Santa Fe Photographic Workshops offers 150 programs a year for photographers from enthusiast to professional Santa Fe Photographic Workshops will help you take your photographic skills and vision to new levels
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• What is the difference between workshop "seasons?"
What is a typical day like during a workshop?
When does my workshop week begin and end?
Will I have much free time during my workshop?
What is the weather like in Santa Fe?

Why is there sometimes a mandatory meal plan and sometimes not?

Can I use a digital camera in a photography workshop?

Where should I stay while in Santa Fe?
Do I really need to rent a car?
What can my family do while I am in class?
What happens if I need to cancel a workshop?
What is Travel Insurance and should I buy it?
Are there any scholarships available?
Why is sales tax charged?

What is meant by a sample of work for those workshops requiring a portfolio?
Why do I have to pay an application fee?
What kind of computers and other equipment does the digital lab use?
Should I buy film at home and bring it to my workshop?
What equipment do I need to bring for my workshop?

How many people will be in my workshop?


Jay Maisel in classroom.
© Jennifer Spelman


What is the difference between workshop "seasons?"
We refer to two different "seasons" at the Santa Fe Workshops. In 2010, the "photography seasons" are February 14 to March 27, 2010 (winter/spring) and June 20 to August 7 (summer). This means that photography workshops, as well as a digital imaging workshop, are being offered. During photography seasons there is a mandatory meal plan for all participants, optional housing on campus, and optional breakfast on campus. Aside from these major differences, several other things happen including instructor image presentations, Sunday and Friday group dinners, and participant image presentation.

The "off season" is the rest of the year. Digital workshops are scheduled during many of these off weeks, but are the only class on campus. Consequently, many amenities of the photography season are not available; for example, no meals or housing.
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© Amber Terranova
What is a typical day like during a workshop?
Most workshops will start between 8 and 9am. In a photography workshop, usually the first thing you will do is review your images from the previous day. Mornings often include editing and critique sessions as well as discussion of daily assignments. Lunch is eaten on campus at the buffet or sack lunches are packed for groups that have already left for the field. Most classes leave in the afternoon for daily field sessions, sometimes as a group, other times individually. For those using film, it is turned in during the evening for overnight processing.

Most digital lab classes (Photoshop) spend the majority of the time in the digital lab. The lab usually opens at 8:30am and closes at 5pm. The digital lab is open for digital participants only on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Half-day field trips might be taken to make new images with digital cameras.

During the photography season, there is a dinner and orientation on Sunday night. Instructors show their personal work on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Friday night we celebrate with a group dinner and participant image presentation.
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When does my workshop week begin and end?
All photography workshops and digital lab workshops during the photography season start on a Sunday with check-in between 2 and 6pm. Orientation and dinner follow Sunday evening at Quail Run. Your workshop is officially over the following Saturday at 12 noon.

Digital lab workshops during the off season begin Monday morning with check-in between 8:15 and 9am and end Friday afternoon at 5pm.
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Will I have much free time during my workshop?
Days are busy and intense. You may find some time in the early evening to see the city. We suggest coming in a few days early or staying a few days after your workshop if you would like to take in the sights of Santa Fe, including the great museums, restaurants, and galleries.
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What is the weather like in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is located at 7,000 feet above sea level in the Sangre de Cristo mountains; it can take your body a day of two to adapt to the high altitude. Santa Fe is comfortably dry but can have rapid weather changes. It is common to have 30 degree temperature differences between night and day. Santa Fe averages 300 days of glorious sunshine, 14 inches of rain and 17.5 inches of snow each year. For up-to-date weather information and historical averages, visit www.weather.com or www.visitsantafe.com. "Typical weather" figures can be found on AccuWeather's Web site.
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Why is there sometimes a mandatory meal plan and sometimes not?
See "What is the difference between workshop "seasons?" above.
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Can I use a digital camera in a photography workshop?
The Workshops embraces your use of digital cameras within traditional photography workshops. If you elect to use your digital camera in a workshop, make sure the administration office knows of your intent. If you elect to shoot with your digital camera in a photography workshop, please be aware that you will need to be self-sufficient and self-supportive (unless you are attending an"entry level" digital photography workshop). You will need to supply your own hardware, peripherals, and technical support to view and output your images (laptop computer, cables, software, and digital media). Bringing your own digital camera to digital lab workshops is encouraged.
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© Greg deStefano
Where should I stay while in Santa Fe?
Please read the about on-campus and Santa Fe accommodations in the General Information section.
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Do I really need to rent a car?
A car is not a requirement for certain workshops if you are staying at the Workshops campus. While these participants do not necessarily need a car, a car provides added freedom and flexibility. If you do not rent a car, you will need to car pool with other workshop participants when you go on field trips. Please call to find out if a car is required for your workshop.

If you are not staying on campus, you really need to have a car. Santa Fe is not readily accessible by city bus or taxi.
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What can my family do while I am in class?
Keep in mind that you will be very busy with your workshop. Your family might not see a lot of you! Still, Santa Fe is a major tourist destination and there are many things to do in and around Santa Fe. Check out these Web sites for ideas: www.visitsantafe.com, www.santafe.org, or www.newmexico.org
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What happens if I need to cancel a workshop?
We know that unexpected things come up that might require you to cancel your workshop. If at all possible, let us know more than 30 days before the start of your workshop. Click HERE for full details about our Cancellation and Transfer Policies. Please note: there is a different policy for workshops taking place outside the Continental U.S. We also recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance (see below).
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What is Travel Insurance and should I buy it?
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that might prevent your attendance. We suggest a plan that offers coverage for medical and dental emergencies, lost baggage, missed connections, and trip cancellation should you have a medical problem that prevents you from attending. The Santa Fe Workshops is not responsible for cancellations due to medical emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation.
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Are there any scholarships available?
The Santa Fe Workshops offers two scholarship programs: one for workshops January through May and one for workshops June through December. For complete details, visit the scholarship information page.
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Why is sales tax charged?
The State of New Mexico requires all businesses to collect gross receipts tax on all goods and services. In order to not pay tax, you or your company must register for tax exempt status with the State of New Mexico and pay the annual fee. The tax rate as of July 1, 2009 is 8.0625%.
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What is meant by a sample of work for those workshops requiring a portfolio?
Some workshops require that you submit a sample of recent photography for final admission. For complete details, visit the Portfolios section in the Information for Applicants section.
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Why do I have to pay an application fee?
The application fee of $45 per calendar year is mandatory for every participant. This fee helps cover administrative costs of your registration. Most educational institutions charge such a fee.
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What kind of computers and other equipment does the digital lab use?
The Santa Fe Workshops has developed a digital imaging educational program designed to help you broaden your technical skills and find your place in our technological society. For details on equipment available, visit the facilities page.
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© Jennifer Davidson

Should I buy film at home and bring it to my workshop?
If you are flying, check with your airline about security scanning of film. In general it is recommended to carry film on the plane instead of checking it in your luggage. The Store on the Workshops campus sells Kodak film as well as other necessities such as filters, slide pages, and batteries. Visit The Store to sneak a peek at what's available.
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What equipment do I need to bring for my workshop?
This varies from workshop to workshop. In general, bring your photographic equipment: cameras, lenses, and if you have them, a tripod, filters, film holders, a hand-held light meter, and a flash. Additional information about camera formats and equipment for individual workshops will be supplies in a letter from the instructor.

Nikon is an educational partner of The Workshops. Workshop participants can use the latest Nikon cameras and lenses during their workshop week. Studio equipment from a variety of sponsors is also available for participants in studio classes to try. All equipment is loaned on a 24 hour basis at no charge; a driver's license and major credit card in your name are required to check out all equipment.
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How many people will be in my workshop?
All digital lab workshops are held to a maximum of 12 participants. Nearly all photography workshops have a maximum of 14 participants. The minimum number of participants to run a workshop varies from workshop to workshop, depending on a variety of factors. In the event that a workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 12 months. The Workshops makes final decisions about the running of a workshop no less than 30 days before the begin date.
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Santa Fe Photographic Workshops     PO Box 9916 Santa Fe, NM 87504     505-983-1400

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