Small Group Photography Workshops in the New Jersey Pine Barrens
Fall Dates are Here!!
Drone Photographers! Save this date: Saturday, October 17 for a Drone Photography Workshop in a special Pine Barrens Location!
I’m honored to partner with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to offer photography workshops on their 11,000-acre Franklin Parker Preserve, one of the most scenic and diverse areas of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
These workshops provide a rare opportunity to photograph the preserve with special vehicle access, allowing us to reach locations that would normally require several miles of hiking. This makes it possible to focus more time and energy on photography, composition, and instruction rather than long treks with heavy gear.
Over 50% of the workshop fee is donated directly to the NJCF for their conservation efforts supporting the preservation and protection of New Jersey’s natural lands.
OVER $42,000 Raised for the
Workshops Dates Register Below
Saturday, Sept 19 Sunset 3:15pm to 7:15pm – Only a few spots left
Sunday, Oct 11 Sunrise 6:15am to 10:15am
Sunday, Oct 18 Sunrise 6:30am to 10:30am
Saturday, Oct 24 Sunset 2:15pm to 6:15pm
What is New with these Workshops?
Recent improvements to the Franklin Parker Preserve have opened access to locations that were previously unreachable. In addition, newly added adjacent property includes a large beaver pond featuring a dam and active beaver lodges—offering exciting new photographic opportunities.
Along with these new locations, I’ll be introducing Situational Awareness Photography. This approach teaches you how to recognize photographic potential based on light direction, weather, seasonal changes, and environmental conditions—helping you create images you may not have anticipated when you arrived.
Who is this Workshop For?
These workshops are designed for photographers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced photographers. Past participants have created strong images using everything from smartphones to high-end professional camera systems.
While the Franklin Parker Preserve is primarily a hiking preserve, not every photographer wants—or is able—to hike long distances with camera gear. Our rare vehicle access allows us to reach some of the most beautiful locations in the New Jersey Pine Barrens that are normally accessible only on foot.
What are the New Jersey Pine Barrens?
This unique wilderness known as the Pine Barrens is anything but Barren. It is over 1 million acres in the most populated state in the United States. Come see and photograph this uniquely beautiful landscape with me. I’ve been exploring the Pine Barrens for close to 30 years and have found some pretty amazing places for photography. The forests, lakes, rivers, bogs, and even the cedar swamps offer their own beauty. These workshops are a mix of photography and instruction tailored to the workshop participants’ abilities and needs.
The Franklin Parker Preserve Photography Workshops
4 hour workshops $150 Plus a 1 hour video presentation on how to photograph the Pine Barrens.
Over 50% of the workshop fee is donated to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation
The New Jersey Conservation Foundations has done renovations to the trails and roads in the preserve allowing us to photograph different places that were not accessible by car in the past few years. We will also venture beyond to the Franklin Parker to new land purchased recently by the NJCF.
It has been great to partner with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and hold workshops on their 11,000 acre Franklin Parker Preserve. This preserve is one of the most scenic area of the Pine Barrens. Normally the only way into the preserve is on foot but we will have special vehicle access in the preserve to photograph its uniquely beautiful landscape. We will be able to drive to special locations without having to hike several miles.
Workshop Details
We will meet in one of the parking areas. After a brief introduction, we will drive into the preserve and visite 4 or 5 locations throughout the workshop. Locations will vary based on weather conditions, time of year, etc.
- Size: Maximum of 8 people plus myself. These workshops are kept small to make sure everyone who needs help can get it and to allow us to get to just about any place in the Franklin Parker Preserve.
- This workshop is good to any photographer from beginner to professional.
- Cost: $150 per person.
Register now!
Camera Clubs – Ask about a customized presentation and workshop for your members. Contact me here for more information
See More New Jersey Pinelands Photography Here
Notes on these Pine Barrens workshops
- I keep these groups small so I can provide as much time as possible with each of you to help navigate the site, provide ideas, instruction and to discuss the technical and artistic side of photography.
- I always bring my camera, but I’m not there to shoot, I’m there for you. If there is an unusual opportunity I may set up my camera, but primarily I have it to use for instruction.
- Nature and weather are unpredictable, especially in the Pine Barrens. Each day can bring a different experience, so understanding that it is important to keep the workshop itinerary flexible will help ensure the goal that you get great photographs while experiencing the beautiful New Jersey Pinelands.
- Speaking of weather, we will photograph in most conditions, rain or shine. However, heavy rain and other dangerous weather conditions may force the workshop to be rescheduled. I will do everything I can to accommodate everyone’s schedule in rescheduling.
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You can cancel and get a credit or a full refund up to 30 days before the workshop. Within 30 days of the workshop, if I can fill your slot, you can get a credit or a full refund. I will make every effort to fill your slot. If I cannot fill your slot, I cannot issue a credit or a refund. Credits must be used for a workshop within the next 12 months of the original workshop date.
- Once you register, I will send you more details about the workshop including a list of recommended equipment and clothing.
- The cost of the this workshop covers the instruction and access to the locations we will be photographing at. It does not include transportation, to and from the workshop, lodging, meals, etc.
Custom Tours
Let me know what you want to do and I’ll make it happen. We can mix instructional sessions or just explore the Pinelands. Contact me for more information and pricing.
FAQ’s
Do I need to be an advanced photographer to attend? No. These workshops are designed for photographers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. Instruction is tailored to each participant’s skill level.
What type of camera or gear do I need? You can use anything from a smartphone to professional camera gear. The focus of the workshop is seeing, composition, and working with light—not specific equipment. I will also provide a list of suggested camera gear for those of us with a lot of camera gear. That list also includes other useful items as well.
How physically demanding is the workshop? Not very. The Franklin Parker Preserve is primarily a hiking preserve, but these workshops include rare vehicle access. Minimal walking is required, making the workshop accessible to photographers who prefer not to hike long distances with gear. I’ve had people with various conditions that limit mobility. If you have and concerns at all, please feel free to contact me. I will make every effort to accomodate you.
How many people are in each workshop? Each workshop is limited to 8 participants, plus myself. This small group size ensures personalized instruction and flexibility in the field.
What will we photograph? Subjects may include: Wetlands and meadows, ghost forests, beaver ponds, rivers, forest scenes and more. Locations vary depending on weather, light, and seasonal conditions.
What is Situational Awareness Photography? Situational Awareness Photography is an approach that helps you recognize photographic opportunities based on light, weather, and environmental conditions. You learn to respond creatively to what’s happening around you to create great photographs.
What happens if the weather is bad? Weather is part of the Pine Barrens experience. However, if conditions are unsuitable or unsafe, the workshop will be rescheduled. If you cannot make the rescheduled date, you will receive a full refund or credit, whatever you prefer.
How does the conservation donation work? Most of each workshop fee is donated directly to conservation efforts of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. To date, over $40,000 has been raised to help preserve New Jersey’s natural lands.
Where do we meet? All workshops begin at one of the preserve’s designated parking areas. After a brief introduction, we will drive into the preserve.
How do I register? Registration details and availability are listed on this page. Workshops often fill quickly due to limited group size.