
Joel Wolfson has been teaching photography since 1985 and enjoys sharing his experience and skills with his workshop participants. He conveys these in an easy to understand manner. Joel also loves to travel and thoroughly researches locations before organizing workshops and insists on very small groups to provide individual attention.
More about Joel
Barb Satink Wolfson, our naturalist guide, received her Master’s Degree in Forest Ecology. She was a backcountry ranger with the National Park Service where she conducted interpretive courses, led Junior Ranger programs and educated park visitors about the environment.
Unlike most workshops we focus on individual attention and keep our groups very small, typically 8-10 participants or fewer. Our naturalist accompanies us on location so you can learn more than photography if you wish. We offer photography and digital imaging workshops throughout the year both at our studio in Flagstaff and around the world. We also offer photo guiding and private workshops.
Download our latest brochure HERE!
Inside the Workshops -- Blog of Tuscany Workshop
See the blog for a virtual tour of our recent Villages of Tuscany workshop.
Italy 2009
Whether you’ve dreamed of visiting Tuscany for the first time or never forgot its beauty and want to return, join us for a journey of creative vision and cultural experience with a small-group, un-tourist approach... more.
Join us for a 3 day shooting workshop in the mountains along with classroom critique and review at our Flagstaff studio. Since it’s our own backyard we’ll take you to some of our favorite nooks and crannies. Learn to use light to your creative advantage while shooting aspens, ponderosa pines, high country wildflowers, rock formations, and the surrounding mountains. Our accompanying naturalist will explain how our high desert functions as well as some of the species we’re photographing.
We only accept very small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.
Light hiking required. Please be prepared for all types of weather.
$375/person Three-day workshop includes sunrise/sunset field instruction, classroom instruction at our studio, critique and review, lunch, snacks and beverages.
Want to learn how to organize your digital life?
Drawing on his 23 years experience in digital imaging, Joel leads you through a 2-day workshop where you'll learn how to optimize your camera's capture settings, then quickly download and adjust multiple images non-destructively. Use the best keyword and “metadata” strategies to organize and find images, and then output to web, print, pdf, or slide shows. Finish with solid storage and backup strategies to protect your digital archive.
We'll show you how to do all of this quickly and effectively so you can spend less time in front of your computer and more time shooting.
Highlights of what we'll cover:
We only accept very small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.
Classes held in Flagstaff.
$295/person- Two day workshop includes lunch, beverages and snacks.
For those new to digital photography.
Do you love to take photos but don't quite understand your digital camera? What is a pixel anyway?
In conjunction with Flagstaff Cultural Partners, this is an introduction to digital photography. You'll walk away understanding how to take your camera off full automatic and use the controls on your camera to your creative advantage. We start with the basics and shooting out in the field to reinforce the techniques you learn in the class. We then evaluate the photos you shot and learn the creative ways to capture the kind of images you really want.
Location: Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 North Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ
We only accept very small groups so we can emphasize individualized instruction with a hands-on learn-by-doing approach.
$129 per person includes full day workshop both field and classroom, snacks, and beverages. Part of the proceeds benefit Flagstaff Cultural Partners and the art center.
Join us for a fun 3-day workshop shooting the beautiful fall color of Northern Arizona. We'll visit our favorite spots, as well as some classics.
Workshop may involve some light to moderate hiking.
Classroom sessions held at our Flagstaff Studio.
$395/person includes: field and classroom instruction, sunrise and sunset shoots, critique and review, beverages and snacks.
Call or email for more information
Email: Click Here to send us an email
Phone: (928) 526-3726
Customer Toll Free: 1 (866) WOLFSON [1-866-965-3766]
CANCELATION POLICY- DOMESTIC WORKSHOPS
Your workshop or seminar fee can be charged to your credit card or paid by check. If you cancel 30 days or more prior to the workshop date you will receive a refund of tuition less a $50 handling fee ($25 for Digital Photo Basics). If you cancel from 29-15 days before the workshop or seminar you will receive a refund minus handling fee only if we fill your spot. There are no refunds if you cancel 14 or fewer days before the workshop. If we have to cancel a workshop you will be given a full refund.
CANCELATION POLICY- OVERSEAS WORKSHOPS
Please call or email for complete information on our overseas cancelation and refund policies.
Discover Cards Welcome

Also see our May 2010 workshop in Tuscany
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"Better than any expectations!" "The balance was just perfect and as always your scouting of locations was breathtaking." |
Join internationally published photographer Joel Wolfson and his wife Barb (Naturalist and Instructor) as they take you on a first class creative journey through one of the most stunning regions in Europe, the Luberon region of Provence, France. Joel distills his decades of experience into easy to understand concepts, both creative and technical. A very small group, the benefit of two instructors, and the beautiful atmosphere are conducive to learning new ways to express the villages and countryside of Provence in your images. Based in such a magnificent setting - this program is designed for both the photographer wishing to increase his or her skills utilizing Joel's effective and progressive teaching techniques as well as for the traveler wishing to experience a fine vacation with deluxe lodging, excellent dining experiences, knowledgeable guides and visits to fascinating places. All of this in a small group to allow for maximum individual attention and a fabulous experience. Staying in a hilltop village in the Luberon region, made famous by Peter Mayle’s book “A Year in Provence,” we’ll take photo treks to nearby villages and scenic areas, such as Roussillon and the Pont du Gard. We’ll photograph the beautiful Provençal countryside, architecture, people, and even your food if you like! We’ll indulge in exquisite local cuisine, fabulous wine, and experience Provençal hospitality. All levels welcome! We've designed the activities and tours so that spouses and friends that are not photographers will enjoy the experience just as much. Space is limited to only 8 photo participants- contact us for a booking form today! A deposit of $350 will hold your place.** Program details: $4095 ($3995 cash/check/bank transfer) per person double occupancy (single supplement $875) *Examples of locales we will experience and photograph include: Medieval cities and towns full of fantastic architecture, monasteries, olive groves and mills, vineyards and wineries including tastings; as well as ancient Roman ruins and aqueducts. |
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Also see our September 2010 workshop in Provence

"Having done several workshops in the past I can safely say that this was the most enjoyable and beneficial. You really provide individualized attention in the field and in the classroom." See the article about us and our workshops in Italian Living by Serenella Leoni |
Join internationally published photographer Joel Wolfson and his wife Barb (Naturalist and Instructor) as they take you on a first class creative journey through one of the most stunning regions on earth, the Val d'Orcia Tuscany. Joel distills his decades of experience into easy to understand concepts, both creative and technical. A very small group, the benefit of two instructors, and the beautiful atmosphere are conducive to learning new ways to express the villages and countryside of Tuscany in your images. Based in such a magnificent setting - this program is designed for both the photographer wishing to increase his or her skills utilizing Joel's effective and progressive teaching techniques as well as for the traveler wishing to experience a fine vacation with deluxe lodging, excellent dining experiences, knowledgeable guides and visits to fascinating places. All of this in a small group to allow for maximum individual attention and a fabulous experience. We’ll be staying in a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Val D’Orcia in Tuscany and taking photo treks to nearby villages, some only known by locals and some classics such as Siena, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, as well as photographing vineyards, olive orchards, architecture, people and the Tuscan countryside. Not to mention exquisite meals made by locals, famous Italian hospitality, and wonderful wine. For a look at our blog of last May's trip click here. For a slideshow of our recent Tuscan workshop click here. Here's a review by Italian Living writer Serenella Leoni We've designed the activities and tours so that spouses and friends that are not photographers will enjoy the experience just as much. All levels welcome! Space is limited to only 8 photo participants- so sign up soon! A deposit of $250 will hold your place. Bookings are on a first come first served basis. Make your reservation today to guarantee a place on this very special and unforgettable program... Download booking form here. Or call our booking agent, Gina at 866-590-8181. Program details: $3995 per person double occupancy (single supplement $595) Scroll down for contact info to register. *Examples of locales we will experience and photograph include: Medieval cities and towns full of fantastic architecture, local farms, monasteries, olive groves and mills, vineyards and wineries including tastings; flowering fields dotted with poppies, cypress lined drives and magnificent estates and gardens. |
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