What to Bring on a John Pedersen Photography Workshop …

This is a basic list of the most common things that I recommend you bring on one of my photo workshops.  This list works for the majority of my workshops, however, there are locations or times of year that may require more specialized equipment.  In these cases, I will typically send a more detailed recommendation list.

Please bring what YOU are comfortable with, and which will make you comfortable.  I can only provide general guidance based upon my years of experience and knowledge.  I’ll include links/descriptions of some items at the end of the document. If you ever have questions about gear or what to bring, please ask me and I’ll be happy to discuss it with you.

Camera Equipment

  • Camera Bodies – I typically bring two, a primary and a backup.
  • Lenses ranging from 20mm-300mm. (I’ll let you know if you may want a longer lens or macro depending on location).
  • Teleconverter – I keep one in my bag always! Great for increasing the reach of lenses. Not always needed, but if you have one bring it.
  • Batteries – Bring enough to shoot the entire day without recharging.
  • Memory Cards – Bring enough to shoot the entire workshop without deleting. You will hear me say repeatedly DO NOT DELETE images while traveling.
  • Tripod – Bring the sturdiest tripod and ball head you have and know how to comfortably use it.
  • Filters – I recommend having filters on-location to get the shot “right” in-camera. Polarizers and Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filters are the basic filters I always carry.
  • Lens Shades / Cable Release – Shades will keep sun flare to a minimum and protect against rain/snow. A cable release (or remote release of some sort) will reduce camera vibrations.
  • Non-Abrasive Cloths – For drying / cleaning gear.
  • Lens / Sensor Cleaner – Lens wipes or sensor pens can be helpful to remove smudges and spots. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, please don’t.
  • Rain Cover – I keep one in my bag always! Lightweight protection for your gear if we are out shooting in the rain.
  • Tools – (Optional) Jewelers screwdrivers, hex keys, etc can be handy for tightening tripods, brackets, etc. I bring some tools but no guarantee that mine will fit what you need.

Other Gear

  • Laptop or Tablet – for reviewing/editing images.
  • Backup Solution – I bring a portable hard drive and back up my images each night. I do NOT want to lose any of my images while travelling.
  • Headlamp/Flashlight – Having light in your camera bag for pre-sunrise and post-sunset is so helpful. Headlamps give hands-free lighting allowing you to use both hands to focus on your gear
  • USB Memory Stick – For submitting images to review or share with others.

Specialized Gear

These are some ideas for different gear you may want to bring depending on workshop location and your photographic style.

  • Portable Light Diffuser – Block/diffuse sunlight when shooting flowers or macro.
  • Kneeling pad – Great to protect knees when shooting at ground level. Simple pad from garden store typically works well.

Winter Gear

Winter workshops require some additional gear to protect and maintain our gear from damage. I will provide more detailed advice if you are attending a winter workshop.

  • Ice Cleats / Snowshoes – Maintaining traction on slippery surfaces! I will let you know if our chosen locations may need this gear.
  • Chemical Hand Warmers – Good for hands, feet and keeping cameras/batteries warm.
  • Large Garbage Bags – For moderating temperature swings on equipment during very cold outings

Clothing

It’s tough to advise, in a general way, what clothing to bring since we all have different tolerances to warm/cold. Below is a basic list of what I consider “essentials” for anyone spending time outdoors. It’s up to you to know what to bring to keep you protected and comfortable.

  • Waterproof/Windproof Jacket – Essential in rainy locations and winter workshops. Gore-Tex or other leading waterproofing recommended.
  • Rain Pants – Depending on time of year and workshop location. If it rains we won’t let that stop us from photographing (within reason).
  • Insulation Layers – Dressing in multiple layers provides the ability to fine tune your temperature as the day warms or cools. Synthetic materials are highly recommended.
  • Warm Hat & Gloves – Regardless of the season, early mornings and late evenings can be cool.
  • Sun Hat – On sunny days, keep the sun off your head and out of your eyes.
  • Sturdy Boots/Shoes – Waterproof recommended. Uneven trails, slippery surfaces, mud and water are all possible conditions we’ll be in and you need good footwear.
  • Hiking Socks – Wool or synthetic fiber. Keeps your feet warm even when wet.
  • Sunglasses – Yes, even need to think about protecting your eyes.

Winter Clothing

In addition to the above, there are a few more things I recommend for winter:

  • Long Underwear – Synthetic materials only!
  • Insulated Boots – Waterproof as well as insulated for standing/walking in snow and cold rain.
  • Balaclava/Neck Warmer – Can be so beneficial to protect neck and all parts of your head to conserve body heat.
  • Insulation Layers – Synthetic materials!!! Bring as much as you have.
  • Gaiters – Nylon protective covers to keep snow, rocks, etc out of your boots.

Brands / Links

Memory Cards

If you are looking for the best memory cards, the folks at ProGrade Digital are making the best cards available today!

Never heard of ProGrade Digital? This company was founded by the management and engineers from Sandisk and Lexar with the goal to create the finest card available. They pay meticulous attention to detail and test their cards for speed and accuracy better than anyone.

Filters

I have tried most the major brands of filters and hands down the best out there are from Maven Filters and Breakthrough Filters.  Both provide amazing clarity and no loss of image quality.  Plus, there is no color shift when using strong ND filters.

Check out more from Maven HERE

Cleaning Cloths – 3M Detailing Cloths

Too many cloths just push water around … these cloths absorb and are gentle on the camera gear.  I always keep 2-3 in every camera bag!  Check them out HERE.

Headlamps

Hands free lighting is such an easy thing to have and having a good quality headlight that is easy to use is equally important.  I keep a headlamp in every camera bag (plus office, garage, car, etc). I recommend buying a good one for reliable use and you can find a great assortment at REI.  My personal preferences are Petzl and Black Diamond headlamps.

Backup Drives

I always travel with a portable hard disk drive to back up my images every night.  Because I’m travelling, I want a drive that has few moving parts, is reliable and has enough speed and capacity to handle the rigors I put it through.  I have relied on solid state disk drives for the past few years and have been quite happy with them!

I’ve found two drives that I use extensively while travelling and I can recommend both:

Thumb Drives

Having a couple of thumb drives is always handy and don’t take up a lot of space.  I have lots sprinkled throughout my various bags. Bring images for image reviews, exchange images with other attendees..it’s a cheap method for quick portable storage.

Samsung T5 & T7

Small, lightweight and extremely portable. I’ve had one for 4 years and hasn’t failed yet! Comes in multiple storage sizes to fit your needs.

Footwear – Keen

I’ve found that Keen footwear has been the best all-around footwear for me.  Great traction on both the shoes and boots, with great waterproofing and insulation when it’s cold.  My personal favorite models are the Targhee III Waterproof shoe and  in the winter I wear the Summit County Waterproof Insulated boot.

If you want to talk about specific brands and gear that you are considering please feel free to reach out to me and we can discuss your needs and where you are going to make the best purchase decision