Frequently asked Questions

WHY SHOULD I TAKE A SILVERMAN WORKSHOP?

We pride ourselves on working very hard to make the workshop experience worth your time, money and enthusiasm. Recognizing that there are many photo workshop choices out there to choose from, we pride ourselves on our ability to try to find the best places to be, creating unique photo opportunities within a location when possible. We personally always try to arrive at a location ahead of schedule to scout and verify current conditions. Making each workshop fun, informative and a really “full” adventure for everyone is our main objective. We hope that everyone goes home with great images, new techniques, new skills, new friendships and some great memories. We really do put our heart and soul into our workshops and try to make it a really full experience: Great opportunities for super images, good camaraderie amongst the participants, new techniques and skills and a workshop that you will remember not only by the photos you take, but by the full experience of the workshop and the time shared together.

HOW ADVANCED A PHOTOGRAPHER DO I NEED TO BE?

Our workshops are designed to be a great learning experience no matter what level you are. Our participants vary from being beginners to advanced amateurs. But it is best to be familiar with your equipment and always bring along your camera manuals with you.

HOW MUCH TIME DO THE SILVERMANS SPEND PHOTOGRAPHING FOR THEMSELVES?

We pride ourselves on working to “get the shots” for our participants. We are familiar with situations where the leader goes off and does his own photography; but this is not the case for us. We want the shot to be in your camera, not ours! The Silvermans do shoot and bring their cameras to each location, this really enables them to demonstrate, inspire and elevate everyone’s creative opportunities. They are not sidewalk supervisors, but real hands-on photographers. And always being available for questions and demonstrations in the field is a real strong part of their workshops and tours.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT TO I NEED?

We have no expectations of standard of gear necessary for the workshops. This all depends on your experience level and the equipment you own; just bring along your love for photography and desire to learn and experience.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING?

It is always best to bring along layers of clothing, since we are outdoors at varying times of the day, very often we need gloves and scarves in the early morning and sunscreen and hats in the early evening. Bringing sunscreen and insect repellant is not a bad idea. Good walking or hiking boots or shoes are important and brining along a second pair always is recommended. Do bring a flashlight in your camera bag.

WHAT WILL I LEARN ON A WORKSHOP WITH THE SILVERMANS?

We tailor the workshop to the needs of the attendees; and teach not only technical aspects of photography, but also work with the creative and artistic approach in each location we teach in. We work out in the field with everyone and if someone wants or needs personal attention, we are always willing and happy to work with everyone. Since there are two of us at nost every workshop, there is plenty of time for “one on one” time if someone wants to have that.

WHAT TIME DO WE START, WHERE, AND WHEN DO WE FINISH?

Events normally start at 6:00 on Wednesday evening for an orientation, introductions and logistics and go until noon the following Sunday; however, if a particular workshop differs in the times of starting or ending, it will be noted. For workshops, meet in a meeting room at the Hotel and you will be notified of the specific location.

IS TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED?

Each participant is responsible for their own transportation; however, we do encourage carpooling during the event, both for logistics and to get to know each other.

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLE IS NECESSARY?

For most of our workshops a typical rental vehicle is fine; for any of the out of the way locations, we would specify that a 4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

ARE ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED?

Each participant is responsible for booking their own hotel room; we normally block off a number of rooms for each event at the hotel we will be based out of and each participant should book their room as soon as they register for an event and ask for our group rate. These rooms also tend to be released about 30 days before the event, so this is a consideration to be aware of and also be sure to be aware of the cancellation policies established by each hotel. We try to reserve moderate rooms at clean, comfortable hotels. Since such little time is spent in your hotel room, we try to work with hotels that are mid-range in cost.

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?

Meals are not included in the tuition; however, we do all eat together at various restaurants in the location; both for socialization and an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas.

Meals do not follow a prescribed time schedule; we assume that everyone has come, as photography being their prime objective and food is secondary; but we do eat–not to worry.

We encourage every participant to have a supply of water and car snacks (bars, granola, or fruit) with them for each day; staying hydrated is very important and well as having some nourishment between meals.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL WORKSHOP DAY LIKE?

We normally rise very early to be out at a specific location for pre-sunrise. After the light fails, we have a breakfast and return for some meeting room time. We will go out for the late light and lunch and dinner fall in a workable progression for each day. In between being out in the field, we work in the classroom, with teaching, skill building, critiquing (one of the most valuable parts of our workshops)

In the field, we work hard to be with each person individually. We are happy to teach, make suggestions, look thru your viewfinder, etc. Our motto is: “if you go home with questions you did not ask, shame on you”. Our intent is to answer as best any questions you have and if we do not have the answer, then try to find it out for you. We do not adhere to a strict schedule in the sense that if there is wonderful light, circumstances happening, we will stay with the shoot for as long as possible.

We ask that everyone come with a flexible attitude, willing to go with the flow and anticipate having a great time with wonderful opportunities to see, learn and capture!! Our intentions are not only to take you to an area of inspiration, but also to offer advice and hands on instruction and suggestions in the field.

Our workshops are small and we really pride ourselves on hopefully making it a fun and rewarding time for everyone (not only with opportunities for great images, but also some good learning and “enlightening” techniques as well as having a good time with the other photographers. We do not normally do any major hiking, perhaps some small trail walking, etc; but it is not a backpacking type of workshop.

WHAT ABOUT IPHONEOGRAPHY?

Both of us have iPhones and always love to demonstrate what can be photographed quickly, with great fun, flair and some super programs. We always include a bit of iphoneography for those who have camera phones or who might be interested in their potential.

CAN I BRING ALONG A TRAVEL COMPANION/SPOUSE?

We are happy to have travel companions/spouses accompany workshop participants. We do require travel companions/spouses taking photos (including smart phones) or videos pay the workshop tuition in consideration for the travel companions/spouses that attend as participants and pay the full tuition.