Frequently Asked Questions from Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures
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© 2009 Zann and Pinkerton Photography for Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures. All Rights Reserved.  For usage and fees, contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278.  919-643-3036 before 9 pm east coast USA. photo workshops digital photography new england fall foliage autumn

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FAQs (Frequently-asked Questions)

Here are some answers to questions you may have. If you have other questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

© 2010 Arnold Zann.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

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;
  • © 2010 Arnold Zann.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

    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.
© 2010 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

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!
What Level of Photographer Do You Accept into Your Workshops?
© 2008 Arnold Zann.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

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?
  • © 2010 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

    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.
© 2010 Arnold Zann.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

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;
  • © 2010 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC <at> ZAPphoto.com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

    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.)

weather
Weather
Upcoming Photo Workshop Adventures

  • Scouting/shooting options for those who wish to join us before many of our workshops.
    Limited to two people per day. Contact us for more information.
2012 - Sign-ups have begun in earnest!: Private Workshops: Stay tuned for other offerings.

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Page last modified:   January 15, 2012