Joshua Tree National Park FAQ's
What’s the closest airport? Palm Springs is less tan hour to the park/hotel. After that we recommend any of the LA Basin Airports including LAX.
How much time will be spent in the field? Each day will start with a class session and then we will proceed into the park for a B&W and/or Infrared session. We will then return to dinner and back into the Park for sunset and night shoots.
Will you be discussing composition? Yes, and more. With each location, I will offer suggestions and go over technical (craft) questions. We will be there to assist you in finding and fine-tuning your compositions.
What are the times for the class sessions? We will hold a 2 hour class session each day from 10am - noon. These will be a mix of workflow and image review sessions.
What topics will you cover? We will utilize class time to discuss the following topics: Lightroom CC, Photoshop2023 , global corrections, localized corrections, Levels, Curves, color enhancement, proper sharpening techniques, layers and masking techniques, HDR, pano and stacking techniques with Lightroom and Photoshop.
Will there be an Image Review Session? Yes, in fact, we have two scheduled! Will the latest software be discussed? Yes, I will demonstrate the useful features in Lightroom CC, Photoshop2023 and Luminar Neo.
When do we eat? Breakfast is Continental and is served at the hotel. There are limited options in Twentynine Palms but we recommend that you ask the front desk based on your needs. No group meals are scheduled for this workshop. We will eat lunch after classes and then go into the park. We will come back out for a quick dinner before going back in for sunset/night shoots.
Will there be night training sessions? Yes - all 4 nights of the workshop.
What’s the weather like? We can get as high as low 80's during the day and mid 40's at night - so bring layers.
What camera should I bring? Most participants will have a digital SLR and/or Mirrorless camera, but bring the camera or cameras with which you’re most comfortable shooting.NOTE: Always bring a backup. Mirrorless cameras work best at night but are required.
What lenses should I bring? Lens choice is a very personal thing. You could probably find a use for every lens in your bag. So bring as much as your luggage will hold, even if you won’t take it in the field for every shoot. We suggest at the minimum you have the range from 16 mm to 200mm (full frame) covered.A fast wide angle will work best for astrophotography.
What filters should I bring? Polarizers are the number one recommendation. Beyond that, GND filters are useful but not necessary. We will show you alternate ways of solving expanded dynamic range without filters. A variable neutral density filter can be useful for motion blur with water, but is nor required.
Is a tripod required? While not required, a tripod will greatly enhance your opportunities and your images.For night, you will need one as you cannot handhold.
Will I need a laptop? Without a laptop you won’t be able to participate in most of the interactive classroom training sessions. A notebook is recommended.
I’m a beginner—is there a minimum skill level required? All skill levels are welcome. Some of the material may be beyond your current level, but much will benefit photographers of all abilities.
Can my wife/husband/friend join me? You’re welcome to share your room and all meals and non-workshop activities with a friend or loved one at no charge. Only paying participants will be able to join the workshop activities. With all there is to see and do in the area, there will be plenty to occupy any non-participating guest during workshop hours.
How much hiking will there be? Our photography activities will require virtually no hiking. There will be some walking to and from our shooting locations, but nothing more than an easy ¼ mile. There are also locations where some hiking is possible for those who are interested.
Will there be time for sightseeing? Each day will be pretty full, but there will be a little down time too. And no workshop activity is required.
Will I need to rent a car? While not required, a car will give you the most mobility and flexibility. Public transportation is available in the Carmel/Monterey areas, but very limited in Big Sur.
Can I carpool with another workshop participant? Any carpooling needs to be arranged by the carpoolers themselves. Can I share a room with another participant? You’re welcome to share a room with another workshop participant, but we’re not able to arrange that for you.
Will accommodations be made for people with mobility limitations? The host hotel offers full handicapped access in accordance with California law. Many of the locations we’ll photograph are close enough to parking that very little mobility will be necessary. A few places involve short trails and beaches that may limit your access. We’ll do our best to offer alternatives. Liability
Disclaimer: Due to the inherent nature of outdoor photography, participants agree to join the workshop at their own risk. We will never lead you to an area that is dangerous, and certainly, we need to know if you don't feel comfortable at any time.