Drone Photography Workshop

Watch Drone Video Above to see the Possibilities of having camera in the sky.

The Great American Southwest

Our workshop begins in beautiful
St George, Utah.
April 24-28, 2023

Summer Landscapes of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado

Ridgeway, Colorado
July 10-14, 2023

Autumn Skies of Colorado

Ridgeway, Colorado
October 2-6, 2023

If you don't own a drone, no worries. This workshop is the perfect introduction for photographers to experiment with drone photography to see if it is for you. Flying is much easier than you might think, give it a try. If you're already photographing from above join us to improve your skills and fly in a beautiful location.

Why Fly?

Have you ever been frustrated because you needed a few extra feet of elevation to get a shot, or on the wrong side of a roaring mountain stream to get the perfect photo. Have you thought of the creative possibilities of positioning your camera high above the forest canopy for incredible patterns of the earth below. Imagine the graphic patterns you could create with your camera positioned 100 feet above the desert floor. You might want to consider drone photography if these thoughts have ever come across that inquisitive mind? Drones have opened a whole new world of creativity for photographers. After 6 years of flying drones and discovering new ways to see the landscape through my viewfinder, my drone has become a permanent tool in my camera bag.

I have designed a new photography workshop program for photographers who are considering drone photography and for new drone photographers. For those who don't own a drone, I have three additional drones I will rent to participants on a first come basis. If you already own a drone and want to learn more about flying or want to fly with other drone photographers this workshop is for you. These workshops are limited to 4 participants and are conducted in regions that are FAA safe zones for recreational flyers. If I have a couple experienced drone pilots interested in the workshop I will consider opening it up to an additional participant, maximum of 5.

Drones are easy to fly, I can teach you how to handle your drone safely and responsibly in a couple short hours in the field. By the end of the workshop you will have created a portfolio of unique and exciting images from above, plus you will have begun your journey as a new drone pilot.

Our workshop locations were chosen for the incredible photo opportunities but also equally important for safe flying.

Special Note:

Bring your standard photo gear as there will be lots of great photo opportunities from ground level. Drone batteries only last for about 30 minutes of flight time. I will provide 3 batteries with drone rental along with a charging unit. There is always the possibility of weather (heavy fog, rain, high winds, etc...) that won't allow us to fly but still great conditions for photography.

What You Will Learn

Flying drones is a serious matter if you are to do it legally and safely. For the most part common sense will keep you out of trouble. We will follow FAA guidelines for recreational flyers.

• You will learn the do's and don'ts of safe drone operations.
• How to find the best locations to legally fly your drone, there
are countless beautiful locations across the country.
• Download helpful apps to aid safe flying and how to get flight
authorization through LAANC.
• The first flying day will partially be spent learning the controls
of the drone on location. If you have never flown a drone you
will be amazed at how easy it is.
• Learn how to set up your drone for safe flying. Legally, drones
can be flown up to 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace but for
workshop purposes I will have drones set at 200 feet. We can
change this if needed.
• Learn the drone camera settings and how to use the correct
filters for both still photography and video.

Sunny summer river nature in misty morning at sunrise. Aerial view of bright sun rays through fog and trees on meadow with river. Spring river from above in sunlight

IMPORTANT

Before you arrive for your Drone Photography Workshop.

• All recreational drone pilots are required by FAA to take the
Recreational UAS Safety Test. This is a FREE short and very
easy online course that will take 15-30 minutes. Upon
completion of the course and short test you will be issued a
Certificate. You must have this certificate on hand when flying
your drone. I cannot allow you to fly a drone unless you have
this Certificate on hand. (I believe your certificate is good for
2 years).

• There are many websites that offer the Recreational UAS Safety
Test. These are two very good websites:
https://trust.pilotinstitute.com
https://dronelaunchacademy.com/trust/

• If you are bringing your own drone it must be registered with
the FAA and the license must be attached and visible on your
drone.

The Details

What you will need:

• A copy of your Recreational UAS safety Test Certificate
• At least 1 micro SD card (SanDisk 64 GB Extreme Plus is best for
DJI Drones)
• Sunglasses
• Make hotel reservation - I will provide hotel information after
workshop reservation has been made.
• Reserve a vehicle - I will encourage car pulling.
• Bring your standard camera gear with tripod - there will be lots of
great photo opportunities.
• Comfortable shoes - There will be some hiking but minimal and
easy.

If you are bringing a drone:

• The list to the left is the same for drone owners.
• Bring spare batteries (I recommend at least 3).
• Charging unit for your drone.
• Neutral density filters especially if you will be shooting video.
• FAA requires Anti Collision Lighting. These must be used for
drones that will be flying up to 30 minutes after sunrise and 30
minutes before sunset. These can be purchased at
www.lumecube.com for $39.99.
• Please make sure your drone is registered with the FAA and the
license is clearly visible on your drone. It is illegal to fly a drone
that is not registered.

Meeting Time and Hotel Info:
Once deposit or payment in full is made I will send meeting time and hotel information. Some participants in the past have decided to stay
at another location or sometimes camp. If this is the case please let me know, but also understand our meeting location in the mornings
will be at the indicated hotel.

Workshop Leader: William Manning

Workshop Cost: $1950.
Deposit: $500.
Drone Rental: add $250. Rental cost will be added to deposit.

What's Included:

• Professional Photographer, Teacher,
Tour Guide and Drone Pilot.
• Drone Instruction, Aerial Photography
Instruction
• One on one and group field instruction
• Photo Critiques
• Small Group Size - Min 4 - Max 5

Not Included:

• Air transportation
• Ground transportation
• Lodging
• Meals
• Park Entrance Fees when applicable

Pay
Registration
Workshop Policies

Workshops can be paid via PayPal, Venmo or check. To pay through PayPal simply click button below .

To pay by check, cashiers check or money order simply mail to:

William Manning Photography
6396 Birchdale CT
Cincinnati, OH 45230

Important: Please fill out Registration Form by clicking tab above this is where you will indicate the workshop of choice.

Deposit $500

Deposit $750 includes drone rental

Balance $1450

Payment in Full $1950

Payment in Full $2200 includes drone rental

Pay with Venmo on your app or online.
Type in William Manning Photography in
Venmo app.
Please indicate which workshop you want payment to be applied to.

Photography Workshop Policies

I. Reservations

A deposit and a completed registration form will reserve a place for you on a William Manning Photography Workshop. Payment can be made by via PayPal, Venmo or personal check, cashiers check or money order. Payment in full is due 60 days prior to departure date unless otherwise noted.

II. Payment / Refund Policies

a. Workshop fee: Please see individual workshop to see workshop fee and what is and isn't included.

b. A $500 deposit is required at time of registration. The balance is to be paid in full 60 days prior workshop date. If registration takes place less than 2 months of workshop date then payment in full will be required.

c. If you are participating in a drone photography workshop and you need to rent a drone the rental fee of $250 is required at time of registration.

d. A $1000 deposit is required at time of registration for international workshops. The balance is to be paid in full 90 days prior workshop date. If registration takes place less than 2 months of workshop date then payment in full will be required.

e. Cancellation Policy: Deposit and balance paid will be refunded minus $100 (administration fees) if cancellation is made 60 days prior to tour date. No refund can be made if cancellation is made less than 59 days before workshop date. William Manning Photography HIGHLY RECOMMENDS travel insurance to cover your investment in case of emergencies or other unforeseen situations arise that may require you to cancel.

Photography Tour Policies

I. Rule Number One, Two, and Three

Safety, safety and safety. My number one priority is to make sure my participants return home the same way they came with the exception of a lot more knowledge. Photography workshops are about learning, meeting awesome people, and having fun in a beautiful and creative environment. We ask all participants to refrain from vulgar language and political discussions. I wish to keep a positive and enjoyable experience for all. Participants should know how to laugh, ask questions and simply have fun. We enjoy having all levels of photographers from beginners to professional. Laptops are not mandatory but will allow participants the opportunity  to edit, and allow feedback from tour leader.

II. Workshop Itinerary

The following is a general itinerary but may vary from day to day and from workshop to workshop. Our first day is typically a meet and greet time along with a short introduction, Second day and thereafter – Photograph on location in early morning light and shoot throughout the morning hours. Break for brunch or lunch as a group and depending on time of year we may take a brief afternoon break. Group feedback is a wonderful way to learn and share. I strongly encourage participants to get involved in group discussions. Growth as a photographer and artist comes from listening to opinions from various points of view. We will return to the field for late afternoon light into the evening hours. The last morning of our workshop will vary depending on participants flight schedules etc. If time permits we can go out for a morning photo shoot or group breakfast, or we can decide once we all meet and make a group decision how to handle the last morning.

I love to teach and watch my participants grow as photographers throughout our time together. I am a people person, I find each individual unique and I truly enjoy building friendships with my participants. Please come with plans to have a good time and enjoy the company of others who share their passion for photography as you do.

III. Transportation

Ground transportation is the responsibility of each participant unless otherwise stated in workshop description. I want to maximize our shooting opportunities therefore when possible I will encourage participants to car pool. The fewer cars we have gives us the opportunity to make sudden stops when we see something special happening on our way to our designated location. I will always have an itinerary but also I like to be somewhat flexible when we come upon an awesome photo opportunity not on our itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance in case you must cancel due to illness, injury, accident, family or work related issues, etc. The company we recommend is Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com).

LIABILITY LIMITS

Please read and sign the Liability form enclosed with registration.