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Should I upgrade my DSLR? The whens and whys of upgrading.

By Steve Mermelstein on April 23, 2010 in How To

Should I get the new ____ camera? Is full-frame worth it? Are these even questions you should be asking? Practical advice for anyone considering upgrading to the latest and greatest.

Covid Update

In-person Outdoor Private Workshops/Tours have resumed with physical distancing and a few other safety measures. (Masks are no longer required outdoors!)

We also offer one-on-one Online Private Workshops. Learn Lightroom, more about your camera(s), or you may pick any photography topic you want help with.

Outdoor or Online Workshops are available most weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Please check availability and book now so we can accommodate you!

Workshop/Tour FAQs

What is the typical schedule for Workshops/Tours?

Each Workshop is unique as we’re very flexible to our client’s desires and customize it specifically to its participants. Here’s what most of our Workshops/Tours share in common:

A typical Full-day Workshop/Tour begins with the departure from the previously agreed location at the agreed time in the morning. Some photographers opt to leave very early, even before dawn, or may leave later in the morning to have time left to photograph the sunset or during dusk. We suggest leaving later and shooting the sunset.

Depending on the departure location, the travel time to the first stop and from location to location will vary but the routes are customized by us to maximize the time available for stops at beautiful and picturesque locations.

We’ll also plan the primary stops and alternative stops with the light and sun’s position in mind. For example, during midday, if it should be sunny, we’ll take you to locations that are not affected by harsh light.

Breaks for breakfast, lunch, and/or supper are taken at the appropriate times at a local favorite restaurant. Before your Workshop/Tour we’ll ask for dietary restrictions, budget, and your food preferences and then plan accordingly.

If the client desires, photography instruction and/or assistance with composition and field techniques will be offered throughout the Workshop/Tour. Time may also be allocated for a critique of photos or assistance with Workflow (Lightroom, Photoshop, Apple Photos, etc). Most Workshops/Tours include dedicated time for all of the aforesaid.

We begin traveling back to the departure location once the time for the half-day or full-day Workshop/Tour has been fully used (unless the clients’ would like to start back earlier.)

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Can my spouse and kids come along?

Yes, but ALL additional guests are required to be booked and paid for even if they don’t plan on photographing or receiving instruction.

We do not have any age restrictions however we recommend you leave your family at the hotel or on another activity unless they’re into photography as much as you. As you know, children get bored pretty quickly and may distract you from making all the images you want to make. VTPhotoTours cannot be held responsible for this.

You’ll need to use an approved child restraint for children under 8 years of age; please see Vermont Child Restraint Laws.

We’re also unable to perform as a babysitter during the Workshop/Tour. You are solely responsible for the supervision and care of your children throughout the entire Workshop/Tour.

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Which lenses and gear should I bring?

Perhaps the most frequently asked question we receive is, “Which lenses should I bring?” or “Which lenses do you recommend?” Some even ask if they should buy a new camera or lenses for the Workshop/Tour.

We know photographers can sometimes feel insecure about their gear. But don’t worry. We don’t make any judgements!

Every type of camera has been used successfully! Many of our clients just use kit lenses, point and shoot cameras, or iPhones/Android Phones. No matter what someone brings, as long as it’s fully functional, everyone always has just as much fun. We will design the Workshop/Tour to the gear you already own and feel like bringing.

In fact, we don’t recommend you buy new equipment just for your trip.
You should only travel with equipment you have owned for a while and had a chance to test, use frequently and have gotten familiar with. There’s nothing worse than going on a trip and coming back without any decent photographs because you used untested gear or used incorrect settings due to unfamiliarity with it.

“Ok, ok. I get it. My equipment doesn’t matter but I’m stubborn and still want to know what’s ideal so I can get new stuff for my trip…”
Well, if you have cash to blow or already have a good selection of gear then we recommend bringing a couple zoom lenses which cover all focal lengths from 14 or 24mm and up to 200mm. If you would like to photograph birds or wildlife we suggest you also bring more high-powered telephotos and teleconverters.

It wouldn’t hurt to bring the following, if you already have it:

Super Zoom Lens like 80-400mm, 200-400mm, 100-500mm, etc.
300mm or 400mm Super Telephoto
Teleconverters
Macro lens
ND Filters
Tripod
Remote cable release

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Can we use my vehicle? My rental?

Our Workshops/Tours include transportation during the Workshops/Tours and we do all the driving (unless the Workshops/Tours description specifically states otherwise).

If you wish, you may take (and drive) your own vehicle or rental but it is fully at your own risk. Please also keep in mind that our insurance policy forbids us from driving anything but our own vehicles. So we can’t get behind your wheel for any reason.

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What do you normally bring on Workshops?

During the Workshops/Tours, participants will have shared access to the following items:

Various sizes of Reflectors and a few other light modifiers, and plamps/extra hands;
Tarps (Stay clean while shooting from the ground.);
Tissues (In case anyone has a runny nose.);
Hand sanitizer (Kill those germs!);
Baby wipes (You don’t want to have mud on your hands all day.);
Bug repellant (Who likes mosquitos?);
Toilet paper (Just in case.);
Towels (Sometimes brooks are too irresistible.);
Garbage bags (Carry out everything you brought in.);
A doghouse wildlife blind (Upon prior request – For those patient enough to wait for birds and other wildlife);
First-aid kit (As the scouts say, “Be Prepared!”);

Note: Products may vary.

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Workshop/Tour FAQs

What is the typical schedule for Workshops/Tours?

Can my spouse and kids come along?

Which lenses and gear should I bring?

Can we use my vehicle? My rental?

What do you normally bring on Workshops?

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