Don Gale

Type of Photography:
Primarily Nature and Landscape.
However, my background includes over 30 years of product, portrait and marketing and advertising shooting

Favorite Camera and Lens:
Tamron lenses, and most recently the newer Nikon DSLR’s

Favorite Tripod set:
For most jobs…the Manfrotto Neo Tec with the Hydrostatic ball head.
And, when gear weight becomes an issue, the Manfrotto or Gitzo Carbon Fiber and other lightweight versions can’t be beat. They just released a tripod that’s designed for saltwater exposure! This is huge!

Activity:
My most common assignment now is involving teaching classes to Workshop groups around the world. The main focus of instruction is placing emphasis on the proper techniques needed to shoot an image so that minimal post production is needed. My main area of expertise is in the ability to evaluate light, and analyze which modifications are needed to refine the overall balance, prior to shooting

City – Country:
Los Angeles, California. USA

Awards:
In my past life, I was a wedding photographer…..and received the first ever WPPI International Wedding Photographer of The Year Award.

Publications:
Featured tech articles in Rangefinder, Outdoor Photographer, PC Photo….numerous images associated with major camera industry manufacturers advertisements

Website:
www.PhotographyByDon.com

Blog:
contained within website…..Tips and Techniques

Product Testimonial:
I’ve been a lifelong user of the Manfrotto line of products. I was trained by some well known Hollywood shooters, and they were using this gear. That was the only recommendation I needed. Now as an instructor and seminar speaker, I enjoy having students contact me after making a purchase, based on my recommendation. They are NEVER disapointed

Camera equipment:
Camera bodies now include my trusty Fuji S-5 and newer Nikon D-3
Favorite lenses are the Tamron 17-50/ 2.8 and their 28-75/ 2.8 and the longer 70-200/ 2.8

Lighting Equipment:
My on-camera units are the Metz 58’s. Modified with the Lastolite EZ Boxes and LumiQuest modifiers.
When more horsepower is required in a field situation, the Elinchrom Rangers are the choice.

BIOGRAPHY
His expertise in the areas of commercial, industrial and portraiture photography already firmly established, Don returned to the field that first inspired him to become a photographer, nature and landscape. Since that time over ten years ago, Don has shared with students his experience and the techniques used to capture some of the most beautiful settings and wildlife in the country.
Don’s passion for what he does, in both his teaching and his award-winning photography, has earned him national recognition. Numerous articles and interviews have appeared featuring Don and his work, on air and in such publications as Outdoor Photographer, Rangefinder, Studio Photography and Viewfinder.

When not out in the field, Don is a faculty member teaching at Tri Community Photography and was recently invited to teach photography at the new REI Outdoor School established for the LA Area. This is in addition to his ongoing workshops, seminars, lectures and exhibitions.

With the increased resources offered by the Internet, instruction is not limited to a single physical location. Don’s blog allows anyone to view tips and techniques at their convenience. Through the collaborative efforts of companies with a similar dedication to photography, Don has been able to extend the range of photographic instruction. Don’s continuing participation in programs such as; Fuji’s “Talent Team”, Tamron’s “Learning Center – Lessons, Podcasts & National Workshops”, Nik Software’s “Team Nik”, ExpoDisc’s “Tips From the Pros”, Lexar’s “Elite Photographers”, Bogen’s “Local Heroes”, FJ Westcott’s “ProTips”, etc. typify his commitment to the art form. (Would you like to mention the Manfrotto School of Excellence?)

Don has released two instructional videos. The second video, “Photographing San Francisco and California’s Central Coast” was released by Don Gale Productions in conjunction with Tamron, and was a Telly Awards Winner for best “How To” instructional video as well as the Axiem Award Winner for “Best Editing”. A new video is currently in the final production stages.