Frequently Asked Questions
1: How do I apply for a photo workshop?
2: How do deposits, payments, and cancellations work?
3: Workshop Cancellations
4: Travel Insurance
5: Is there a liability release I need to sign?
6: Lodging?
7: Transportation ?
8: Meals?
9: Do I need to be in good physical condition?
10: How large are the groups?
11: How does a typical day look?
12: What should I bring to wear; what kind of weather can I expect?
13: Necessary Photographic Experience
14: Review and Critique of Images
15: Are there discussions of Photoshop and other image
processing techniques?
16: What camera equipment should I bring?
"WORKSHOP"
While the trips I lead are called workshops as I work with people in the
understanding and use of the basic concepts of photography, the emphasis is on time in the field
rather than the more formal indoors training
characteristic of many workshops. Between our morning and
afternoon shooting sessions we will review and critique our images and discuss
techniques for improvement. Various techniques of image manipulation using the
computer will be discussed, but these will focus on the basics of programs
such as Photoshop. Everyone is encouraged to bring a laptop if possible which
is a great help in review, critique, and discussion of image manipulation. With
digital cameras there is considerable critique and review during our time
outside as well as a constant dialogue between all participants.
1: Applying for a workshop:
Go to the
tour application page and fill in the required information. Payment
information is also found on this page as well as a statement regarding
release of liability.
2: Deposits, payments, and cancellations :
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Either full
payment or a 50% deposit is required to reserve a space. Payments can be made
with your credit card through PayPal (a PayPal link is on each page) or a
check can be mailed to: Branson Reynolds, POB 3471, Durango, CO 8102. Full
payment is requested at least 30 days before the beginning of a trip.
However, if a trip is not full, you are welcome to sign up anytime prior
to the beginning of the trip. If a trip is full or cancelled, your
deposit will be returned in full. If you must withdraw more than 60 days
before a trip, your deposit will be completely refunded . If you withdraw
within 30 days of a trip, your deposit will be refunded only if the vacated
place can be filled, however, the deposit can be applied towards any future
trips. Application forms are available on this website, and can be printed and
mailed or sent directly from the web page.
3: Scheduled Workshop Cancellations:
It is my responsibility to run a trip if at all
possible, but sometimes circumstances may result in its cancelation.
If this happens, all payments will be fully refunded. Trip cancellations
will be made at least a month in advance if at all possible, and efforts will
be made to work with you in rescheduling your time.
4: Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially when flying, in case a trip is
cancelled.
5: Release of Liability:
Each
client is required to sign a release of liability prior to the beginning of
the trip. This is found with the application
form.
6: Lodging:
Double-occupancy lodging is included in the workshop fee. After receipt of
your completed application and deposit, you will receive an itinerary and
lodging information. A single-supplement charge will be added to the workshop
fee for those desiring private rooms. Arrangements will be made for sharing a
room for those that prefer double-occupancy. However, if you wish to share a
room but no other workshop participants are available, you may be asked to pay
the single supplement. Early return of your application form will help insure
your choice of accommodations. If you prefer to provide your own lodging, you
may deduct $50/night from the cost of the workshop.
7: Transportation:
All participants are required to provide their own transportation to and
during the workshops. Street cars are fine for most of the trips. It will be
indicated on the web page if a trip requires 4 X Drive or high clearance
vehicles, although no trip requires any serious mountain driving. Once
at the arrival/departure location for the trip, we will work out a plan to
share vehicles for those that are interested in carpooling during the trip.
8: Meals:
Participants are responsible for all of their own meals.
9: Do I need to be in good physical condition?
Most of the shooting locations are within easy walking distance of the
vehicles unless otherwise specified in the workshop information.
10: How large are the groups?
Group size will seldom exceed six photographers.
11: How does a typical day look?
On days when we are shooting scenics we will head out before sunrise so we can
be on location about 1/2 hr. before sunrise. We will
shoot until around mid-morning, then head back to town for lunch and a mid-day
break. During this time we may review the previous days shooting, visit local
art galleries or museums, catch up on sleep, or maybe soak in the motel’s
hot-tub when available. We will head out again around mid-afternoon and shoot
until sunset. On trips such as Rt. 66 where the focus is not primarily scenics
we will usually have more leisure mornings but will often shoot neons, etc.,
until later in the evening. Times and/or activities may vary from the planned
itinerary due to changes in weather or unforeseen circumstances.
12: What kind of weather can I expect and what
clothes should I bring?
The Southwest has environments ranging from the Sonoran Desert in Arizona,
which is the hottest and driest of North American Deserts, to the San Juan
Mountains of SW Colorado, where there are more 14,000 ft. peaks than in the
rest of North America combined outside of Alaska. Trips are planned to take advantage of the best season and expected weather
conditions in these varied environments. This means
visiting deserts in spring and fall, and the higher mountains in summer and fall.
Weather is varied and unpredictable, but mild, pleasant days and cool nights
is what we hope for. But since the best images are often taken
during stormy conditions, weather will seldom keep us from shooting.
Information regarding clothing suggestions specific for each trip will be sent upon registration, but for basics, long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket, comfortable pants, and a broad-brimmed hat or cap, are appropriate on most days. and, a warm coat and cap and even light gloves, are important to have along for early mornings, even in the desert. A rain jacket is always good to have along, and light nylon wind pants and jacket are often handy. Light-weight hiking boots are fine although any comfortable outdoor type shoes will work for most situations (a spare pair of shoes is suggested as we may get a bit wet around streams).
13: Necessary Photographic Experience:
Cameras
are all different today, and even different models by the same manufacturer work
differently. Unlike the days of film cameras, when all worked much the same,
learning to use today’s digital cameras is comparable to learning new computer programs---it can be, and usually is, very frustrating. For this
reason, each participant should be
familiar with the basic camera controls such as how to set the
aperture and shutter speed, how to set the camera for completely manual
operation, how to use the flash, a basic understanding of the histogram, etc.
The greater your knowledge
before the trip the more time we can spend
on more creative aspects of photography.
14: Review and Critique:
While the emphasis is on time in the field shooting, each day
includes a mid-day break during which we will critique and evaluate our
images and suggest modifications of our technique when needed. Everyone
is encouraged to bring a laptop if possible for review and critique, as well as
images taken prior to this trip to share with the group. During our time in
the field there is ongoing review of images using the LCD screen
on digital cameras, comparing compositions on the tripod, etc., and a
continual discussion of various situations and questions that arise while
shooting. Small group size assures individual attention and group input.
15: Are there discussions of Photoshop and other image
processing techniques?
During our mid-day breaks there will be a discussion of
different techniques used in Photoshop and other image processing programs.
While these sessions do not go into depth as in a more formal workshop
setting, everyone gains more insight into the basics of these tools and
programs and their application to our shooting situations.
16: What camera equipment should I bring?
Suggestions regarding equipment specific for each trip will be sent, along with an
itinerary and clothing suggestions, upon registration.
Whatever camera you now own and are comfortable with is fine, though the
majority are now shooting with Digital SLR's. There are so
many models now, and they are constantly changing, I have few suggestions
regarding cameras. As for lenses, I normally carry 3 zooms that cover
everything from wide angle to medium telephoto. These include a 12-24, 35-135,
and 75-300. Remember that unless you have a full-frame sensor, the focal
length of the lens is greater than the corresponding lens would be with a 35mm
camera. This varies somewhat, but the conversion factor is usually around .5.
For example, my 75-300 mm corresponds to a 120-480mm on my digital camera
(which has a conversion factor of .6). For full-frame sensors, the designated
focal length is what the lens says. These lenses cover my needs on most trips.
The one possible exception is the Bosque del Apache/White Sands trip. For
White Sands these lenses are fine, but a stronger lens is sometimes good at
the Bosque del Apache for tighter shots of the birds. Much of the shooting at
the Bosque is actually done with shorter lenses, but if you have a longer lens
of 500mm or so, this would be the trip that it would be useful on.
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