2025 - 2026 Photographic Workshop Tours

Ann Arbor One Day Trillium/ Spring Flower workshop
May 3, 2025
$100 / Limited to 6 Students

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

What's not included in your tuition:

· Travel costs, Meals, and beverages

Colorado Fall Colors Photography Workshop #1
September 23 – September 27, 2025
$2500 Alumni $2250 Limited to 8 Students

Join us for a unique adventure at our Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop, where you will have the opportunity to capture stunning images of vibrant autumn foliage set against the breathtaking mountain peaks of Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray. With the San Juan Mountains as your backdrop, Colorado's aspens create a picturesque tapestry of fall colors, making this an experience you won’t want to miss.

Our workshop offers a fantastic chance to explore these beautiful locations and capture the essence of the fall season with your camera. If we're lucky, we may even witness some early-season snow on the peaks! Designed as a hands-on experience, this workshop will help you enhance your skills and build your portfolio while learning new photographic techniques amidst the beauty of nature.

All skill levels are welcome! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Four (4) nights double-occupancy lodging at the Box Canyon Lodge and hot spring – Ouray (single occupancy is available at for an additional $500).

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· Clients can carpool and share expenses or rent their own vehicle.

Colorado Fall Colors Photography Workshop #2
September 27 – 30, 2025
$1875 Alumni $1690 Limited to 8 Students

Join us for a unique adventure at our Colorado Fall Color Photography Workshop, where you can capture stunning images of vibrant autumn foliage set against the breathtaking mountain peaks of Crested Butte and Kebler Pass. East and West Beckwith Mountains provide some of our beautiful backdrops, while Colorado's aspens create a picturesque tapestry of fall colors—making this an experience you won’t want to miss.

Our workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to explore these beautiful locations and capture the essence of the fall season with your camera. If we're fortunate, we may even witness some early-season snow on the peaks!

Designed as a hands-on experience, this workshop will help you enhance your skills and build your portfolio while learning new photographic techniques amidst the beauty of nature.

All skill levels are welcome! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Three (3) nights double-occupancy lodging at the Elevation Hotel and Spa – Crested Butte (single occupancy is available at for an additional $400).

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· Clients can carpool and share expenses or rent their own vehicle.

Grand Tetons Mammoth Hot Springs Fall Photography Workshop
October 2-7, 2025
$2970 Alumni $2670 Limited to 8 Students

Autumn in the Grand Teton and Mammoth Hot Springs offers a breathtaking display of color.

We will spend our first three nights photographing Grand Teton National Park, home to the country’s most iconic mountain range and one of America’s most beautiful national parks.

During our time in the Tetons, we will focus on capturing the park's most famous landscapes, including Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher Landing, Willow Flats, Moulton Barns, Mormon Row, Snake River Overlook, and Elk Ranch Flats, among others.

The wildlife habitats within the Grand Tetons provide easy access to awe-inspiring herds of elk and bison. Wolves, grizzlies, moose, and pronghorn also roam this pristine mountain wilderness.

Many of these animals can be photographed from the roadside, and when they are present, we will take the opportunity to observe and photograph them from a safe distance.

Our last two nights will be spent on the northern side of Yellowstone, where we will photograph Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley.

The grasslands of the Lamar Valley are often called the "American Serengeti." its extensive open plains and large herds of bison, elk, deer, and pronghorn make it a prime location to photograph wildlife, similar to the famous Serengeti in Africa.

We will photograph sunrise at Mammoth Hot Springs, a large complex of hot springs located on a hill of travertine adjacent to Fort Yellowstone. Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District was formed over thousands of years as hot water from the springs cooled and deposited calcium carbonate.

Together, we will photograph stunning images of the park's most picturesque locations and capture unexpected gems during optimal lighting conditions.

All skill levels are welcome! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Three (3) nights double-occupancy lodging at Jackson Hole and two nights at Gardiner Yellowstone north entrance (single occupancy is available at for an additional $500.

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· Clients can carpool and share expenses or rent their own vehicle.

Caddo Lake Colors Photography Workshop #1
November 3 – November 7, 2025
$2500 Alumni $2250 Limited to 7 Students

Caddo Lake has a haunting beauty, unlike any place I have photographed. There is a silent stillness in this ancient swamp, filled with 400-year-old cypress trees draped in spinach moss. In the early morning, layers of mist will drift over the water, adding another dimension to your images. Whether you are photographing Caddo from the shoreline or drifting on the boat, the stillness of Caddo will bring you quiet peace and stunning images. In the fall, the colors on these veiled sentinels of the swamp will shift from green to yellow to orange to red.

From both the shore and the boat, we will have opportunities to capture the quiet mystery of Caddo Lake, the second-largest non-oxbow natural lake in the southern United States and home to one of the most extensive cypress forests in the country.

A "non-oxbow natural lake" refers to a naturally formed lake that was not created by a river meandering and cutting off a bend to form a horseshoe-shaped lake, which is how an oxbow lake is formed; essentially, it's any natural lake that has a different origin story than an oxbow lake, like a glacial lake, tectonic lake, or lake formed by a crater.

Caddo Lake has a haunting beauty, unlike any place I have photographed. There is a silent stillness in this ancient swamp, filled with 400-year-old cypress trees draped in spinach moss. In the early morning, layers of mist will drift over the water, adding another dimension to your images. Whether you are photographing Caddo from the shoreline or drifting on the boat, the stillness of Caddo will bring you quiet peace and stunning images. In the fall, the colors on these veiled sentinels of the swamp will shift from green to yellow to orange to red.

From both the shore and the boat, we will have opportunities to capture the quiet mystery of Caddo Lake, the second-largest non-oxbow natural lake in the southern United States and home to one of the most extensive cypress forests in the country.

This 25,000-acre lake is named after the Caddoan people. According to one legend, a Caddo chief's failure to obey the Great Spirit caused an earthquake in the early 1800s, which created Caddo Lake.

The closest airport is Shreveport, LA, 45 minutes from our cabin on Caddo Lake. I will schedule a pickup time for the 3rd. DFW is the nearest large airport, about three hours from Caddo Lake. Most flights to Shreveport will connect through DFW.

I have reserved a splendid retreat at Caddo Lake for our stay. The first floor features three relaxing bedrooms, two and a half baths, a comfortable living area, a country kitchen, and a long, peaceful screened porch. There is also an upper level where I will stay, with a bathroom and a small kitchenette. Additionally, we will have access to a dock, canoes, and kayaks.

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Four (4) nights lodging in Uncertain, Texas

· Light breakfast at the cottage after each morning shoot.

· Four (4) nights lodging in Uncertain, Texas

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· The nearest airport is in Shreveport, LA. For those who would like to be picked up when the workshop starts and taken to the airport or a nearby hotel at the end of the workshop, you can arrange to carpool and share expenses, or you have the option to rent your vehicle.

· Travel costs, lunch, and dinner.

· The cost of going out on a pontoon or flat-bottom boat will be divided per person.

Caddo Lake Colors Photography Workshop #2
November 9 – November 13, 2025
$2500 Alumni $2250 Limited to 7 Students

Caddo Lake has a haunting beauty, unlike any place I have photographed. There is a silent stillness in this ancient swamp, filled with 400-year-old cypress trees draped in spinach moss. In the early morning, layers of mist will drift over the water, adding another dimension to your images. Whether you are photographing Caddo from the shoreline or drifting on the boat, the stillness of Caddo will bring you quiet peace and stunning images. In the fall, the colors on these veiled sentinels of the swamp will shift from green to yellow to orange to red.

From both the shore and the boat, we will have opportunities to capture the quiet mystery of Caddo Lake, the second-largest non-oxbow natural lake in the southern United States and home to one of the most extensive cypress forests in the country.

A "non-oxbow natural lake" refers to a naturally formed lake that was not created by a river meandering and cutting off a bend to form a horseshoe-shaped lake, which is how an oxbow lake is formed; essentially, it's any natural lake that has a different origin story than an oxbow lake, like a glacial lake, tectonic lake, or lake formed by a crater.

Caddo Lake has a haunting beauty, unlike any place I have photographed. There is a silent stillness in this ancient swamp, filled with 400-year-old cypress trees draped in spinach moss. In the early morning, layers of mist will drift over the water, adding another dimension to your images. Whether you are photographing Caddo from the shoreline or drifting on the boat, the stillness of Caddo will bring you quiet peace and stunning images. In the fall, the colors on these veiled sentinels of the swamp will shift from green to yellow to orange to red.

From both the shore and the boat, we will have opportunities to capture the quiet mystery of Caddo Lake, the second-largest non-oxbow natural lake in the southern United States and home to one of the most extensive cypress forests in the country.

This 25,000-acre lake is named after the Caddoan people. According to one legend, a Caddo chief's failure to obey the Great Spirit caused an earthquake in the early 1800s, which created Caddo Lake.

The closest airport is Shreveport, LA, 45 minutes from our cabin on Caddo Lake. I will schedule a pickup time for the 3rd. DFW is the nearest large airport, about three hours from Caddo Lake. Most flights to Shreveport will connect through DFW.

I have reserved a splendid retreat at Caddo Lake for our stay. The first floor features three relaxing bedrooms, two and a half baths, a comfortable living area, a country kitchen, and a long, peaceful screened porch. There is also an upper level where I will stay, with a bathroom and a small kitchenette. Additionally, we will have access to a dock, canoes, and kayaks.

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Four (4) nights lodging in Uncertain, Texas

· Light breakfast at the cottage after each morning shoot.

· Four (4) nights lodging in Uncertain, Texas

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· The nearest airport is in Shreveport, LA. For those who would like to be picked up when the workshop starts and taken to the airport or a nearby hotel at the end of the workshop, you can arrange to carpool and share expenses, or you have the option to rent your vehicle.

· Travel costs, lunch, and dinner.

· The cost of going out on a pontoon or flat-bottom boat will be divided per person.

Charleston Photographic field workshop
March 22 - March 26, 2026
$1995 Alumni $1795 Limited to 8 Students

The price includes Four nights double-occupancy lodging at the Drury Plaza Hotel near the airport, single occupancy is available at for an additional $300

Charleston is a city that boasts a rich history, tradition, Southern charm, and stunning beauty. The Battery Park area, which is among the oldest communities in the U.S, offers a vast array of photographic opportunities. During the workshop, we will be spending ample time photographing gardens, reflection ponds, and cypress swamps. One of the locations we will be visiting is Angel Oak, a 1500-year-old Live Oak, which is the oldest living tree east of the Rockies. Our field time will be spent on understanding composition and proper use of light. We will also spend some time processing images with Lightroom, Photoshop and Topaz and Nik Software to help you enhance your processing skills. Our ultimate goal is to teach you how to capture beautiful images and explore how to create the images that continue to inspire.

Update: My last trip was a great success and a lot of fun! You can see some of my images from the Charleston Workshop, or read some kind remarks from a few of the people that attended. I look forward to doing it next year!

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Four nights double-occupancy lodging at the Drury Plaza Hotel near the airport (single occupancy is available at for an additional $300).

· Breakfast at the hotel.

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· Clients can carpool and share expenses or rent their own vehicle.

Yosemite Winter Firefall Photography Workshop
February 16-19, 2026
$2,075 Alumni $1868 Limited to 7 Students

The price includes three nights double-occupancy Yosemite Lodge single occupancy is available for an additional $750

Yosemite is a stunning location for winter photography, and my workshop is scheduled to maximize your opportunities to experience the valley at its finest.

I am well-acquainted with all the best locations and how to navigate the crowds, ensuring we capture the most breathtaking views.

Throughout our four-night stay in Yosemite, we will photograph the valley's incredible sights and dedicate time for training and image review.

Our visit is strategically planned to enhance our chances of photographing Firefall, the iconic view of Horsetail Falls at sunset.

All skill levels are welcome! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Three (3) nights double-occupancy lodging at Yosemite Falls Lodge (single occupancy is available at for an additional $750.

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

· Clients can carpool to and from Sacramento and share expenses or rent their own vehicle.

Venice Photography workshop
March 30 - April 3, 2026
$2,375 Alumni $2,135 Limited to 7 Students

The price includes four nights double-occupancy Hotel Dell'Opera single occupancy is available for an additional $750

The rich color palette of Venice, with its canals, bridges, and stunning architecture, particularly at San Marco Piazza and the Rialto Bridge, offers some of my favorite subjects to photograph. We will capture breathtaking architectural images that have inspired artists and writers for over a thousand years. Venice has provided me with some of the best photographs I have ever taken. This island city is a fantastic location for photography in any season, and I look forward to experiencing its beauty once again as it blooms in spring.

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Four nights double-occupancy lodging at the Hotel Dell'Opera (single occupancy is available at for an additional $750).

· Breakfast at the hotel.

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

Florence Photography workshop
April 3 - April 5, 2026
$1,150 Alumni $1,035 Limited to 7 Students

The price includes two nights double-occupancy Hotel Pendini single occupancy is available for an additional $350

Florence is often called the "cradle of the Renaissance" because of its vibrant flourishing of art, culture, and intellectual thought from the 14th to the 16th centuries. This cultural boom was largely supported by the patronage of the Medici family, the city's status as a major center for trade and banking, and the contributions of famous artists and thinkers. The city is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, especially from the Renaissance period. It is home to numerous museums and art galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia Gallery, and the Museo Nazionale del Bargello. These institutions showcase masterpieces by prominent artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Donatello.

What's included in my tuition:

· Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

· Two nights double-occupancy lodging at the Hotel Pendini in the heart of Florence (single occupancy is available at for an additional $350).

· Breakfast at the hotel.

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, meals, and beverages

Amalfi Coast Photographic field workshop
April 5 - 13 2026
$5,300 Alumni $4,770 Limited to 7 Students

The price includes Eight nights double-occupancy single occupancy is available for an additional $1,500

UNESCO recognizes the Amalfi Coast as an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape. This stunning area is dotted with picturesque ancient fishing villages and features breathtaking scenery where coastal mountains plunge dramatically into the sea.

Among the string of coastal towns, the legendary Amalfi and Positano shine the brightest, while the hilltop village of Ravello boasts grand villas and stunning scenery. We will spend the first two days in Naples, the gateway to both Capri and the Amalfi Coast, which is located on the northern side of the region. Just south of Naples lie the ancient ruins of Herculaneum. Like its sister city Pompeii, Herculaneum is renowned for being buried in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. These ancient cities serve as time capsules, preserving Rome's rich history.

From Naples, we will drive south to Amalfi, where we will spend two nights. After that, we'll head north to Positano for another two nights. Our final two nights will be spent in Sorrento, an ancient village that has remarkably survived the impact of mass tourism.

In addition to its stunning beauty, the region is renowned for its exceptional restaurants and hotels, making it one of Italy's top destinations for photography enthusiasts.

What's included in tuition:

Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions.

Eight nights lodging –Breakfast for 2 people is included with most room

· Eight nights double-occupancy lodging along the Amalfi Coast (single occupancy is available for an additional $1,500).

What's not included in tuition:

· Travel costs, lunch and diner. Admission to museums unless specified.

· I have rented two vehicles that clients can carpool and share expenses or rent your own vehicles.

Iceland Puffin-Wildflower Photographic Field Workshop
June 12-21, 2026
$5,500 Limited to 8 Students

The price includes nine nights double-occupancy single occupancy is available for an additional $1,500

Your adventure will begin​ on June 12th in Reykjavik, where you will have the opportunity to spend the day whale watching or participating in a puffin excursion. ​After a morning shoot along Reykjavik's harbor, followed by breakfast on the 13th, we will head to the Golden Circle.

No visit to Iceland is complete without touring its most iconic sites along the Golden Circle. Our itinerary includes a visit to Gullfoss Waterfall, the geyser fields, and Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is a historic site and national park located east of Reykjavík, known for the Alþing (Althing), which was the site of Iceland's parliament from the 10th to the 18th century. You'll find Þingvellir Church and the ruins of ancient stone shelters here. The park sits in a rift valley created by the separation of two tectonic plates, showcasing rocky cliffs and fissures, including the impressive Almannagjá fault.

Þingvellir is unique because it is the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental plates in a fascinating geological landscape that changes every year.

Gullfoss consists of two separate waterfalls: the upper falls drop 11 meters, while the lower falls drop 21 meters. The riverbed rock was formed during an interglacial period. We will be staying near the geothermal field surrounding the Great Geysir, which lends its name to this geological phenomenon. Strokkur, another renowned geyser in the area, erupts every few minutes, sending a tower of water and steam 30 meters into the air. Additionally, one of the attractions in the area is Blesi, a hot spring with turquoise water that is truly delightful.

From the Golden Circle, we will travel to Iceland’s south coast, known for its stunning landscapes that range from towering glaciers to black-sand beaches. Our tour of Iceland's most impressive sights will include this coastline, where the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash ashore with remarkable force.

You will have the opportunity to visit Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its striking black sands and sea stacks, embodying wild and dramatic beauty. You'll also get a chance to view puffins on the cliffs of Dyrhólaey. Iceland is considered the puffin-watching capital of the world, attracting birdwatchers and scientists from around the globe who come to observe this fascinating species up close. Due to their charming and amusing appearance, puffin watching has become one of the most popular summer activities for both visitors and locals.

Iceland is home to approximately 8 to 10 million puffins, which constitutes over 60% of the world’s entire Atlantic puffin population. During the summer months, many of these puffins coexist closely with humans, making this an unforgettable experience for visitors. While some lupines may start blooming in late May, June is the peak bloom period.

Puffins nest in Iceland from late April to early August, with the peak season for nesting and viewing occurring in June and July. They spend most of the year at sea and return to land to breed and raise their young. The Westman Islands are the most famous location for puffin watching, home to the largest puffin colony in the world.

We will spend time photographing the stunning Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Our tour will include two days enjoying the South Beach. This will allow us to visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Black Diamond beach.

Throughout this tour of Iceland’s remarkable sights, we will explore the coastline where the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the shore. You will have the chance to photograph the captivating Vestrahorn, as well as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the Icelandic fishing town of Höfn.

This 12-day workshop is designed for amateur, aspiring, and professional photographers alike. It promises to immerse you in some of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes, all under ethereal lighting conditions.

What's included in tuition:

Tuition includes guided fieldwork, software training, and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions. It also includes nine nights’ lodging, breakfast, and ground transportation during the workshop.

What's not included in tuition:

Travel costs to and from Iceland and meals other than breakfast, plus any shopping you choose to do while there.

Private Photography Instruction and Guiding

Additional fee for travel may be added depending on instruction location.

• 1 person - $650
• 2 people - $950
• 3 people - $1150
• 4 people - $1350
• 5 people - $1550

Workshop Overview



Workshops capture landscape images that excite and move, images that trace where the mind has been and forms a unique vision to last a lifetime. Students learn to apply new skills daily in a supportive environment where we share our collective knowledge to take the next step. We hold a deep passion for the places we travel, and explore images that continue to inspire. What takes time to create, time respects, for good images don't just happen. Most often, our best images lie around the next turn, waiting for us to find. Our philosophy understands that through photography and an open mind, the world is ever ready to delight. Paul James is a published, award-winning photographer from southeastern Michigan who offers the best in personalized photographic instruction on every level - whether you're just beginning or are a seasoned veteran. Paul takes great pride in his work, and this translates to some great teaching techniques. He has vast experience in both the artistic and technical aspects of photography; he is adept in digital, medium- and large-format cameras, which includes a large range of camera brands and models. He welcomes photographers of all formats and skill levels; however, classes and workshops are geared for the digital photographer.

Paul James is a published, award winning photographer from Southeastern Michigan who offers the best in personalized photographic instruction on every level; whether you're just beginning or a seasoned veteran. Paul takes great pride in his work, and this translates to some great teaching techniques. He has vast experience in both the artistic and technical aspects of photography; he is adept in Digital, Medium and Large format Cameras, which includes a large range of camera brands and models. He welcomes photographers of all formats and skill levels; however, this class will be geared for the digital photographer.

Each day, we shoot at �first light� to capture moments with magic in every shot.

• Learn tips and tricks used by professionals to create impressive photographs.
• Discover new viewpoints, and interesting details that might be overlooked, to see the world photographically.
• Learn to sense the direction of light and how to capture the magic moment.
• Improve your photographic technique.
• Learn your camera and how to get the most out of it.
• Have fun!

Example Itinerary:

• Day One: Arrive in Pisa were we can go over equipment and Photograph at sunset.
• Day Two: Photograph at sunrise in Pias and then travel by train to Vernazza in the Cinque Terre. After checking in to our hotel spend time photographing in Vernazza in the afternoon through sunset and when have dinner in the harbor.
• Day Three - Five: The best times for shooting are Sunrise and Sunset and we will photograph through the day while we enjoy hiking and shopping in the seaside villages. While in the Cinque Terre we will spend time processing images.
• Day Six: Photograph at sunrise and say our goodbye's over breakfast before traveling to Provence for the next workshop.

What's included in your tuition:

Tuition includes fieldwork, guiding, software training and critiques of your digital files during our classroom sessions..

What's not included in your tuition:

Travel costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless specified.

A Journey shared is truly a Journey remembered



The Roma and Cinque Terre photographic workshops trips were a great success. Both groups came home with some wonderful images and some wonderful memories. I will soon be posting some of the new images on the website and hope that you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed taking them.

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