This year, we have been waiting for spring for some time but it is clearly on its way now and we can leave behind the grey days of mid-winter. Spring for photographers is a great time to refresh your skills and prepare for the photographic opportunities presented by nature.

In the coming month, there are a number of workshops and seminars to help you develop your vision, learn more about your camera and explore different types of photography. In Orillia, the Orillia and District Camera Club, in conjunction with the Orillia Museum of Art and History, is offering a workshop on April 12th, “You and Your Camera – Learning to See Creatively”. This workshop was sold out when it was first offered in February and provides a mix of classroom and hands-on experiences. To learn more about this workshop, call 705-326-2159.

That same weekend, just across the U.S. border, the Niagara Frontier Regional Camera Club Conference is being held on Grand Island, New York. This conference features George Lepp, a well-known nature and landscape photographer and a series of seminars on photographic and technical skills, For more information, see their program at www.nfrcc.org/convention.

Later in the month on April 26, the Latow Photographers’s Guild presents a seminar by Michael Reichman on “Photography and Technology”. Michael Reichmann authors the popular and informative web site, luminous-landscape, and this seminar promises to be stimulating and thoughtful for all interested in wherephotography is heading in the future.

Many camera stores, such as Henrys and Vistek, also offer courses for both the beginner and advanced photographer. Henrys, for instance, offers on a regular basis, a 3 hour beginners’ course. Other courses explore different software used in photography. Vistek has also just released its spring schedule for their Saturday seminars. Many winter courses at community colleges will likely be coming to an end in April. However, this is a good time to plan ahead and see what is offerred for next semester.