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Because I lead many workshops around the world, photographers often ask via email: "What's the difference between a photography tour and a photography workshop?"
Before I get going here, photo tours are great . . . for those who want to go on sightseeing tours. Workshops, like the ones I lead, are designed for photographers who want to grow and expand their creative vision.
My response:
Workshops: Designed to get you the very best shots from dawn to dusk. Getting up at 3 AM is no prob.
Photo Tours: Leave at 9 and set your day around meals.
Workshops: If you are driving and see something good, stop and shoot.
Photo Tours: Keep on driving.
Workshops: Usually cars or 4W drive vehicles.
Photo Tours: Bus tours.
Workshops: Hands-on training - daily - by the instructor or instructors.
Photo Tours: You are on your own.
Workshops: Photo reviews almost daily.
Photo Tours: No reviews.
Workshops: Photoshop and Lightroom advice and help.
Photo Tours: Computers are not even required.
Workshops: Group slide show.
Photo Tours: Only show is to show up for dinner.
Workshops: Leave on-time for sunrise.
Photo Tours: Who cares if you are late?
Workshops: Briefing on each location as to lenses, settings, etc.
Photo Tours: Very little suggestions by leaders.
Workshops: Instructors ask you how you are doing.
Photo Tours: Leaders are there only as tour guides.
Workshops: If you find something really cool to photograph, the groups changes plans so all can get great pictures.
Photo Tours: Get to the next stop.
Workshops: Instructors share their shots on their camera's LCD monitors so others can see and learn.
Photo Tours: Instructors are often fist on the spot.
I hope to see you on one of my workshops someday. See this facebook page to see the work of some of my recent students.
If you plan on shooting in Death Valley, here's my gear reco list.
Explore the light,
Rick