Welcome!

The Great American Photography Workshops combines classroom lectures and critiques with hands-on in-the-field instruction designed to enhance skills in photographic techniques and composition.
Event Schedule        Common Questions


Our 2008 Schedule of Events Is Posted!!

It’s hard to believe we are starting our 16th year of offering some of the best workshops and tours in America! In 2008 we are offering a great variety of wonderful events! Some of the locations we will be going:  Ecuador, Arches/Canyonlands Spring and Fall; Southwest Tour; Great Smoky Mountains; Redwoods NP; Chincoteague Island, VA; Appalachian Spring; Door County, WI; Shenandoah NP; Acadia Spring and Fall;  Grand Teton Winter, Spring and Fall; Columbia River Gorge; Glacier NP; Oregon Coast; Harvest in Palouse Region of WA; Yellowstone Winter and Fall; Ouray, CO Fall Color; Canaan Valley, WV; Page, AZ; and Sedona, AZ.  We are so proud to team up with The National Association of Photoshop Professionals again! Matt Kloskowski comes together with the GAPW to offer the great series of Digital Photography Workflow Workshops. The same great people that brought you Photoshop World will help you learn how to get the very most out of your digital files! Along with the rest of our great team of industry leading photographers and instructors, we are excited to introduce some new members to our faculty. Remember we are the same GAPW that brings you great value and unsurpassed learning experience always mixed with lots of fun and laughter! To request a color brochure you may call our office at (866)-747-4279 or email us through our contact form.

Thank you for making the GAPW a continued success!

The Great American Photography Workshops (GAPW) combines classroom lectures and critiques with hands-on in-the-field instruction designed to improve and enhance skills in photographic techniques and composition. Our locations are chosen to arouse both the soul and one’s creativity. They include some of our National treasures – our National Parks and Monuments – as well as lesser known but equally scenic and inspiring venues.

Our faculty come from the ranks of the finest nature photographers, teachers, naturalists, lecturers and workshop leaders in the profession. Here you will find professionals willing - and eager - to share their vast knowledge with you whether it’s the mechanics of equipment operation, the artistry of effective composition, the habits and activities of wildlife or the natural history of our environment. They are equally eager to share their concern and sensitivity for environment and habitat preservation. The majority of the images you see on the following pages were taken by amateurs - GAPW participants - who, we’re proud to say, have benefited from our faculty’s instruction.

Our 2008 schedule includes some perennial favorites and some new locations as well; all chosen so that you can be there at the best time of the year. And, whether you shoot print film, slides, or digital, our Digital Photography Workflow Workshop series will show you how to make prints fit for a gallery.

Finally, all of our events include an honest critique of your work. Regardless of the medium you use - digital or film - our goal is to provide unique shooting opportunities, help you become a better photographer and ensure you have fun doing it.

The GAPW is proudly sponsored by Nikon  Nikon logo

Photography Showcase

A Photographic and Cultural Tour: Florence and Tuscany

Bill Durrence & Barbara Gatens

October 9 - 19, 2008Venice Extension: October 19 - 24

This departure is limited to a maximum of fourteen participants. It is intended for people of all levels of interest and accomplishment in film, or digital photography. While the emphasis will be on photography, this is also a cultural journey, which we believe will enhance your ability to capture the essence of Tuscany in your images. Your photography expert and leaders, Bill Durrence and Barbara Gatens, have been leading photo tours for many years. Along with the local guides, your photo leaders will take you to photo locations you could not access on your own, including monasteries, churches, and vineyards. In Florence, there will be quiet, pre-dawn photo walks. They will take you to premier photographic locations to capture the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Corridor, and the Duomo. If you are participating in the Venice Extension, early morning shoots will take you along the Grand Canal. While we have specific itineraries, we have the flexibility to take advantage of photographic opportunities we find along the way.

(continue…)

Winter Wonderland III, 2009

We are happy to announce a repeat performance (actually a three-peat) for our first scheduled 2009 workshop - Winter Wonderland III. The same great team of wonderful insturctors, Tom Bol and George Theodore, will be leading the group through the boundless winter wonderland of Grand Teton and Yellowstone NPs.  We have taken the advice of our previous particpants and extended the time in Yellowstone NP.    (continue…)