How to prepare for a Photography Tour or Workshop

My photo tours and workshops are all about landscape photography, making sure that you are in the right place at the right time to capture great images. Photography workshops are fun, inspiring, and educational. Being prepared for your trip is extremely important and will ensure that you get the most out of it and go home with lots of images that you are happy with! This means that you need to be ready for the physical demands of the workshop, you are comfortable with operating your camera, and you have all the necessary camera gear and clothing that you may need throughout the trip!

Physical Fitness

The fitness level required for each workshop varies significantly depending on the location and the itinerary. The altitude, terrain, and distances hiked can range from minimal to significant. It’s vital that you are honest with yourself about your physical abilities and that you train, if necessary, to prepare for the workshop. I am always available for any questions or concerns you may have, and I will do my best to help you prepare. But ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that you are up to the challenges of the workshop. Each workshop has a Physical difficulty rating and a list of any significant hikes are listed on the relevant workshop page. Apart from just physical fitness, it is also important that you have good mobility and balance, winter workshops in particular can be challenging in this respect due to slippery conditions in snow or ice, therefore crampons (Microspikes) are required for these workshops.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Fast-changing and moody weather is great for landscape photography, we will use the weather to our advantage and will always try to shoot in locations that I believe will give the best results based on the weather. Naturally, noone can control the weather, but I will do my best to ensure that we are in the right place at the right time, and that you get great shots, no matter the conditions. If there are any weather warnings or there is severe weather forecasted, we may have to change plans on the fly to mitigate any unnecessary risks.

Understand the Itinerary

Knowing some of the locations that you will visit on a tour and researching them before the trip to see what the classic shots look like is a great way to get more from the workshop. When we arrive on location, I always explain possible compositions and subjects to shoot, but I also encourage everyone to look around and find new and unique perspectives. By doing your ‘homework’ and seeing other photographers’ images of a location, you can build a mental picture of the location, which will help you navigate it more efficiently when you are on location and capture more images, not just the classic compositions.

Workshop Pace

The pace of a workshop will depend on multiple factors, some workshops are much slower paced, visiting fewer locations, but spending more time at each location (Examples of slower-paced workshops are Tuscany, the Dolomites, and Slovenia). whilst other workshops are faster paced and include visiting many more locations but spending less time in each location. The weather conditions will play a role in this, with fast-changing and moody weather being ideal for a faster pace (What I like to call Run and Gun), this sees us chasing the light and making frequent but short stops to capture a variety of images, usually handheld.

Rest

Photography Workshops and Tours can be very tiring, the consecutive long days (Heading out before sunrise and not returning until well after sunset) of being up and on your feet take their toll. Ensuring you get plenty of rest before the start of a workshop will enable you to make the most of the trip and not miss out on sessions throughout the week due to being too tired. If you are traveling a long distance for the workshop, I always recommend arriving at least 1 day prior to the start of the workshop to give you some time to rest and get your gear organised, but also to give you a buffer in case of any missed/delayed/canceled flights or lost luggage.

Know your gear

The single best way to get more bang for your buck on our workshops is to know your camera. Time spent in the field struggling with camera settings is time you can’t spend on improving your photography and is a surefire way to miss shots. If you shoot frequently and know your gear well, then this might seem very basic, but for anyone who doesn’t shoot frequently, the below list is an example of what we suggest you are comfortable doing prior to the trip. A workshop or trip is not the time to be using your new camera system for the first time, so be sure to allow time for practice.

For all of your camera systems, you should be able to:

  • Setup your tripod, level it, and attach your camera to it

  • Work the main buttons and dials of your camera to enable you to change the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

  • Use Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes, whilst being able to adjust exposure compensation

  • Move the focus point around the viewfinder and live view and change the focus mode from single shot to continuous, and from autofocus to manual focus

  • Display the histogram and exposure meter in live view

  • Adjust your display to show various grid lines and the virtual horizon (Level)

  • Display the RGB histogram in image playback

  • Turn on focus peaking (For mirrorless cameras)

  • Set the self-timer or attach and use a remote camera trigger

  • Focus manually using live view to get perfect sharpness (This is especially important for Night Photography)

  • Be comfortable enough with these tasks that you can do all of them in the dark. Whether shooting the Milkyway or the Aurora, we often shoot in the dark and it is critical to not use head torches whilst changing settings as this may disturb the rest of the group or other photographers in the area!

Preparations before you leave home

  • Make sure your laptop operating system and any post-processing software are up-to-date.

  • Clean your tripod, lenses, filters, and camera sensor

  • Tighten all bolts on your tripod to ensure the legs are stiff and not floppy

  • Check for, and install any firmware updates to your camera/lenses/drone

  • Backup all memory cards and then format them in the camera

  • Create an ‘Electronics Pouch’ which will contain all necessary chargers, charging cables, power adapters, a card reader, and a power bank

  • Create a packing list and ensure you have all the required equipment and clothing for your workshop well ahead of time

  • Check the airline’s luggage rules and restrictions (Dimensions and weight limitations)

PACKING FOR THE TRIP:

  • Avoid packing anything that isn’t required, but don’t underestimate weather changes, if in doubt, ask me and I will be happy to help!

  • Ensure that all batteries are in your carry-on bag to comply with flight regulations and avoid unwanted hassle at the airport

  • Use packing cells to keep everything organised in your suitcase

  • Pack any valuable and delicate items (Cameras, Lenses, Drones, Filters) in your carry-on bag.

  • Pack all prescription medication, supplements, and eyeglasses/contacts in your carry-on bag.

  • Bring along a supply of over-the-counter medicines that you might need such as cold medicine, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal medicine, antacids, pain relievers, and similar products. 

CAMERA GEAR:

  • Any Camera which has a manual mode (DSLR or Mirrorless)

  • A wide-angle lens (14-24mm or 16-35mm)

  • A mid-range zoom lens (24-70mm or 24-120mm)

  • A telephoto zoom lens (70-200mm or 100-400mm)

  • A Sturdy tripod (Lightweight/small tripods are not ideal, especially in locations that frequently have high winds)

  • Drone + Spare batteries

  • Charger for Drone and Camera

  • Spare Batteries for Drone and Camera

  • Spare Memory Cards for your Drone and Camera

  • Filters (Polarizer and Neutral Density)

  • Intervalometer / remote shutter release

  • Multiple lens cloths and a rocket blower

  • Zeiss optic cleaning wipes

  • Camera manual (Download the PDF Version of this to your phone)

  • Shower cap (To cover the camera from rain or waterfall spray)

  • Backup Body (Recommended in case of accidental damage or electronic failure)

  • Tools to tighten any loose screws or bolts on your camera/tripod

Clothing

Below is a generic list of clothing for most workshops, a more specific list is sent before each workshop:

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (Hard Shell)

  • Waterproof and windproof trousers (Hard Shell)

  • Warm mid-layers (Fleece / Down)

  • Thermal base layers (T-shirts/leggings)

  • Underwear

  • Waterproof hiking shoes/boots (Ensure these are properly fitted and have been broken in so that they are comfortable and do not give you blisters)

  • Comfortable hiking socks and liners (Liners help to reduce friction between your foot and your boot, reducing the risk of blisters)

  • Microfiber towel (These are lightweight, compact, and quick-drying) in case you get wet

  • Swimsuit (In some locations we might encounter hot tubs, swimming pools, streams, and lakes)

  • Sandals / Flipflops

  • Crampons / Microspikes to give you traction when walking on ice (Only required for winter workshops)

  • Neos Overshoes / Wellington Boots / Muck Boots (These are recommended for Iceland, Lofoten, and Scotland, and used mostly when shooting waterfalls and beaches to avoid getting your feet wet)

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS (I ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH THESE):

  • Powerbank and USB battery charger for Camera, Drone, and Phone

  • Relevant power adaptor for the country you are visiting

  • Refillable Water Bottle (Nalgene or Life Straw)

  • Headlamp with spare batteries

  • Camera bag / Backpack

  • Laptop and Charger

  • External hard drive to back up images

  • Toiletries

  • Sunblock / Bug repellant / Midge net

  • Hiking Poles (These can help improve balance on uneven terrain)

  • Camera Equipment Insurance in case of loss, theft, or damage

  • Multitool (Leatherman)

  • Travel Coffee/Tea mug (Thermos)

Difficulty Ratings

Photography workshops can be challenging because of the long days, often from before sunrise to well after sunset. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described. You are expected to be able to carry your camera gear and luggage. The below breakdown of the various difficulty ratings should enable you to assess whether a particular workshop is the right workshop for you. If you have any doubts, feel free to get in touch with me by email to double-check.

1 - Easy (Tuscany, Slovenia, Iceland, Lofoten):

All locations that we photograph are within less than 1.5km (20 minutes walk) from where we park our vehicle. The terrain is mostly level and smooth but can be uneven or slippery at times, any walks uphill or downhill have minimal elevation change.

You are able to:

  • Stay out for most of the day, driving, walking, and carrying your gear

  • Climb several flights of stairs without difficulty

  • Walk on uneven ground without assistance

  • Walk on wet, slippery surfaces without assistance

  • Climb over obstacles (like a rock on a trail)

2 - Moderate: (Scotland, Tenerife, Dolomites in Summer)

You may have to walk up to 4km (60 minutes) in each direction over uneven ground, with moderate elevation gain (Less than 150 Meters). You may need to walk through ice, deep snow, soft sand, or boggy ground.

You are able to:

  • Walk for extended periods, carrying your gear

  • Climb and descend ten flights of stairs without difficulty

  • Tie your shoes without the use of a chair

  • Cross a small stream using rocks as stepping stones

  • Walk through deep sand or snow

  • Stand on one foot for a full minute

  • Spend long hours in very cold or very hot temperatures

  • Stand up from lying on the ground without difficulty

3 - Challenging (Faroe Islands):

Some long hikes of up to 6km at a time, often with significant elevation gain (Less than 250 meters) on uneven ground. There can be locations where you are required to stand in water on slippery rocks or other non-flat surfaces. Workshops that take place at altitudes exceeding 2500 meters asl automatically fall into this category because of the thinner air, which naturally makes hiking more challenging.

You are able to:

  • Walk at elevation with your backpack

  • Climb up and stand on your kitchen counter without assistance

  • Squat twenty times with your camera backpack on

  • From a seated position on the floor, rise to standing without using your hands

4 - Difficult:

Multiple hikes throughout the day, with a total of more than 12km of distance and significant elevation gain (More than 250 meters), possibly at an altitude greater than 2,500 meters on steep and possibly slippery trails or paths. You must be in excellent physical condition, and willing to train as required before the trip.

What about Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance typically covers you when you have to cancel a trip due to an illness or injury, or sometimes even work-related reasons, or family medical reasons. Coverages can include reimbursement for money paid to airlines, workshop fees, and other travel cost. You will be surprised how cheap travel insurance can be, especially when you consider the coverage limits. Travel insurance also covers you in case of any delayed/missed or canceled flights and delayed or lost luggage. I highly recommend travel insurance for all photography trips and workshops, and I also recommend to get travel insurance as soon as you have paid your non-refundable deposit.

Travel Medical Insurance covers you for medical treatment, hospitalization, doctor’s visits and more, in countries where your home-based medical insurance will not cover you. I also strongly recommend that you obtain this insurance for any workshop that is outside of your home country, because your existing medical insurance will not cover you.