WORKSHOPS & LECTURES
ONLINE LECTURES & ON LOCATION WORKSHOPS
Current 2026
ONLINE only
MARCH 17 & 19, 2026
Tuition: $295
This workshop is geared to the traveling photographer who desires to photograph hand-held in low light and wants to learn how to use one flash, on their camera, effectively and creatively at different times of the day. The emphasis is on expanding your creative vision in the realm of low light photography and simple flash techniques to elevate your travel photography
Nevada will discuss how she manages to hand hold her camera in the late evening and nighttime, without a tripod. She shares how she chooses her ISO settings and what software works best for her processing techniques.
She will also explain why she considers an external flash an essential item in her camera bag. She will discuss how to set up your flash for subtle lighting, as well as how to use flash in the harshest of light; effective techniques for bouncing off walls and ceilings; how to stop action with slow shutter speeds and while panning; and other creative possibilities with only one flash
SESSION ONE (90-minute lecture and demonstrations followed by 30 minutes of Q&A)
Lowlight: Nevada will begin by discussing and demonstrating techniques for handholding your camera in low light, as well as strategies for using small reflectors and a pocket LED light effectively. She also will discuss software she uses for processing high ISO images.
Working with one flash on camera. Part I: Setting up an on-camera flash. The theory of Balanced Fill Flash in different lighting and environmental condition. Understanding Ambient Light and Fill Flash. Understanding Rear Curtain Sync and Hi Speed Sync. The two essential accessories for working with your on-camera flash.
SESSION TWO (90-minute lecture and demonstrations followed by 30 minutes of Q&A)
Working with one flash on camera. Part II: Techniques for stopping action with slow shutter speeds and while panning.How to use your flash for bouncing off walls and ceilings. When you might need to use off-camera flash. She will also suggest other essential flash accessories, modifiers and gels to use in different situations (that fit in your camera bag).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go the website page HERE
TO REGISTER: You can register via the website or contact the Santa Fe Workshop info@santafeworkshops.com or (505) 983-1400 ex111
JUNE 29 - July 3, 2026
Tuition: $2095.00
oin travel photographer extraordinaire Nevada Wier, in a new workshop to explore the basis of what makes an intriguing, visually alluring, and creative photograph. It might be the use of analogous color while photographing a festival. Or maybe compelling action in warm late afternoon light. Or a repetitive pattern with contrasting colors and intriguing shadows. Or… There are numerous possibilities, if you unite at least two of CLAP (color, light, action, pattern).
With a lively blend of lectures, discussions, and assignments you will learn how to integrate these elements into your photography to make an image that elevates itself above the ordinary.
Each day we will explore one of these four tenets in depth, weaving them into your personal vision during assignments with the group and on your own.
On Monday Nevada focuses on the importance of color and light in your images. Most photographers do not understand the importance of color and its role in, not only, conveying mood and emotion, but in basic composition. Tuesday we will photograph fast-moving action in the field, not only with stop-action, but also using panning, slow shutter speeds to extract the feel of the moment. Photography means ‘write with light’, so Wednesday, we explore the personality of light at all times of the day, from the harsh daylight to blue hour at the Rodeo de Santa Fe local barrel racing competition. Thursday, we delve into the power of impeccable framing in the camera for a compelling composition, as well as how repetitive patterns will strengthen the flow in your images.
Nevada’s emphasis is on elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique. The historic city of Santa Fe, Nevada’s hometown, and its environs provide the ideal environment to discover the colors of Meow Wolff, the vibrance of the small town of Madrid, action at a local ranch and the Rodeo de Santa Fe, dancing and blue hour on the historic plaza, among the various locations for this workshop. You will also have the chance to visit Nevada’s studio and enjoy a casual dinner at her home in La Cienega.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go the website page HERE
TO REGISTER: You can register via the website or contact the Santa Fe Workshop info@santafeworkshops.com or (505) 983-1400 ex111
On Location in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
October 1 - 5, 2026
Package Price: $2995.00
Join renowned travel photographer Nevada Wier in San Miguel de Allende, a vibrant colonial town over 400 years old and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The streets are rich with colors, aromas, and sounds, and the endless drama of Mexican life is evident around every corner.
The workshop is designed to coincide with one of the most important traditions, from colonial times to the present – the 100-year celebration of the patron saint San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael). It is a three-day festival starting on Friday, October 2nd that begins around 2:30 am with a long parade of enormous stars made of colorful paper around the main plaza. Afterward, the most important event is La Alborada (it roughly translates to “attack the dawn”, a pyrotechnic spectacle that represents the fight of Archangel San Miguel against Lucifer.) It begins at the cathedral around 4 am and lasts about an hour. So, be prepared for an all-nighter and serious loud, fiery fireworks. It is a fierce battle of good against evil! It is intense and great fun.
The festival continues through the weekend with events such as "the blessing of the horses” where hundreds of riders amass at the Parroquía to receive a blessing from the high priest. Later in the day is the “Entrance of the Xúchiles,” a unique parade where the “concheros” show their native dances to offer “xúchiles” (beautiful offerings).
The first two days of the workshop are intensive lectures by Nevada to fire up your creative photographic juices and prepare you for working in low light and quick action during the three days of the festival. Nevada discusses technical, practical, and creative techniques in order to make an image that elevates itself above the usual clichés. We will discuss ways to approach and photograph people, working in all lighting and environmental conditions, using natural light as well as fill-flash. During the week there will be group and individual critiques and great fun in the field.
The emphasis is on elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique, all while remaining fleet-footed and agile. It is important that you are in good shape and willing to work late nights on your own in crowds.
This workshop is not for the inactive. It requires a very early morning event that is not for the faint of heart as the fireworks are intense. There is no way to photograph this event without being in the middle of it. The days are long, but there are amazing photo opportunities. This is a perfect workshop for photographers who want to experience a robust festival with Nevada as your guide and mentor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go the website page HERE
TO REGISTER: You can register via the website or contact the Santa Fe Workshop info@santafeworkshops.com or (505) 983-1400 ex111
PAST WORKSHOPS 2025 - 2020
On Location in Santa Fe, New Mexico
JUNE 30 - July 4, 2025
Tuition: $2095 + $280 Model and Location Fee
Join travel photographer extraordinaire Nevada Wier in this new workshop to explore the basis of what makes an intriguing, visually alluring, and creative photograph. It may be the use of analogous color while photographing a festival. Or maybe compelling action in the warm late afternoon light. Or a repetitive pattern with contrasting colors and intriguing shadows. Or… There are numerous possibilities, if you unite at least two of CLAP (color, light, action, pattern).
With a lively blend of lectures, discussions, and assignments, you learn how to integrate these elements into your photography to make an image that elevates itself above the ordinary. Each day we explore one of these four tenets in depth, weaving them into your personal vision during assignments with the group and on your own.
We open the workshop on Monday with a discussion on the importance of color and light in your images. Most photographers do not understand the importance of color and its role not only in conveying mood and emotion but also in basic composition. Photography means “to write with light,” so on Tuesday, we explore the personality of light at all times of the day, from the harsh daylight to blue hour into night. On Wednesday, we photograph fast-moving action in the field, not only with stop-action but also using panning and slow shutter speeds to extract the feel of the moment. Thursday, we delve into the power of impeccable framing in-camera for a compelling composition and discuss how repetitive patterns strengthen the flow of your images. Friday, we bring it all together at Santa Fe’s colorful and fun 4th of July celebration—Pancakes on the Plaza!
Nevada emphasizes elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique. The historic city of Santa Fe, Nevada’s hometown, and its environs provide the ideal environment to discover the colors of immersive art experiences, light, and shadows at historic sites, action at a local ranch, dancing and golden light on the historic Plaza, among the various locations for this workshop. You also have the opportunity to visit Nevada’s studio and enjoy a casual dinner at her home in La Cienega. Join us for an unforgettable week in Santa Fe to expand your photographic toolkit and learn to find color, light, action, and pattern in the world around you.
On Location in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
September 26 - 30, 2024
Package Price: $2995.00
Join renowned travel photographer Nevada Wier in San Miguel de Allende, a vibrant colonial town over 400 years old and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The streets are rich with colors, aromas, and sounds, and the endless drama of Mexican life is evident around every corner.
The workshop is designed to coincide with one of the most important traditions, from colonial times to the present – the 100-year celebration of the patron saint San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael). It is a three-day festival starting on Friday, September 26th that begins around 2:30 am with a long parade of enormous stars made of colorful paper around the main plaza. Afterward, the most important event is La Alborada (it roughly translates to “attack the dawn”, a pyrotechnic spectacle that represents the fight of Archangel San Miguel against Lucifer.) It begins at the cathedral around 4 am and lasts about an hour. So, be prepared for an all-nighter and serious loud, fiery fireworks. It is a fierce battle of good against evil!
The festival continues through the weekend with events such as "the blessing of the horses” where hundreds of riders amass at the Parroquía to receive a blessing from the high priest. Later in the day is the “Entrance of the Xúchiles,” a unique parade where the “concheros” show their native dances to offer “xúchiles” (beautiful offerings).
The first two days of the workshop are intensive lectures by Nevada to fire up your creative photographic juices and prepare you for working in low light and quick action during the three days of the festival. Nevada discusses technical, practical, and creative techniques in order to make an image that elevates itself above the usual clichés. We will discuss ways to approach and photograph people, working in all lighting and environmental conditions, using natural light as well as fill-flash. During the week there will be group and individual critiques and great fun in the field.
The emphasis is on elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique, all while remaining fleet-footed and agile. It is important that you are in good shape and willing to work late nights on your own in crowds.
This workshop is not for the inactive. It requires a very early morning event that is not for the faint of heart as the fireworks are intense. The days are long, but there are amazing photo opportunities. This is a perfect workshop for photographers who want to experience a robust festival with Nevada as your guide and mentor.
On Location in Santa Fe, New Mexico
July 1-5, 2024
Tuition: $1995 + $165 Model and Location Fee
Photographing on the move in foreign countries requires the combination of technical expertise, culture competence, intuitive awareness, curiosity, and a dash of panache. This workshop with Nevada Wier tackles the challenges of photographing with creative intent while on the move with a digital camera.
With a lively blend of lectures, discussions, and outdoor assignments, Nevada discusses how to combine technical, practical, and creative aspects of travel photography to make an image that elevates itself above the usual travel clichés. We discuss equipment and digital concerns in different travel and outdoor environments, ways to approach and photograph people, sensitivity to cross-cultural issues in foreign countries, photographing in low light, and tips (both theoretical and practical) on using natural light as well as fill-flash. The week includes group and individual image reviews, personal assignments, and great fun in the field.
Nevada’s emphasis is on elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique, all while remaining fleet-footed and agile. The historic city of Santa Fe, Nevada’s hometown, and its environs provide the ideal environment for the travel photographer. “The City Different” offers the opportunity to photograph a diverse cultural community and a broad spectrum of natural environment. These inspiring locales are the perfect, dramatic locations for our photographic adventures on the move.
On Location in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
September 28 - October 2, 2023
Package Price: $2995
Join renowned travel photographer Nevada Wier in San Miguel de Allende, a vibrant colonial town over 400 years old and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The streets are rich with colors, aromas, and sounds, and the endless drama of Mexican life is evident around every corner.
The workshop is designed to coincide with one of the most important Mexican traditions since colonial times—the celebration of the patron saint San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael). This is a three-day festival starting the evening of Friday, September 29. On this night, the streets are alive with song and dance as mariachi bands play until dawn. As 3am approaches, a procession begins with larger-than-life dancing puppets made by local artists (Mojigangas). Soon afterwards, a pyrotechnic spectacle in the main plaza represents the flight of Archangel San Miguel against Lucifer. These all-night events are a photographer’s dream and worthy of staying up for.
The festival continues Saturday with events such as a traditional show with Voladores de Papantla, graceful and gut-wrenching performances by five men. Four of them attach themselves to ropes while the fifth stands on a tiny platform at the very top playing a flute. The four roped men fall off the top and slowly spin until they reach the ground. Saturday afternoon features a unique parade between the religious and pagan where the "concheros" show their native dances to offer "xuchiles" (beautiful offerings).
On Sunday there is a parade of dancers from Zacatecas, Morelos, Veracruz, Jalisco, Queretaro, and other cities, to offer their dance to the Saint. It is three days of fun and amazing photo opportunities! A perfect event for photographers who can handle late nights.
The first two days of the workshop are intensive lectures by Nevada to fire up your creative photographic juices and prepare you for working in low light and quick action during the three days of the festival. Nevada discusses technical, practical, and creative techniques to make an image that elevates itself above the usual clichés. We discuss ways to approach and photograph people, as well as how to work in all lighting and environmental conditions using natural light as well as fill-flash. During the week there are group and individual critiques and great fun in the field.
The emphasis of this week with Nevada is on elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique, all while remaining fleet-footed and agile. Join her in magical San Miguel de Allende during one of the most photogenic festival the city has to offer.
On Location in Santa Fe, New Mexico
July 10-14, 2023
Tuition: $1995 + $175 Model and Location Fee
Photographing on the move in foreign countries requires the combination of technical expertise, culture competence, intuitive awareness, curiosity, and a dash of panache. This workshop with Nevada Wier tackles the challenges of photographing with creative intent while on the move with a digital camera.
With a lively blend of lectures, discussions, and outdoor assignments, Nevada discusses how to combine technical, practical, and creative aspects of travel photography to make an image that elevates itself above the usual travel clichés. We discuss equipment and digital concerns in different travel and outdoor environments, ways to approach and photograph people, sensitivity to cross-cultural issues in foreign countries, photographing in low light, and tips (both theoretical and practical) on using natural light as well as fill-flash. The week includes group and individual image reviews, personal assignments, and great fun in the field.
Nevada’s emphasis is on elevating your creative vision and expanding your photographic technique, all while remaining fleet-footed and agile. The historic city of Santa Fe, Nevada’s hometown, and its environs provide the ideal environment for the travel photographer. “The City Different” offers the opportunity to photograph a diverse cultural community and a broad spectrum of natural environment. These inspiring locales are the perfect, dramatic locations for our photographic adventures on the move.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go the website page HERE
TO REGISTER: You can register via the website or contact the Santa Fe Workshop info@santafeworkshops.com or (505) 983-1400 ex111
On Location in Santa Fe, NM!!!
July 25-29, 2022
TUITION: $1995 + Model and Location Fee of $150
COVID-19 Update: For all in-person workshops and trips, Santa Fe Workshops requires that all participants attending be fully vaccinated (per definition of the CDC) and provide proof of vaccination. This requirement applies to students, staff, and instructors.
This workshop offers the rare opportunity to work alongside globe-trotting travel photographer Nevada Wier in her hometown of Santa Fe. The week is geared for all traveling photographers who aspire to be better at photographing in low light situations when hand holding their camera; and also want to master the use of on-camera flash effectively and creatively at different times of the day. Nevada explains and demonstrates how she manages to make natural and compelling images in low light and using TTL flash on the go. She helps you set up your flash for subtle and creative lighting, then offers her knowledge gained through years of experience using techniques for stopping action with slow shutter speeds and while panning, effective techniques for bouncing off walls and ceilings, when to use off-camera flash, and many other simple techniques that are sure to make a large difference in your images as well as your overall travel photography experience. In addition, Nevada reviews working with lighting accessories that are easily carried in your camera bag – small modifiers, reflectors, and handheld LED lights. There will be no big heavy cases in this workshop!
Your week with Nevada is a lively blend of lectures, discussions, and assignments while tackling the challenges of photographing in low light with a digital camera. The workshop includes group and individual image reviews and personal assignments. The historic town of Santa Fe is a perfect backdrop for our photographic forays. There are field sessions for demonstrations from Nevada and time to work on assignments at various locations around town and the surrounding high-desert countryside
The emphasis of this week is on expanding your creative vision in the realm of low-light photography and creative flash techniques to elevate your travel photography to a new level.
SFW Perspectives Series - an Online Seminar
Two 2-hour sessions
February 8 (Tuesday) & 10 (Thursday), 2022 (6:00 - 8:00pm MST)
ravel photographer Nevada Wier is well known for her intimate approach to photographing people during her travels. However, it did not come easy to her when she began photographing. Travel photography requires the combination of technical expertise, culture competence, intuitive awareness, curiosity, and a dash of panache to create fresh, personal images that reveal the spirit of a place and its people. Like many people, Nevada was unsure how to best approach people in different cultures – not speaking the local language. Over many years she overcame her reluctance and now considers photographing the people she meets along the way the most rewarding part of her travels. In this two-session program, Nevada imparts lessons and tips for how she approaches the technical, practical, creative, and social aspects to create natural, respectful, and unique portraits. She discusses approaching people honestly and directly, working with short lenses, how to create an environmental portrait with natural light, flash, or reflectors. She brings you into people’s homes, as well as joining them in a variety of outdoor environments.
In Session One, Nevada discusses how to overcome shyness in approaching people during your travels, techniques for building rapport, and how to integrate nonverbal communication into your body language. She discusses what lenses to use in different situations and how to creatively frame your image. She analyses what makes a powerful close-up portrait, and more importantly how to integrate the environment into a portrait.
In Session Two, Nevada discusses the power of a spontaneous moment and the times when it is important to know how to choreograph a situation authentically. She discusses how she approaches being at crowded markets and fast-paced festivals. And, lastly, she illuminates how she works quickly with on-camera flash, a reflector, or LED lights.
Join Nevada for four evening hours in early February that gives you the skills and confidence to engage and interact with people during your travels, as well as elevate your aesthetic vision to create portraits that not only express the inner spirit of your subject, but also of yourself.
SFW Perspectives Series - an Online Seminar
Two 2-hour sessions
November 15 (Monday) & 17 (Thursday), 2021 (6:00 - 8:00pm MST)
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On location (YEAH IT HAPPENED!!!!)
September 30 - October 5, 2021
PACKAGE PRICE $3,095
A vibrant colonial town more than 400 years old, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The streets are rich in color, aroma, and sound, with the endless drama of Mexican life evident around every corner.
Our time in San Miguel coincides with one of the city’s most important historical traditions: the celebration of its patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel (the archangel St. Michael), which begins Friday evening, October 1. During this exhilarating three-night and day festival, people sing and dance in the streets all night long while mariachi bands play. Pilgrimage-makers from other Mexican towns join locals to honor the saint with parades, dances, and special performances, the most significant being La Alborada, which represents the fight of San Miguel against Lucifer.
In anticipation of the festival, we spend our first two days firing up our artistic juices and preparing for the unique challenges of capturing quick action at nighttime. Nevada offers a deep dive into technical, practical, and creative techniques for making images that transcend cliché. As we discuss ways to approach and photograph people, we cover strategies for working in all kinds of environments and lighting conditions, using natural light as well as fill-flash. We also engage in group and individual critiques.
Join Nevada for adrenaline-filled fun and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, perfect for photographers who can handle late nights!
On location in Santa Fe, NM (YEAH IT HAPPENED!!!!)
July 26 -30, 2021
TUITION: $1995
The best travel photography results from a combination of technical expertise, cultural competence, intuitive awareness, and curiosity—plus a dash of panache. In this workshop Nevada Wier helps you tackle the challenges of photographing with creative intent while on the move with a digital camera.
The historic town of Santa Fe and its environs provide ideal environments for the travel photographer, and participants spend part of each day photographing in the field as they develop travel stories. Before the workshop each student is responsible to research an idea(s) for a travel story to photograph and develop during the workshop. Using a lively blend of lectures, discussions, and assignments, Nevada discusses ways of combining technical, practical, and creative aspects of travel photography in order to capture an image that rises above the usual travel clichés.
Our sustained emphasis is on elevating your aesthetic vision and expanding your photographic skills. You learn to research and create compelling images that present a strong visual narrative. We also discuss ways to sensitively approach and photograph people, and delve into techniques for using natural light, as well as fill flash. During classroom sessions, Nevada offers daily feedback and guidance in one-on-one and group critiques.
As you master the essentials of telling a travel story, you create meaningful, personal photographs that reveal the spirit of a place and its people.
For more information go to Santa Fe Workshops website
with Nevada Wier & Eddie Soloway
April 6 (Tuesday) & April 8 (Thursday) 2021
6:00-8:00PM MST
TUITION: $295
Nevada Wier and Eddie Soloway share a love for wild and remote travel destinations. Eddie makes a point of seeking out blank spots on the map, while Nevada passionately explores cultures far removed from our fast-paced world. For two evenings online, these two friends share stories, photographs, and practical advice, comparing notes on an engaging array of personal travel topics.
Through photographic presentations and conversations, Eddie and Nevada chart the evolution of their aesthetic visions and examine the fluid demands of making photographs in the moment. Seeing deeply amidst the chaos and sometimes stillness of a place is essential for a thoughtful travel adventure. Equally important is the ability to tread lightly on the land and, if possible, to return periodically to a special location to deepen your connections. They touch on topics such as nonverbal communication, overcoming preconceived notions, and how to create evocative images that speak from your heart.
They also delve into the process of preparation for a thoughtful photographic journey, determining where to look, how to look, what to avoid, and which equipment to carry. They also take time to reflect on the experience of living through 2020, taking stock of the gifts received and the lessons learned, including the ability to embrace Plan B.
Join two seasoned travel photographers who share an enduring friendship and a wealth of practical experience as you learn how to overcome preconceived notions about a place and come home with much more than a photograph.
December (Tuesday)15 & (Thursday) 17, 2020
6:00-8:00PM MST
TUITION: $295
July 28, 30, 31 (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) 2020
12-1pm MST
March 7 - 14, 2020 (hooray we were able to squeak in this workshop!)