Expedition Details
Iconic bridges, elegant row houses, diverse neighborhoods, and streets that undulate dramatically make San Francisco a particularly photogenic city. On daily assignments, photograph the Golden Gate Bridge rising out of the fog and merchants hawking their goods in the ethnic neighborhoods of North Beach and Chinatown. Head to Russian Hill to capture the graceful Victorian homes that line the steep streets, or take portraits of craftspeople at the Farmers Market at Fisherman’s Wharf.
These workshops—each led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor—are 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. Each weekend workshop is limited to 25 students.
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 check into the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel, centrally located on Union Square, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Meet for a welcome dinner and an image presentation by our National Geographic photographer.
(D)
Day 2 — Friday
Spend the morning in our classroom at the hotel learning photo techniques, discussing digital workflow, 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.
(L)
Day 3 — Saturday
On this morning's assignment, take portraits of craftspeople at the Farmers' Market at Fisherman's Wharf. 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.
(L,D)
Day 4 — Sunday: San Francisco/Home
Go for an optional early morning shoot on Russian Hill with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 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:
Nov 04 - 07, 2010 • May 19 - 22, 2011Jul 21 - 24, 2011
Expedition Dates 
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Expedition Costs
Airfare from/to your home city is not included in the expedition cost.
What To Expect
These workshops—each led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor—are 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. Each weekend workshop is limited to 25 students.
