BesPhoto Workshop Preparation
You can download a pdf version of this information by clicking on this BesPhoto Workshop Preparation.pdf
We suggest that you get in some practice with your camera and other related gear and software prior to the workshop. Get that camera manual back out of the desk drawer and review features and usage. Think about the types of images you would like to concentrate on. Think about image storage, battery life, battery re-charging and memory requirements.
What to bring:
camera, film or digital - digital will have the added feature of being easier to critique at the workshop. I may have an extra for you to use, contact me ahead of time.
camera manual - Find your camera manual and read it cover to cover. You may find features you have never used, but would be useful. Bring your camera manual to the workshop! In fact leave the manual in your camera bag. I always carry my manual. We've used most kinds of cameras, but sometimes the manual is necessary. It's a good practice for you to use your manual. I usually download one from the manufacturer so I can do a computer search.
tripod - ALWAYS use a tripod if possible! There may be a few extra tripods available to borrow at the workshop.
cable release - ALWAYS use a cable release if possible! Most camera's have the alternate cable release built in. It is the self timer. Set the camera on the tripod and press the shutter, after 2 to 10 seconds, depending, the camera captures the image automatically. Many newer cameras have a wireless release.
film, regular or digital - bring lots of film. Bring the ability to take 200-400 shots in the field. You may be able to buy extra film there, but that will take away from your field work time.
batteries - very important to have 3-4 sets of batteries or the capacity to take 200-400 shots in the field. Bring EXTRA RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES! Most digital camera's will work on alkaline batteries directly or in a holder, but not for long. You need to have extra battery packs for your camera or extra NiMH AA... batteries preferably 1800-2100 mAH or higher. The higher the mAH the longer they work. The Links page has Thomas Distributing where you can purchase good quality batteries. You may be able to buy extra AA alkaline batteries at the workshop, but your camera may not use them, they will be expensive, buying batteries will take away from your field work time, and most importantly they will not last very long.
film or image storage - Used film canisters can be put into your pocket, that's an advantage for film. However digital film, compact flash, smart media, ... storage requires additional thinking. Digital media is reusable, but the images must be copied to a storage device before reuse. A laptop is a good storage device, be sure to bring the camera connection or storage reader and EXTRA BATTERIES and make sure it all works ahead of time. Digital film is getting cheaper every day, an additional 128meg to 1gig card can be very useful when out in the field. I personally have 2 cards, one with 4 gig and one with 2 gig. I also have a backup IBM micro drive with 1gig. Always check compatibility before purchasing any equipment. I also carry a 20gig compact flash storage device. I shoot using the 4 gig card and then start the copy process while using the second 2 gig card. I will have the 20gig digital storage device that reads compact flash available during our field work. To be fair, expect to use up only a portion of this storage. This is especially important at this workshop as we will be shooting all afternoon and staying there for dinner and then shooting the sunset.
lenses - some people like very wide angle lenses while others prefer less, you be the judge. We will discuss this in the workshop while we are shooting.
camera bag - I use a backpack with a small internal frame.
flashlight - enough said, maybe not. Remember we are shooting sunset, weather permitting (it always have so far, so we will be leaving the actual Starved Rock in the dark.
rain gear - if you don't bring it, then it will rain. umbrella - same thing
Hiking boots
plenty of water
lens sun shade - if your camera or lens has one find it and bring it
It gets cooler at sunset, so bring a jacket to sunset
All students are invited to send in their best image or two to be posted on this web site. I will be getting to that later this year as previous students have sent in images. The images will be posted at the yahoo group BesPhotoSchoolofPhotographyWorkshop. Some images of past workshop participants are already posted there.
Thanks John for letting me know the old page was better than the new one.