Weekend Photo Workshop: San Francisco

Elegant row houses, diverse neighborhoods, and dramatically undulating streets make San Francisco a particularly photogenic city. On daily assignments, photograph merchants hawking their exotic goods in bustling Chinatown, take portraits of craftspeople at the Ferry Building Farmers' Market, and go on a shoot in the ethnic neighborhood of North Beach. In Russian Hill, capture graceful Victorian homes that line the steep streets and views of winding Lombard Street and of Alcatraz.

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Thursday: San Francisco, California

Arrive in San Francisco and check into the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Meet for a welcome dinner and an image presentation by our National Geographic photographer.
Optional Accommodations: Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel
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Day 2 — Friday: Chinatown

Spend the morning in our classroom learning photo techniques and enjoying a talk by our National Geographic expert. This afternoon, set out on your first assignment, photographing merchants hawking exotic goods in bustling Chinatown. Later, return to our classroom for an edit-and-critique session with your instructors — and to receive your next assignment.
Optional Accommodations: Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel

Day 3 — Saturday: Farmers' Market/North Beach

On this morning's assignment, take portraits of craftspeople at the Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building. Later, go on a shoot in the ethnic neighborhood of North Beach. Meet back in our classroom for an afternoon edit-and-critique session with your instructors. This evening, gather for a group dinner followed by a presentation of the best work taken during the workshop.
Optional Accommodations: Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel
(D)

Day 4 — Sunday: San Francisco/Home

Go for an early morning shoot on Russian Hill. Then meet back at our classroom for a discussion on how to enhance your photos with improved exposure, composition, and supplemental lighting. The workshop concludes at noon after a final question-and-answer session with your instructors.