Well, first you should expect to have a wonderful time, I love to enjoy my time in the field and in the classroom so except to laugh and get to know some wonderful people.  All workshops are designed to help you learn how to take better photographs and offers a complete immersion into landscape and/or nature photography. You will learn important photography techniques such as how to properly expose a composition, when to use a filter for best effect, and how to understand and adjust camera settings for optimum results.

Class sizes are kept small to afford each student one-on-one instruction and to maximize individual attention. Plan to bring some of your work with you, during the evening we will conduct a fun but informative critique for your work to highlight areas that you are strong in and shed some light on area that you could develop further.

Also be prepared, as these workshops involve being outdoors in the elements, which can include rather severe or challenging weather conditions. All trips require walking, and usually some hiking, on uneven terrain. You will want to wear the right clothing, footwear, and keep in mind you could get a bit of a workout!

Are your workshops for beginners or advanced photographers?

I welcome photographers of all skill levels and offer workshops from basic camera function to one-on-one private workshops and everything in between meet you at your skill level. My goal with the workshops is to to help participants focus on their own original and unique photographic visions, while teaching them photographic skills and knowledge that will further their photography, not just from sunrise to sunset, but for a lifetime. Just contact me to discuss the best workshop for you.

What should I use, a Digital or Film Camera?

I don't require that you use one format or the other, you're free to use whatever you feel comfortable with, weather that be digital or film, 35mm or 8x10.  With that said digital photography offers unique opportunities for in-field photography workshops. By reviewing captured images as soon as they happen, we can examine exposure, composition and histograms, and instantly learn what works--and what doesn't.  Digital images can then be used during evening critiques, something that isn't possible with film as most workshop locations do not have a film processing facility, and thusly accelerate the learning process.

What should I bring? What is required?

• All workshops require a camera, 35mm, medium format, view camera or digital camera and a tripod. (Note: Filters (Graduated ND and Polarizer) and a shutter release cord are not required, but highly recommended.)
• Wide angle and telephoto lens, I suggest bringing lens that cover the widest range possible.  Ideally you'll have lens from ultra wide (about 17mm) to long (about 500mm) in case we see wild life.  However great images can always be made with the lens you have!
• Extra batteries and/or a batter charger.
  
• All workshops (except Basic Photo) require working knowledge of your camera and it's functions along with at least a basis understanding of exposure, shutter speed and depth of field.
• Bring a laptop, battery and all needed cables and card readers if possible, as we will spend time, when not in the field, reviewing and critiquing images.
• It is advised for you to dress in layers, as all workshops are held on location and often temperatures and conditions can change rapidly.
• Food and beverages will not be provided, so please bring plenty of water and nourishment.
• All students are expected to arrive on-time and to work together as a group to learn, not only from instructors, but also from each other.

What kind, and how much, equipment should I bring?

Bring it all if you can! You never know what you might see. On many workshops we focus on landscape photos, but you never know when wildlife might enter the scene and provide the perfect opportunity to photograph them in their natural habitat. It's always better to go into the field with too much gear, rather than miss an opportunity because of not enough equipment.

When will the workshop start and end?

Each workshop starts at the orientation the evening before, generally that falls on a Friday about 7 or 8 pm.  The orientation will give us a chance to introduce ourselves, talk a little about our photography, mingle get to know each other and set the foundation for the next two days.  The workshop will officially end Sunday at 6pm, however if a wonderful sunset is in our future we may just extend the adventure a few more hours if need, this is of course optional and you're free to leave if you'd must.

Is transportation provided?

Each student is responsible for their own transportation to the workshop location. However, car-pooling during the workshop is encouraged both to minimize the number of vehicles at shooting locations and to get to know one another.  While it isn't guaranteed, on some workshops we may travel within the workshop location in a large group van.

Where are meals eaten?

We will normally eat breakfast and dinner as a group at a local establishment, which could range from a sit down restaurant to deli or almost anything in between (however not fast food).  Lunch is generally on your own either in the field, during a classroom or critique session or during some free time.  I like to eat our meal together, I tend to think of our group as a little family and this gives us a chance to reinforce lessons we learned in the field during the day, ask questions and get to know each other outside of photography.

What places do you recommend for accommodations?

Each workshop location offers many different types of accommodations at equally many price points.  After signing up for a workshop you will receive an information packet with detailed information regarding equipment to bring, helpful hints and tips and a detailed listing of accommodations in the area.  I'll usually list a number of options I have used in the past with my own mini review of the property along with other options ranging from camping to more luxurious accommodation.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

I always highly recommend you purchase travel insurance for your workshop and travel expenses.  Unforeseen circumstances pop up all the time, weather its illness, weather conditions that keep you from making the workshop, lost luggage and equipment or any number of other things, travel insurance can help save a trip.  I lost my luggage a couple of years ago while traveling in Italy so I speak from experience.  I suggest a plan which offers coverage for medical and dental emergencies, lost baggage, missed connections, and trip cancellation should you have a medical problem that prevents you from attending. Remember, Edward Mendes Photography Workshops holds no responsibility for cancellations due to medical emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation.

What happens if a workshop is cancelled?

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid, in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or an e-mail to you at least 14 days prior to the beginning of a workshop. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely matter due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation.

Do you offer personalized instruction or private workshops?

Absolutely!  I keep the workshops small so there is plenty of opportunities for each student to receive some personal attention both in the field and during classroom/critique sessions. However, if you are interested in a customized workshop design specifically for your needs and interests, I do offer a limited number of private workshops each year.  Private workshops are given at a number of locations around the western United States and Italy.  You can find more information regarding private workshops on the Workshop Page near the bottom or you can contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Do you offer any payment plan?

Not at this time, I feel that the workshops are priced at a level that a payment plan isn't necessary.  The full price of the workshop $295 plus tax is due at the time of booking.  If however, the prices of the increase to a level that I feel breaking the tuition payments up into installments would help participates that I will certainly do so.

How do I register?

You can register online via the Workhop Page , simply click on the button that say Register next to the workshop you'd like to attend.  If however, you fill more comfortable registering over the phone you can do that as well at 209-541-1815.  Remember to register early to avoid a workshop being sold out.
Telephone: 505 . 983 . 2934

What acknowledgement will I receive after registering?

You will receive a letter of confirmation of your reservation and an invoice for your workshop via email once you have registered and paid your tuition.  In addition you will receive a welcome packet via email shorty after registration, which will a workshop contract to be signed and returned; recommendations of photo gear and clothing to bring; climate info; arrival and departure information; hotel and meeting information; travel directions and map and other pertinent information. We welcome your telephone calls or emails regarding photographic or travel questions.

Can a non-photographer friend or spouse attend the workshop?

I understand that the your participation in the workshop may be part of a larger family vacation so I do welcome Non-photographer friends and/or spouses are welcome the workshop but will be subject to a 50% tuition fee to cover additional cost such as park permits, entry fees and any transportation coast that may be associated with the particular workshop.  With that in mind however, most workshop locations offer non-photographer friends and/or spouses a number of actives for them to enjoy, these include hiking, shopping, site seeing, tours, drives and much more.

Does weather ever alter or cancel events?

Only if conditions pose a safety risk. Often, poor weather can make for dramatic photographic opportunities, so if rain is forecasted, pack a rain jacket and bring something to keep your camera dry (a hotel shower cap is ideal).

What happens if I have to cancel?

Because of the limited number of workshops either private or group, once we schedule a spot, it won't be available for anyone else, therefore we can not offer a refund. This policy is necessary to assure us that those who sign up are serious about the adventure and will not back out, ruining the opportunity for someone else.

However, there is an exception to every rule. If, for some reason a workshop is cancelled by its instructor, you will be entitled to a full refund, or may choose a credit for a different date.

Be prepared to take better photographs!

These workshops will help you develop skills, learn techniques and get to know your camera and equipment like never before. As a bonus, you will have a fun time and build friendships while learning to improve your photography technically. The result? You'll be capable of producing photographs as beautiful as any professional!