home

Technology

Mastering Your Tools

Your most creative photography will almost always come from operating in a state of calm awareness. By having a solid command of your tools, you are free to easily concentrate on the task at hand and engage in your immediate reality, immersing yourself in the moment. During the course of our workshops, we'll be there to advise with the technologic components of your photography (and multi-media) but we recommend that you have a firm grasp on all your tools before you join your workshop in order to maximize your creative potential during this time.

Please read through the following information to make sure your are well equipped for your chosen workshop--as long as you bring your camera and a few other essential items, we're sure you'll have any amazing time!

Photography Equipment Suggestions

What kind of camera should I bring?

We require that you have a digital SLR or rangefinder camera you can operate in manual mode and at least a couple lenses. It is also suggested that you have at least a basic grasp of working with your camera in its manual mode. This includes an understanding of light metering and an ability to apply aperture and shutter speed settings to create a technically correct exposure. A useful source for information on these subjects is the National Geographic Photography Field Guide, which will aid you in gaining an understanding of these technical basics.

What should I bring along with my digital camera?

During our workshops you will need to download images from your camera to your laptop, edit images using an image browser, and back-up and organize your images for critique. We ask that you bring the following equipment with you: A laptop computer with CD/DVD Burner-PC or MAC-including the most current version of Photo Mechanic installed on your laptop. You will also need digital memory cards, a card reader and in most instances at least one external hard drive.

Do I have to bring a laptop and external hard drive?

Yes. In order for you to photograph with a digital camera while traveling for extended periods, it is necessary for you to bring a laptop and external hard drives so you may safely archive and organize your images as well as be able to edit them for critiques. Although you may use an image tank or similar devices for storage in the field, you will need a laptop for critique periods.

Equipment Suggestions

Suggested Photo & Multimedia Kits

For each workshop, we'll send you a specific list of the equipment that you will need in advance. The general equipment outlines below are for reference purposes.

Basic Photo Kit (Level 1 Workshops)

  • A Digital SLR Camera
  • Lenses suitable for low-light photography
  • Compact Flash Memory Cards (Enough for a half day of digital capture: 10 GB Suggested)
  • Power Adapters and Surge Protectors
  • A Laptop Computer with CD/DVD Burner - MAC or PC
  • Photo Mechanic Editing Software
  • 500 GB External Hard Drive
  • USB Jump-Drive

Intermediate Photo Kit (Level 2 & 3 Workshops)

  • A Digital SLR Camera
  • Lenses suitable for low-light photography
  • Extra batteries for your Digital Camera
  • Compact Flash Memory Cards (Enough for at least a full day of digital capture: 10 - 20 GB Suggested)
  • Power Adapters and Surge Protectors
  • A Laptop Computer with CD/DVD Burnerr - MAC or PC
  • Photo Mechanic Editing Software
  • 500 GB External Hard Drive
  • 500 GB External Hard Drive (as additional backup)
  • USB Jump-Drive
  • Data Rescue Software
  • Backup Digital SLR Camera (Optional)
  • Tripod
  • Flash
  • Lens Cloth (Suggested)