New York Workshops

Brimming with towering skyscrapers, vibrant ethnic enclaves, and the colorful bustle of street life, New York City presents photographers with an endless array of subjects. Capture the environs of Ground Zero, catch the sunset from the top of Rockefeller Center, and photograph the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Complete a portrait assignment in the lively neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little Italy, then head to our state-of-the art classroom to learn about photo technique, exposure, lighting, and composition.

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR or mirrorless camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Thursday: New York City

Settle into our hotel in Lower Manhattan, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Gather for a welcome reception and orientation with your instructors and fellow students, followed by dinner at Tulsi, a Michelin Star-rated Indian restaurant.
Optional Accommodations: New York Marriott Downtown
(D)

Day 2 — Friday: Central Park/Fifth Avenue

Meet early this morning in Lower Manhattan to photograph Battery Park and Ground Zero. Then head to our state-of-the-art classroom at the Poets House in Battery Park City for a session with our expert on photo technique, focusing on storytelling and composition. On our afternoon photo assignment, capture the diverse architecture of fabled Fifth Avenue and the sights of Central Park—an oasis of green amid a high-rise landscape. Later, photograph the sunset from the top of Rockefeller Center.
Optional Accommodations: New York Marriott Downtown

Day 3 — Saturday: Chinatown/Little Italy

This morning’s assignment takes us to some of the city's most legendary ethnic neighborhoods. Meander through the maze-like streets of Chinatown or Little Italy before returning to our classroom for an edit-and-critique session of this morning's images. If you choose, head out to an optional afternoon photo assignment on the Brooklyn Bridge and at the bustling South Street Seaport. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner and a presentation of the workshop's best images.
Optional Accommodations: New York Marriott Downtown
(D)

Day 4 — Sunday: New York City/Home

Meet this morning for our onsite class at High Line Park. Featured in the April 2011 issue of National Geographic magazine, this abandoned rail line-turned-elevated park offers new and often unexpected views of the city and the Hudson River. The workshop concludes at noon after a final question-and-answer session with your instructors.

National Geographic Expert

Bob Sacha

Bob Sacha is an award-winning photographer, multimedia producer, documentary filmmaker, editor, and teacher who first made his name as a magazine photojournalist. A contributing photographer at National Geographic magazine, Bob covered assignments around the world, from New Orleans and New York City to China and Easter Island. Last year Bob shot the video for the Guardian US team project that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, a National Emmy for New Approaches to News and Documentary Programming, a Webby, and the first gold medal ever given by the Society for News Design. He teamed up with Blue Chalk as the director of photography for the New York Times series, “Living City, ” about New York’s infrastructure. BlindSight, a documentary short about a group of blind photographers that he directed and shot had its world premiere at DocNYC, the country’s largest documentary festival. Based in New York, Bob is currently the Tow Professor for Visual Journalism at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism, a J school with the soul of a Silicon Valley startup, He also lectures and mentors students at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism as well as in workshops across the globe.

Bob will join the following departures:

2016

Workshop prices are per person; price with hotel is based on double occupancy. For a single room, add $875. All workshop costs include a welcome and farewell dinner.

Airfare from/to your home city is not included in the workshop cost.

What To Expect

This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography.