Expedition Details
Drawing from the success of our popular weeklong On Assignment Photography Workshops, we are pleased to offer a great opportunity to hone your photography skills in a shorter format. Over a long weekend, learn to take magazine-quality photos through field assignments, edit-and-critique sessions, and the insights of National Geographic photographers. On the West Coast, we'll capture the vibrant cultural tapestry of San Francisco, the city by the bay.
These workshops are designed for amateur digital photographers who seek to advance their skills. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images.
Each weekend workshop is limited to 30 students. A team of one or two National Geographic experts (depending on enrollment) and professional photographic instructors will lead each workshop.
The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.
Itinerary - 4 Days
Day 1 — Thursday: San Francisco, California
Arrive in San Francisco and settle into the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Union Square, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Tonight, meet at the hotel for a welcome reception and dinner followed by an image presentation by our National Geographic photographer.
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Day 2 — Friday
Spend the morning in our classroom at the hotel learning photo techniques, discussing digital work flow, and enjoying a talk by our National Geographic expert. After a quick lunch, set out on your first photo assignment. Capture images of colorful architecture and vibrant street scenes in the bustling ethnic neighborhoods of Chinatown and North Beach. Late this afternoon, return to our classroom for an edit-and-critique session with your instructors — and to receive your next assignment.
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Day 3 — Saturday
On this morning's assignment, discover the Farmers' Market, photographing vendors, bright piles of local vegetables and flowers, and views of the Bay. Or explore charming Telegraph Hill with its steep streets, charming paths, and magnificent views. Meet back in the classroom for lunch followed by 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.
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Day 4 — Sunday: San Francisco/Home
Go for an optional early morning shoot of the Golden Gate Bridge or the character-filled Russian Hill neighborhood. Then meet back at the hotel for a discussion on how to enhance your photos with improved exposure, composition, and supplemental lighting, as well as a digital workflow talk. The workshop concludes at noon after a final question-and-answer session with your instructors.
For questions on this workshop, please call 1-866-797-4686.
Related Trips
National Geographic Expert
Catherine Karnow
Born and raised in Hong Kong, photographer Catherine Karnow has photographed everything from Australian Aborigines and Bombay film stars to the victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam. She shot the cover story "Inside Provence" for National Geographic Traveler's April 2006 issue and captured rare images of Prince Charles for her May 2006 National Geographic magazine feature, "Not Your Typical Radical." Catherine's film Brooklyn Bridge premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 1984.
Catherine will join the following departures:
Jul 15 - 18, 2010 • Nov 04 - 07, 2010Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
Airfare from/to your home city is not included in the expedition cost.
