Some of the best moments on the water can't be planned.
Anyone who spends time on the Chesapeake knows that the most incredible scenes tend to catch you off guard. A sudden change in weather, a fleet of working boats heading out before sunrise, the light hitting the water just right. As a photographer, being ready for those moments is everything.
That's why I started hosting pop-up photography workshops.
What Is a Pop-Up Photography Workshop?
Unlike my regular workshops that get scheduled months out, pop-ups happen when conditions on the Bay line up for something special. If the forecast looks promising or something interesting is about to happen out on the water, I'll announce it on social media up to 48-hours in advance and we go.
Space on these workshops is limited to five photographers - just like my regularly scheduled workshops.
Photographing the Chesapeake as It Happens
When you join one of these workshops, you’re stepping into a real-time photography experience. We’re documenting the Bay as it unfolds in front of us.
Participants join me on location to photograph iconic locations on the Chesapeake including but not limited to lighthouses, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, wildlife, watermen harvesting seafood and the maritime industry.
Every outing is different, and that's a big part of what makes them worth showing up for.
What I Teach During the Workshop
Throughout the workshop I share the same techniques and approach I use in my own work documenting the Chesapeake. We talk through camera settings for fast-changing conditions, because on the water the light and the action can shift fast and you need to be ready.
We talk about storytelling, because a compelling image isn't just about nailing the technical settings, it's about communicating what's actually happening around you. And we talk about reading the environment, because after years on this water I've learned how to anticipate where things are going to happen, and that's something I can pass along.
We’ll talk about
Camera settings for fast-changing conditions
On the water, light and action can change quickly. I’ll walk through how I adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to stay ready for the moment.
Storytelling through photography
Capturing a compelling image isn’t just about technical settings—it’s about telling the story of what’s happening around you. I’ll share how I approach documenting the people, places, and traditions of the Bay.
Reading the environment
Years of photographing the Chesapeake have taught me how to anticipate where the action might unfold. I share that local knowledge so you can better understand the rhythms of the water, weather, and working culture.
Small Groups, Real Access
One of the biggest advantages of my workshops (pop-ups and regularly scheduled trips) is the small group size. Keeping the group limit to five photographers allows me to spend time with each participant - answering questions, offering feedback, and helping you get the most out of the experience.
It also allows us to stay flexible and responsive to what’s happening around us.
How to Join the Next Workshop
Because these workshops are spontaneous, the best way to stay in the loop is by following along on my social media accounts - my facebook and instagram are linked below.
When conditions line up for a great opportunity on the Chesapeake Bay, that’s where I’ll announce the next pop-up photography workshop.
If you love photography, the water, and the chance to document authentic Chesapeake Bay, I hope you’ll join me out there!