FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that pretty much apply to all BCPA workshops

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

And please be sure to also thoroughly check out the Travel Resource page. Each of these two pages has slightly different information, sometimes totally different (but not conflicting)!

BCPA's philosophy in a nutshell?

• Photography is an art form, worthy of museums and top galleries worldwide;
• Travel light and inconspicuously;
• Take time to savor what is offered;
• Be adaptable, a necessity, given the nature of photographing in different locations  (Mother Nature has a mind of her own!); and
• Have FUN while pushing yourself to the next level in your photographic journey!
• In other words, take your photography seriously, not yourself!

What's included in the fee?

We start out with some technical information before heading out for our first session of photography. BCPA workshops include the following:

• Maximum of 6 participants (with rare and published exceptions) for a good ratio of students to instructors;
• Daily group and individual instruction from Margo in both the field and classroom (we each work with each participant up to twice a day, if the participants wish and if they don't disappear!);
• BCPA's Principles of Photography (digital download for newbies to help you get started);
• Early-morning and late-afternoon shoots for domestic workshops;
• Just as many hours photographing in overseas workshops, but structured differently to take advantage of the local culture and customs;
• Time for downloading and editing/developing your images (we use the latest version of Lightroom Classic, but Photoshop, Aperture, even Photoshop Elements work, too);
• Daily group critiques that many find are the most valuable part of the workshop experience (hint, hint — don't leave early unless you absolutely have to, as the final critique session is just as important as the others);
• Discussions on various aspects of photography, including digital workflow; and
• Tons of fun and frivolity throughout!
• All other expenses are the responsibility of the individual participant; except in cases when we have a Travel Package.

One critical note:  if you are contemplating buying a new camera, please make sure you have a good working knowledge of it BEFORE you come to one of BCPA's workshops. There are so many variations amongst camera brands, and even within each brand — far too many for us to know and thus be able to help you. And we cannot tell you how many people do not believe us and end up being frustrated with and/or by their new "treasure" during the workshop, because they have not taken the time to learn how to make basic adjustments of their camera.

How are the days structured?

• On the opening day, we start out with introductions, some technical information, proper use of lenses, Basic Principles of Photography (newbies will get a digital download), double checking your Copyright template (minor homework done before the workshop out of respect to fellow participants), and other basics before heading out for the first afternoon of photography;
• Alumni who have been with us recently will join us later for the balance of the welcome segment, but many choose to come early for a refresher;
• Depending upon weather, we often get up pre-dawn to have enough time to get to the morning destination, scout, and set up to capture the beautiful light of those early hours as the skies lighten;
• After the morning shoot, we return to our base for breakfast (if we have not already had it beforehand or at one of our favorite breakfast places), editing, and imaging on our laptops; occasionally, participants squeeze in a nap, but don't plan on it;
• 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 so-called chimp factor — oooh-oooh ahhh-ahhh — and sometimes the supreme compliment of "I hate you" that translates to "I hate you, because I am jealous and wish I had done that shot myself!";
• Participants can either go out and grab some lunch or, depending upon our location, we can sometimes arrange to have it brought in, as long as one of the participants is willing to arrange the orders and monies; either way, always safest to have some nutritious snacks on hand;
• Mid- to late-afternoon, we leave for the afternoon/evening location, scout, and create more images;
• Choice of dinner locations is always up to the individual (although almost always, everyone prefers to join Margo 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 or dinner.

When should I arrive on the first day?

• For those workshop in the U.S., we start noon or later on the first day, depending upon the workshop location, with alumni coming in a half hour or so later, again depending upon the workshop. This will be updated in the Final Information e-mail; for international workshops, check the individual workshop pages for specifics, as they start at different times, usually the evening before the workshop officially starts, or at breakfast that first morning. We pack a lot into the first few hours of our workshops, so please don't be late;
• It is extremely important if you are new to us to plan your travel arrangements accordingly, even coming in the day before the workshop begins. Missing that first welcome session will detract from your workshop experience and take our time away from your fellow participants, since we do not repeat that session, rather iterate the various mantras we have presented as circumstances dictate.

When will the last day end?

• For domestic workshops, at 2:00 in the afternoon, after our final group critique session, to give those who must depart early time to catch planes and/or drive home; that said, those who have been with us before know that it is more fun to stay over that last night and enjoy some more fun and frivolity and more photographing, too;
• International workshops end later, almost always with a final dinner together, so again, check the individual workshop information for specific times, and make your travel plans accordingly.
• 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 critiques and learns so much from it; that said, please try to stay as long as possible, so you don't miss anything.

What programs do I need for the workshop?

• As noted above, while we use the latest iteration of Lightroom, Photoshop, Aperture, and other programs are fine, as long as you know how to use them. It has been so very long since we used them, but we can and often will, make suggestions on how to improve your images.

What Level of Photographer Do You Accept into Your Workshops?

• Because there is a low (with rare and published exceptions) ratio of students to instructors, Margo can and do es work with each person individually, whether a relative beginner eager to get started in the right direction or a seasoned pro who comes for a creative fix, challenge, and/or guidance to head to the next level;
• We have a high percentage of returning alumni from both categories, and everything else in between;
• It gives us great satisfaction when a seasoned pro admires the work of a relative beginner; the latter may not have gotten stuck in a rut and may think outside of the box, something that may provide inspiration to the seasoned pro.

In addition to all you have learned ...

You will go home with:

• A headful of things to think about when you go out shooting and continue to grow as a photographer; and
• A creature (Raven, perhaps) named Margo, who will continue to sit on your shoulders and remind you of the various mantras you have learned!

Where will we stay?

• Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures always arranges for a place where we can all stay, often with a workshop discount that includes our imaging room or location; those who choose to stay elsewhere, please expect to pay a minimum surcharge of $75 to cover our workroom costs, as our imaging room can cost quite a bit, and we get a break based on our participants staying at "our" hotel; besides, there is more camaraderie if we all stay together, and it is much more convenient for the mandatory carpooling mentioned below;
• It is recommended that you make your room reservations early, as rooms fill up quickly in our locations; you can always cancel later (exceptions are for workshops with a Travel Package, but you can get travel insurance); and
  
• On most of our workshop information pages, for those who sign up late, there are links to other options and in some cases, suggestions.

How will we get around?

• Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures has a philosophy of maintaining minimum impact on the environment, as many places we visit have limited parking at best;
• This means that we carpool; in the US, we carpool, generally with at least four, sometimes six to a car; and in Europe, we either rent transportation that everyone shares, or in many locations, we just plain walk, take public transportation, or use UBER;
• With advance notice, we can try to connect people for ride shares in rental cars, but we cannot guarantee success. What we usually do is put out a blind e-mail listing your name and e-mail so that people can contact you directly if they are interested.

May I bring along a spouse, SO, or friend?

• Absolutely yes, and there is no workshop fee for them, only room and board; we always welcome them in both the field and classroom as observers;
• In the case of all-inclusive fees, such as for Portugal, they will be expected to share in the costs of transportation, guides, entry fees, etc.;

• 

  They enjoy themselves as illustrated in the quotes to the right;
• We go to beautiful areas, and it gives them a chance to enjoy the surroundings while you photograph or do imaging;
• Out of respect for our paying participants, however, they may not tote more than their smart phone or a basic, pocket-size point-and-shoot camera with no tripod. It is also great if they do shots of the participants (Purple People Eaters) for our Students in Action; it is also understood that they will not in any way get in the way of our workshop participants.

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 temperatures and precipitation in our various locales; and
• Remember that inclement weather can produce some really dramatic and wonderful images.

What equipment should I bring?

Use this as your check list!, but note that some items do not necessarily apply to the workshop you are attending; common sense will dictate those items;

• Your camera, of course, along with an assortment of fixed and/or zoom lenses; whatever lens you have that you don't bring, you will wish you had; that said, there is an old mantra that the less you carry, the more you will see; learn to effectively learn to use the lens you have, and your back and shoulders will thank you;
• When you are photographing near the ocean, rivers, and/or waterfalls, you may want a neutral-density filter, but don't be chintzy, and check with us before buying something inappropriate.
• For those who want to experiment with other lenses, check out our Resources page for rentals at 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 SD cards (best not to download directly from camera to computer) — these days, many laptops have an internal reader;
• Extra battery/batteries for your camera and a charger for those batteries;
• Your camera's manual (VERY IMPORTANT, as there is no way these days that we can be familiar with the different features of every model of every camera manufacturer); we highly recommend downloading a digital form of your manual onto your smart phone;
• 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; we prefer the very expensive (read FREE) clear shower caps such as you find at hotels in your travels along with elastics to keep them in place;
• A sturdy tripod and ball head (most photographers find the two-handled or pistol-grip models much 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 laptop with the appropriate programs installed (see above under "What programs do I need ...");
• Model/property release forms in case you wish do photograph someone or something where permission is needed (if you sell your images commercially); for those who don't have any, you may download our model release and/or property release and substitute your name for "Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures, LLC" and "Photographer" for "BCPA"; we even have a model release in French; and note the color coding so they don't get mixed up;
• An umbrella;
• Granola or power bars for when you don't have a chance to grab something to eat;
• A refillable water bottle with a loop that you can hang off your camera bag with a carabiner, so you don't get dehydrated;
• Foreign adapter plugs (check for "Electricity around the World" near the bottom of the page) if you are coming from another country or heading off with us to another country; we also find that those little gray three-prong adapters are useful if you meet a plug that does not have a ground and your unit does.
• Your GPS unit if you have one with maps updated; we never leave home without Old Snot Face (don't you name your GPS?);
• Your Annual Pass or Senior Pass (National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series) if you have one; if you don't, you can get one at the park entrance. For more information, check here; and
• A clear and rested head (don't laugh, if you are exhausted when you arrive, you won't be your most creative).

What should I pack?  

Use this as your packing list!

• Photo workshops are not a place for fashion statements; 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) or peel down when it gets too warm;
• 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);
• Waterproof/rubber boots if you do not want to enter the water barefoot;
• A hat to protect you from the sun (and hopefully NOT inclement weather);
• Sunscreen in a heavier rating than you usually use; and
• Insect repellent, as one never knows when those little pesky critters will be out and about. (Arnie used to use wipes that are easily added to your camera kit, while I prefer non-DEET, natural products.)