast! HDR, Trey, and Austin…its a trifecta!
November 6th, 2009 12:16 | Stuck In Customs
That sounds great y’all.
On the 13th (midnight before – between Thur and Fri to be clear), I will announce cost, where it will be, what you get, etc etc.
November 6th, 2009 13:46 | Kerry
You do beautiful work, have admired your blog for a while now. I am very interested, depending on cost of workshop, hotel, plane, etc.
Would love the one-on-one interaction, but would also be willing to take a webinar if I couldn’t attend the seminar.
November 6th, 2009 16:31 | Jarrel Jimmerson
Trey,
I hope you see that there’s enough interest for more than one of these workshops. I, as well as some friends and co-workers of mine in the Austin area are interested…
Thanks,
Jarrel
November 8th, 2009 00:28 | The Alien Garden I Found on that Away Mission and a Woopra Review
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November 9th, 2009 21:17 | Sue Marriott
Sign me up. Keep me posted.
Sue
November 12th, 2009 02:01 | A View from the Ranch in Argentina and Guest Hosting on This Week in Photography
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November 12th, 2009 11:35 | Karl Fredrik Haugland
I wish I could have been there, but unfortunately, I’m (stuck)on the wrong continent. Ever thought about taking a trip to Norway?
November 12th, 2009 12:58 | Biggi
10 or 15 lucky people!
November 12th, 2009 23:18 | John Stebbins
This is so awesome, not only am I off work, I live in Austin! Excellent Trey! Been dying to learn more about this and these tools!
November 12th, 2009 23:39 | MEI a.k.a. Ciki
hey trey, i cannot come because i live in Malaysia but have a great workshop!
Oh and.. is it CHRISTMAS already?!! sheesh.. where did the year go..
November 12th, 2009 23:50 | MEI a.k.a. Ciki
i took a photo of the taj mahal on my recent trip there.. too bad it didn’t look anything close to yours.. LOL
November 13th, 2009 01:46 | diana hudson
I am having trouble getting through to the registration. Is it too early or too late or just too many people trying to get in at the same time. anyone reading this and knows please respond.
diana
November 13th, 2009 01:46 | Crossing the Bridge into Old Lyon and the HDR Workshop Registration Open!
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November 13th, 2009 01:47 | Squid Vicious
dang, out of my price range after plane ticket and hotel….
November 13th, 2009 01:48 | Greg
Darn, waited an hour for this! Looks like so much fun, but slightly above my pre-set limit.
November 13th, 2009 01:52 | diana hudson
Bingo, it went through. See you there. I’m so excited to be attending this workshop! Coming from Maui.
November 13th, 2009 02:03 | Cate
A bit out of my price range unfortunately but the book is not
Congratulations on the workshop and all of the great things that have been happening for you (to you? around you?)
November 13th, 2009 06:49 | Wes
Out of my range, too. But I bought anyway! Great opportunity to learn from the best. Glad I got through and registered. Worth every penny – can’t wait to get started!
November 13th, 2009 07:55 | JD
Sold out in 11 minutes! That’s amazing.
Congrats Trey
November 14th, 2009 20:01 | Lester
Couldn’t afford to go even though I only down the street in San Antonio.
But I’m very interested in a DVD of the course. For $1K that’s airfare to Europe for vacation – you gotta have priorities!
November 17th, 2009 03:20 | takkiwrites » Dreiländerbrücke – Passerelle des Trois Pays
[...] gefragt die Aufnahmetechnik HDR ist, zeigt die Tatsache, dass der HDR-Kurs von Trey Ratcliff trotz des Preises von 999 US Dollar innerhalb von elf Minuten komplett ausgebucht war. Trey [...]
November 18th, 2009 05:18 | Bob Voors
Wow, sorry I was too late. Please put me on the waiting list if anyone drops out or you decide to let one more in… Love your work. Thanks for your inspiration.
November 28th, 2009 13:22 | Anirudh Chaudhry
Please give me a heads up when you plan to come to India next. Would love to attend a workshop!!
January 2nd, 2010 12:33 | Steven Carvotta
Is the work shop in Tampa FL. still on PLEASE E-MAIL ME WITH DETAILS.
January 9th, 2010 01:43 | Getting a Bottle at the Bar
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January 15th, 2010 00:25 | Templestorm, and the Stunning Results from the HDR Workshop!
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