Workshops - Workshops and Village Tours

New Workshops

I am on hiatus from new workshops while I work on completing the move of my family and business to California from Arizona. More importantly I’m spending more time with my daughter. When all of this settles down I will be able to add some new workshops. In the meantime see below for examples of what I’ve offered in the past to get an idea what I generally offer.

Also, I am still doing private/custom field workshops, online 1-on-1 instruction, and online portfolio reviews. You can email me or call to schedule these.

2021

See The World in Black and White + Infrared • Northern Arizona (My next version of this will be based in Central California.) COMPLETED

I captured this scene using infrared at Sunset Crater Volcanos National Monument, one of our destinations for this workshop.

Workshop Details

**I’ve extened this popular workshop by an additional day- now a 4 day workshop**

Few things in the history of photography play a role as important as the classical nature of the black and white image. Although the advent of color introduced new possibilities and became the de facto standard, the black and white photograph retains its place as the preeminent form of fine art photography.

This is a destination workshop based in the cool mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona; this workshop will encompass photo shoots in the field within a diverse landscape of mountains, National Monuments, and other idyllic Northern Arizona locations. You will be led through a unique experience that emphasizes individualized instruction with a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach.

Learn and explore the zone system, black and white visualization, along with infrared and other techniques to maximize your creativity while capturing black and white images. This will be a progressive learning experience encompassing photo shoots in the field, along with classroom, critique and review, and image file preparation.

We will learn to optimize digital files with the latest tools and techniques. You will also receive one of your images from the workshop professionally printed at 20×24 inches (included in the registration fee)

Past Workshops

May 18-25, 2019

Villages of Tuscany Photo Workshop and Awesome Cultural Excursion COMPLETED

Click for Villages of Tuscany details

For BOTH Photographers and Non-Photographers.

Maximum of 6 participants. $5395/person (double occupancy)

Brochure (link below) has inclusions and descriptions

Here is a visual preview of Tuscany

See what participants say about us

Itinerary

Call or email us to sign up or for questions. 928-526-3726

Sept 7-14, 2018

Villages of Provence Photo Workshop and Really Fun Cultural Excursion in France COMPLETED

Villages of Provence workshop details

For BOTH Photographers and Non-Photographers

Maximum of 10 participants

This unique region is one of our favorites on the entire planet! We’ll stay in a gorgeous historical center and take treks to enchanting nearby villages, some little known and some classic gems. We’ll experience the gorgeous Provencal countryside, vineyards, architecture, people, the famous open air markets and of course the fabulous food, which is both lovely to behold and tasty! We’ll indulge in that exquisite local cuisine, fabulous wine, and experience Provencal hospitality.

You don’t need a camera to fall in love with this region of France. We’ve designed this so you’ll be part of an amazing travel experience with superb lodging, authentic local cuisine and wine, and visits to fascinating places. Joel is dedicated to the photo participants while Barb is devoted to those not into photography.

Here is a visual preview of Provence

See what participants say about us

November 4-5, 2017

Focus On Photography Symposium- Travel Photography, Raw Workflow… (Phoenix, AZ) COMPLETED

Focus on Photography Symposium Details

“Two amazing days of discovery, creativity and inspiration.” – Arizona Highways

After Arizona Highways held their 30th anniversary symposium two years ago, previous attendees have been asking for another one. This is it!

I’ll be conducting two sessions:

Capture the Culture When You Travel	Sat. Nov. 4 \| 1:45pm – 3:45pm
Learn how to embrace the unique challenges of travel photography while creating great stories of your journey and capturing the culture in the process. I will showcase a variety of travel images from the various types of situations you might encounter when traveling for photography. Come learn how to apply these techniques for capturing the culture in your travel photography.
A New Age in RAW Workflow with On1	Sun. Nov. 5 \| 11:00am – 12:30pm
Attend this session and learn about the new On1 Photo Raw that combines the power and efficiency of what used to be plug-ins with fast raw processing and managing your images. Learn how it can make your raw workflow much faster, more efficient and tailored to your specific needs. I will demonstrate how to use it stand-alone or integrate it with Lightroom, Photoshop, and other plug-ins and any combination in between.

There are 30 breakout sessions with 21 photography experts as well as an industry expo, photography contest and optional portfolio reviews.

August 25-27, 2017

See The World in Black and White- Northern Arizona (based in Flagstaff, AZ) COMPLETED

COMPLETED- Workshop Details

You will be lead through a unique and extensive workshop covering a variety of aspects of black and white photography. From digital capture to image processing and optimization, We will help you master the digital world of black and white photography.

Learn and explore the zone system, black and white visualization and other techniques to maximize your creativity while capturing black and white images. This will be a progressive learning experience encompassing photo shoots in the field in a variety of beautiful Northern Arizona locations, along with classroom, critique and review, and image file preparation.

We will learn to optimize digital files with the latest tools and techniques utilizing Lightroom, Photoshop, and various plug-ins. You will also have the opportunity to have one of your images from the workshop professionally printed at 20×24 inches (included in the registration fee)

We emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.

May-August, 2017

Private guiding and workshops in the Cote d’Azur and Provence, France COMPLETED

Private guiding COMPLETED- Details

I will be in France for the summer (May-August) and am scheduling now for private workshops and guiding on the French Riviera/Cote d’Azur and Provence.

See what others say about us

May 13-20, 2017

Villages of Tuscany Photo Workshop and cultural excursion COMPLETED

COMPLETED- Workshop Details

Whether you’ve dreamed of visiting Tuscany for the first time or never forget its beauty and want to return, join us for an amazing journey through an Italian mecca of culture and cuisine. We’ve designed activities and tours for the non-photographer or travel companion as well.Fall in love with Tuscany and capture the stunning beauty of the charming villages, lush landscapes, vineyards, architecture, people and more on this Italian adventure with Joel Wolfson. For photographers and travel companions, we’ve lined-up an exceptional tour of this favorite region. Passport Required

March 4th, 2017 9AM-5PM

Digital Photo Basics in North Scottsdale, AZ

COMPLETED- Workshop Details

For those new to digital photography.

Do you love to take photos but don’t quite understand your digital camera? What is a pixel anyway?

This is an introduction to digital photography. You’ll walk away understanding how to take your camera off full automatic and use the controls on your camera to your creative advantage. We start with the basics and then alternate shooting in the field with classroom work to reinforce the techniques you learn. We evaluate the photos you shot and learn the creative ways to capture the kind of images you really want.

We only accept very small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.

$139 per person includes full day workshop both field and classroom, light snacks, and beverages.

January 28, 2017, 2PM

Travel Photography Expert panelist, New York Times Travel Show, Jacob Javits Center, New York City – COMPLETED

COMPLETED- Click for details

Travel Photography Expert Panelist with Meet The Experts

New York Times Travel Show in New York City at the Jacob Javits Convention Center

A Pro’s Travel Photography Secrets- Capture the Culture with Your Camera

“Learn how to embrace the unique challenges of travel photography while creating great stories of your journey and capturing the culture along the way. Come meet internationally published travel photographer and photo-tour leader Joel Wolfson. Ask him your questions about travel photography and be prepared for lots of enthusiasm, motivation and expert tips and techniques to help you capture your own stunning travel photos.”

This is an opportunity for FREE 1-on-1 time to ask your questions about and discuss travel photography! This is the biggest and most informative travel show in the U.S.

October 7-9, 2016

Arizona Autumn in the San Francisco Peaks (Arizona Highways) – COMPLETED

COMPLETED- Workshop details

Photograph the colorful aspens and ponderosa forests in the San Francisco Peaks with resident photographer, Joel Wolfson. Enjoy this favorite 3-day weekend getaway in Arizona’s high country.Long a favorite of nature photographers, the colorful aspens and ponderosa forests surrounding Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks offer spectacular mountain vistas, aspen groves, ferns, flowers, ponderosas & grassy meadows. As a long time resident of northern Arizona, I will lead you on this three day fall getaway to capture some of Arizona’s best autumn color in the state. During this workshop we will be based at the Ski Lift cabins off of Hwy 180. This location is in proximity to a host of fall photographic opportunities. I will scout my favorite locations to find the best autumn color and photo ops before you arrive so you can take advantage of the great scenery and sweet light of northern Arizona.

When we’re not shooting fall colors early and late, we’ll spend time our time reviewing and critiquing our images as well as tips and techniques for the next shoot.

Arizona Highways provides assistant instructors for both the classroom and the field so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.

November 5-6, 2016

Capture to Masterpiece Workflow: Picture Perfect with Plug-ins, Apache Junction, AZ – COMPLETED

COMPLETED- Workshop details

Start with a photo shoot in the Superstition Mountains and take the photo shoot all the way to your final image with the latest plug-ins. Join me as I take you through the complete process from visualization to final image.

The availability of high quality plug-ins for numerous processing tasks has blossomed in recent years and taken over what was previously tedious and complicated work relegated to Photoshop.

Now you can refine your images better and more efficiently than ever. Learn how to translate the awe of that landscape that made your jaw drop or the joy you felt from that child’s smile into your final image. This workshop is about learning the best and most efficient way to turn those inherently lackluster RAW images into what you saw and felt at the moment of capture through the use of plug-ins.

August 5-7, 2016 • See The World in Black and White (Arizona Highways) - Flagstaff/Northern AZ COMPLETED

There was a time when black and white photography was all we had. Though color has brought us incredible opportunities that would have been envied long ago, the classic black and white photograph is more highly revered than ever. You will be lead through a unique and extensive workshop covering a variety of aspects of black and white photography. From digital capture to image processing and optimization, We will help you master the digital world of black and white photography.

We will learn to optimize digital files with the latest tools and techniques utilizing Lightroom, Photoshop, Topaz B&W Effects, Nik Silver Efex Pro, and other plug-ins. You will also have the opportunity to have one of your images from the workshop professionally printed at 20×24 inches.

We only accept very small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.

March 4-6, 2016 • Desert Bloom in Organ Pipe National Monument (Arizona Highways)- Organ Pipe NM/Ajo, AZ COMPLETED

The Sonoran desert is unique in the world. For anyone who has been in heart of the Sonoran desert in the spring, there is a sense of wonderment when they experience the lushness, greenery, and wildflowers of this unusual desert

Join us for a 3 day weekend workshop in Organ Pipe National Monument as we discover and photograph the unique beauty of this area, home to the rare Organ Pipe cactus and countless other species of cacti, wildflowers, birds, and more. We’ll shoot from sunrise to sunset along with field instruction, classroom time, and critique and review.

We only accept small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.

August 14-16, 2015 - See The World in Black and White (Arizona Highways) - Flagstaff/Northern Arizona

There was time when black and white photography was all we had. Though color has brought us incredible opportunities that would have been envied long ago, the classic black and white photography is more highly revered than ever. You will lead through a unique and extensive workshop covering a variety of aspects of black and white photography. From digital capture t image processing and optimization. We will help you master the digital world of black and white photography.

We will learn to optimize digital files with the latest tools and techniques utilizing Lightroom, Photoshop, Topaz B&W effects, Nik Silver Efex Pro, and other plug-ins. You will also have the opportunity to have one of your images from the workshop professionally printed at 20×24 inches.

We only accept very small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.

May 23-30, 2015 - Villages of Tuscany Photo Workshop and Really Fun Tour - Tuscany, Italy COMPLETED

Whether you’ve dreamed of visiting Tuscany for the first time or never forget its beauty and want to return, join us for an amazing journey through an Italian mecca of culture and cuisine.

Download Villages of Tuscany brochure here!

We’ve designed activities and tours for the non-photographer or travel companion as well.

May 12-19, 2015 - Villages of Provence Photo Workshop and Really Fun Tour SOLD OUT

Our most requested location from previous overseas participants is being planned as you read this. Based in a magnificent setting – this program is designed for both the photographer wishing to increase his or her skills utilizing Joel’s effective and progressive teaching techniques as well as for the traveler wishing to experience a fine vacation with deluxe lodging, excellent dining experiences, knowledgeable guides and visits to fascinating places. All of this in a small group to allow for maximum individual attention and a fabulous experience.

We’ve designed activities and tours for the non-photographer or travel companion as well.

CANCELATION POLICY- DOMESTIC WORKSHOPS
Your workshop or seminar fee can be charged to your credit card or paid by check. If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the workshop date you will receive a refund of tuition less a $50 handling fee ($25 for Digital Photo Basics). If you cancel from 59-30 days before the workshop or seminar you will receive a refund minus handling fee only if we fill your spot. There are no refunds if you cancel 30 or fewer days before the workshop. If we have to cancel a workshop you will be given a full refund.

CANCELATION POLICY- OVERSEAS WORKSHOPS
Please call or email for complete information on our overseas cancelation and refund policies.

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