Frequently Asked Questions
Who teaches/leads your workshops?
Ledra Woodlee is the founder and owner of Natural Connections Photo Workshops. Ledra is also the principal instructor - although there could be an assistant or additional instructor from time to time.
She started the business with her husband Jeff Woodlee and co-lead the workshops for a number of years. Unfortunately Jeff passed away a few years ago. But Ledra kept the endeavor moving forward and NCPW is Ledra's operation. She runs the business and leads all instruction.
Ledra is an Olympus/OM System photographer - Do I have to shoot the same to attend your workshops?
Absolutely not! Olympus/OM System mirrorless cameras are a personal choice and they are awesome! But NCPW's adventures are for anyone and everyone, regardless of which brand of camera you shoot. Ledra has experience with many brands of cameras due to an extensive retail photo sales background. No matter what you shoot, you and your cameras are more than welcome on all trips!
Can I pay a deposit instead of the full amount?
Sometimes. Generally speaking if the workshop does not take place in the year that you registering, there will be a deposit allowed which will be indicated on the indvidual workshop webpage. But if the workshop takes place within the SAME year as when you are registering, normally the full workshop tuition will be due along with your registration to hold your spot.
If you have a question about this or have situation you would like to discuss, please contact NCPW with your questions.
Do you offer group transportation?
Overall, the short answer is no, we do not. Some companies run their workshops by putting all attendees into one van. There are number of reasons NCPW does not.
1) On all NCPW trips, each participant is responsible for their transportation from the aiport and then getting back to the airport. NCPW does not offer airport transportation. Participants arrive from all over the country. It is very difficult for everyone to arrive at the same time to join a van-pool. If a flight is delayed or canceled, that individual is either left behind or the entire group gets delayed waiting on one person.
2) Once you are at the workshop location, you often need or want your own transportation. Only rarely will NCPW transport everyone in one vehicle during the workshop. And that is normally only when parking is extremely limited at photo spots or if a National Park limits the workshop to one vehicle.
On every trip many/most participants have needed some individual flexibility that one vehicle for an entire group cannot offer. Often participants want to come in early or stay late for additional adventures. Some participants may not want to eat every meal together. Some may wish to venture out on their own to explore the area during downtime or even just run to the store for personal needs.
Also, if there is an emergency or sickness requiring someone to go home, that would affect everyone if there was only one vehicle for the entire group....it would impact EVERYONE'S trip. So, we simply find that a one-size-fits-all automobile situation is not ideal for a workshop environment that incorporates multiple people with individual needs who are coming from all over the country.
Why do you not include lodging or food in your pricing?
Again, this is something better left to the individual's preferences.
1) Lodging: There is always a specific hotel where workshop operations are based. But sometimes, participants may have a reason to stay at a different property. Some have points with specific hotel chains and choose to stay there instead. Or, one guest may want a suite where another guest wants the most cost-efficient room. Some people have even choosen to tent-camp or pull their camper.
Exception: On one or two workshops NCPW may have to book the rooms so they don't sell out prior to filling the workshop. That price will either be reflected in the Tuition price or will be noted that the participant will need to purchase the room from NCPW. This way you always know what you are paying for. Also, these rooms a will ALWAYS be a single-occupancy rate unless a double-occupancy rate is requested.
NOTE: please do NOT book NON-REFUNDABLE rooms for any NCPW workshop. We are not responsible for any consequential losses in case of trip cancellation.
2) Meals: There are just too many situations to anticipate in order to plan meals for others....dairy, gluten, nuts, meat/no meat preferences, etc. Individuals are the best judge of dietary needs. NCPW always allows enough time for meals. Meals may not always be at the times you are used to, but you will not go hungry. You will receive plenty of information in plenty of time to make sure you are able to plan for your dining needs.
I see your wildlife workshops are mostly offered in Winter. Why is that?
Winter is a preference for several reasons.
1) First of all, the animals are FAR easier to spot in winter due to leafless trees/bushes and fur standing out better off of a background of white.
2) Also, it is easier for auto focus and using focus-tracking on the animals in this environment which leads to a higher percentage of usable shots.
3) The national parks and areas known for wildlife are FAR less populated with people during the winter. You will not have to deal with hundreds of selfie-sticks or people trying to pet bison during winter workshops.
4) Plus, fewer people in the area means easier logistics and even better dining situations.
5) Timing. Sunrise is late and sunset is early. This means you actually get to eat at reasonable times and get plenty of sleep on winter workshops!!
How do you determine the number of participants in your workshops?
NCPW do not offer large group workshops. 1-3 day workshops will max out at 8, but all of our longer 4-6 day travel workshops max out at 5-7 participants....6 on average, unless there are 2 instructors, which would top out at 10. (5:1 ratio)
Excpetion: In Alaska the lodge owner is going to fill every spot in the small lodge regardless of how many groups that takes. So the sitaution works best with everyone under the same leader and itinerary.
Do you offer custom workshops?
Sometimes people want something planned for their own group.....and that's great!! As long as there is availability on the calendar, Ledra may be able to work something out for you.
For example, NCPW has planned a number of small group workshops to Glacier NP/Montana, the Southwest canyons, the Tetons and more.....and sometimes with very little lead time! If you would like to do a small group workshop to a particular place at a particular time of year.....make the request and let's see what we can do!
You've piqued my interest, but is a photo workshop or photo class really for me?
Well, let's see:
- If you enjoy making friends with a number of new people from all around the country who all have the same interest in photography as you, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.
- If you want to learn more about photography and improve your photographic skills in a fun-loving and supportive environment, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.
- If you want to travel to amazingly beautiful and photographically stunning locations without ever having one worry about where and when to photograph, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.
- If you want to arrive back home with a smorgasbord of amazing images to share with your family and friends, then yes, a photo workshop is for you.
- Or..... if you simply like photography and want an excuse to get away, then YES, a Natural Connections Photo Workshop is for you!
What are the benefits of participating in NCPW photography workshops and photography classes?
- The half or 1-day photography workshops or photography classes serve the purpose of getting you out of the house and into the field. This is where skills are ingrained. A hands-on experience is KEY to learning and retaining photographic knowledge.
- Weekend or 2-3 day workshops will provide you with a plethora of photography-related information. These programs are designed to impart information, but most of all to get the creative photographic juices flowing in the field.
- Longer workshops can be a distinctive vacation - not everyone thinks to take a photo workshop for a vacation, but it is indeed a great choice.
- Amazing locations, amazing photos, amazing people and just plain having fun. What could be better??
- Travel With Others - often individuals are looking to take a vacation safely but don't want to travel by themselves. A photo workshop is the PERFECT answer to this dilemma. None of the insecurities of solo travel are involved with a photo workshop. You are taken to great locations, shown great photo opportunities, and you get to do it with others who are looking for the exact same adventure as you.
- New Friends and New Contacts - there is no better way of getting to know other photographers than by doing a photo workshop. You will meet and develop relationships with people who you otherwise likely wouldn't meet. Plus, it is amazing the amount participants learn from each other as well.
- NO RESEARCH NECESSARY! All you have to do is sign up and get yourself to the starting location. After that, it is all taken care of. NCPW does all of the research necessary to get you to the right place at the right time. Just concentrate on your camera and the gorgeous scenery around you. These are places that you would not necessarily have found on your own....and your photos will reflect that.
- Education - Sure, you could plan vacations to wonderful places yourself. You could spend months researching exactly where to be at the exact right time of day, but what you don't get from that is the assistance of knowledgeable and skilled instructors who can help you with your questions in the field - questions that affect your photography at that decisive moment. On NCPW workshops, you have assistance available.
- Feedback - NCPW extended workshops often provide critique sessions, giving constructive feedback on your photo shoot results.....comments are constructive and can offer guidance on how to make your images even better.
What if I don't have a camera with interchangeable lenses?
In order to get the most out of NCPW photo workshops and photo classes, it is recommended that participants have a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses - but it is NOT required. Numerous participants have brought high-end super-zoom point-and-shoot digital cameras and have achieved very good results. Some people just have a cell phone, and that is OKAY TOO!
Please understand, however, these trips cater to cameras and camera controls, so there will not be instruction on settings for phones or pads/tablets.
We want to extend the trip beyond the workshop dates. Should we come in early or stay late?
The best idea is to stay late instead of coming in early. Often people will stumble upon some of the workshop sites before the workshop and then you just end up with duplication. The better plan is to stay after the workshop ends in case there are areas that you would like to go back to and try to shoot in a different way or in better weather conditions.
How often do you offer your different workshops?
Someone may say, "Oh, I'd love to do that workshop, but I'll do it with you next year." Well, sometimes these people unfortunately miss out. A few workshops are offered each year, but not always.
Often 1-day and weekend workshops are offered each year - Smokies, Old Car City, Berry College, New River Gorge, etc. But it is unusual to offer the longer 5-7 day workshops on back to back years. It has happened, however, due to specific demand or a group of people asking for it.....but it is not a certainty. It is more likely a 2-3 year rotation.
What is a typical day like during your photography workshops and classes?
This will depend on the location and length of the workshop.
- 1-day workshops generally will begin at 8-9am and end by 3pm, although times may vary. These workshops will not have any classroom instruction as all instruction will be in the field as a group or one-on-one while shooting.
- Weekend (or 2-3 day) workshops include 4-6 field shooting sessions and sometimes class time as well, depending on the workshop and access to meeting space. They typically run from 3:00pm on Day 1 to 2:00pm on the last day (sometimes they will run on different days of the week). Typically the first and last day will have one shoot and the days in between will have 2 shooting sessions per day. Class time would include lecture on photographic topics and also feedback via photo critique. This varies according to the specific workshop, but it is the general flow of the shorter workshops.
- For longer workshops, generally 5-7 days, the session will start with an introductory meeting and either an AM or PM shoot depending on what time that particular workshop begins. Each morning will have an AM shoot, then you will have the opportunity to eat and fill up with caffeine (or nap). There may be a class session or two mixed in on these longer workshops and will generally be worked into the early afternoon while the light isn't good for shooting. In the late afternoon you will find yourselves once again back out in the field for an evening and sunset field shoot. After this shoot, the evening will be yours to do with as you wish -- eat, socialize, download, process images - or dare say, even sleep. In more remote locations there may be an attempt to include one night shoot during the workshop - although there's no guarantee conditions will be suitable for a night shoot on any given workshop.
- These are the general outlines for most NCPW offerings. Some workshops and seminars may deviate from this pattern a bit depending on the amout of activities planned, the information presented and the need for travel during the workshop.
What camera equipment should I bring?
As discussed above, sometimes people only have a phone.....and that's completely fine. But to fully take advantage of NCPW workshops, recommendations are as follows:
- DSLR or 'mirrorless' camera body(s) with various interchangeable lenses (zoom lenses work well - wide angle and telephoto)
- Lens hoods for all lenses
- Filters - circular polarizer for any and all landscape lenses
- Neutral density filters for working with moving water
- Camera backpack or photo bag - something comfortable to carry your equipment for up to two miles
- Spare camera batteries and battery charger
- Multiple memory cards and card reader
- Instruction Manuals/downloads - every camera is different and your instructor will need this to help you with camera-related questions
- Sturdy tripod (head and legs)
- Cleaning supplies
- Cable release/Remote release
- Sturdy Tripod
- Rain cover for you, your camera and lenses - shooting does not stop for inclement weather, so be sure to bring a waterproof cover for your camera - nothing fancy needed, large ziplock bags will even do.
**Note: The above listed equipment is not an all-inclusive list nor is it a mandatory list. Bring what you have - although you may want to invest in the minimum of a circular polarizer if you don't currently have one. PLEASE contact us if you have ANY questions at all.
Do I have to bring a laptop?
Laptops are recommend for your private use and for use during classroom lecture and to prepare images for critique sessions. It is not mandatory that you bring a laptop, but you won't be able to get as much out of the program if you do not. A portable external hard drive for image backup is a good idea as well.
What other gear would be helpful to bring?
- Pocket Flashlight or Head Lamp
- Cushion or Knee Pads
- Hand towel for wiping off wet cameras
- Notepad for Classroom Sessions
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Bug Spray
- Change of shoes
- Snacks - energy bars or other snacks for while in the field
- Water
- Extra Batteries/Memory Cards
What kind of clothing should I bring?
NCPW workshops are held in many different locations, but there is one common theme that crosses them all -- you'll need to wear layers. What this means is that you should bring a variety of clothes for any weather. Although this makes packing a little more cumbersome, you will not regret having too many clothing options with you. In many locations, your day can start out in near-freezing temperatures only to climb to 80 degrees by noon. Below are examples of the types of clothing to pack:
- 2 jackets - one weatherproof light to medium weight and one weatherproof heavy weight.
- Warm clothing to wear in layers - short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, hooded sweat shirts, fleece (NOTE: in very cold weather avoid wearing cotton as much as possible - cotton does not wick away moisture from the body like other synthetic fabrics and can contribute to hypothermia.)
- Coverings for extremities - hats, gloves, scarves, ear coverings, warm socks, WARM and WEATHERPROOF hiking boots or hiking shoes with good tread. Regardless of where you are or the type of shoes you wear, they must be comfortable as you will be spending a lot of time on your feet.
- Cargo pants - these are a great help in the field. The pockets are highly useful for holding gear and accessories and keeping them handy while you're in the field.
- Waterproof Clothing - we do not stop shooting just because it is raining. You will need the ability to stay dry - and so will your camera. The best waterproof clothing is a waterproof jacket or jacket shell with a waterproof hood. Waterproof pants are a necessity on some trips as well.
I'm scared I will be the only one there who isn't an expert in photography.
Absolutely not! Wait, let's reinforce that.....ABSOLUTELY NOT!! You will find every skill level present on NCPW photo workshops and in our photo classes as well. NCPW strives to create an environment where the beginner is free to mix with the advanced shooter. All questions and concerns are answered in a supportive and encouraging manner. There is never a 'dumb' question on NCPW's workshops. ANY person at ANY level with ANY brand of camera is welcome!! NCPW's ultimate goal is to make sure that every participant goes home with more photographic knowledge (and awesome images) than when they arrived to the workshop.
What can I do to prepare myself for a workshop?
At a bare minimum, if you are not an experienced photographer, there is one thing that will help you immensely. Hold your camera in your hands. Turn it on. Make sure there is a memory card it in. Open your camera manual and read it cover to cover. Whatever the manual refers to, find it on the camera -- push the button, flip the switch, turn the dial. This is the single best way to learn your camera. It will help you immensely in the field. Whatever you do, do not let the first day of the workshop be the first day your camera has been out of the box.
Even if you have been shooting for a little while, you may want to at least review how to locate and change certain key settings on your camera quickly - shutter speed, ISO and aperture at a bare minimum. Even if you don't yet understand how all of these elements interact, you will at least know how to physically change them when the time comes.
Also, some NCPW workshops can be somewhat physically demanding. We don't hike for miles and miles through the wilderness, but many of the workshops will include some hiking and some at high altitudes. Add to this long days and heavy camera gear, and participants can experience some sort of fatigue.
If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you will want to exercise a little for at least a few weeks prior to the workshop. Walking for a few miles per day should do it. If you have physical limitations, make sure you discuss this with us before registering for a workshop. We would rather be up front about the amount of physical exertion on the trip than have a unhappy participant because they can't participate in some or all of the workshop.
Where are your destinations?
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Alaska Coastal Brown Bears & Puffins, Alaska
- Arches National Park, Utah
- Dakotas - Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks
- British Columbia Eagles
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Colorado's Fall Colors
- Cypress Pond in the Fall, Georgia
- Death Valley National Park, California
- Gettysburg and Picturesque Pennsylvania
- Glacier NP & MT Ghost Towns, Montana
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
- Jekyll Island & Darien, Georgia
- Maine Coast
- Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona
- Mt. Rainier National Park - Washington
- New River Gorge, West Virginia
- Nova Scotia & Puffins
- Oregon Coast
- Olympic National Park - Washington
- Outer Banks of North Carolina
- Old Car City, Georgia
- Page, AZ
- Savannah, Georgia
- Sedona, Arizona
- Tetons in Winter, Wyoming
- Saguaro National Park, Arizona
- Washington's Palouse Region
- White Pocket, Arizona
- Yellowstone In Winter, Montana/Wyoming
And we are scouting all the time. Keep in mind all trips are not offered every year and not normally on back-to-back years.....although it occasionally happens.
What should I look for in a workshop company?
There are so many people offering photo trips these days, it can be pretty difficult to know who to give your money to. How do you decide? There are any number of ways to go. From actual photo workshop companies to photo clubs using volunteer leaders to Joe Blow trip-organizer who just wants to get his trip paid for by other people. Below are a few considerations before you hand over your hard-earned money for a photography trip.
Trip Goals
What are your trip goals and expectations? Do you want someone who can actually teach you and help you during all field shoots, or are you okay being left to your own devices during the trip with the trip leaders off doing their own portfolio shooting? Do you want someone who really knows the area who will give you information and advice from anything to logistics to restaurants to even where the bathrooms are, or are you fine with having to find out that information for yourself?
Money
What do you expect your money should buy? Are you ok with $2000 only getting you someone to take you to a location and abandon you, or do you think that amount should include all trip prep and planning from experienced leaders and hands-on assistance throughout the workshop on every shoot? Should that money include the knowledge of a leader who knows the place well enough to make changes and decisions on the fly in changing conditions, or simply just a tour guide that shrugs and says ‘oh, well'?
Leaders
What should you look for in a photo workshop leader? First of all, you should look for a company whose ONLY business is photography workshops who employs actual photography instructors as their trip leaders. This company should also have a vested interest in STAYING in business. What does that mean? The workshop company should be ACCOUNTABLE – accountable for your money and accountable for your trip expectations.
This means the trip LEADERS are accountable for all of this as well. Are the leaders the same people who run the business? They should be. You want your interactions and experiences to be known by the people responsible for every aspect of the business.
What are the leaders’ motivations? Do they just want to get their own vacation paid for, or is it their goal (and their JOB) to make sure YOU get everything you expect from a photo workshop? Are they just there to point the general direction you should go and then go sit in the car, or are they walking around checking in with everyone and offering help the whole time?
Planning
Does the leader/company get proper permits for their trips? All National Parks and most State Parks require Commercial Authorizations for groups who pay someone money to be led through the park. Some instructors/companies are notorious for not getting permits and telling their PAYING customers to say they are all just friends or club members if a ranger stops them to ask for the permit. This is hogwash and completely unacceptable for someone who just charged you money for a photo workshop. ANY company, organization, photo club or individual who charges money to lead a group in a National Park MUST have a permit. After all, YOU paid for it….they should have it.
Number of Participants
How many participants are you expecting on your trip? This is KEY to your enjoyment of a photo workshop. There are 2 aspects of this: 1) There should NEVER be more people than an instructor(s) can give individual attention to. Tuition SHOULD include individual attention if the customer needs it. 2) Even if they have 2 or 3 instructors, there is a number that is just too many to be in one particular spot. Too many photographers in one area are always jockeying for position and unfortunately getting into everyone else's shots. Many companies have 12 or more people on one trip. This is WAY too many customers to be able to serve well.
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Still interested in going on a photo workshop? Well, here’s the sum of our advice….and YES, its possibly a little self-serving: If you are spending significant money ($500 or more) for someone to lead you on a photography workshop, choose an actual COMPANY whose business it is to run photography workshops. Travel with a reputable company who uses actual photography instructors whose JOB it is to make sure you are happy - not photo club volunteers who also want to shoot - and certainly not a person who just wants a vacation paid for by others.
Although, it is possible to have fun with a group of people who are all paying their own way with no workshop fee being charged. In that case you should have no expectations of what others' roles should be and should be prepared to handle everything on your own.
But the bottom line is, if a group, organization or individual is charging you money to participate in a photo workshop, be smart with your money and make sure you know what you ARE and ARE NOT getting for those dollars. Make sure you go with the group who gives you the most value for your money.