Why should I take a workshop with you?

Photography workshops should be sanctuaries of learning and inspiration, not just excursions led by artists. As your guide, my mission extends beyond showcasing mesmerizing locations; it is to illuminate the path of discovery and mastery in photography.

My approach is grounded in the philosophy that a great photographer does not necessarily make a great teacher. Thus, I dedicate myself to being both. My focus is unwavering in nurturing your talent, sharing wisdom that transcends technical skill, and sparking the creativity that fuels your passion. It's about imparting the nuances that transform good shots into great art.

For more on what makes a workshop meaningful, read this short piece here.

When do I pay?

A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. I recommend making your payment at your earliest convenience to reserve your place. I confirm every payment via email. Once I receive your deposit or full amount, I’ll email you to confirm your space.

The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to the workshop date. If you’re booking within 7 days of the workshop, the full amount is due at the time of booking.

If you haven't received an email confirmation from me within 48 hours, there may have been an issue with your checkout—please email me with your order number, and I’ll help finalize your booking.

What camera gear specifically is best?  Should I bring every lens I own?

You certainly don't need to bring everything you own. It’s just more to carry! But, we can discuss this 1:1 after you book and I can help you get your kit dialed for this specific workshop.

By default - I’d suggest the equivalent to a 16-35mm and 24-70mm (or 24-105mm). 

A stable tripod is a necessity. If you don’t have one - I can provide you one to borrow.

A cable release is essential. Long exposure photography is a key focus of my workshops, so while a stable tripod is necessary, a wired cable release is just as important. Wireless remotes often don’t support long exposures. Without a cable release, your camera may limit you to 30-second exposures. With one, I’ll teach you how to create exposures of 2 minutes or longer. Since cable releases are specific to each camera model, I recommend searching B&H for '(Your Camera Brand) Cable Release.' Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Filters will be made available on Maui workshops to borrow. Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential for long exposure photography. My top recommendation is the JetMagPro system, which you can find here in my shop. I also offer a few other high-quality options in the store, so you can choose what works best for you. Regardless of the brand, every photographer should have at least a 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop ND filter that fits each lens they plan to use during the workshop.

In some cases, I may also suggest renting an item if your kit is missing something critical.

What do I need to bring in addition to camera gear?

For Maui - you will want comfortable footwear for rocky coastlines - sneakers are ideal, with slippers as a backup. A sun hat is good to have, sunglasses and sunscreen are a necessity, and I generally like to have a light long sleeve or windbreaker for post-sunset. If you are sensitive to the sun, wearing a long sleeve UV shirt is a good idea.

Is there an "Extra Person Charge" to bring my spouse, even though they are not into photography?

In most every case - yes, there is an extra charge. There are a number of reasons I have an extra-person charge for the workshops, whether those add-on participants have an interest in photography or not. You are welcome to pay the add-on cost for an extra-person and have them join us, but I have found - the workshops tend to be not very exciting for non-photographers, and it takes away from the focus of those who are. 

What if we have to cancel due to weather?  What about severe weather?

It rarely happens. For the landscape photographer, weather is part of it. Oftentimes, the "poor" weather turns out to be the best light and lead to the most compelling photograph. You can't be quick to throw in the towel and quit because of poor looking weather. With that said, there are times where "severe weather" makes the conditions either unsafe or simply not feasible to work in-the-field. We will re-schedule when possible, adjust the plans to Developing and the Digital-Darkroom, or refund the time missed accordingly.

What is the time-frame for the workshop? Will we shoot sunrise?

Typically, the approximate times for Half-day workshops begin 3 1/2 hours before sunset and end 90 minutes after sunset; while Full-day workshops begin 8 hours before sunset and end 2 hours after sunset.

This may all be adjusted due to weather, tidal conditions, or moon phases, but please don’t make dinner plans for sunset time. Part of being a landscape photographer is photographing during optimal times of sweet light, and that means being out in-the-field through sunset and twilight.

Sunrise shoots will not be scheduled for first time participants. There’s simply too much information to cover in the first hours of a workshop to make the timing work.

However, if you are booking multiple days and would like the second day to be a sunrise shoot, then that can work out well.

What is your refund policy?

For Maui Workshops - If we decide the weather is too poor to work in, we will try and re-schedule. If for any reason we can't re-schedule, then your total payment will be refunded in full.

If you have to cancel with 8+ days before the workshop, then your total payment will be refunded in full.  
If you cancel within 7 days of the workshop, then a portion of your payment will be refunded in full - less the amount of a $200 service charge.

I would like to book multiple days, but when I am checking out, I am not sure how to add it to the cart?

Many of my workshop participants book multiple days - it’s a great way of delving deeper, without booking the Mentoring Workshop. After you email me and we determine days that will work for both our schedules, I will send you a link to the Booking Page. From here, you can select the desired workshops, add a payment to the cart, and then add another item to the cart, before checking out. You can select and add as many items to the cart as you like. Once all the items are added, you can click on “Cart”, and proceed to checkout.