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 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 back. But Ledra kept the endeavor moving forward and NCPW is now a solo operation for Ledra. She runs the business and leads all instruction.
I see Ledra is an Olympus Featured Pro - Do I have to shoot Olympus to attend your workshops?
Absolutely not! We do shoot Olympus mirrorless cameras personally and on our workshops and we love them! But our adventures are for anyone and everyone, regardless of which brand of camera you shoot. We have experience with many brands of cameras due to our retail photo sales background. No matter what you shoot, we are happy to have you and we can help you out with your questions!
Do you have preferred vendors for gear and services?
Yes!!
Printed Materials: Printing Center USA
Purchasing Gear: B&H Photo Video, Adorama, Hunt's Photo & Video
Bag Companies: Lowpro, Tamrac, Think Tank
Accessories: Peak Design, Really Right Stuff, B+W filters
How do you determine the number of participants in your workshops?
NCPW workshops do NOT have large group workshops. 1-day workshops will max out at 8, but all of our travel workshops max out at 6-7 participants. We even offer smaller 'boutique' style workshops for those who want small numbers and very individualized attention. Our 'small group' workshops will only have 3-4 participants.
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.....give Ledra a call!!
Do you offer group transportation?
So, the short answer is no, we do not. Some companies run their workshops by putting all attendees into one van. Although this is fine for those companies, there are number of reasons we do not.
Time after time we have seen that many/most participants need some kind of induvidual 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 and may want to venture out on their own....they may want their own vehicle for exploring the area during downtime and even for shopping in some locations. 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 cut EVERYONE'S trip short. Also, consider that many participants are flying in from all over the country. It is almost impossible to create a schedule where everyone can fly to a certain spot at the same time to join a van-pool. And, honestly, there are myriad other reasons we do not offer van services on our workshops. Let's not even get started with the whole Covid-thing.
Now, with that said....we do require some carpooling on workshops if at all possible. This would be mostly due to limited parking in many of our shooting locations. But 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.
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 to go 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 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-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 get the creative photographic juices flowing.
- Our longer workshops are 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, 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. We go to great locations, show you great photo opportunities, and you get to do it with others around you - 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 taking a photo workshop. You will meet and develop relationships with people you would have never thought could enter your life. Plus, it is amazing how much participants end up learning from each other as well.
- NO RESEARCH NECESSARY! All you have to do is sign up and get yourself to the location. After that, it is all taken care of. We do 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. The places we take you are places that you would not necessarily find 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 help 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, we recommend 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. At the very least, the camera should have some sort of zoom capability and the ability to manually change mode settings (program, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual) and be able to be mounted onto a tripod.
Please understand, these classes are about cameras, so there will not be any official instruction on how to shoot with a phone or iPad.
How often do you offer your different workshops?
I often hear, "Oh, I'd love to do that workshop, but I'll do it with you next year." Well, sometimes these people unfortunately miss out. We do offer some of the same workshops each year, but not always the longer 5-7 day trips.
Often 1-day and weekend workshops are offered each year - Smokies, Old Car City, Charleston, SC, Summer Sunflowers, Olympus Camera Class, etc. But it is unsusal to offer the longer 5-7 day workshops on back to back years. It has happened some, however, due to specific demand or a group of people asking for it.....but it is not a certainty. It is normally an every other year situation.
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 9am and end by 4 or 5pm, 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 four field shooting sessions and often class time as well, depending on the workshop. They typically run from 3:00pm on Sunday to 2:00pm the following Tuesday (sometimes they will run on different days of the week). Typically there is one shoot the first evening, an AM and PM shoot the next day and an AM shoot on last day...followed by a final critique session that afternoon. Typically class time includes some lecture on photographic topics and also feedback via photo critique. This can vary according to the specific workshop, but this is the general flow of the shorter workshops.
- On the 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. There may be a class sessions or two 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 every workshop.
- These are the general outlines for most NCPW programs. 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?
The very basic amount of necessary equipment is a camera with at least one zoom lens, your camera instruction manual and a sturdy tripod....and extra batteries!
With that said, there is a general list of equipment that will help you make the most of any photo workshop:
- DSLR or 'mirrorless' camera body(s) with various interchangeable lenses (zoom lenses work well - wide angle and telephoto)
- Macro lens or close up filters for close up work.
- Lens shades for all lenses
- Filters - circular polarizer or circular neutral density filters
- 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 - every camera is different and your instructor will need this to help you with camera-related questions
- Tripod (head and legs)
- Camera and lens cleaning supplies
- Cable release/Remote release
- Rain cover for camera and lenses - we do not stop shooting 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 binds 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 freezing temperatures only to climb to 80 degrees by late morning or 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 some sort of means of staying dry - and so will your camera. The best waterproof clothing is a waterproof jacket or jacket shell with a waterproof hood. Umbrellas can work but are cumbersome when dealing with photography equipment.
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. Ledra 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 the 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 its box.
Even if you have been shooting for a little while, you may want to at least review how to change certain key things on your camera - know how to change your 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 at high altitudes. Add to this long days and heavy camera gear, and most participants will 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 signing up 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 physically can't do some of the shoots they have paid for.
Where are your destinations?
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Townsend, Tennessee
- Arches National Park - Moab, Utah
- Canyonlands National Park - Utah
- Capitol Reef National Park - Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
- Zion National Park - Utah
- Glacier National Park - Montana
- Death Valley National Park - California
- Colorado's Fall Colors - Ouray, CO
- Olympic National Park - Washington
- Monument Valley - Utah/Arizona
- Washington's Palouse Region - Colfax, WA
- Mt. Rainier National Park - Washington
- Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming
- Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
- Coast of Oregon
- Coast of Maine
- Acadia National Park
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Sedona, Arizona
- Ghost Towns of Montana
- Outer Banks of North Carolina
- Gettysburg and Picturesque Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Dakotas - Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks
And we are scouting all the time. Keep in mind each of these are not offered every year and do not normally offer the same workshops on back-to-back years.....although it has sometimes happened.
Plus, there are workshop offerings shorter in length and local to Georgia and the Southeast region.