Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?

• No! You can make great images right away with simple equipment, and that’s what this workshop aims to teach you. If you have photographed before and would like to learn the latest techniques in digital photography, this is definitely for you. If you are just starting out and have a new camera you want to learn, this is for you, too. If you are a seasoned veteran who doesn’t need much help, just wants to go to great locations and have fun with like-minded individuals, well, this is for you, as well!

What does the itinerary look like?

• The workshop will kick off on Sunday October 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM at the Comfort Inn & Suites at Maplewood in Montpelier, VT with a short reception and slideshow and then it’s into the field we go to make images. There is no “set” daily schedule, rather we keep things flexible in order to best respond to the weather and available light for making images.  Typically, we’ll be out for sunrise, shoot until mid morning and then take a break for a meal and brief rest.  We’ll convene in the conference room for instruction, post processing and critique during the mid-day hours when the light is typically less conducive to photography.  We’ll then head back out into the field in the late afternoon and evening, ending our session after sunset.  We’ll end our time together after our last sunrise shoot of the workshop on Thursday October 9th, with plenty of time to return to the hotel for a normal checkout and departure. Those of you who signed up for the combo will move over to New Hampshire with us.

• Possible Locations include but are not limited to:

  Barnet, Corinth, Groton State Forest, Moss Glen Falls, Northfield Falls Covered Bridge, Owls Head, Peacham, Ricker Pond, Route 100, Secret Pond, Smugglers Notch, Stowe

What are the fitness requirements?

• There will be no strenuous hiking involved during the workshop and most locations will be close to the road. That said, there will be a few short scrambles up steep hillsides that will require good balance and some fitness.  The terrain can be very uneven and sometimes slippery so caution is always a prudent consideration.  Hiking boots and a modest level of health and fitness will greatly enhance your experience.

What equipment do you recommend I bring?

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Lenses to cover 16-200mm on a full frame sensor are recommended, 10-150mm on a crop sensor.

• A sturdy tripod and head

• Circular polarizing filter and neutral density filters

• Waterproof camera bag (a shoulder bag is not recommended)

• Waterproof covering for your camera and lens or a packable umbrella

• Laptop Computer with editing software

• Card Reader if your computer doesn’t have one

• Extra Batteries

• Extra Memory Cards

What about transportation?

• We recommend flying into Burlington, VT, Manchester, NH or Boston, MA.

• Car Rentals and Carpooling: Most participants will need to rent a car to participate in the workshop. We encourage carpooling to reduce our environmental impact, the amount of space we take up, and especially to encourage camaraderie and fun times with other participants. Arrangements can be made ahead of time if you indicate a willingness to be a driver/passenger.

What about lodging?

• This workshop will be based out of the central hub of Montpelier, VT. We find that this gives us the best location to access the best spots in Vermont. We have a special group rate at the Comfort Inn & Suites at Maplewood in Montpelier, VT.

What should I wear?

• Temperatures range from below freezing on some mornings to sometimes very warm days near 80 degrees. We’ve seen it all in the last few years! For that reason we recommend bringing a range of clothing from shorts and short sleeves to long pants and long sleeve shirts along with sweaters and a light jacket. We’re usually good for some rain, as well, so full rain gear is recommended.

• Hiking Shoes and Sneakers

• Tall Waterproof Boots - for wading in streams as well as dewy, tall grass!

• Waterproof and Windproof Shell

• Rain Pants

• Insulating Hat and Gloves

• Headlamp

• Bug repellent

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

• Bad weather is good weather to landscape photographers. If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes. There are many idioms that apply to the weather, and if you don’t already know, being out in all weather usually leads to great photo opportunities! Safety will remain a top priority. In September 2023 we rode out a passing tropical storm on Monhegan and had some of the best photographic conditions many of us had ever witnessed. We want to teach you how to photograph in all conditions!

What does my tuition cover?

• Your tuitions covers all fieldwork, group instruction, and classroom time. We will also stock emergency first aid kits. It does not include travel insurance, transportation, and lodging.

What are your terms and conditions?

• A $500 deposit is due at the time of booking to hold your spot, the full payment is due 60 days ahead of the workshop start date.

• Cancelations: Cancelations made 60 days in advance will receive a full refund. Cancelations less than 60 days before the start of the workshop will receive no refund. If a canceled spot is able to be filled before the start date of the workshop a full refund will be given, including the deposit.