Travel Writing & Photography Workshop - Santa Fe, New Mexico
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
May 29 Thursday
Arrival in Santa Fe: Transportation to La Fonda on the Plaza on your own. We recommend a rental car to get the most from your Santa Fe travel experience. Airport shuttle is also available6.30 PM: Welcome Reception and Dinner at La Fonda on the Plaza
May 30 Friday
8 AM Breakfast (provided at hotel)9 AM Class: Overview of Travel Writing Today
What does it mean to be a travel writer these days? How has the field changed? What opportunities are there for today’s writers? This workshop will explore both the facts and the fiction about this exciting genre.
10 AM Class: Developing Story Ideas and Angles that Will Sell
All travel writing is grounded in a story topic and story angle. This class will explore where to look for story ideas and how to develop a strong story angle that will interest editors.
11 AM Class: Illustrating Your Story with Compelling Photography
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to create professional-looking photos. Compelling images are integral to creating travel articles that get published and get attention. Whether you use the latest greatest DSLR or low-end point and shoot we will cover photo tips and techniques that are accessible to everyone. Even camera phone users can create images of sufficient quality for use on websites.
We’ll discuss how to get the best out of the equipment you already have and the pieces of equipment to add to camera bag. During class time and in the field sessions we’ll cover composition ideals and creative controls to improve your images. Photography can also be a useful tool to enhance your writing and make research easier.
12:30 Lunch on your own
1:30-3:00 PM Free Time to Explore Santa Fe on Your Own
Museum passes provided to New Mexico History Museum, Museum of Contemporary Native Arts/Institute of American Indian Arts and several other museums
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Photography Field Session: “Shoot Out” in Santa Fe.
Walking tour of the Plaza area for city background and history
Visit to Saint Francis Cathedral
Walk down San Francisco Street
Visit to Burro Alley
Topics for discussion during field session: photography architecture, depth of field, composition, subject selection & exposure controls.
7 PM Dinner on your own. We can suggest several options within walking distance of the La Fonda on the Plaza
May 31 Saturday
8 AM Breakfast provided at La Fonda on the Plaza9 AM Writing Your Travel Article
This workshop well offer tips on creating story leads and structure that will keep your reader interested. Includes an overview of the different types and styles of travel articles that are popular today.
10.30AM Class: Using Social Media to Promote and Sell Your Work
This workshop will discuss the growing role of social media platforms like Pinterest, Twitter, Stumble, LinkedIn and Facebook, and how to use these platforms to promote your work.
12:00 PM Lunch on Your Own
1:30-3:00 PM Free Time to Explore Santa Fe on Your Own
3:00 –6:00 PM Photography Class Walking tour to San Miguel Church and lower Canyon Road
Santa Fe is famous for its amazing arts scene. It’s the third largest art market in the country. Canyon Road is lined with galleries showcasing artists from around the world as well as from the Southwest. We will get a chance to photograph the historic San Miguel Church and sculptures and galleries along Canyon Road.
We will continue our discussions on composition and creative controls for enhancing your photography and discuss the pitfalls and benefits of your flash, both indoors and outdoors
7 PM Dinner on your own. You might to consider dining at one of the many restaurants along Canyon Road. We are happy to offer suggestions.
Evening to enjoy Santa Fe on your own
June 1 Sunday
6:00 AM – 8:30 AM Optional Photography Field Session: Walk to Cross of the Martyrs (Sunrise at 7:05 AM)A chance to get a overall view of the town and learn the history of the settlement of Santa Fe in this early morning field session. Put what you’ve learned into practice.
Topics for discussion during field session: light quality, documenting historical settings, establishing shots and detail photos.
*NOTE: this field session require moderate fitness. The path is paved but there are some stairs. The walking distances are not great but there is some elevation gain.
8:30 AM Breakfast provided at La Fonda on the Plaza
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Introduction to Self-Publishing
Self-publishing opportunities continue to grow. We’ll discuss creating your own blog or website with Word Press, ways to monetize your site and other income-generating publishing opportunities. After class assistance provided to those who want to start their own Word Press blog.
Workshop ends
Attendees may stay an additional night at La Fonda on the Plaza for the media rate of $150. Please let us know at registration.
Late Afternoon/Evening Departure from Santa Fe