Questions?
Photo Tours vs. Workshops
How do I apply for a workshop?
How do deposits, payments, and cancellations work?
Is there a liability release I need to sign?
What about lodging?
What about transportation to and during an event?
Meals?
Do I need to be in good physical condition?
How does a typical day look?
Critique and Image Processing Sessions
How large are the groups?
What level of photographic experience do I need to have?
What should I bring to wear; what kind of weather can I expect?
What photographic techniques are emphasized?
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Tour vs. Workshop?
While the difference is partly semantics, I call my trips tours as the emphasis is on time in the field shooting rather than the more formal, indoors training that I consider more part of a workshop. While I work with clients to create the exciting and technically correct images they have in mind,this is done while shooting and there is relatively little time left for anything other than short critiques and reviews of each other’s images. However, with digital cameras there is considerable critique and review during our time outside as well as a constant dialogue between all participants.
How do I apply for a workshop?
How do deposits, payments, and cancellations work?
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 site.
Tour Cancellations:
I believe that it is my responsibility to run a tour if at all possible and, as a rule, the tour will run if I have at least two clients. One exception is the Native American and Southwest Landscapes trip which, due to the expense of modeling fees for the Indian people, a mininum of three clients is required to make this trip possible. If the required number of participants has not been met a month prior to the departure date the trip will be officially cancelled. However, as clients often make their decision less than a month prior to the trip, I will stay in touch with interested participants and we’ll just play it by ear.
Is there a liability release I need to sign?
My goal is to provide each client with personal attention and uncrowded shooting opportunities. Thus each trip is limited to a maximum of six fellow photographers. However, such such small groups the expense of liability insurance would mean that I couldn’t run the trips. Thus each client is required to sign a release of liability prior to the beginning of the trip.
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. We will make arrangements 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.
Transportation?
All participants are required to provide their own transportation to and during the workshops. Most cars are fine for all but the Ghost Towns trip, which requires high-clearance, 4X drive vehicles. We will work with participants to share vehicles during any of the trips.
Meals?
Participants are responsible for all of their own meals.
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.
Necessary Photographic Experience?
While I work with everyone in understanding the basic principles of photography and the use of their camera, I ask that each participant be familiar with their camera prior to the trip. The functioning of today’s cameras may vary greatly from model to model and the days flow much more smoothly if everyone is familiar with the basics of their equipment. Our time can then be spent on topics such as composition, exposure, choice of lenses and filters, using shutter speed and depth-of-field correctly and creatively, and in visualizing the image you want and using these tools to create that image.
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 as the first rays of the sun bathe the landscape. 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 unforseen circumstances.
Is there time for review and critique of images?
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. Attendees often bring laptop computers which is a great aid in these sessions. Everyone is encouraged to bring images taken prior to this trip to share with the group. During our time in the field there is ongoing review of recent 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.
Are there discussions of Photoshop and other image processing techniques?
Each day during our break there will be a computer demonstration 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.
How large are the groups?
Group size will seldom exceed six photographers.
What should I bring to wear; what kind of weather can I expect?
Trips are planned to take advantage of the best season and expected weather conditions in the varied environments of the southwest. This generally means visiting deserts in spring and fall, and mountains in summer and fall. Although weather is unpredictable, especially in the mountains, we would expect the weather to be mild on our trips with warm, pleasant days and cool nights. We will do our best to make the most of whatever nature offers, but we cannot control the weather. However, since the best images are often taken during stormy conditions, weather will seldom keep us from shooting. As for clothing, a broad-brimmed hat or cap, light-weight hiking boots are suggested althought good tennis shoes will work for many situations (a spare pair of tennis shoes is suggested as we may get a bit wet around streams), a light, long-sleeved cotton shirt, and a light jacket will cover clothing needs on most trips, a warm jacket and cap and even light gloves, are strongly suggested for early mornings, even in the desert. A rain jacket is always good to have along, and for the spring and fall trips a very warm coat is important. On mountain trips be prepared for cold mornings, and even warm gloves are suggested for these trips. And umbrella is also a good idea as it enables us to shoot under cover in a light sprinkle.