Yosemite in Winter:
Information

Where does the workshop take place?

This workshop is based in El Portal, California, just outside Yosemite Valley. Field sessions take place in Yosemite Valley.

When does the workshop begin and end?

We’ll start with an introduction and instruction session at our classroom space in El Portal beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 11th, followed by our first field session that afternoon. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we’ll have sunrise and sunset field sessions, with some classroom time during the middle of the day, and possibly a couple of evening or night sessions. The workshop ends at sunset on Friday, December 15th. Our aim is to get you to great photo locations throughout the workshop, so the exact schedule may change to take advantage of the weather and conditions.

Transportation

Participants must provide their own transportation to and from El Portal. The nearest major airport is in Fresno, California; driving time is about two-and-a-half hours. Sacramento and Oakland airports are about three-and-a-half hours away. During the workshop we’ll carpool to our field locations; we’ll discuss these arrangements at the introductory session. Participants should be prepared for winter driving conditions; a 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended, and all vehicles (including 4WD) are required to carry chains in Yosemite National Park in winter.

Equipment

You’ll need a digital SLR or advanced mirrorless camera with a selection of lenses from wide angle to short telephoto (or zooms that cover that range). A sturdy tripod is a must. We’ll send you a complete list of things to bring prior to the workshop.

Experience

This workshop is suitable for intermediate and advanced photographers who know how to use their cameras, have a solid, working understanding of the technical fundamentals like exposure and depth of field, and are comfortable processing their images in Lightroom, Photoshop, or other programs.

Hiking

We don’t expect to do any serious hiking in this workshop, but winter conditions could require negotiating icy, slippery hills, so you need to be reasonably sure-footed, and the workshop is not suitable for people with mobility issues. If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to participate in this workshop, please email Michael.

Lodging

We recommend staying at the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, but there are other options nearby. When you register for the workshop we’ll send you information about all the lodging options. Lodging is not included in the workshop tuition.

Meals

Restaurant choices are limited, but there are several good choices in Yosemite Valley and El Portal. On most days you won’t need to pack a lunch, as we’ll be close to restaurants or stores during the middle of the day. Meals are not included in the workshop fee.

COVID Considerations

We want to make this workshop as safe as possible for all participants. Since the COVID-19 pandemic situation is constantly evolving, our procedures and requirements may change as well. We will, of course, follow CDC guidelines, as well as state and local requirements. We may also institute additional measures to ensure everyone’s safety, including proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test, masks while indoors, avoiding carpools (meaning everyone will have to drive their own vehicle to field locations), and conducting classroom sessions via Zoom.

Deposit

A $700 deposit reserves your space in the workshop. The balance is due 60 days before the workshop (don’t worry, we’ll remind you!).

Cancellation

We know you’ll enjoy this workshop and learn a great deal, but should you need to cancel for any reason we will refund your tuition (or deposit) in full up to 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. Should you need to cancel within 45 to 59 days we will refund your tuition less a $150.00 cancellation fee. Refunds are not available less than 45 days prior to the workshop unless we can fill the vacancy, in which case you’ll be charged a $150 cancellation fee. If you do need to cancel we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can alert people on the waiting list.

In the rare event that we need to cancel this workshop because of lack of enrollment or an unforeseen event you will receive a complete refund or credit toward a future workshop. We recommend that you avoid purchasing non-refundable airline tickets, and consider getting trip cancellation insurance.

This workshop is full!
Please email us to sign up for the waiting list.