Our workshops focus on how to use your camera, not what camera you have, but an digital SLR or equivalent mirrorless with a manual mode will allow you to really take control of your settings and get the most out the workshop.
The lesson/tour will be tailored to you needs, we can happily work with whatever camera you have, from a compact upwards.
For one day workshops we like to try and take some control of your camera settings, so a Digital SLR or equivalent mirrorless with a manual mode is best. You are still welcome to join us if you only have a compact camera.
You would ideally bring:
Additional gear (not necessary, but helpful)
For weekend workshops and tours you will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a manual mode, and ideally, a sturdy tripod, to get the most out of the workshop.
Minimum gear requirements:
Recommended Lenses
Modern zoom lenses are great quality and often save a lot of space (and weight) in your camera bag. We recommend bringing along the following:
Additional Lenses
None of these are required, but you might wish to consider bringing some of these depending on your style of photography, what you wish to shoot on the tour, or the subjects covered in your workshop.
Prime Lenses: If it’s your preference to use a number prime lenses to cover a similar range to the recommended lenses, just make sure you get them all in your camera bag and can carry it!
Camera Backpack
With a load of kit to pack, it is always good to have a well-designed camera backpack to carry all of your gear. If you are bringing lots of different lenses, consider how some of these can be stored within your main luggage if you do not wish to carry a full backpack on the day’s walking and shooting.
Ensure your camera backpack has enough room to carry extra clothing and a water bottle.
When flying, make sure you have a camera backpack you can use as hand luggage.
Tripod
For many, a tripod comes as an afterthought, an added expense that they feel they can skimp on. This is a serious mistake. Over the years, we have seen many photos ruined by the lack of a sturdy tripod. Bring a tripod that is solid enough to use in the wind and can hold the weight of your camera, but do remember you still need to be able to carry it on outings (if you are worried about the weight look at some of the carbon fibre options).
Ball Head
A great option for landscape photography is ball-type head, as these make it faster and easier to level your camera at any angle.
We recommend Benro Tripods, see: https://photographyworkshops.co.nz/benro-filters/
Filters for Landscape Photography – We strongly suggest bringing some ND and graduated filters along with a polariser (not required for wildlife photography).
We recommend Benro Filters, see: https://photographyworkshops.co.nz/benro-filters/
If you don’t have filters – Please get in touch; as we may be able to lend you some for the tour.
Laptop
Bringing a laptop is recommended so you can download, review, and backup your images during downtime.
Lightroom Classic
Most of our tutors teach post processing using Lightroom Classic, we’re always happy to help you with alternate software but recommend that you have Lightroom (and/or Photoshop) installed; unless you are comfortable with the use of another software.
Lightroom Classic or Lightroom CC? – Lightroom Classic is a professional editing tool best suited for using on a laptop and what you should install. It should not be confused with Lightroom CC which is a more basic version of lightroom suite better for tablets.
Backing up Photos on the road