Agricultural & Industrial Museum Photo Trek
2023-03-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | agricultural and industrial museum, 217 W Princess St, York, PA, United States
Learn about York County’s vast contributions to the progress of agriculture and industry. Housed in a former factory complex, the York, PA museum features two floors with over 20 exhibits highlighting 300 years of transportation, agriculture and the development of manufacturing and industry.
Step into a 1916 trolley car or sit in the seat of a 1940 train switcher engine in the Transportation Gallery. Explore the Local Industry Galleries to try your hand at using rotary phones operated by a 1930s switchboard. Discover what it’s like to milk a dairy cow in the Agricultural Gallery and check out the working 3-story grist mill during your visit. You will also be able to enjoy exhibits on pottery making, casket manufacturing, wallpaper creation, pianos and organs, as well as the York Plan, which was York’s industrial contribution to World War II. Before leaving, do not miss the Hall of Giants Gallery to see a 72-ton A-frame ammonia compressor used for producing ice in the early 1900s. (from their website)
The A & I Museum is a fantastic place to visit and photograph! This 3-part workshop is for photographers of all skill levels. We will begin with a pre-trek Zoom session which will cover everything you need to know during the workshop. We will review images, exposure settings, camera gear and more! During the event, instruction will be given on finding unique subjects, and how to expose your images in such a challenging environment. We will review many other camera settings and techniques, with an emphasis on how to compose images in a more creative and compelling way. With a huge variety of subjects to focus on, the museum holds opportunities to come away with unique truly unique images of planes, trolleys, automobiles, industrial machinery and so much more! This is also a great place to work on creating artistic HDR-or High Dynamic Range images.
A wide angle lens, mid range telephoto, lens hoods and tripod are about all the gear you need to bring. I’ll help you create amazing images with whatever gear you have. To best help you prepare, a detailed email with zoom links and information will be sent to all participants a week to 10 days prior to the event. There will also be a post-trek image review held via Zoom the following week, to review images together and give further tips on creative post processing
Cost of admission to the museum is included in the registration fee. Transportation to and from the event is not included. We will meet at the main entrance a few minutes prior to the event start time. Workshop will run 10am – 2pm. Join as we explore another treasure in Southeast PA!
The Agricultural & Industrial Museum is located at: 217 W Princess St, York, PA 17401

Understanding Aperture and How To Use It Creatively
2023-03-21 19:00 - 20:30
In this week’s Foundations of Photography lesson, we discuss what is arguably the most important component of the Exposure Triangle-aperture. We will discuss how aperture affects depth of field and the aesthetic mood of the image, best choices for different shooting situations, limitations and considerations and more! Join us for a greater understanding of this critical aspect of your camera’s exposure settings.

Understanding Shutter Speed and How To Use It Creatively
2023-03-28 19:00 - 20:30
This week’s lesson deals with another foundational element of photography, and key component of the Exposure Triangle. We will take the mystery out of when to choose shutter speeds over aperture settings, what is Shutter Priority and when to use it, and best settings for a variety of different scenes and subjects. Join us as we learn to use shutter speeds to create more compelling images!

Understanding Manual Exposure Mode-When, Why, How to Use It With Ease
2023-04-04 19:00 - 20:00
Over the past several weeks, we have been discussing some of the most important and foundational elements of photography. We began with an understanding of what Exposure is and and how to control it. Next we discussed how and why our cameras actually come up with the meter readings they give us, and how to handle the times it gives us an incorrect reading. We also discussed how to read and understand the camera’s histogram. From there we spent two weeks discussing how to know which settings (aperture, shutter speeds and ISO) to used for different scenarios and why. We also went through a bunch of those scenarios showing how to use these settings creatively.
In this lesson, we discuss using manual exposure mode – when, why, how to use it. We’ll talk about the difference between Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and shooting in full manual, and what types of scenes require that you take full control of your camera’s exposure settings. We discuss where the camera’s meter fails, and will once again reference the histogram and what role it plays in getting correct exposures every time.
If you missed any of the previous lessons, you can still feel to join us! If you struggle with understanding exposure and how to set your camera properly, then I encourage you to take the guess work out using your camera and gain the knowledge you need to truly understand key camera settings to give you great results every time. You can still watch the recordings of each session. They are only $10 each. Just contact me (use the “contact”and I’ll get you set right up, so you can catch up with this series!

Understanding Lenses
2023-04-11 19:00 - 20:00
Are you confused about all those numbers on your lenses? Or when to use which one? Or, maybe you’re just getting into photography and you are not sure which lens/lenses will be right for you. Lens choice is probably the most important decision you will make regarding image quality and style-next to the camera body itself. Gaining a strong understanding of lenses could save you a ton of money over time, helping you minimize your gear by only purchasing what you truly need.
Join us this week as we take a deep-dive into all things lenses. We will discuss what all those numbers mean-from the aperture to filter size , to focal length and more. We will talk about the difference between wide angle, mid-range and telephoto lenses, as well as their practical uses. You’ll understand the difference between a “fast” and “slow” lens is-and why it matters.
Once we cover the basics, we will talk about how to use these lenses in a more creative and compelling way. Your lenses are your artistic tool. Learn to use them to their fullest potential!

Intro To Night Sky Photography
2023-04-18 19:00 - 20:00
On our next Tuesdays together session, we will discuss some of the most common things to photograph in the night skies.
We’ll talk about moon phases and best practices to get great shots. We will also discuss photographing stars, star trails and the Milky Way-as the MW Core is now visible again in the early morning sky.
Join us as we discuss what gear you will need (you can get started with just about anything), when to shoot, what settings to use, useful apps for planning and more!
Only $10! Don’t miss it!
If you are unable to join us on Tuesday night, you can still register and I’ll send a copy of the recording and any notes created, so you can go through the info on your own.

Tuesdays Together-Photographing Fireworks
2023-04-25 19:00 - 20:00
One of the best parts of summer and other times of celebration, are the amazing fireworks displays that are often held. Who doesn’t love seeing fireworks? The brilliant colors that light up the night skies can be magical.
Many people try to photographically capture those beautiful bursts with little or no success.
I have been photographing fireworks for decades, and would love to share a variety of tips and techniques with you to help you capture stunning – and creative images of fireworks and similar displays.
Join me as we discuss gear choices, composition, exposure settings and some creative tips and tricks. If time allows, we will also go through a few quick editing tips, as well.

Waterfall Photography Full Day Adventure In the Poconos
2023-05-20 08:00 - 16:00
Pennsylvania is blessed with a ton of beautiful waterfalls! A high concentration of them can be found in the Poconos/Delaware Water Gap area. We will spend the day exploring and photographing as many as we can fit into the day!
The event will begin with a pre-trek zoom class detailing potential shooting locations, gear suggestions, techniques, settings and more. No special gear needed, but a camera that can be controlled manually, a sturdy tripod and circular polarizer are highly recommended. A detailed list of gear suggestions will be emailed prior to the event.
Hands-on instruction will be given throughout the entire day.
Join us as we photograph some of the more accessible, less traveled and picturesque falls in the area.
We will meet at 8:00am-or earlier, to take advantage of the soft, early morning light. Participants can travel on their own or carpool together to locations

Birds, Beach, and Boardwalk - Full Day of Photography At the Jersey Shore
2023-06-10 | Ocean City Welcome Center, 300 W 9th St, Ocean City, PA, 08226, United States
For those who love bird photography, there are few places on the east coast that provide more opportunities to photograph a large variety of species with so little effort. The Rookery at the Ocean City Welcome Center is a fantastic spot for photographing birds in flight, nesting birds, and possibly some babies, too! Species normally found there include great egrets, black-crowned night herons, glossy ibis, white ibis and more.
We will begin early in the morning at the rookery, and spend several hours photographing the birds from a variety of vantage points, both from the bridge above and ground level below. When the group has had their fill, we will take a break and grab a bite to eat. We then have several options available depending on the group preference. We can visit another nearby wildlife refuge for more bird photography-this time potentially including osprey, then wander the boardwalk playing with a bunch of creative compositions and techniques. For those interested in staying the entire day, we will photograph sunset and blue hour from the beach, create long exposure images of the surf and pier, then head to the amusement areas for some creative light painting doing long exposures with the amusement rides.
This will be a full day of fun and photography for all levels of photographers. We can work with whatever gear you have, but to best capture the birds up close, a minimum of 300mm lens is suggested. Telephoto lenses that extend to 400 or 600mm are ideal. If you do not have a long telephoto lens, there are a variety of places that rent them for the day or weekend. More details will be given a few weeks prior to the event. A super wide angle to mid-range lens would work best for the boardwalk and amusement rides.
Full details will be given several weeks prior to the event. This will include lodging suggestions for those that may be traveling from several hours away. If interested in staying overnight, you should secure a hotel as soon as possible
A pre-trek class will take place via Zoom prior to the event to go through all the details for the day. We will review images of what you can expect to see and shoot, and instruction on all techniques to use throughout the day. Participants should be comfortable with their camera and how to change settings such as aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, focus points, etc. Instruction will be given throughout the entirety of the day.
Workshop fee includes admission to our private Facebook group, where you will become part of a friendly and fun community of photo enthusiasts, be able to share images from the day, and interact with not only other participants from this workshop, but those who have participated in past workshops, as well. It is a fantastic way to stay in touch and continue the learning long beyond the event itself. Fee also includes an image review following the workshop. Participants will share 1 or 2 images which we will review together. You will receive helpful feedback on your images, including suggestions you could make to improve the image, as well as editing tips to help bring out the best in your images.
Event is weather-permitting. In case of rain, we will reschedule to Saturday June 17th. Same time
Transportation to Ocean City and meals are not included. We will carpool from our first meeting location as we travel throughout the day.

Pro Cycle Racing at the Velodrome
2023-06-18 17:00 - 21:00
The World Series of Bicycling is the premiere cycling series in the world. For each of the past 40 summers, the Lehigh Valley has been home to the greatest local and international cyclists in the world. In past years, as many as 15 different nations have been represented, and 12 Olympians have taken part in the World Series of Bicycling. Nowhere else in the region can you see that level of competition.

Come enjoy a fun evening learning to capture pro cycle racing at its finest at the Velodrome/Valley Preferred Cycle Center in Trexlertown, PA. We will teach you everything you need to know to come away with great images! You will learn how to capture and freeze motion, use flash creatively, create images using Panning techniques, zoom blurs and more!

We will have “Press Passes” which will allow us to photograph from virtually anywhere around and within the track!

A DSLR or mirrorless camera and zoom in the range of 18-55 or 18-200 is all you need. Lenses that open up to f/2.8 or the 50mm f/ 1.8 will work best in the lower light. Bring any camera with fully charged batteries and lots of memory cards! This event is weather permitting. Events cannot take place in the rain. In the event of bad weather, we will reschedule to another Friday night. (tentatively Aug 26th)

To help you better prepare, there will be a pre-trek class held via Zoom on Wednesday June 14th, from 6:30-7:30pm. The class is mandatory. If you are unable to make the zoom session, it will be recorded and available later that evening.

Registration includes the pre-trek class and entrance to all races for the evening! Also include a post-trek group image review, as well as membership to our private Facebook group to continue the learning as part of a fun and friendly community!

A minimum number of participants is needed to run this workshop.A detailed informational letter will be sent upon registration. There are a limited number of spots available, so don’t wait to sign up!

Valley Preferred Cycling Center, 1151 Mosser Rd, Breinigsville, PA 18031
Rain date: Saturday or Sunday, 15th & 16th

Shooting Sports Like A Pro at The Reading Fightin' Phils!
2023-07-01 18:30 - 22:00 | Reading Phillies
What better way to enjoy summer than spending an evening at a baseball game? And for the photo enthusiast, what better way to enjoy the game than capturing the action like the pros in the press area! We will have special access during the entire game to shoot in the private areas along the first and third base dugouts. We will also be able to shoot from a variety of locations throughout the stadium. Instructors will be there to help you capture the action with whatever gear, and whatever level of photographic knowledge you have.
We will begin with a pre-trek Zoom class a few days prior, to go over all the shooting details and settings you would use to capture the action. This will include specifics on gear choices, exposure settings, best focusing practices, anticipating the action, dealing with tricky lighting-including flicker from stadium lights, and more. This will also include detailed instruction on how to photograph fireworks.
As an added bonus, there will be a spectacular fireworks display after the game that we will photograph from a great location. Don’t miss this fun and fantastic opportunity to capture baseball images like a pro in an absolutely fun environment!
Rain date for this event will be Saturday, July 29th. A detailed informational letter will be sent to participants approximately one week prior to the trek. Note: trek ends after the fireworks display at the end of the game.
Maximum of 6 participants, so don’t wait to register. Event will likely sell out quickly!
Location: First Energy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19601

Grounds For Sculpture Photo Trek
2023-07-08 10:00 - 14:00
Nestled in the heart of central New Jersey lies Grounds For Sculpture, a magical place where art and nature are always at play. At its core are more than 270 sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each thoughtfully positioned on meticulously landscaped parkland full of thousands of exotic trees and flowers. Many are life-size, and so realistic looking that you will swear they are real people! Others are massive and fantastic to explore photographically. It is a feast for the senses! A highlight in the summer are the giant lotus flowers, and the critters that make their homes among them.
Grounds For Sculpture is the perfect place to learn how to utilize every lens in your bag, creating grand landscapes and intimate close ups. Instruction will be given on how to look for and use the light to best capture the scene. There will a strong emphasis on how to create more compelling images with your lens choice and by varying your aperture, as well as a strong emphasis on creative composition and more!
This trek is perfect for beginners and more advanced enthusiasts. Join us for a fun day of photography. No special gear needed, although polarizing filters and lens hoods are highly recommended. More details on gear will be sent prior to the workshop. Additionally, there will be a pre-trek class via Zoom, where we go through what to expect, camera settings, a ton of images with tons of tips!
Group size is kept small so there will be plenty of opportunity for personalized attention. A minimum number of participants is needed to run this event. Early registration is highly recommended!
The cost of the workshop DOES include entrance fee-if you register by 6/23/23 at 9pm. Timed tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. In order to get the group in together, I need my head count early. If the event is not sold out and you register after 6/23, you may not be able to get tickets at the same entrance time.
Grounds For Sculpture is located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ

NJ Night Skies Weekend Adventure Trek - NEW DATE_Round 3!
2023-09-15 16:00 - 2023-09-17 12:00
Have you ever looked up at the night sky, and wished you could capture stunning images of the stars?
Astro photography is a fascinating and fun photographic venture. But it can also be extremely challenging. Knowing where to go and when, what gear to bring, and being able to see, focus, and change camera settings in the dark can be intimidating and frustrating to a beginner. But, capturing great images of the night skies is easier than you think! You just need a few key pieces of gear, and a good understanding of some basic camera settings, and you are off to discovering a whole new world!
Join us for our first-ever Night Skies photography workshop in South Jersey, where we plan on photographing the stars, star trails and Milky Way above 3 different lighthouses and a WW1 military bunker! (plans are subject to change). We will be fully immersed in shooting and editing images from Friday night until Sunday afternoon! (with maybe a little time off to sleep:)
The workshop begins on Friday September 15th at 4pm, but there will be a pre-trek class being held via Zoom on Wednesday September 6th(new date) at 6:30pm. During the class we will review everything you need to know to come away with great images, including what gear to bring, what settings to use for a variety of shooting scenarios, where we’ll go, what we’ll see, how to edit images for best results and more!
We can work with whatever gear you have, but, a camera that can be set fully manually (both exposure and focus) and handles noise well, a sturdy tripod and a fast wide angle lens will give the best results. Your camera needs to have the ability to shoot at an ISO as high as 6400 or higher for best results
There will be hands-on, detailed instruction given throughout the event, but photographer’s should come with a good understanding of how to use their own camera, and be able to change aperture, shutter speeds, ISO and focus without struggle. Although we will make as many settings as we can before heading out, the majority of the time you will be operating your gear in the dark(with the help of a faint flashlight, and you should be comfortable doing so. You should also be comfortable with being out -with the group, for up to 4 hours or more in the dark, potentially in chilly weather. This date was chosen to coincide with a New Moon, so the moon’s brightness will not adversely affect the visibility of the stars. Timing was also chosen to capture the Milky Way in its early phase, low to the horizon. Note, the Milky Way Core-which is the brightest part of the MW, does not rise until after 2am.🥺
We will be out photographing as long as the conditions are suitable and the group has energy, then return to our hotel for much needed rest. We will sleep in and rest until at least lunchtime, and are not currently planning on photographing any sunrises-unless we are still out:) We will try our best to capture sunset on both Friday and Saturday night.
Hotel suggestions will be given upon registration. Hotel and meals are not included in the cost of the workshop. We are planning on carpooling together to locations. Passengers should come prepared to share gas expenses with their driver.
We will still be out shooting even if it is cloudy, but will reschedule if high threat of rain.
Space is limited, and will likely sell out. If you are interested in joining us, don’t wait to register! A detailed informational email will be sent upon registration to help you prepare. Register ASAP to get group pricing on hotel rooms.
Note: This event was rescheduled from past dates due to bad weather. Only 3 spots remain!!!

Waterfall Trek at Bushkill Falls!
2023-10-20 09:00 - 17:00 | Bushkill Falls
Fall is my favorite season to photograph in, and my favorite subject to photograph during this time is waterfalls. There’s just something magical about heading down a forested trail, walking among the trees displaying their beautiful array of colors, then coming upon a waterfall that is surrounded by this beauty! Pennsylvania has so many stunning waterfalls for us to explore and capture amazing images-although not all are easily reached. Bushkill Falls contains a great selection of different opportunities to capture waterfalls and lovely streams, while traveling along an intricate boardwalk system that takes you through the gorge.
Join us for a full day of capturing a great variety of images in one of PA’s most photogenic and well-known spots! No special skills required! We will begin with a class via Zoom a few days before the event to go over all the details-including suggested gear (wide angle to mid-range telephoto will do), settings to use, composition tips, filter use and more! The only additional and recommended gear is a sturdy tripod that allows you to adjust the legs at different angles individually (without a brace in the center keeping them from being extended upward on an individual bases), a circular polarizer for each lens you bring, and possibly a Neutral density filter to enable long exposures of the flowing water. Feel free to contact me in advance with questions or for gear suggestions.
There will also be a follow up editing and image review session following the event via Zoom.
Note: the falls trail is a series of boardwalks and stairs=some very steep. We will move at a leisurely pace from shooting spot to shooting spot, stopping along the way, but participants should be in reasonably good shape to enjoy the day.
We will meet at the main entrance to Bushkill Falls. Transportation to and from the event is the responsibility of participants. Admission to Bushkill Falls is NOT included in the trek fee.
A minimum number of participants is needed to run this event.

2024 Fine Art Calendar Pre-Sale!
2023-11-06 08:00 - 2023-11-26 23:30
No ticket required. Click the “Buy Now” button below.
https://valeriehoffmanphotography.com/product/2024-fine-art-calendar/

Historic Bahr's Mill Photo Trek
2023-11-11 10:00 - 13:30
Located in Boyertown, PA, Bahr’s Mill is a stone mill building built in 1897 to house Jacob Bahr’s (pronounced Bear) woodworking and grist mill business.
It is part of a farm complex in the village of Gabelsville, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The Bahr’s mill was home to a linseed oil
mill from before 1828 until the 1890’s, and woodworking machinery was installed in the early 1870’s.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mill has been completely restored. The original woodworking & corn grinding equipment, water wheel and some of the blacksmithing equipment remain intact. You can find more info on the mill here: https://boyertownhistory.org/bahrs-mill
Endless compositions await inside! We will have over 3 hours to photographically explore all 3 floors of this historic mill. We will challenge your creative vision capturing the larger scenes, the smaller sections of historic machinery, right down to the smallest of tools and artifacts. Instruction will be given prior to the event during our Zoom class (Nov 7th), on composition, exposure, lighting and how to deal with the high dynamic range of scenes with bright window light against the lower lit mill.
This trek will be great for beginner’s as well as more advanced photo enthusiasts. You can works with whatever gear you have, but a super-wide to midrange tele-and even a macro lens would be all you need; along with a tripod, of course. Full details covering what to bring, where to meet, etc will be sent via email about a week prior to the event. Questions will be answered during the Zoom class where we will review images taken at the mill and all the opportunities you will find.
Join us for our first-ever trek to this historic mill. A portion of the registration fee will cover your admission and go towards the preservation of the mill.

A Longwood Christmas Photo Trek
2023-12-19 16:00 - 20:00
Longwood Gardens is spectacular in any season, but it is transformed into a magical place during the holiday season. With more than 400,000 twinkling lights strung on nearly 40 miles of wire, this is a photographer’s paradise, and it has become an annual photo trek favorite. Join us as we make amazing images worthy of creating your own holiday cards and gifts!
We will meet at 4pm to ensure we are inside before the worst of the evening traffic, and to be set up and in place as the sun sets and the magic begins. We will continue photographing during the “Blue Hour”, which allows for more dramatic images. We will photograph the amazing light displays outside throughout the grounds, until the need for hot chocolate takes over. We will then take a short break indoors to warm back up, let our cameras begin acclimating to the warmer indoor temperatures, review our images, then head over to the conservatory to capture the beauty and glow on the inside-IF the crowds are not unbearable. If it is mobbed, we will continue to photograph outside.
This workshop is for beginners and more advanced photo enthusiasts. No special gear is required beyond a DSLR, camera strap and tripod(for outside). A Star filter would be helpful for creative affects of the lights. Fast Lenses, with apertures such as f/2.8 or 1.8 will be a huge benefit in the conservatory, and to create those beautiful Bokeh light effects..
A pre-trek class will be held via Zoom to go over all the details.Instruction will be given on shooting in full manual exposure, how to properly meter and photograph in low light-both outdoors and indoors, lens choice and why it matters; creative composition; HDR or High Dynamic Range Photography; and more! A detailed email will be sent prior to the Zoom session detailing everything you need to get ready. A post-trek image review also via Zoom is included in the registration cost.
This event is being scheduled on a week night to avoid the large weekend crowds. You should plan on arriving at least one half hour prior to workshop start time to allow for traffic and parking. Please plan your schedules accordingly.
Admission to Longwood is NOT included, as most attendees either are-or choose to become members of the gardens. Upon registration you should immediately go online and reserve a timed ticket.
A minimum number of participants is needed to run this event. The number of tickets shown on website does not necessarily reflect the number still available, as some participants choose to pay using Venmo or Cash app as opposed to PayPal.
In case of hazardous weather, the trek will take place on Wednesday December 20th, 2023. The workshop will take place in light rain or snow, as these are fantastic conditions for photographing holiday lights.
Please note: the images below were taken over several different years and visits to Longwood. These are all past displays and do not represent what the current displays will look like.

Spring Beauty @ Hershey Gardens Photo Trek
2024-04-20 09:00 - 12:30
Hershey Gardens is one of those “off the radar” places for many photographers, but that’s certainly not for lack of beauty and photographic opportunities. Visiting during many different seasons, there is always a quiet beauty that awaits your wandering.
I absolutely love photographing in the spring, and Hershey offers a ton of gorgeous plantings-including rows and rows of tulips, that are perfect for quite a few hours of photography. The focus of this workshop will been on capturing the delicate beauty of the flowers. This is most easily done with a macro lens, but can certainly be accomplished with other lenses, as well. Hands-on instruction will be given on how to create stunning flower portraits, focusing in on the soft and unique details of each flower.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to make amazing images of larger plantings and scenes as we wander pathways lined with beautiful bushes and trees in bloom. An added bonus will be to spend some time in the butterfly house, capturing the delicate beauty of a variety of these lovely creatures.
Of course, another added bonus is the close proximity to Chocolate World-which for you chocolate lovers, is right across the street! 😁
If you are looking to learn macro photography, or improve your current skill level, then this workshop is for you! This is also for anyone looking for new opportunities to capture beautiful scenes in a very scenic environment. Open to all skill levels. Minimal gear required. We can work with whatever gear you have. A detailed list of suggested gear-such as a sturdy tripod that can go low to the ground, circular polarizers and lens hoods for each lens, and close up accessories if you do not have a macro lens are recommended.
A pre-trek class will be held about a week prior to the workshop via Zoom to go through all the details of the trip, and lots of shooting tips and techniques to get you ready. We will then meet at the gardens by opening time, ready to roll! After the event, there will be an image review, also via Zoom, where we will discuss tips to improve your images. Join us for this unique learning opportunity during the beauty of spring.
Participants kept to a small amount to allow for more one on one instruction. Don’t wait to register! A minimum number of participants is required to run the event.
Workshop will take place during a light rain. If severe weather is forecast, we will reschedule to the following Saturday

Bill's Old Bike Bark Photo Trek
2024-05-11 09:30 - 13:30
“In the wooded grove, on the hill just behind Bill’s Custom Cycles…the parts shop, Bill worked to make his dream materialize. Nestled there you will find his museum, Bill’s Old Bike Barn, a true collection of vintage motorcycles and Americana memorabilia.
At a glance, the green metal pole barn appears to be a storage building constructed to house equipment for the long harsh winter. Stepping over the threshold you are in yesteryear. First thoughts are, “Not in your wildest dreams!”
Bill Morris began to fulfill his life long dream and established Bill’s Old Bike Barn in 1998. Years later we have close to 200 amazing vintage motorcycles in a 55,000 square ft building filled with some of the most extraordinary antiques from all around the world. The museum is in a constant state of evolution as new items and collections are added regularly.” (from Bill’s website)
When I first visited Bill’s Old Bike Barn, I immediately stood in aw at the amazing collection, almost secretly hidden inside this nondescript building. The sheer size of the place is one thing, but the amazing contents are beyond words! You could easily spend several full days exploring all that Bill has collected through the years. My favorite part is “Billville”, the street of shops he has created that house displays of anything and everything. There is even a camera store with the largest view camera you may ever see(I think he told me it took 4 of them to get it in there!) and several models of cameras I had never even seen or even heard of before!
This will be a truly fun photographic adventure! Using whatever gear you have, you will learn to create unique and compelling images of some of one of the most interesting collections of Americana to be found! We will have a pre-trek class via zoom to go over all the details for the event, including pertinent shooting info and gear choices. A group image review will be held shortly after the event, for participants to share their favorite images, and get more feedback on composition and editing. Through the pre-trek class and during the event, instruction will be given on creative composition, lens choice and how perspective completely changes your scene, how to deal with the challenges of low light, as well as high dynamic range scenes. Join as we embark on a creative photographic journey into the past, and come away with stories and images you will love!
A few weeks prior to the event, you will receive an email with all the details. Don’t wait! Register to join us today!
Check out these virtual tours of the place! https://www.billsbikebarn.com/billsbik-VirtualTours-30.htm
Please note: there will also be a waterfall photo trek the day before at Ricketts Glen state park. If interested in staying up in the area and joining us for both, contact me for hotel suggestions.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Safari
2024-06-01 10:00 - 15:00
For those who love wildlife and dream of going on a photo safari, we have a great new Trek for you!
For over 50 years, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has been fascinating visitors with its wild, exotic animals and adventure safaris. Nestled in the quiet country-side, Lake Tobias resounds with the sights and sounds of the jungles and grasslands of six continents. Mammals, reptiles and birds from around the world can be found here. Monkeys, tigers, ostriches and many other exciting creatures are presented in a zoo-type setting.
The safari tours are the main attraction, and the primary focus of our photo trek. Open-air cruisers take you across 150 acres of rolling hills where you see herds of wild and exotic animals from around the world. Tour guides travel with you through pasture land and wooded areas sharing information on the various species and their habitats. There are more than 400 animals in the safari fields, all roaming freely. This changing landscape makes each visit unique. Even multiple tours on the same day will offer different photographic opportunities as the animals move about. You will be amazed at how close you come to these animals! Many will stroll right beside our tour bus, allowing guests to touch and feed them-making for some fantastic photo opportunities! Animals are in such close proximity to the vehicle that a standard telephoto in the range of 18-200 will give good coverage for all displays throughout the day. There is also a reptile and exotic animal facility, where you will find large, custom-designed habitats housing snakes, lizards, amphibians, tropical birds, a sloth, lemurs and my personal favorites-Tamarins and Marmosets. A macro lens or 50mm would be great for the low-light inside.
Instruction will be given on how to best capture the animals, with emphasis placed on composition, exposure and lighting. Workshop is suitable for all levels of photo enthusiasts, and any camera gear you own. Information will be emailed to participants in advance to help with gear choice and other important information. We will also have a pre-trek class via Zoom, to review all the details of the trek-including images taken on location, all shooting info, gear used, etc. This will enable participants to be fully prepared to start capturing amazing images from the moment we see our first animals and onward.
The photo trek will run from 10am-3:00pm with a break for lunch. There are numerous pavilions where you can enjoy your own packed lunch, or purchase food at a variety of stations. Food lines tend to get long, so packing a picnic lunch is recommended.
Cost is $179. Fee for this workshop includes pre-trek zoom class, a post trek image review, admission to the park and tickets for two different safari rides-enabling the group more opportunities to see and photograph the animals on the tour, and, membership in our private Facebook group where you share and view images from other workshop participants, and gain encouraging feedback and continued learning opportunities.
Transportation to and from the park, as well as any food or beverage purchases is not included.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located about 25 miles north of Harrisburg and four miles north of Halifax, just off Route 225. Address: 760 Tobias Rd, Halifax, PA
Please note that the safari ride can be VERY BUMMPY at times. If you have a bad back or other physical issues that a ride like this could further aggravate, this may not be in your best interest at this time. (In case of heavy rain or storms, the trek will be rescheduled to a future Saturday most conducive to the majority of the group.)

Architectural Photography Trek_Bryn Athyn Historic District_SOLD OUT!
2024-07-18 12:00 - 17:00
This event is now sold out! Please contact me to be put on a Wait List or first to hear about another trip
“Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, was founded as a religious community in the late 19th century by members of a Christian denomination known as the New Church. Just a mile from the Philadelphia border, this small borough is home to some of the area’s most remarkable architecture, buildings that reflect the religious faith and vision of the community’s earliest residents.
The Bryn Athyn Historic District includes three family residences—father John Pitcairn’s Beaux-Arts mansion, Cairnwood, and sons Harold and Raymond’s residences, Cairncrest and Glencairn, respectively—and the renowned Bryn Athyn Cathedral. All were constructed between 1892 and 1938. The Bryn Athyn Historic District was designated as a National Historic Landmark on October 6, 2008.” (from their website)
For this event, we will photograph in two of the three historical and beautiful architectural wonders (Cairnwood is currently undergoing renovations). Join us for an afternoon of photography on our private tours of both the Bryn Athyn Cathedral and Glencairn Museum. Participants will have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful grounds as well as interiors. For the museum, we will have private access to the amazing architecture of the first floor, as well as views from the limited access tower!
Prior to the workshop, there will be a class via Zoom, where we will review images from areas we will photograph in, and go through details on how to best capture the architectural details. We will cover composition, lens and other gear choice, exposure settings and more; everything you need to come away with incredible images of these spaces of your own!
Following the workshop, an image review/editing session will also be held via zoom to share tips on editing the bracketed images to bring out the best details in the final images.
Group will be kept to a minimum to allow for plenty of space to photograph and give hands-on assistance.
Registration is required, and tickets will likely sell out quickly for this our first workshop to this amazing historic gem.

Pro Cycle Racing at the Velodrome
2024-07-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Valley Preferred Cycle Center
The World Series of Bicycling is the premiere cycling series in the world. For each of the past 40 summers, the Lehigh Valley has been home to the greatest local and international cyclists in the world. In past years, as many as 15 different nations have been represented, and 12 Olympians have taken part in the World Series of Bicycling. Nowhere else in the region can you see that level of competition.

Come enjoy a fun evening learning to capture pro cycle racing at its finest at the Velodrome/Valley Preferred Cycle Center in Trexlertown, PA. We will teach you everything you need to know to come away with great images! You will learn how to capture and freeze motion, use flash creatively, create images using Panning techniques, zoom blurs and more!

We will have “Press Passes” which will allow us to photograph from virtually anywhere around and within the track!

A DSLR or mirrorless camera and zoom in the range of 18-55 or 18-200 is all you need. Lenses that open up to f/2.8 or the 50mm f/ 1.8 will work best in the lower light. Bring any camera with fully charged batteries and lots of memory cards! This event is weather permitting. Events cannot take place in the rain. In the event of bad weather, we will reschedule to another Friday night. (tentatively Aug 26th)

To help you better prepare, there will be a pre-trek class held via Zoom on Thursday July 11th, from 6:30-7:30pm. The class is mandatory. If you are unable to make the zoom session, it will be recorded and available later that evening.

Registration includes the pre-trek class and entrance to all races for the evening! Also include a post-trek group image review, as well as membership to our private Facebook group to continue the learning as part of a fun and friendly community!

A minimum number of participants is needed to run this workshop.A detailed informational letter will be sent upon registration. There are a limited number of spots available, so don’t wait to sign up!

Valley Preferred Cycling Center, 1151 Mosser Rd, Breinigsville, PA 18031
Rain date: TBD

Using Lenses Creatively @ Longwood Gardens
2024-08-14 18:30 - 2024-08-21 20:30 | Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, United States
Different from my normal workshops, I will be leading this workshop for Longwood Gardens. Registration is through Longwood Gardens, not me personally. There will be two online components as well as on location shooting in the gardens in the early hours of the morning!
Here are the details from the Longwood website:
“What lens should I use?” may be one of the first questions you consider when preparing for a photography shoot.
Join expert photographer Valerie Hoffman in learning all about lenses—from their unique qualities to their creative opportunities—and get your lens questions answered. Lens choice is probably the most important decision you can make regarding image quality and artistic style—and when choosing your gear, you can and should base your decision on desired (and more creative) results. Learn how to customize your photography experience and build your artist toolkit!
Course Schedule
Online Orientation
Wednesday, August 14, 6:30–7:30 pm
Onsite Session
Saturday, August 17, 7:00–10:00 am
Online Critique Session
Wednesday, August 21, 6:30–8:30 pm
Inclement weather date: August, 18, 2024
Full course content includes both the online and the onsite components.
Location
Onsite at Longwood Gardens with additional online sessions.
This program will take place partially or entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather and wear footwear suited for walking on uneven paths and through wet areas.
To register for this event, follow this link: https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/all-about-lenses
Registration closes soon!

Historic Bowmansville Roller Mill Photo workshop
2024-09-21 10:00 - 13:00
In the 1700 and 1800s, Lancaster County was an important milling center due to the availability of water power along our many streams. The Bowmansville Roller Mill is an important example of this industry. It provided the farmers in this area with both animal feed and flour. It is the last remaining example of a combination of grist and sawmills in Brecknock Township. Machinery from the 1850 grist mill and the 1888 roller mill are fully intact. It is the only known mill in the area to have both still.
The mill contains examples of three centuries of milling techniques: the millstones, the roller mills, and the sawmill. There are four sets of millstones. These stones were used for corn and wheat.
The Bowmansville Roller Mill was both a custom and a commercial mill. Some of the farmers had their grain milled and returned to them. However, other loads of grain were purchased by the Von Niedas, milled, and bagged. These large bags of flour or feed were then bought by farmers and other people in the area as needed. When the water level in the millrace was high and the harvest was plentiful, the mill ran almost continuously. During the three or four months of harvest, the farmers brought their grain to the mill by the wagon load. There the grain was loaded into barrels and lifted by pulley to the assigned compartment, or storage bin, on the upper levels of the mill. Several days later, the farmers returned to the mill for their grain.
The Bowmansville Roller Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, which recognized the preservation efforts of former owner Stewart Kean, who restored the mill with local men. (information taken from Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County article)
Join me as part of the first ever photography workshop at the mill! You will love the images you create as you photographically explore all four floors of this gorgeous mill. There will be a zoom session on Wednesday September 18th to go through all important details of the event. Instruction will be given on creative composition, exposure settings and how to handle high dynamic range lighting. We will also use artificial lighting where needed to open up shadows and control contrast in your scene.
An informational email will be sent about a week prior to the on location workshop with gear suggestions, and all other details for the event. A participant image review will follow via zoom the following week. Registration includes entrance to the mill, both zoom sessions, and hands-on instruction throughout our time at the mill.

Waterfall and Fall Colors Photography at Hickory Run State Park!
2024-10-12 08:00 - 15:00 | Hickory Run State Park
Fall is my favorite season to photograph in, and my favorite subject to photograph during this time is waterfalls. There’s just something magical about heading down a forested trail, walking among the trees displaying their beautiful array of colors, then coming upon a waterfall that is surrounded by this beauty! Pennsylvania has so many stunning waterfalls for us to explore and capture amazing images-although not all are easily reached. Hickory Run contains a bunch of different opportunities to capture waterfalls big and small, flowing streams, a cute little chapel, a beautiful lake and more, that most people with a reasonable amount of physical ability can explore with minimal effort exerted.
Join us for a full day of capturing a great variety of images in a gorgeous state park! No special skills required! We will begin with a class via Zoom a few days before the event to go over all the details-including suggested gear (wide angle to mid-range telephoto will do), settings to use, composition tips, filter use and more! The only additional and recommended gear is a sturdy tripod that you are able to adjust the legs at different angles individually (without a brace in the center keeping them from being extended upward on an individual bases), a circular polarizer for each lens you bring, and possibly a Neutral density filter to enable long exposures of the flowing water. Feel free to contact me in advance with questions or for suggestions.
We will then meet shortly after sunrise to begin our adventure, then continue to photograph at a variety of locations, taking a break for lunch at a local restaurant nearby. We will then return to the park to continue to capture as many amazing locations and images as we can. Val will be there giving hands-on instruction throughout the entire day.
About a week or so after the event, we will gather once again on Zoom for editing tops and image review.
The group will travel on their own and meet at the starting location-which will be shared upon registration. Where we go and the order we head there will be flexible.
A minimum number of participants is needed to run this event.

The Mill at Anselma Photo Trek
2024-10-26 10:00 - 13:00
Nestled along Pickering Creek in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, the Mill at Anselma is an extraordinary historic site demonstrating over 250 years of Chester County’s industrial history. The 22-acre property and surviving historical buildings demonstrate a heritage engineered to last.
The Mill retains its original Colonial-Era power train and multiple layers of industrial equipment ranging from the late 1700s to the mid-1900s. The Mill at Anselma is the last custom grain mill in America that can still produce a product with its original wooden engineering.
Join me as we spend several hours photographing this historic mill complex. The creative possibilities are overflowing. Instruction will be given on creative composition, creative exposure settings and how to best capture the high dynamic range light, how to use artificial light to fill in shadows and more!
We will begin with a pre-trek class via Zoom, to go over all the details along with shooting tips and techniques. Hands-on instruction will continue throughout the workshop. Afterwards, there will be an image review held via Zoom where the learning will continue as we go through composition, exposure settings etc and discuss any ways images might have been improved.
Space is limited. Register today!
The Mill at Anselma is located at 1730 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425

Autumn Nature Photography @ Longwood Gardens Abbondi Property
2024-11-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, United States
Please note: Registration for this event is through Longwood Gardens. Follow this link to register:
https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/autumn-nature-photography
Autumn is a fleeting season full of rich, vibrant colors and gorgeous natural lands ready to capture with your camera.
Get a chance to photograph one of the most breathtaking parts of Longwood—a natural area adjacent to the Gardens, not usually open to guests. An untouched autumnal landscape, the property is full of color and life during this time of year, and you’ll be able to capture the striking architecture of its plants—and any potential wildlife that you might encounter.
Course Schedule
Online Orientation
Monday, November 4, 6:30–7:30 pm
On-site Shoot
Wednesday, November 6, 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Inclement Weather Date
Friday, November 8, 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Online Review
Wednesday, November 20, 6:30–8:30 pm
Full course content includes both the online and the onsite components.
Location
Online via Zoom
Onsite throughout the Abbondi property
This program will take place partially or entirely outdoors. Please dress for the weather and wear footwear suited for walking on uneven paths and through wet areas.

National Christmas Center Photo Trek
2024-11-09 10:00 - 13:30
Enjoy treasures from Christmas past at The National Christmas Center!
The original National Christmas Center of Paradise officially closed its doors in January of 2018. For over 19 years, this beloved tourist destination shared the magic of Christmas, both religious and secular, its history, memories and traditions with thousands of visitors. After a search for someone who could purchase the center’s collections and keep the spirit of Christmas alive, the search ended when Stone Gables Estate purchased the entire Christmas collection. This collection is one of the largest collections of historical Christmas memorabilia in the United States.
Until its permanent home is ready, visitors can now enjoy over 18,000+ square feet of nostalgic Christmas décor in lights, trees, stores, and renowned artifacts at the National Christmas Center which is housed a short distance from Stone Gables Estate. Seventeen-foot-tall, real-life buildings with artistic architectural features depict the streets of Columbia, Pennsylvania as they were in the 1950s. Featured storefronts include a walk-in Woolworth’s Store, a Boy’s Toy Store, a Girl’s Toy Store, the Sweet Shoppe featuring Klein Chocolates, Miesse Candies, Byers Bakery, and much more!
Peer in the windows of shops which include Joe – The Motorists’ Friend, Eichhorn’s Store for Men, Watt, and Shand, Dave Barton’s Barbershop, The Train Store, and more!
Old favorites such as the animated Tudor Towne which tells the story of forgiveness, a “choir” of over 900 Gurley candles, Pennsylvania handmade Byers’ Choice carolers, Santa’s from around the world, over 1,000 nativities from around the world depicted in their native culture, and much more will bring back many nostalgic memories and joys of childhood gone by.
New to the National Christmas Center collection is the Toy Soldier store with over 5,000 hand-painted soldiers as part of the world’s finest collection of brass and wood models including ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. Also new to the National Christmas Center collection is Anastasia’s Doll Emporium, a collection of the finest dolls and dollhouses around the world. Antiques such as Santa’s, scales, popcorn machines, barber chairs, and more will bring back fond memories.
Another must-see on display is a world-class builder’s model of the Titanic in the Titanic Museum. The Titanic model is 22 feet long, 9 feet tall, and weighs 5,500 lbs. It has eight miles of fiber optic lighting and was constructed according to the original plans of the original Titanic ship. This is a one-of-a-kind display with original plans and photos. (from their website)
There are so many wonderful things to see and photograph here at the new museum! It was a thrill to wander the new displays in preparation for this workshop, and I’m looking forward to bringing a group here for the first time to photograph all the treasures of Christmas and more that the museum holds!
You will spend your time capturing great images of the displays with a variety of lenses, using a variety of techniques and exposure settings. Emphasis will be on creative compositions, and capturing all the detail in semi-challenging light. There will be a pre-trek class via Zoom to go over all the details, with tons of images and shooting tips and techniques. Hands on instruction will continue during our visit. An image review to further the learning process will take place soon after the event, also via Zoom. A detailed email will be sent a few weeks prior to the event.
A minimum number of participants is needed to run this workshop. Space is limited, so register today.
Registration fee covers the cost to enter the museum.
Address for the National Christmas Center: 3950 East Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057.
USE THIS ADDRESS-DO NOT GOOGLE IT!
Below are just a few of the many options from the 49+ displays!

Historic Mascot/Ressler Roller Mills Photo Trek
2024-11-16 10:00 - 13:00
Each year the Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home welcomes more than 12,000 visitors to this historic site nestled in the heart of a thriving Amish community in eastern Lancaster County. The remarkably preserved water-powered grain mill sends visitors back in time to learn about milling history along the banks of scenic Mill Creek.

The adjacent 1855 miller’s house, once home to three generations of Resslers, offers a charming look at early 20th century housekeeping and family life. The home is preserved just as it was when siblings Franklin and Anna Ressler offered their neighbors the finest flour, along with neighborly hospitality.
We invite you to visit us and journey back to a simpler time when milling was a staple of the Lancaster County farming community. (from their website)
And I invite you to join me for a wonderful time of photographing the many interesting aspects of the mill. Hands-on instruction will be given on creative composition, exposure settings, HDR imaging and how to deal with contrasty light. This will be a great workshop for beginners as well as more advanced photo enthusiasts!
We will begin with a pre-trek zoom, where we will go over all the details for the event-including available subjects, gear choice, settings and more. We will also follow up the workshop with a group image review also via zoom, to get further helpful tips for editing, composition, etc.
A minimum number of participants is required to run this workshop. Registration closes one week prior to event, so don’t wait-sign up today!
