General gear and other suggestions For WORKshops

The following are my general suggestions for photo equipment and gear (as well as a few other thoughts) that I recommend workshop participants consider for any of my workshops. I typically also provide a list of suggested gear specific to each workshop, which you will find a link to on the website page that details particulars of each workshop.

What photo gear to bring with you:

Of course, your camera gear is right at the top of the list. I always suggest bringing whatever you have. You never really know what you might want to work with. And, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be far from whatever equipment you carry in your vehicle.

A few camera gear particulars that I suggest:

• Your camera’s owners manual. This can be very important, so try not to forget it.
• A tripod – important, very helpful, and strongly recommended.
• Extra batteries for your camera and flash.
• Appropriate battery charger(s).
• Ample memory cards and/or a means of off-loading images to a secondary device (ie a laptop, iPad, portable hard drive, etc.)
• A cable release or other remote release – important, not critical, but very helpful.
• Diffuser disc (nice to have, again, not critical)Flash (can be helpful)
• Lens cleaner (microfiber cloth)
• Rocket air blower for removing dust from your sensor
• Knee pads (you may be on the ground a lot). You can pick these up at any hardware store for a few bucks. (Not necessary,  just nice) and/or consider some kind of plastic to lay on, if the ground is wet or damp).
• Rain gear for your camera and gear bag (may be as simple as a plastic trash bag for your camera bag and a plastic grocery bag for your camera). NOTE: We’ll shoot, rain or shine.

Personal gear:

• Sun Screen
• Bug repellent (you never know)
• Water bottle
• High-water boots, sandals, or waders in case you want to photograph from in any body of water.
• Rain gear
• Monitor the weather forecast and come prepared to dress accordingly.
• Laptop computer for review images during the day. This is not critical however, a laptop will be very helpful in reviewing images and looking at ways to optimize them.
• Notebook and pencil.

Transportation:

Transportation to and from the workshop location is the responsibility of each participant. If you are interested in sharing transportation to and from this location, let me know and I’ll try to facilitate communication with other participants with the same interest. During the workshop, we’ll carpool at each venue. If you can drive we’ll encourage your riders to chip in for gas.

The schedule:

Typically, we begin with an introductory meeting at 2 pm on the first day of the workshop schedule. During this session, we not only get to meet fellow workshop participants, but we take a good look at the expectations each of us has for our time together. We’ll review the schedule, any limitations, challenges, or other observations that may impact achieving our expectations.

I’ll have my cell phone with me should anyone not be able to find us, or find yourself running late. My cell number is 315-420-3513. That said, cell service is very limited everywhere in the park.

Please feel free to e-mail or call with any questions you may have between now and the 26th.

Release form:

Please review and sign the release form here: Workshop Release. Either email your signed form to me at [email protected] or bring it with you to the workshop. Please note: All participants must have a release form on file before participating in any workshop. No refunds will be made to anyone who fails to sign and submit a release form for any reason.