Equipment Guide

What do I need to make it through a workshop in some of the most beautiful places in the USA? Well, here's a list!

 
 

Recommended Essentials:

 

  • A STURDY TRIPOD

This is a requirement for every workshop. If you don't have a tripod or are looking for a new one, give us a shout. We'll find one that will work for you and will last for years to come.

  • A BALL HEAD AND ATTACHMENT PLATES

Each brand has their own versions of ball heads and attachment plates. Make sure you are knowledgeable about your brand and have an extra plate or two.

  • TWO CAMERA BODIES

Whether you shoot Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, Hasselblad, etc. you should have two cameras. Why do I need two camera bodies? You'll have a back-up in case of any accidental damage or electronic failure. Also, you can shoot a time-lapse at the same time as you work on regular imaging.

  • LENSES

For most workshops, you'll want  a fast wide-angle prime or zoom (f2.8 or faster) between 14mm to 24mm (on a full frame).  Some other great lenses to have are a good wide angle zoom (16-35, 14-24, 17-40), a general purpose zoom (24-70/ 105mm), and a telephoto zoom (like a 70-200) are just about perfect. Don't own some of the lens recommendations?  Renting is a great idea, let us know if you are unsure where to rent. We can provide a list of rental houses that work with our attendees.

  • MEMORY CARDS

A few extra is better than just a few. Have enough to get through the workshop. One (32GB) card for each day is a great idea.

  • PORTABLE HARD DRIVE 

It's always a good idea to back up those cards so bring one if you have them.

  • A LAPTOP

A large part of the workshop is learning to process your images. Bring your laptop with Lightroom and Photoshop so we can make those images into art!

  • EXTRA BATTERIES

Pack extra batteries for your cameras and don't forget the chargers. 

  • FILTERS

We will go in depth with how and why to use neutral density filters and polarizers. At a minimum a circular polarizer, a 3 stop, and 6 stop neutral density filter should be in your bag.

  • INTERVALOMETER

There are a ton of very well priced options from different brands. They all do the same thing and are nearly all similarly made. Bring extra batteries as they tend to get turned on in a camera bag.

  • LENS CLEANING KIT

The rocket blower and a lens cloth work well.

  • HEADLAMP W/ A RED LIGHT

Add a flashlight as well, just in case.

  • CAMERA BACKPACK

Sling Bags and roller bags tend to be uncomfortable or simply not allowed on certain areas (no roller bags on the Racetrack Playa).

  • YOUR CAMERA'S MANUAL

Bring the paper copy or download the pdf to your phone.

 

The Other Stuff:

This is a general idea of what will keep you comfortable during a workshop. Dressing in layers allows us to stay warm and cool down by removing an article of clothing, but we can't get warmer if we didn't bring it. Layering clothing will keep you happy and shooting longer.

 

  • Gore-Tex hiking boots
  • A hat with a full brim (your baseball cap is good, too, but add a bandana for your neck)
  • A down/ puffy jacket with a hood
  • A hardshell, packable rain jacket
  • Gloves
  • Wool socks
  • Long pants (zip off pants that turn into shorts are pretty nice)
  • Multi-tool
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Painters knee pads (a surprisingly awesome piece of kit)
  • Water bottle with carabiner