Until a couple months ago, we were looking at our best workshop season yet.

There was renewed enthusiasm for street photography because of our move to Los Angeles for the March event. Humboldt Redwoods was a big success last year, and we were already sold out for this year. The same was true for Lassen and the Eastern Sierra.

When we toasted the 2020 New Year, I don’t think anyone saw the pandemic coming. But it stormed our shores with a mighty blast.

Our LA event was cut in half. And those who attended saw a much different world than we anticipated. Humboldt Redwoods, originally scheduled for May 2020, will be postponed to 2021. And we’re still discussing what to do after that.

So, for the remainder of the year, we adjusting course.

I’m no stranger to online community. We have a vibrant podcast with The Digital Story, I have lots of trainings on LinkedIn Learning and lynda.com, and we’ve run our own Nimble Classroom here. Judging from the prevailing wind, it’s a good thing that I’ve had so much practice.

Our first offering in the New Normal is Digitizing Family Memories. It’s a 4-week course that guides you through organizing, digitizing, and cataloging pictures from your own history. That shoebox filled with snapshots, slides, and negatives can finally be preserved in an accessible manner for both you and future generations.

Digitizing Family Memories is available on our Workshops page, and you can access it anytime you wish.

Beyond that, there will be more online community events and classes. It’s clearly the course for the future.

That doesn’t mean that we won’t once again gather in the redwoods, at a lake, or on a summit overlooking a beautiful valley below. We will. But in-between those adventures we’ll continue to learn and share by the means available to us. I’m so thankful we have the tools to stay connected.

See you soon. Location to yet be determined.

-Derrick

As we enter our 10th season of photography workshops, I must confess, I’ve never enjoyed these more. Every year seems better than the last. And as I look forward to the 2020 season, I believe that trend is going hold.

We have four physical workshops scheduled for 2020: LA Street Photography, Humboldt Redwoods, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Eastern Sierra. The design of these 3-day events has evolved over the years based on my experiences and the feedback from our participants. Each group and location create their own magic. But the logistical side of the equation is quite refined. The upshot is that those who sign up for one of the events next year are in for a special experience.

Here’s an overview of the schedule.

LA Street Photography Experience Workshop - March 13-15, 2020

We kick off our workshop season with an exploration of classic Los Angeles locations and architecture. Our excursions will take us as far west as Venice Beach as well as famous movie spots and the back streets of this fascinating Southern California area.

You will learn new techniques for safe and effective street photography, how to capture the vibe of great architecture, and enjoy some classic Californian cuisine along the way.

This workshop is limited to 9 participants and features two experienced instructors: Derrick Story and Mike Boening. Typically the weather in So Cal in great in the Spring, so this should add up to an exciting experience for those who want to deepen their enjoyment of urban photography.

Humboldt Redwoods and Coastal Workshop - Redwood Riverwalk Hotel - May 12-14, 2020

After our outstanding event here in 2019, we’re enthusiastically returning again in late Spring. Our headquarters are in the hospitable town of Fortuna on the banks of the Eel River. From there we explore the magnificent redwood groves of Humboldt County.

Plus, this year, we’re adding a full day of rugged Northern California coastline photography as well. This workshop explores three distinct ecosystems all in a satisfying 3-day event.

Our hosts at the Redwood Riverwalk Hotel create a welcoming environment that’s just perfect for a full immersion into our photographic exploration of Humboldt County. With the Eel River in their backyard, and the magnificent redwoods just a few miles south, we are in perfect position for an excellent adventure.

Lake Almanor, Lassen National Park Workshop - Cabin at Lake Almanor - July 16-18, 2020

This is a workshop experience unlike most, and one that you will forever remember. We start with a spacious cabin at Lake Almanor, one of the best secrets in the California mountains. We enjoy our meals together at the cabin or in the stunning landscape of Lassen Volcanic National Park or peaceful Lake Almanor.

Our days will be a combination of exploring the diverse environment with our cameras, then convening at the cabin for our classroom work and post production.

Night photography is also on the agenda, with gorgeous dark skies and temperament evenings. Those who attended our first Lassen workshop two years ago will attest to the unique camaraderie and artistry that come together for this event.

Eastern Sierra Photography Workshop - Silver Maple Inn - Sept./Oct. 2019

Of all the seasons in the Eastern Sierra, Autumn can be the most spectacular for photographers. And that’s why we’re returning once again to one of our most popular workshop destinations.

Our event is headquartered at the Silver Maple Inn in Bridgeport, CA - gateway to Bodie, Mono Lake, and June Lake. We’ll take advantage of the spectacular morning light to photograph some of the most unique landscape in North America.

The afternoons will feature classroom time and post production in the historic Cain House that’s located right there on the premises of the Silver Maple Inn.

We will also have the opportunity to try our hand at night photography under the star-filled skies of the Eastern Sierra. And we’ll even make room for a little rustic urban photography in the picturesque town of Bridgeport.

Our Fall event will be a fitting close to the workshop season. If you’ve never joined us in the Eastern Sierra, then this is the year to see why this is one of our most popular events.

If You Want to Join Us

These 3-day events are limited to 9 participants. Every workshop has an assistant, plus two of the events have co-facilitators. We specialize in hands-on experiences that you will remember fondly for years. High value is also important. The tuition for each event is only $749. And lots is included.

If you want to join us, start by placing a $100 deposit by visiting our 2020 Workshops Reserve List page. Those on the reserve list are guaranteed the opportunity to sign up for their chosen event. Once the reserve list is full, interested photographers may join the wait list in case someone cancels.

If you’ve never attended a TDS Workshop, I hope 2020 is the year that you make that happen. You will emerge a better artist and make new friends in the process.