Is a photo workshop for me?

If you enjoy making friends with a number of new people from all around the country who all have the same interest in photography as you, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.  If you want to learn more about photography and improve your photographic skills in a fun-loving and supportive environment, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.  If you want to travel to amazingly beautiful and photographically stunning locations without ever having one worry about where to go and when to photograph, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.  If you want to arrive back home with a smorgasbord of amazing images to share with your family and friends, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.  Or if you simply like photography and want an excuse to get away, then YES, a Natural Connections Photo Workshop is for you.

What are the benefits of participating in a Photo Workshop?

• It is a Distinctive Vacation - not everyone thinks to take a photo workshop for a vacation, but it is indeed a great choice.  Amazing locations, amazing photos, amazing people and just plain having fun.  What could be better??
• Travel With Others - often individuals are looking to take a vacation, but don't want to travel by themselves.  A photo workshop is the PERFECT answer to this dilemma.  None of the insecurities of solo travel are involved with a photo workshop. We go to great locations, show you great photo opportunities, and you get to do it with others around you - others who are looking for the exact same adventure as you.
• New Friends and New Contacts - there is no better way of getting to know other photographers than taking a photo workshop.  You will meet and develop relationships with people you would have never thought could enter your life. Plus, it is amazing how much participants end up learning from each other as well.
• No Research Necessary! - This is a great one...all you have to do is sign up and get yourself to the location.  After that, it is all taken care of.  We do all of the research necessary to get you to the right place at the right time.  Just concentrate on your camera and the gorgeous scenery around you.  The places we take you to are places that you would not necessarily find on your own. And the photos that result will reflect that.
• Education - Sure, you could plan a trip to one of these places yourself.  You could go through all of the trouble to find out where to be at the right time, but what you don't get in that instance is the assistance of a knowledgeable and skilled instructor who can help you with your questions in the field - questions that affect your photography at that decisive moment.  On one of our workshops, we are there for you.  No worries....if you panic in the field, we are there to help you work through it and to help you capture the best images you possibly can.  And when not in the field, you will learn how to work with your images on a computer as well.
• Feedback - we give constructive and immediate feedback on your daily photo shoot results.  With two instructors reviewing your images you will receive constructive comments and guidance on how to make your images even better. 

What is a typical day like during your workshops?

First we need to distinguish between Tours and Workshops.  Tours are generally shorter workshops that have guided shooting and field instruction.  There may or may not be a lecture and/or image processing down time.  This will depend on the location and length of the workshop.

For the longer workshops, our days begin early as you will start your day with a sunrise shoot.  After your AM shoot you will have the opportunity to eat breakfast, fill up with caffeine and then meet up with the group for the classroom lecture de jour.  Early afternoons will find you downloading your images from the day and submitting several samples for the afternoon critique session.  After the PM session you will find yourselves once again back out in the field for a sunset field shoot.  After this shoot, the evening will be yours to do with as you wish -- eat, socialize, download, process images - or dare we say, even sleep. 

This is the general outline for most of our workshops.  Some workshops may deviate from this pattern a bit depending on the amout of activities planned and the need for travel during the workshop, but for the most part this is a typical day.  

Do your instructors shoot during the workshop?

No how, no way!  Our workshops are about the students - period.  Our instructors will not do any of their own shooting during the workshop.  In our opinion, any workshop company that allows otherwise is simply not a professional outfit.

You will, however, see the instructors with their cameras out from time to time - but this is only so they can photograph the activities of the students during the workshops and prepare a fun farewell slideshow to be shown on your final day.   

What camera equipment should I bring?

 This tends to be the million-dollar question these days as new and improved camera models are announced faster than you can recharge the battery to your old one. 

We will say this now, and you will hear it from your instructors time and time again - It isn't the camera - it's the photographer.  The very basic amount of necessary equipment is a camera with at least one zoom lens, your camera instruction manual and a sturdy tripod.  With that said, there is a general list of equipment that will help you make the most of any photo workshop:

• SLR or DSLR Camera body with various lenses (zoom lenses work well - wide angle and telephoto)
• Macro lens or close up filters for close up work
• Lens shades for all lenses
• Filters - *circular polarizer, split neutral density or *circular neutral density filters
• Camera backpack or photo bag - something comfortable to carry your equipment for up to two miles
• Spare camera batteries and battery charger
• Multiple memory cards
• Card reader
• Instruction Manuals - every camera is different and your instructor will need this to help you with camera-related questions
• Tripod (head and legs)
• Camera and lens cleaning supplies
• Cable release/Remote
• Rain cover for camera and lenses - we do not stop shooting for inclement weather, so be sure to bring a waterproof cover for your camera - nothing fancy needed, large ziplock bags will even do.
• Diffusion Disk/Reflector
• Flash

**Note:  The above listed equipment is not an all-inclusive list nor is it a mandatory list.  Bring what you have - although you may want to invest in the minimum of a circular polarizer if you don't currently have one. 

What if I don't have a camera with interchangeable lenses?

In order to get the most out of the workshop, we recommend that participants have a DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses.  But it is not required.  Numerous participants have brought high-end point and shoot digital cameras and have achieved very good results.  At the very least, the camera should have the ability to be mounted onto a tripod.

Do I have to bring a laptop?

We highly recommend bringing a laptop for your private use and for use during Classroom lecture and to prepare images for critique sessions.  You will have classroom sessions demonstrating current image processing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom.  It is not mandatory that you bring a laptop, but you won't be able to get as much out of the program if you do not.  A portable external hard drive is a good idea as well.

Do I have to have a Digital camera?

NO. Film shooters are very welcome on our workshops.  However, the only images able to be critiqued are digital images.

What other gear would be helpful to bring?

• Pocket Flashlight or Head Lamp
• Cushion or Knee Pads
• Hand towel for wiping off wet cameras
• Field Notebook and Pen or Pencil
• Larger Notebook for Classroom Sessions
• Travel Alarm (don't rely on your cell phone)
• Sunscreen
• Water Bottle
• Bug Spray
• Change of shoes
• Snacks - energy bars or other snacks for while in the field

What kind of clothing should I bring?

We have many different locations for our workshops, but there is one common theme that binds them all -- you need to wear layers.  What this means is that you should bring a variety of clothes for any weather.  Although this makes packing a little more cumbersome, you will not regret having too many articles of clothing with you.  In many of our locations, your day can start out in freezing temperatures only to climb to 80 degrees by late morning or noon.  Below are examples of the types of clothing to pack:

• 2 jackets - one weatherproof light to medium weight and one weatherproof heavy weight
• Warm clothing to wear in layers - short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, hooded sweatshirts, fleece (NOTE:  avoid wearing cotton as much as possible - cotton does not wick away moisture from the body like other synthetic fabrics and can contribute to hypothermia.)
• Coverings for extremities - hats, gloves, scarves, ear coverings, warm socks, WARM and WEATHERPROOF hiking boots or hiking shoes with good tread. Regardless of where you are or the type of shoes you wear, they must be comfortable as you will be spending a lot of time on your feet.
• Cargo pants - these are a great help in the field.  The pockets are highly useful for holding gear and accessories and keeping them handy while you're in the field.
• Waterproof Clothing - we do not stop shooting just because it is raining.  You will need some sort of means of staying dry - and so will your camera.  The best waterproof clothing is a waterproof jacket or jacket shell with a waterproof hood.  Umbrellas can work but are cumbersome when dealing with photography equipment.

What if I would like to share a room or carpool?

This is very common.  When you register, please tell us if you would like to be connected with other participants who would like to share a room and/or carpool.  A couple of months prior to the start of the workshop we will send out a list of people to those who wish to share expenses.  You will be free to contact each other to make arrangements to share rooms or transportation.

I'm scared I will be the only one there who isn't an expert in photography.

Absolutely not!  You will find every skill level present on these workshops.  We create an environment where the beginner is free to mix with the advanced shooter.  All questions and concerns are answered in a supportive and encouraging manner.  There is never a 'dumb' question on our workshops.  We are happy to have anyone at any level.  It is our ultimate goal to make sure that every participant goes home with more photographic knowledge than what they brought to the workshop.

What can I do to prepare myself for the workshop?

At a bare minimum, if you are not an experienced photographer, there is one thing that will help you immensely.  Hold your camera in your hands.  Turn it on.  Make sure there is a memory card it in. Open your camera manual and read it cover to cover.  Whatever the manual refers to, find it on the camera -- push the button, flip the switch, turn the dial.  This is the single best way to learn your camera.  It will help you immensely in the field.  Whatever you do, do not let the first day of the workshop be the first day your camera has been out of its box.

Even if you have been shooting for a little while, you may want to at least review how to change certain key things on your camera - know how to change your shutter speed, ISO and aperture at a bare minimum.  Even if you don't yet understand how all of these elements interact, you will at least know how to physically change them when the time comes. 

Also, many of our workshops can be a touch physically demanding.  We don't hike for miles and miles through the wilderness, but many of the workshops will include some hiking in high altitudes.  Add to this long days and heavy camera gear, and most participants will experience some sort of fatigue.  If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you will want to exercise a little for at least a few weeks prior to the workshop.  Walking for a few miles per day should do it.  If you have physical limitation, make sure you discuss this with us before signing up for a workshop.  We would rather be up front about the amount of physical exertion on the trip than have a participant be unhappy because they physically can't do some of the shoots they have paid for.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes, we do - and they are a great choice for your gift giving needs - for Holidays, Birthdays or 'Just Because.'  We offer gift card in increments of $100 up to the full tuition for one of our workshops.  Just send an email to info@naturalconnectionsphoto.com for more information.

What if I have more questions?

Do not hesistate to contact us at info@naturalconnectionsphoto.com or call 678-227-3781.