Here
are some answers to questions you may have. If you have other
questions, do not hesitate to contact
us.
Some of our group hamming it up
In Canyon de Chelly.
Our philosophy in a nutshell?
Travel light and inconspicuously;
Take time to savor what is offered;
Be adaptable, a necessity, given the nature of photographing in different
locations (Mother Nature has a mind of her own!); and
Have FUN!
What is included in the workshop fee?
Daily group and individual instruction from Margo and
Arnie in both the field and classroom (we each work with
each participant at least twice a day, and sometimes
three times— that's
four to six individual sessions a day, if the participants don't disappear!);
Workshop materials;
Daily group critiques that
many find is a very valuable part of the workshop experience
(hint, hint — don't leave early unless you absolutely
have to, as the final critique is just as important as the others);
All other expenses are the responsibility of the individual participant; except in cases when we have a Travel Package.
How are the days structured?
Our days our full, as we want to give you the best value possible;
On the opening day, we start out with introductions, some technical
information, proper use of lenses, our Basic Principles of Photography (you'll get a book), Lightroom set up and Copyright templates, and other basics before heading out for our first afternoon of photography, returning
for our traditional reception that varies depending upon
our location;
Depending upon weather, we often get up pre-dawn to have
enough time to get to our morning destination, scout,
and set up to capture the beautiful light of those early
hours as the skies lighten;
Yes, one of our "spousal units" (an affectionate term
for the many spouses and guests who join us)
is grabbing a quick nap during
Summertime on the Maine Coast!
After our morning shoot, we return to our base
for editing and imaging and the occasional nap;
Along with discussions on composition, techniques, and
resources, there are daily individual critique sessions
where participants learn to recognize their successes
as well as what they might have done to make their images
stronger; sometimes, of course,
we have the "chimp
factor" (oooh-oooh
ahhh-ahhh) and just say, "Wow!";
Participants can either go out and grab some lunch or,
depending upon our location, we can arrange to have it brought
in;
Mid- to late-afternoon, we leave for our afternoon/evening
location, scout, and create more images;
Choice of dinner locations is always up to the individual
(although most like to join us for more fun, frivolity,
and shop talk); and
We suggest that participants download images ASAP, even
allowing the computer to chug away while you sleep or
have breakfast or dinner.
Arnie shows a possible aproach at
Cascades & Wildflowers of Virginia
.
When should I arrive on the first
day?
For those workshop in the U.S., we start at noon on the first
day; for our international workshops, check, as they
start at different times. Check the individual workshop pages for specifics. We pack a lot into the first few hours of our workshops, so please don't be late.
When will the last day end?
For our domestic workshops, at 2:00 in the afternoon,
after our final group critique session,
to give people time to catch planes and/or drive home;
our international workshops end later, so again, check the individual ones for specific times, and make your travel plans accordingly.
For those who must leave earlier, we always try to show
your images first so that
you will not miss out, as everyone looks forward to the
group critiques and learns so much from it; that said, please try to stay as long as possible, so you don't miss anything.
What programs do I need for the
workshop? Use this as your check
list!
We have put this all on a separate page called Programs,
Files, & Settings that
you can use as your check list.
What Level of Photographer Do You Accept into Your Workshops?
Margo gets down on the rocks to help in a
New England Fall Foliage private workshop.
Because there is a maximum 6:1 ratio of students to instructors, Arnie and Margo can and do work with each person individually, whether a relative beginner eager to get started in the right direction to a seasoned pro who comes for a creative "fix" and challenge and guidance to do even better;
We have a high percentage of returning alumni from both categories, and everything else in between;
It gives us great satisfaction with a seasoned pro in our workshops admires the work of a relative beginner.
In addition to all you have learned ...
You will go home with:
Our information-packed Principles of Photography booklet; and
A headful of things to think about when you go out shooting and continue to grow as a photographer.
Where will we stay?
A bench at one of our European inns.
Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures always arranges for
a place where we can all stay, often with a workshop discount;
It is recommended that you make
your room reservations early, as rooms fill up quickly in our locations; you
can always cancel late (exceptions are for workshops with a Travel Package, but you can get travel insurance); and
If you wish, you may choose to stay elsewhere. On most of our workshop information pages, there are links to
other options and in some cases, suggestions.
May I bring along a spouse, SO, or
friend?
Yes, of course, and there is no workshop fee for them, only room and board; we always welcome them in both the field and
classroom as observers;
We go to beautiful areas, and it gives them a
chance to enjoy the surroundings while you photograph
or do imaging;
Out of respect for our paying participants, we ask that they don't tote more than a basic point-and-shoot.
Stormy days can produce great photographs
such
as this one from Canyon de Chelly.
What will the weather be like?
Mother Nature, of course, is capricious and has a mind
of her own, but....
Check out our weather page
for average temperatures and precipitation in our various
locales; and
Remember that inclement weather can produce some really
dramatic and wonderful images.
What equipment should I bring?Use
this as your check list!
Your camera, of course, along with an assortment of fixed
and/or zoom lenses; whatever lens you have that you don't bring, you will wish you had;
For those who
want to experiment with other lenses, check out our Resources
page for rentals at very reasonable prices;
If you do not have a digital camera, we highly recommend that you borrow one so that you can maximize your workshop experience;
Extra compact flash disks;
The card reader and cable for your camera and compact
flash disks (best not to download directly from camera to computer);
Extra battery/batteries for your camera and a charger for those batteries;
Your camera's manual (VERY IMPORTANT, as we cannot be
familiar with the different features of every camera manufacturer);
A small 3"x5" notebook for recording tests
and unusual conditions that might not show up in your
metadata, as well as notes from lectures and critiques;
ICP = Impromptu Camera Protection!
Waterproof protection for your camera in case of rain
(see weather question below), or a couple of large Ziploc
bags and heavy elastics that can be fashioned into protection;
A sturdy tripod and ballhead (most photographers find
the two-handled or pistol-grip models much too frustrating and time-consuming)
strong enough to carry the weight of your camera and lens;
it is usually recommended to get these with a capability
of at least 11 pounds, more if you can (if you are considering
buying a new tripod and ball head, contact us first,as
we may be able to guide you in a direction appropriate
for your budget and keep you from misspending your money
on something that will cause you frustration) — check out our blog on Tripods and Ball Heads;
A small flashlight for light painting and for working
in low light, not to mention walking in the dark;
A laptop with the appropriate programs installed (see
next section below);
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;
Granola or power bars for when you don't have a chance
to grab something to eat;
A refillable water bottle with a loop that you can hang off your camera bag with a caribiner, so you don't get dehydrated;
Your GPS unit if you have one with maps updated; we never leave home without Gertrude (don't you name your GPS?);
Your Annual Pass or Senior Pass (National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series) if you have one; if you don't, you can get one at the park entrance, usually around $10 for a week's pass for a car, and for any US citizen or permanent resident 62 or older, $10 for your lifetime pass: and
A clear and rested head (don't laugh, if you are exhausted
when you arrive, you won't be your most creative).
What should I pack?Use this!!!
We dress comfortably, so a combination of slacks and/or
shorts is appropriate (some eateries have
dress codes involving shirts with sleeves, etc.);
Layers are always best, as one can keep warm more easily
without having to pack too much (remember, pre-dawn
and post-sunset hours can be cool);
Rain gear, just in case; a poncho works really well,
as it can keep your camera bag dry, too;
Sturdy shoes for tramping on rocks or uneven territory
(I nearly forgot to mention this, since I rarely wear
shoes);
A hat to protect you from the sun (and hopefully NOT
inclement weather);
Sunscreen in a heavier rating than you usually use;
and
insect repellant, as one never knows when those little pesky
critters will be out and about. (Arnie and I use wipes that are easily put into your camera kit.)
PRIVACY POLICY: Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures is respectful of your privacy and any information you give us, either through our interactive forms or via e-Mail. We are committed to ensuring the security and safety of this information. To that end, our policies are outlined in our Privacy Statement.
