Private NiSi Filter Starter Session — Los Angeles & SoCal Coast
Master the art of long-exposure photography and commanding dynamic light control with an official NiSi USA Ambassador. Whether you are looking to capture silky water motion, tame high-contrast coastal skies, or completely demystify your gear during the magical windows of sunrise or sunset, this hands-on, 1-on-1 field session is tailored specifically to your goals.
The Ultimate "Try Before You Buy" Experience: As an official NiSi USA Ambassador, Chris Crosby provides elite, authorized guidance on modern filter systems. Don't own a filter system yet? Skip the guesswork and the expensive trial-and-error. I will provide premium NiSi Filter Systems for you to test-drive live on your own camera body in the field. If you already own a system, you will learn how to optimize your setup for flawless, professional results.
Please Note: Loaner filter systems are available for standard lens filter thread sizes (67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm). If your lens requires a specialized or custom adapter size, please contact me before booking to verify compatibility.
The 2-Hour Session Investment: From $349 (Please note: Post-processing instruction is not included.)
The Alumni Benefit: Returning clients are the heartbeat of my workshops. If you have taken a session or workshop with me before, you receive a 10% Alumni Discount on all private bookings. Just mention you're an alumnus when filling out the scheduling form, and I will manually apply the discount to your custom invoice.
The Glass & Exposure Curriculum
This targeted field intensive strips away the confusion of choosing, stacking, and calculating filters. Depending on your current skill level, your 2-hour session will focus directly on:
The Exposure Math: Exactly how to calculate your shutter speed when dropping a 6-stop, 10-stop, or 15-stop ND filter in front of your lens without guessing.
Graduated NDs Demystified: How to perfectly position Soft, Medium, Hard, or Reverse Graduated filters on complex, uneven coastal horizons to completely tame blown-out skies.
Polarization Control: Learning how to properly rotate a landscape circular polarizer to slice through glare on wet rocks, reveal hidden tidepool depths, and saturate coastal tones.
Frictionless Field Workflow: Camera hacks to mount, stack, and switch filters quickly in rapidly changing light without dropping expensive glass or causing vignette issues.
Advanced Light Balancing: Precision exposure bracketing combined with physical filtration to capture high-dynamic-range scenes perfectly in-camera.
Staging Environments & Logistics
Booking & Curation
Private NiSi filter starter sessions are fully customized around your specific schedule and seasonal light. To request a session, click the "Inquire to Book" button above to submit your photography goals, gear details, and preferred dates on our main Scheduling Hub. Chris will personally review your intake form, cross-reference the local tide and light charts, and reach out via email to finalize your optimal field date and arrange a secure digital invoice.
Dynamic Southern California Locations
Long-exposure and dynamic light photography require the perfect blend of moving water and dramatic coastlines.
Standard Included Locations: Sessions take place at handpicked coastal and urban hubs within a 20-mile radius of Long Beach (including the dynamic tide pools of Palos Verdes, San Pedro's industrial coastlines, and North Orange County beaches).
Custom Regional Locations: Want to shoot at a specific location outside this radius (such as Malibu, Laguna Beach, or beyond)? Custom locations can easily be arranged based upon a fair extra fee for extended travel.
Transportation: Meet directly at the designated coastal or landscape boundary location. Transportation to, from, and during the workshop tracking is not provided unless explicitly organized in advance.
What to Bring
DSLR or mirrorless camera with lenses (wide angle and telephoto recommended)
Sturdy tripod & remote shutter release
Extra memory cards and fully charged batteries
Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for wet rocks
Your current filter system. (If you don't have a system, I will provide a premium NiSi setup to test-drive. Loaner kits strictly support standard filter ring sizes: 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, or 82mm. If your lens uses a non-standard thread or an integrated bulbous hood, you will need to bring your own compatible system.)
Weather, Light, & Rescheduling Policy
True landscape photography thrives on dynamic weather. Our sessions proceed through overcast skies, coastal mist, and breaking storms, as these conditions frequently yield the most dramatic light. However, safety and exceptional image-making are always the top priorities. In the event of heavy, non-stop downpours or dangerous surf conditions, we will collaboratively reschedule your session to an optimal backup date. Chris maintains a dedicated level of schedule flexibility for private clients to ensure your field experience takes place under the best possible sky.
What Clients Say
“I just picked up photography and wanted to learn from a professional so I found Chris and booked a photo shoot at the beach to learn how to get that flowing water at sunset. I met Chris 2 hours before sunset and went over some basic camera functions and settings. He also taught me how to plan for a location to shoot, clouds, and tides. He is a master at his craft and is a very good teacher. He was on time, professional and friendly....”
-Joe B., Yelp Review
Questions & Customizations
Reach out to Chris using the form below, or check out the master FAQ at the bottom of the main Private Workshops page for immediate answers to common questions
Explore Other Private Experiences
Sunrise & Sunset Landscape Masterclass
SoCal Coastal, Urban & Mountain Locations // Private Field Coaching: $495
Master the art of capturing dramatic golden hour transitions. Learn tactical dynamic range management, advanced composition rules, and how to read natural light to transform standard landscapes into striking, professional-grade fine art.
Private Photo 101 & DSLR Basics
Los Angeles & Orange County // 1-Hour Focus Session: $125
Stop letting manual mode intimidate you. Master the exposure triangle, optimize your camera’s custom menus, and learn to capture sharp, creative images in a relaxed, hands-on environment tailored entirely to your personal pace.