Workshops typically start on the evening of the first day of the workshop, with introductions and orientation, and then we go into full swing the next morning. Workshops usually end after the morning shoot on the last day. This is just typical.

Except for strictly field workshops, we usually try to have two or three afternoon or evening critique/teaching sessions. These are often in a classroom situation, though if the group is small, we'll often do most of the teaching in the field and/or a hotel room. We also have handouts to supplement teaching programs. We teach based on digital SLR and 35mm film cameras. We cover both film and digital techniques, including Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. In the field we try to demo any techniques talked about in class, and help participants practice those techniques.

A typical day starts with getting up early for a sunrise shoot (really, really early in late spring and summer) that usually lasts for a couple of hours or a long as the light lasts. Depending on the location we might go to a mid-morning shoot or break for breakfast/brunch/lunch.
Mid day, when the light isn't at its best is reserved for classroom teaching and critiques or naps. Naps are good. Especially in mid-June when you're getting up at insane o'clock and going to bed at stupid o'clock.
Late afternoon we head out again for a late light location. Dinner is usually before or after, depending on the time of year and the location. Some people bring dinner with them.

Some locations are more conducive to mid-day shooting and some to early and late shooting and some to both. Weather can change plans and participants need to be flexible. The main point is that the schedule will be driven mainly by location conditions and weather.

Meals are usually on your own though often the group will eat together

Teaching sessions are driven by the needs of the participants. Subjects may include, but are not limited to:

• Exposure

• Filters

• Composition and seeing

• Photographing with digital processing in mind

• Using graduated neutral density filters

• Using the Depth of Field Preview button

• Hyperfocal technique for wide angle landscapes

• Fill-flash

• Close-up techniques

• Equipment

• Photoshop skills

• Marketing

• more.....

Critiques are very laid back and informal, though the critiques are honest and we offer suggestions on how an image can be improved. More importantly, we offer things to think about for the next time you find yourself in a similar situation. After the group gets to know each other, critique sessions evolve (or devolve, depending on your viewpoint) into group discussions. It can be a lot of fun.  Digital files are preferred for critiques but you can bring prints as well. If you bring slides, please also bring a way to view them, like a small light table and loupe.For digital images, please follow the guidelines posted here.

Speaking of critiques, it's a lot more valuable if you bring images that you have questions about or images that just didn't work for some reason. Bringing just your top notch images may get oohs and ahhs, but you don't really learn anything from them.

We probably won't be doing our own photography during workshops. We're here to help you. In the field we'll sometimes set up shots to demonstrate different techniques, but usually we're looking through your cameras and making suggestions or asking questions. That being said, if something really spectacular is happening...GET OUT OF THE WAY!! (Just kidding. Sort of.)

In the field we may need to hike to various locations. Or the locations may not have the most stable footing. We're often at stream sides or walking across sandstone slickrock. Most hikes will be from one half to three miles round trip. We try to choose trails that would be easy to moderate for someone in average shape. That being said, most of our shooting locations are relatively close to the cars.

Our goal in teaching is to help you improve your photography for a lifetime, not to get you a few pretty shots; pretty shots are easy to get if you have an instructor by your side. Our aim is for you to get photographs you’ll always be proud of.

Click here for some tips on shooting at the Triple "D" Game Farm

Lodging, Transportation, and Meals

Unless otherwise noted, lodging, transportation and meals are not included in the workshop/tour price.

© Rod Barbee

Waterfall in the Temple of Sinewava, Zion National Park, UT

About traveling spouses

Non-photographing spouses and companions are more than welcome at any of our workshops. Occasionally we won't be able to accommodate them in all activities due to space constraints in classrooms or arranged tours.