Frequently Asked Questions from Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures
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Digital Photography
FAQs (Frequently-asked Questions)

Here are some answers to questions you may have. If you have other questions, do not hesitate to contact us.


Our philosophy in a nutshell?

  • Travel light and inconspicuously;
  • Take time to savor what is offered; and
  • Be adaptable, a necessity, given the nature of photographing in different locations  (Mother Nature has a mind of her own!).
photo adventure workshops digital photography lighthouses Outer Banks fall autumn Cape Hatteras National Seashore North Carolina NC Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures © 2008 Zann and Pinkerton Photography for Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures. All Rights Reserved.  For usage and fees, contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278.  919-643-3036 before 9 pm east coast USA.
What is included in the workshop fee?
  • Daily group and individual instruction from Margo and Arnie in both the field and classroom (we each work with each participant at least twice a day, and sometimes three times— that's four to six individual sessions a day);
  • Workshop materials;
  • Our final group critique and slide show that many find is a very valuable part of the workshop experience (hint, hint — don't leave early unless you absolutely have to);
  • All other expenses are the responsibility of the individual participant.
photo adventure workshops digital photography lighthouses Outer Banks fall autumn Cape Hatteras National Seashore North Carolina NC Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures © 2008 Zann and Pinkerton Photography for Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures. All Rights Reserved.  For usage and fees, contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278.  919-643-3036 before 9 pm east coast USA.
How are the days structured?
  • Our days our full, as we want to give you the best value possible;
  • On the opening day, we start out with some technical information and other basics before heading out around 3:00 for our first afternoon of photography, returning for our traditional reception that varies depending upon our location;
  • Depending upon weather, we often get up pre-dawn to have enough time to get to our morning destination, scout, and set up to capture the beautiful light of those early hours as the skies lighten;
  • After our morning shoot, we return to our base for editing and imaging and the occasional nap;
  • Along with discussions on composition, techniques, and resources, there are daily individual critique sessions where participants learn to recognize their successes as well as what they might have done to make their images stronger; sometimes, of course, we have the "chimp factor" (oooh-oooh ahhh-ahhh) and just say, "Wow!";
  • Participants can either go out and grab some lunch or, depending upon our location, we arrange to have it brought in;
  • Around 3:00, we leave for our afternoon/evening location, scout, and create more images;
  • Choice of dinner locations is always up to the individual (although most like to join us for more fun, frivolity, and shop talk); and
  • We suggest that participants download images ASAP, even allowing the computer to chug away while you sleep or have breakfast.
When should I arrive on the first day?
  • We start at noon on the first day; and
  • We generally leave around 3:00 in the afternoon after introductions and a basic lecture on some of the Principles of Photography.
When will the last day end?
  • At 2:00 in the afternoon, after our popular slide show and group critique session, to give people time to catch planes and/or drive home;
  • For those who must leave earlier, we always try to show your images first so that you will not miss out, as everyone looks forward to the group slide show and learns so much from it.
photo adventure workshops digital photography lighthouses Outer Banks fall autumn Cape Hatteras National Seashore North Carolina NC Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures © 2008 Zann and Pinkerton Photography for Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures. All Rights Reserved.  For usage and fees, contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278.  919-643-3036 before 9 pm east coast USA.
What equipment should I bring?  Use this as your check list!
  • Your camera, of course, along with an assortment of fixed and/or zoom lenses (no need to go out and buy any for this workshop); that said, if you do not bring the lenses you have, you will wish you had (after all, your assortment of lenses is what you are used to using); for those who want to experiment with other lenses, check out our resources page for rentals (very reasonable prices).
  • If you do not have a digital camera, we highly recommend that you borrow one so that you can maximize your workshop experience;
  • Extra compact flash disks;
  • The card reader and cable for your camera and compact flash disks;
  • Extra battery/batteries for your camera;
  • Your camera's manual (VERY IMPORTANT, as we cannot be familiar with the different features of every camera manufacture);
  • A small 3"x5" notebook for recording tests and unusual conditions that might not show up in your metadata, as well as notes from lectures and critiques;
  • Waterproof protection for your camera in case of rain (see weather question below), or a couple of large Ziploc bags and heavy elastics that can be fashioned into protection;
  • A sturdy tripod and ballhead (most photographers find the two-handled models too frustrating and time-consuming) strong enough to carry the weight of your camera and lens; it is usually recommended to get these with a capability of at least 11 pounds, more if you can (if you are considering buying a new tripod and ball head, contact us first,as we may be able to guide you in a direction appropriate for your budget and keep you from misspending your money on something that will cause you frustration) — check out our blog on Tripods and Ball Heads;
  • A small flashlight for light painting and for working in low light;
  • A laptop with the appropriate programs installed (see next section below);
  • Model/property release forms in case you wish do photograph someone or something where permission is needed; for those who don't have any, you may download our model release and/or property release and substitute your name for "Zann and Pinkerton Photography" and "Photographer" for "ZAP";
  • An umbrella;
  • Granola or power bars for when you don't have a chance to grab something to eat;
  • Water and/or a water bottle, so you don't get dehydrated; and
  • A clear and rested head (don't laugh, if you are exhausted when you arrive, you won't be your most creative).
What programs do I need for the workshop?  Use this as your check list!
What should I pack?  Use this as your check list!
  • We dress comfortably, so a combination of slacks and/or shorts is appropriate (some eateries have dress codes involving shirts with sleeves, etc.);
  • Layers are always best, as one can keep warm more easily without having to pack too much (remember, pre-dawn and post-sunset hours can be cool);
  • Rain gear, just in case; a poncho works really well, as it can keep your camera bag dry, too;
  • Sturdy shoes for tramping on rocks or uneven territory (I nearly forgot to mention this, since I rarely wear shoes);
  • A hat to protect you from the sun (and hopefully NOT inclement weather);
  • Sunscreen in a heavier rating than you usually use; and
  • Bug spray, as one never knows when those little pesky critters will be out and about!
What will the weather be like?
  • Mother Nature, of course, is capricious and has a mind of her own, but....
  • Check out our weather page for average temparatures and precipitation in our various locales; and
  • Remember that inclement weather can produce some really dramatic and wonderful images.
photo adventure workshops digital photography lighthouses Outer Banks fall autumn Cape Hatteras National Seashore North Carolina NC Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures © 2008 Zann and Pinkerton Photography for Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures. All Rights Reserved.  For usage and fees, contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278.  919-643-3036 before 9 pm east coast USA.
May I bring along a spouse, SO, or friend?
  • Yes, of course; we always welcome them in both the field and classroom as observers;
  • We go to beautiful areas, and it gives them a chance to enjoy the surroundings while you photograph or do imaging.
Where will we stay?
  • Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures always arranges for a place where we can all stay, often with a workshop discount;
  • It is recommended that you make your room reservations early, as rooms fill up quickly in our locations; you can always cancel later; and
  • If you wish, you may choose to stay elsewhere, and on all our workshop information pages, there are links to other options.
In addition to all you have learned, you will go home with:
  • Our Principles of Photography booklet;
  • Instructions for printing directly from Lightroom 2.x; and
  • A list of useful resources

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Page last modified:   January 11, 2010

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