• Students working with light reflectors photographing wine.
  • Students lined up at the beach photographing the sunset.
  • Photographer sitting in a vineyard photographing
  • Kids photographing along the beach
  • Students photographing a Fort Ord Dunes
  • Student photographing in a Fall-colored vineyard.
  • Lone photographer at the beach photographing the sunset
  • Two young students photographing at the beach.
  • Group photo of students in front of graffiti.

The prime directive of Steve Zmak photography workshops is that you learn what you want to learn and have fun doing it.

Thank you. She loved the photography camp. It reignited her creativity that’s been squelched by the Covid confinement. It was great to be outdoors and you have a way of speaking the teen language which she really appreciated. All around great!        —Mom of Photo Camper

With small workshop sizes, photographers receive individual attention and one-on-one hands-on learning in the field. Each workshop offers pre and post workshop phone or Zoom meetings to discuss individual learning objectives, and critique afterwards.

Because the learning is custom tailored for each participant, workshops are beneficial for photographers of all levels. Beginning photographers can learn a new camera and the fundamentals through patient instruction. Intermediate shooters can gain guidance on using a new lens or piece of equipment, and learn advanced techniques. Advanced artists gain exclusive access to private property and guidance on public locations, as well as developing advanced shooting techniques.

All camera types are welcome from digital phone cameras to large format film. Although at least a 35mm SLR or mirrorless camera with a variety of lenses and a tripod are recommended, many participants have greatly increased their ability with just an instamatic.

All workshops cover the many subjects of photography and how to bring out their inner light: landscapes, wildlife, macro, still life, long exposure, and abstract.

“The whole point is to get you the shot you envision in your mind’s eye.” 

Schedule Your Own Private Workshop

Most popular options:

1-DAY WORKSHOPS

• 5-hour Private Workshop for 1-3 participants: $800.00

• 3-hour Private Workshop for 1-3 participants: $500.00

• 1-hour Private Workshop for 1-3 participants: $185.00 ~ Only available to previous workshop or camp participants.

MULTI-DAY CAMPS ~ 3-day minimum

• 5-hours a day Private Camp for 1-3 participants: $800.00 per day ~ Some opt for M-F, and others opt for 1 day a week for several consecutive weeks.

• 3-hours a day Private Camp for 1-3 participants: $500.00 per day ~ Some opt for M-F, and others opt for 1 day a week for several consecutive weeks.

Workshops and camps are custom-tailored to fit your experience level, educational goals, favorite types of photography, and group size. You may have a specific location in mind or select from a list of Monterey County’s most scenic spots. Additional photo instructors are added for larger groups to ensure plenty of individual instruction.

Call 831-883-4459 or email us to schedule your private outing today!

Although we can try and accommodate late requests, 3 weeks advanced registration is preferred. Payment in full saves the date.

Most popular workshop and camp themes:

• Summer Photo Camp for kids ages 10-17 is the camp I always wished I had as a kid. You select from a range of photography subjects and themes for each day of camp: environmental portraits, studio portraits, wildlife & nature, outdoor macro & still life, studio macro & still life, landscape, abstract & experimental, photo scavenger hunts, photo hikes, and more. These camps aren’t just for summer, but can be scheduled for any school break or time of year.

• The Vineyard Workshops offer exclusive access to private vineyards and award-winning wineries during all seasons of the year. They are designed to be more than just a photo workshop, but an immersion in the Monterey County wine culture.

• The Explore the Wild Beach Workshops provide a guided exploration through Monterey Counties unique coastal habitats from wildlife portraits to silky water at sunset.

Workshops can be custom designed for private parties to cover specific disciplines at locations of your choosing, as well as private one-on-one tutoring. This is a great activity to add to any conference or convention in the Monterey Bay area.

Click here to read the Workshop Policies & Waiver of Liability (PDF).

Click here for current discounts, deals & specials (PDF).

Click here to download the Workshop Application (PDF).

Click here to download the full Workshop Brochure & Application (PDF).