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Pittsburgh Photography Blog

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WDO Photography’s May Nature Photography Meetup

Do you love nature and/or nature photography? Join me, professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey for my free monthly nature photography meetup in Pittsburgh’s beautiful Frick Park! Join me, professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey, for my exciting, fun, and unpredictable monthly nature photography meetup.
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Street Photography Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh

Explore the streets of downtown Pittsburgh, capture tons of amazing photos of people, locations, action, and so much more with me, Pittsburgh photographer Don Orkoksey. Join me and a like-minded group of other street photography enthusiasts as we criss-crossing the Golden Triangle taking interesting photos of people, buildings, and whatever else catches our attention.
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April Nature Photography Meetup in Frick Park

The April Nature Photography Meetup Join me, pro photographer Don Orkoskey for the April edition of my monthly free nature photography meetups in Frick Park on April 14th Join the April Nature Photography Meetup in Frick to photograph budding flowers, amazing wildlife, and more! WHEN April 14th 2024 from 9:30 am to approx. 11:30 am. Please note, I will be there from start to finish but we’re never more than 15 minutes from the parking lot so you can leave at any time. Additionally, Frick is an amazing public park and you’re welcome to stay for as long as you’d like even after I’ve left if you’d like. WHERE Please meet us at the end of the promenade (around the benches) beyond the Frick Environmental Center at the entrance to the meadow. There is ample free parking in and around this area including a large lot under the solar panels and parallel parking in front of the gatehouses. The address is 2005 Beechwood Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15217. COST This event is free but donations are greatly appreciated. You can buy a ticket that includes a donation or donate at the event through cash, Venmo, or any other means you’d prefer.
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Spring Landscape Photography Workshop

NOTICE: DATE CHANGED FROM APRIL UNTIL MAY Learn how to create powerful landscape photos at the Spring Landscape Photography Workshop by WDO Photography Learn to create incredible landscape photographs at the Spring Landscape Photography Workshop from me, nature photographer Don Orkoskey. This two day workshop will include an easy to follow information session on Saturday May 25th followed by an outdoor, hands-on, landscape photography session at one of the Pittsburgh area’s best landscape locations on Sunday the 26th. Participants are also invited to join a private online group via Google Classroom which will feature downloadable of all learning materials and the opportunity to share their photos with other students. This is a once-a-year event, don’t miss your chance to join my Spring Landscape Photography Workshop!   Landscape Photography Workshop Details When: May 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and May. 26th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Where: WDO Studios 7120 Harrison Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15218 Is this class for me: Everyone interested in landscape photography is welcome. It is advisable to have either a DSLR or Mirrorless camera and a tripod but phone photographers are also welcome. This class is open to beginners but experienced photographers won’t be disappointed as
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Total Eclipse Photography Trip

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime event at Pymatuning State Park! Come capture incredible photos of the total solar eclipse! On April 8th a total solar eclipse will take place across North America and Pymatuning State Park falls within the path. This is the last total solar eclipse we’ll see in the US until 2024! Grab your camera and your eclipse filters and join me and lots of other photographers in Pymatuning State Park to photograph this once-in-more-than-a-decade event. Bring a tripod and a friend! Do NOT forget a solar filter. You can buy them on Amazon for only a few dollars. Here are two inexpensive options: https://amzn.to/3wsd0HNhttps://amzn.to/42Tzj5c I’d also recommend bringing some strong graduated neutral density filters and a polarizing filter as well. The area is fairly flat, on a large lake, and very scenic. It will make for some really cool photos with the eclipse as a focalpoint. Having graduated ND filters will allow you to capture the eclipse in the landscape. Too, I’m always happy to help you get them set up as long as you’re there before the eclipse begins. Total Eclipse Times The eclipse itself with begin around 2:00 pm. The moon will totally
Featured image for “Abstract Nature Photography Workshop”

Abstract Nature Photography Workshop

Come experience the magic making experimental abstract nature photographs at the abstract nature photography workshop from WDO Photography. Push the nature photography envelop Join this incredibly fun experimental abstract nature photography workshop and use your camera like you never have before. Make magical photos at the Abstract Nature Photography Workshop. If you’re feeling limited or like you’re playing it safe with your photography this workshop will set you free. In contrast, maybe you’re interested in photography, or nature photography specifically but aren’t sure where to start. Either way, this workshop is for everyone. Regardless of your photographic skills and knowledge you’ll LOVE this class. What is Abstract Nature Photography? Abstract nature photography is a way to explore the natural world in an entirely new way. Typically, in nature photography, we’re trying to find ways to capture clear, easy to understand photos. However, abstract nature photography gives us the chance to experiment with the natural world. In that, through abstraction, we can focus on shapes, colors, contrast, time, or other less concrete ideas. Therefore, our final photo doesn’t have to be recognizable. Class Details When: March 17th, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm Where: WDO Photography Studios 7120 Harrison Ave. Pittsburgh, PA
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Backyard Bird Photography Workshop

Be ready for Spring by learning how to photography birds right in your own backyard! Backyard Bird Photography Workshop Come join this exciting and hands-on Backyard Bird Photography Workshop at WDO Photography Studios! Learn from me, nature photographer Don Orkoskey. Find out just how easy bird photography can be! First, learn all the tricks to amazing bird photography. Then find out what tools will help you take better bird photos. Finally, practice photographing birds right outside your backdoor! Plus, we’ll be creating incredible pictures during the workshop! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder and/or photographer, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills. Take your bird photography to the next level at the Backyard Bird Photography Workshop! During this in-person workshop, you’ll learn how and where to set up your camera for amazing compositions. Plus I’ll guide you through the camera settings you need to freeze birds in flight. In addition, we’ll discuss common bird behavior. For example, I’ll help you learn the signs that a bird is about to take off. The workshop kicks off at 09:30 Sunday morning on March 10. First we’ll spend about an hour in the studio learning. After that we’ll venture into
Featured image for “Pittsburgh Phone Photography Workshop”

Pittsburgh Phone Photography Workshop

Get creative with your phone, feel confident, and less frustrated after this fun and informative phone photography workshop. Unleash Your Inner Photographer in this Phone Photography Workshop 📸 First, embark on a transformative journey into the captivating world of phone photography in this expert-led class! In an era where your smartphone is not just a device but a powerful creative tool, this course is designed to elevate your photography skills to new heights. Unlock Creativity with Every Click: Then discover the art of turning everyday moments into extraordinary photographs. Learn how to see the world through the lens of your phone, capturing the beauty that surrounds you in ways you never imagined. From composition and framing to lighting and angles, this workshop will provide you with the fundamentals of photography, ensuring you create the perfect shot every time. Unleash Your Phone’s Potential: Your smartphone is equipped with a powerhouse of features waiting to be harnessed. Pro photographer Don Orkoskey will guide you through your settings, teaching you to optimize your camera capabilities. Whether you own an iPhone or Android, Don will help you navigate through the technicalities, ensuring you make the most of what you have. Hands-On Learning with Immediate
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Northern Exposure: Winter Landscape Photography Workshop

Join Northern Exposure: Winter Landscape Photography Workshop with professional nature and wildlife photographer Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography
Featured image for “February Nature Photography Meetup”

February Nature Photography Meetup

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Frick Park at WDO Photography’s Monthly Nature Photography Meetup. The February Nature Photography Meetup is part of my series of free nature meetups in Frick Park. Join me, nature photographer Don Orkoskey along with others interested in nature photography. Learn and explore our amazing Frick Park! Everyone is welcome, regardless of camera and equipment, skill level, age, and ability. Many first timers become long time attendees so please join us!   NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY MEETUP DETAILS WHEN Feb 25th 2024 from 9:30 am to approx. 11:30 am. Frick is an amazing public park and you’re welcome to stay for as long as you’d like but if you need to leave early we’re never more than a few minutes from the ample free parking. WHERE Please meet us at the end of the promenade (around the benches) beyond the Frick Environmental Center at the entrance to the meadow. There is ample free parking in and around this area including a large lot under the solar panels and parallel parking in front of the gatehouses. The address is 2005 Beechwood Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15217. COST This event is free but donations are greatly appreciated. You can buy
Featured image for “Portrait Photography Masterclass – The Intentional Portrait”

Portrait Photography Masterclass – The Intentional Portrait

Our first workshop of 2024 will be a hands-on demonstration of tools and techniques to level up your portrait photography. Whether you photograph executives, high school seniors, moms, and dads, or somewhere in between, this workshop will help set you apart with new techniques in creative lighting, posing, and intentionality. We will go into precise details on every set-up and approach so, by the end of the day, you will master these methods that you can use on your next commission. Our model for the workshop will be actor John Siciliano. John has appeared on television in Blue Bloods, ER, Bull, The Rookie, NCIS, and many more. He recently returned from New York, where he starred on Broadway in War Worlds. We will begin promptly at 10:00 am in my Braddock studio. Plan to come early; the coffee starts pouring at 9:30 am. We will have a lunch break at The Brassero Grill mid-day. They offer a wide variety of options to accommodate any dietary requirements. Lunch is not included in the workshop fee, so if you decide not to purchase food, no problem; please join us for an open conversation during the lunch hour. After lunch, we will dive
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Capturing Your Love: Valentine’s Day Couples Photography Workshop

Enjoy this unique experience together, learn how to see and photograph each other, how to pose, and take home a special gift afterwards. Love, intimacy, and attachment increase when we spend time looking at each other’s eyes. Strengthen your bond while having fun learning photography together in this unique workshop. Learn everything you need to know to create amazing photos of each other and yourselves as a couple. Learn about posing, lighting, choosing backgrounds, and take home a set of 5×7 prints of your favorite photos of each other. Class Structure Couples will be taught how to use any camera, from their phone to DSLR and mirrorless cameras to create the best photos of each other. We’ll discuss how, through eye contact, we can increase our love and create photos that capture that love in ways that no other photograph could. After learning how couples will put their new skills to work creating incredible portraits of each other in the studio with my assistance. Each set of couples will have time to pose, light, and take a number of photos of each other and to learn how to use the timer on their cameras to take better couple selfies. Finally
Thank you for reading the Pittsburgh Photography Blog by me, Don Orkoskey of WDO Photography! If you want more great stuff check out my other website Orkoskey.com or my social profiles at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.