Our philosophy in a nutshell?

• Travel light and inconspicuously;
• Take time to savor what is offered; and
• Be adaptable, a necessity, given the nature of photographing in different locations  (Mother Nature has a mind of her own!).

• Our days our full, as we take advantage of the gorgeous light of early morning and late afternoon/evening with breaks for meals, of course.
• On the opening day, we start out with some technical information and other basics before heading out for our first afternoon of photography.
• Depending upon weather, we often get up pre-dawn to have enough time to grab a Continental breakfast (arranged with our hotel), get to our morning destination, scout, and set up to capture the beautiful light of those early hours as the skies lighten.
• After a morning of shooting, we head back to our base for editing, imaging, and printing lessons.
• Along with discussions on composition, techniques, and resources, there is a daily critique session where we share images in a digital "slide" show and learn what we might have done to make them stronger; of course, sometimes, we have the "chimp factor" (oooh-oooh ahhh-ahhh) and just say, "Wow!"
• We either go out and grab some lunch or arrange to have it brought in, depending upon our location.
• Mid-afternoon, we head out for our afternoon/evening location, scout, and create more images.
• Choice of dinner location is always up to the individual.
• We suggest that participants do some imaging in the evening, at least a quick edit, before going to sleep.

• We encourage everyone to arrive by noon on the opening day, so that we can calibrate your monitors before heading out for a free half day of shooting with the instructors at no extra charge.
• We generally leave around 3:00 in the afternoon after monitor calibration and a brief lecture.
• For those who can't or do not wish to take advantage of this bonus opportunity, our receptions generally start around 7 p.m. with wine and a light supper.

• Usually at 2:00 in the afternoon to give people time to catch planes and/or drive home.
• We structure our last day, so that those who must leave early will not miss out.

• Your camera, of course, along with an assortment of fixed and/or zoom lenses (no need to go out and buy any for this workshop); that said, if you do not bring the lenses you have, you will wish you had. After all, your assortment of lenses is what you are used to using.
• Extra compact flash disks.
• The card reader and cable for your camera and compact flash disks.
• Your camera's manual.
• A small 3"x5" notebook for recording tests and unusual conditions that might not show up in your metadata.
• A portable jump drive/"stick" (portable hard drive small enough to fit onto a key chain) to transfer files for our critiques.
• Waterproof protection for your camera in case of rain (see weather question below), or a couple of large Ziploc bags that can be fashioned into protection.
• A sturdy tripod, preferably with a good ball head (most photographers find the two-level models too frustrating and time-consuming).
• A small flashlight for light painting and for working in low light.
• A laptop with a version of Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, and for those who are interested, Lightroom, already installed to take advantage of our printing element. For those who do not have these, there are free, 30-day trial versions you can download at the Adobe website.
• Model/property release forms in case you wish do photograph someone or something where permission is needed. For those who don't have any, you may download our model release and/or property release and substitute your name for "Zann and Pinkerton Photography" and "Photographer" for "ZAP".
• An umbrella.
• A clear and rested head (don't laugh, if you are exhausted when you arrive, you won't be your most creative).
  

• Adobe Photoshop CS3 (includes Bridge CS3);
• Adobe Lightroom (for those who are interested); and
• Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter (as we will be using RAW settings if your camera supports them; otherwise, we will work with your camera's highest quality JPEG).

• We dress comfortably, so a combination of slacks and/or shorts is appropriate. Remember that some eateries have dress codes involving shirts with sleeves, etc.
• Layers are always best, as one can keep warm more easily that way (remember, pre-dawn and post-sunset can be cool).
• Rain gear, just in case; a poncho works really well, as it can keep your camera bag dry if you wear it around your waist.
• A hat to protect you from the sun (and hopefully NOT inclement weather) .
• Sunscreen in a heavier rating than you usually use.

• Mother Nature, of course, has a mind of her own.
• Check out our Weather page for average temparatures and precipitation in our various locales.
• Remember that inclement weather can produce some really dramatic and wonderful images.

• Yes, of course. We always welcome them in the field and in the classroom, just as as long as they do not take time away from our paying participants.
• We are always in beautiful areas, and it gives them a chance to enjoy the surroundings and while you photograph or do imaging and printing.

• Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures always arranges for a place where we can all stay, often with a workshop discount.
  
• If you wish, you may choose to stay elsewhere, and on all our workshop information pages, there are links to other options.

• A disk of Photoshop Actions
• A booklet of our Printing Element.
• Our Principles of Photography.
• A list of useful resources.

Weather

• Arches & Moab — September 18-21
• New England Fall Foliage — October 8-12
• Lighthouses of the Outer Banks —  October 30-November 2
  
• Cascades & Hot Springs of Virginia — May 8-11 (completed)
• Maine Coast & Lighthouses — May 22-25 (completed)
• Bourgogne Wine Country of France —   June 13-20 (completed)

• Springtime on the Outer Banks — April 23-26
• Cascades & Wildflowers — May 14-17
• Maine Coast & Lighthouses — May 21-24
• French Wine Country —   June 12-19