Welcome to Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures

Do you want to take your photography out of the ordinary ... and into the extraordinary ...

... and learn how to make stunning photographs?

Wouldn't you prefer the option of a small, intensive, fun-filled photo workshop with like-minded people, one in which you can spread out, seek your own vision, and find your own subject, not stand cheek by jowl with a gaggle of photographers recording the same-old/same-old postcard shot?

Margo Taussig Pinkerton, also known as TBC or The Barefoot Contessa, stresses creativity and aesthetics over techno-speak and pushes you to the next level in your photographic journey. While she does not take herself overly seriously, she certainly takes your photography very seriously. After all, her and her late husband's work is in a number of museums and collections world-wide — George Eastman House (Rochester, NY), Currier Museum of Art (Manchester, NH), Contemporary Museum of Photography (Chicago, IL), and Beinecke Library Digital Collections (Yale University, New Haven, CT) among many others.

What Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures will not do is tell you what to photograph, rather help you strengthen your ability to see and put your vision and interpretation into your images. Margo wants to send you home with the tools to continue to grow as a photographer, and many alumni admit to hearing her voice as they continue to photograph.

Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures (BCPA) provide the following:

• Small groups (six), ensuring lots of personal instruction and guidance;
• "Spousal Units" or significant others welcome as guests (see in photo above);
• Daily critique sessions in a collegial and supportive environment, and what most alumni say is one of the highlights of BCPA workshops; everyone weighs in, giving their fellow artists a range of ideas and suggestions as to how to improve their images; Margo goes last to not overshadow the opinions of others;
• Margo is available after the workshop to critique images that were made during the workshop;
• The BCPA fun factor that has led to amazing friendships that last way beyond the workshop end;
• Eight (8) photo sessions for domestic workshops;
• At least 14 photo sessions in non-US workshops; and
• Having Margo with you the whole time to help you seek your own vision in a more impactful way; after all, it is your workshop, not hers.

It is very rewarding watching the growth of the BCPA participants and see the friendships grow. So, join the Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures' family of photographers. I believe the fact that we refer to our alumni and newbies as "participants" rather than "students" explains why. Everyone takes part, honestly, tactfully, and with a view to helping one another out. Cameras, tripods, and/or lenses have often been lent to a participant who has experienced an equipment disaster. That speaks to the trust factor amongst the participants and leads to stronger, lasting friendships.

Check out the website for upcoming workshops, FAQs, latest updates, travel information, application and payments, resources, and other useful information. Because of rising costs and reduced group sizes (six), BCPA has had to raise rates for 2025. Most hotels now charge for the room where we hold discussions and critiques. Please also check out BCPA's COVID-19 Information and Prep page.