Photography tours and workshops are an incredible way to learn new skills, explore creative ideas, and visit stunning places while capturing some of your best photos. This guide is perfect for beginners or photography enthusiasts who want to make the most of their next adventure. Over the years, I’ve found that preparation makes all the difference. A little effort beforehand can save you time and frustration during the tour, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience and focus on improving your photography.
I’m not asking you to master every detail about photography or your camera. What I do ask is that you do some homework and gain a basic understanding of key ideas and features. For instance, you should know the exposure triangle—how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO work together—and how changing one setting affects the others. Be familiar with concepts like exposure bracketing and focus bracketing, and know how to turn them on. Practice attaching filters so you’re comfortable using them in the field. This preparation will set you up for success and allow us to focus on enhancing your skills during the tour.
Here’s how to get yourself ready:
1. Get Comfortable with Your Camera
The first step is to feel confident using your camera. You don’t need to know everything, but you should be familiar with its basic functions. Learn how to navigate its menu system and switch between modes like aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode.
Spend time practicing these features:
- Exposure Bracketing: Understand what it is, why it’s useful, and how to activate it.
- Focus Bracketing: Know when and why to use it and where to find it in your menu.
- Grid Lines: Learn how to turn them on to help with composition and keeping horizons straight.
- In-Body Stabilisation: Practise turning it off for night photography or when using a tripod. (Modern cameras can be smart enough to know when the camera is on a stable platform such as a tripod, older cameras still need for it to be turned off, what cameras? I don’t know. I still turn it off on my XT5.)
- Portrait Image Playback: Check if your camera can rotate portrait images for easier reviewing. (I know for a fact that this can be done in Nikon & Fujifilm, not sure about other brands)
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s making sure you’re not wasting time searching for settings while everyone else is shooting. This familiarity allows you to focus on enjoying the creative process and capturing your best work. Familiarity with your camera also allows you to focus on creativity instead of troubleshooting technical details in the moment.
Experiment at home by setting up a few test shots in different lighting conditions. Practice adjusting your settings until it feels natural. The more you work with your gear, the more confident you’ll feel on location.
2. Build Muscle Memory
Sometimes, you’ll need to adjust your camera settings quickly while shooting. Practise until these actions become second nature.
For example:
- Changing aperture, ISO, and shutter speed by knowing where each button or dial is, even in low light.
- Switching between manual focus and automatic focus modes.
- Quickly finding the self-timer if you’re not using a remote shutter.
- Practising with your tripod (see below).
It’s especially important to practice these skills in low light or complete darkness. Try practicing in a dim room or outdoors at night to simulate real-world challenges. By being comfortable with your camera’s layout and controls, you’ll save time and avoid missing critical moments.
3. Practice Using Your Tripod
Tripods are essential for landscape and especially night photography, but they’re only helpful if you know how to use them properly.
Here’s what to do:
- Practice setting it up and taking it down quickly.
- Get familiar with the knobs and levers that control height and angles.
- Attach and detach your camera from the tripod head smoothly.
- Practise setting it up in the dark so you’re confident without needing light.
- Test it on uneven ground to understand its stability limits.
A tripod can be your best friend when capturing long exposures or stable compositions. If you’re using a new tripod, take some time to ensure it’s adjusted to your preferred height and that all components work smoothly. Fumbling with gear in the field can be frustrating and may cause you to miss great shots.
4. Learn to Use Filters
Filters can elevate your photos but can be tricky without preparation.
Spend time practicing:
- Attaching Filters: Whether you’re using screw-on filters or a holder system, practice putting them on and taking them off until it feels natural. Practice using them with gloves on, as you may need to handle filters in cold or challenging conditions.
- Step-Up Rings: If your lenses have different thread sizes, make sure you have the right step-up rings and test them.
- Different Filter Types: Understand how polarising filters and ND filters work and how they improve your shots. Practice turning the polariser to see how it affects reflections and saturation.
Knowing how to use your filters confidently gives you more creative freedom on the tour. Filters are especially useful for balancing light, enhancing colors, and creating effects like silky water or dramatic skies. These effects are particularly valuable in locations like waterfalls, rivers, sunsets, or coastal scenes where light and motion interact beautifully. Experiment with filters at home or on short outings to understand their impact on different compositions.
5. Prepare for the Physical Challenges
Photography tours often include long days and unpredictable weather.
Be ready for the physical demands by:
- Packing the Right Clothes: Bring layers, sturdy shoes, and gloves that let you operate your camera.
- Carrying Your Gear: Practice walking with your fully loaded camera bag to get used to the weight.
- Going for Daily Walks: Build your stamina by getting used to being on your feet all day. A simple daily walk a few weeks out can help you prepare for the physical activity involved.
- Understanding the Itinerary: Familiarise yourself with the locations and the types of photos you’ll be taking.
If possible, simulate a day of shooting by packing your gear, heading outdoors, and walking a route similar to what you might experience on the tour. This helps you identify any discomfort or adjustments needed to ensure your gear is practical for a full day out.
6. Test in Real-Life Conditions
Set up situations that mimic what you’ll face during the tour.
For example:
- Practice long exposures at night to improve your stabilisation techniques.
- Use bracketing to see how it enhances your final images.
- Set up your tripod on uneven ground to test its stability.
- Pack everything you plan to carry in your camera bag and go for a walk. This helps you get used to the weight and ensures your bag is comfortable for a full day out.
Testing in real-life conditions also builds your confidence. Try visiting local parks, forests, or urban areas to experiment with different compositions and lighting scenarios. The more practice you get, the more prepared you’ll feel for any challenges during the tour.
Final Thoughts
Getting ready for a photography tour is about building confidence, not mastering every detail. Doing some basic homework and practising with your gear will go a long way. By learning the essentials, becoming familiar with your equipment, and preparing for the physical challenges, you’ll be set to capture incredible photos and make the most of your experience.
The goal is to enjoy the journey as much as the photos you create. By preparing in advance, you can reduce stress and ensure that you’re ready for the challenges and rewards of the trip. This preparation not only helps you stay focused and relaxed but also enhances your ability to fully immerse yourself in the experience. A little preparation can make all the difference, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience and focus on creating stunning images.
