How To Prepare For Your Workshop
Our photography workshops are designed to be educational, enjoyable, and inspiring. While we take care of the planning and logistics, a little preparation before you arrive will help you get the most from your workshop.
Become familiar with your camera, understand the physical requirements of your destination, and pack the clothing and photography gear you'll need for the conditions you may encounter. The better prepared you are, the more time you can spend creating photographs and enjoying the experience.
Our Commitment To You
Getting ready for your workshop is something we do together.
From the moment you register, we're here to help you feel confident and prepared for your photography adventure.
Approximately 90 days before your workshop, you'll receive a detailed information packet with travel information, weather expectations, packing recommendations, camera gear suggestions, and important workshop details. You'll also receive a camera equipment checklist to help make sure you bring everything you'll need.
About 30 days before the workshop, we'll host a live online meeting where you'll meet your instructors, review the itinerary, discuss camera gear and settings, and have an opportunity to ask questions. And if questions come up before or after the meeting, we're always available by phone or email to help.
The physical demands of our photography workshops vary by destination. Some involve relatively short walks on level ground, while others may include longer hikes, uneven terrain, stairs, higher elevations, or extended periods in the field.
It’s important to consider your current fitness and mobility when choosing a workshop. Each workshop page includes a fitness level to help you understand what to expect, and we’re always happy to answer questions about the terrain, walking distances, or physical requirements before you register.
Our goal is for every participant to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. If we haven’t traveled with you before, we may ask a few questions about your fitness and mobility to make sure the workshop is a good match for you.
Fitness
Being prepared allows you to focus on what matters most—creating extraordinary photographs.
Your workshop will be more enjoyable when your fitness level matches the terrain, pace, and conditions.
Know Your Camera
Become comfortable with your camera's essential controls so you can focus on creating great images, not searching through menus.
One of the best ways to get the most from your workshop is to arrive with a good understanding of your camera’s basic functions. The more familiar you are with your camera, the more time you can spend concentrating on composition, light, and creativity instead of trying to find the right setting.
Before your workshop, practice changing these settings without having to search through menus—especially in low-light conditions when we may be photographing at sunrise, sunset, or during blue hour.
Camera skills you should know before you arrive
Exposure Modes
Be comfortable using Manual Mode and understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together to control exposure. You should also know how to use Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Exposure Compensation when the situation calls for them.
ISO & Auto ISO
Know how to change your ISO and how to use Auto ISO when appropriate. Understand how ISO affects image quality and how your camera handles Auto ISO in Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes.
Autofocus
Be comfortable switching between autofocus modes, including Subject Detection, Zone (or Wide) AF, and Single-Point AF. You should also know how to quickly move your focus point in both the viewfinder and Live View.
Display and Review Tools
Know how to review your images, zoom in to check sharpness, display the histogram, and use your camera’s electronic level if available. These tools can help you evaluate focus, exposure, and composition while you're in the field.
Photography Gear
Prepare your camera equipment before you travel so you can focus on making great photographs.
Technology & Software
Update your laptop, camera firmware, and editing software before you leave. If you use Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, open the Creative Cloud app and verify that your software is activated while you have a reliable internet connection. Log out of your Adobe account and sign back in before traveling. This refreshes your license and helps ensure Lightroom Classic and Photoshop remain available offline during the workshop.
Camera Setup & Maintenance
Clean your camera sensor and lenses before you travel, and set the correct date and time for your destination. Make sure your camera is set not to take photographs without a memory card installed. That simple setting can prevent a frustrating mistake in the field.
Packing & Accessories
Double-check that you've packed all chargers, batteries, memory cards, cables, adapters, and other essential accessories. A small travel power strip can be especially useful when charging multiple devices, and soft-sided luggage is often easier to transport during our workshops.
Batteries & Air Travel
Pack all spare lithium-ion batteries in your carry-on luggage, as required by airline regulations. Keep batteries protected from damage and make sure the terminals cannot come into contact with metal objects or other batteries.
Gear Planning
Approximately 90 days before your workshop, you'll receive a recommended gear list tailored to your destination and the photography we have planned. Review it carefully and contact us if you have any questions. We'll help you decide what to bring—and just as importantly, what you can leave at home.
Clothing and Weather Gear
Pack for changing weather so you stay comfortable and focused on creating great photographs.
Dress for Worse Than the Forecast
When packing for a workshop, prepare for conditions that may be colder, windier, wetter, or hotter than the forecast suggests. Weather can change quickly, and long hours in the field can make even moderate conditions feel more demanding.
If you're debating whether to bring rain pants, an extra insulating layer, or a second pair of gloves, it's usually better to pack them. A spare pair of socks can make all the difference after a wet trail, stream crossing, or time spent photographing near the water.
The goal isn't to overpack—it's to be prepared. Staying warm, dry, and comfortable allows you to concentrate on your photography rather than the weather.
Dress in Layers
Dressing in layers gives you the flexibility to adjust as temperatures and conditions change throughout the day. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof or wind-resistant outer layer when conditions require it.
Even when the forecast looks favorable, pack a warm hat, lightweight gloves, and a compact rain jacket. Sunrise, sunset, and nighttime photography can often be considerably cooler than the middle of the day.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Sun exposure is easy to underestimate when you're concentrating on photography. Whether we're at higher elevations, along the coast, in the desert, or under wide-open skies, prolonged sun exposure can become uncomfortable quickly.
Pack sunscreen, lip balm with sun protection, sunglasses, and a hat. These simple items can make long days in the field much more enjoyable
Footwear Matters
Comfortable, properly broken-in footwear is one of the most important things you can bring. Choose hiking shoes or boots appropriate for the terrain and make sure you've worn them enough before the workshop to know they're comfortable.
Waterproof footwear may be recommended for workshops involving wet trails, snow, shorelines, or changing weather. Good socks are equally important, and an extra dry pair is always worth packing.
Depending on the destination, we may also recommend gaiters, traction devices, or other specialized footwear. Your workshop information packet will include destination-specific recommendations.
Keep Clothing and Gear Dry
Protect your clothing and camera equipment from the elements with a few simple waterproof storage options. Dry bags, rain covers, and resealable plastic bags can help protect extra clothing, gloves, socks, batteries, and small accessories from rain, snow, sand, and water.
Questions? Just Ask
Every workshop is different. Approximately 90 days before your trip, you'll receive destination-specific recommendations covering clothing, footwear, weather conditions, camera gear, and any special items you may need.
If you're unsure about what to bring, contact us. We'd much rather answer a question before the workshop than have you arrive without something you need.
Packing List
Use this checklist as a starting point, then customize it for your specific workshop.
The list below includes general recommendations to help you prepare for your photography adventure. Because every workshop is different, not every item will be needed for every destination. Climate, terrain, season, and the photography we have planned will determine what you should bring.
Approximately 90 days before your workshop, you'll receive a detailed packing guide customized for your destination, including recommended clothing, camera gear, travel essentials, and any special items that may be helpful. If you have questions about what to pack, just ask. We'll help you arrive prepared without bringing more than you need.
Core items for most workshops
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Sturdy tripod
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Tripod head and the correct camera and lens plates
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Camera strap
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Camera body, plus a second body if you have one
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Lenses appropriate for the workshop
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Extra batteries and chargers
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Plenty of memory cards and a card reader
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Laptop with Lightroom Classic and any other required software installed and updated
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Lens-cleaning cloth and basic cleaning supplies
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Camera rain cover
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Comfortable camera backpack
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Sturdy, broken-in shoes or boots appropriate for the workshop
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Reusable water bottle
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Headlamp
Often useful, depending on the workshop
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External hard drive or other backup storage
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Plug adapters for international travel
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Travel power strip or extension cord
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Circular polarizer and neutral density filters
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Remote shutter release or intervalometer
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Rain jacket, warm hat, neck gaiter, and gloves
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Sunscreen and insect repellent
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Waterproof boots or overshoes
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Traction devices for icy or slippery conditions
Nice to have on some workshops
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Specialty lenses or cameras, such as macro, tilt-shift, extreme wide-angle, or a fast wide-angle lens for night photography
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Sensor-cleaning supplies
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Protective covers for lenses and camera bodies
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Knee pads
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Trekking poles
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Travel coffee or tea mug
Travel and backup items to keep in mind
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Camera manual saved as a PDF on your phone
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Backup identification for international trips and a secure copy of your passport
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Small tool kit or multitool, packed in checked luggage if you bring one
Insurance
The right travel insurance can provide valuable protection when your trip doesn't go as planned.
Travel insurance is an important consideration when preparing for your workshop. Depending on the destination, some workshops may require medical evacuation coverage, particularly when photographing in remote locations. Even when it isn't required, we strongly recommend that participants consider travel, medical, and evacuation coverage appropriate for their destination and personal circumstances.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
For workshops in remote areas, medical evacuation insurance can provide important protection if an emergency occurs. Before purchasing coverage, review the policy carefully to understand what is covered, any exclusions or limitations, and whether the provider coordinates evacuation services or reimburses eligible expenses afterward.
If a particular workshop requires medical evacuation coverage, we'll let you know in your workshop information packet.
Travel Medical Insurance
If you're traveling outside your home country, don't assume your existing health insurance will provide adequate international coverage. Before traveling, check with your insurance provider to understand what medical services are covered, whether there are out-of-network or international restrictions, and what expenses you may be responsible for.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend considering comprehensive travel insurance to help protect your investment. Depending on the policy, coverage may include trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, and certain medical expenses.
Consider purchasing insurance soon after making your initial workshop deposit, as some policies have time-sensitive benefits or eligibility requirements. Carefully review the policy's coverage, exclusions, limits, and cancellation provisions before purchasing.
Ultimately, each participant is responsible for obtaining any required insurance and making sure their coverage is appropriate for their destination, activities, and individual needs.
Medical and Health
A little preparation can help you stay healthy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy your workshop.
Before You Travel
Bring all prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other essential personal items in your carry-on luggage. It's a good idea to bring enough medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of unexpected travel delays.
If you're traveling internationally, consider bringing any common over-the-counter medications or personal-care items you regularly use, as familiar brands may not always be available at your destination.
Take Care of Yourself
Photography workshops can include early mornings, late evenings, changing weather, and long days in the field. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat well, and dress appropriately for the conditions so you can remain comfortable and enjoy the experience.
Listen to your body throughout the workshop. If you need a break or are having difficulty with an activity, please let your workshop leader know.
If You Become Ill
If you begin feeling unwell during the workshop, please let your workshop leader know as soon as possible. Because we travel, photograph, dine, and sometimes ride together in shared vehicles, even a minor illness can affect the group.
When appropriate, we may ask participants to take reasonable precautions to help protect others, such as wearing a mask in shared vehicles or indoor spaces, maintaining additional distance, or temporarily stepping away from group activities.
Our goal is to help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone while allowing you the time you need to recover.
Common-Sense Health Practices
We ask all participants to be considerate of others by practicing good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing their hands regularly, and taking reasonable precautions when feeling unwell. Workshop leaders will use their best judgment to help maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Training Courses & Workshops
Whether you want to learn from home or join Randy in the field, our training courses and photography workshops are designed to help you strengthen your skills, explore new techniques, and become a more confident photographer.
Online Photography Training
Learn at your own pace with step-by-step instruction covering photography techniques, Lightroom, Photoshop, light painting, architectural photography, and post-processing.
Photography Workshops
Join Randy in extraordinary destinations for hands-on instruction, small-group photography, and opportunities to put what you've learned into practice in the field.
