Physical ability and levels of difficultly are really quite subjective; something very easy for one person may be impossible for another. Expressive Photography Workshops can be challenging on a number of levels. It is vital that you are honest with us and yourself about your physical ability. We generally have very small groups and if someone is significantly less able than the others, it can have serious implications to the enjoyment of the whole group. We reserve the right to remove you from the trip if your level of fitness is far less than you led us to believe.

In the trip descriptions we grade each workshop by one of three terms: “Easy” “Moderate” or “Challenging”

Easy: Most of the photography is close to where the vehicles are parked, typically within 100 yards to a mile or so. The ground would generally be level, but may have some change in elevation, either slightly uphill or down. Of course, the return would either be a climb back up, or an easier descent.

You are able to:

  • Stay out most of the day, but depending on time of year, rests are normal in the afternoon.
  • Climb several flights of stairs without difficulty
  • Carry all your own camera bags, luggage and tripod without assistance
  • Walk on uneven ground without assistance
  • Walk on wet, slippery surfaces without assistance

Moderate: On our more challenging workshops, the terrain doesn’t get much worse, it generally just means the trails are steeper and longer.

You are able to:

  • Walk for two hours carrying your own gear
  • Walk through deep snow or on ice
  • Stand up from laying on the ground without difficulty
  • Climb and descent 10 flights of stairs carrying your camera bag without assistance
  • Scramble over wet rocks and uneven ground carrying your own gear

Challenging: Some strenuous hikes over uneven ground with substantial elevation change. On coastal locations, standing on uneven wet surfaces and climbing over boulders and wet rocks. An honest appraisal of your physical ability is essential to fully enjoy the workshop and access all the shooting locations we will be guiding you too.

You are able to:

  • Squat 20 times with your camera pack on
  • Hike with your camera bag at elevation
  • From a seated position on the floor, rise to standing without using your hands