Zilkerbark Workshops
Learn how to be a dog photographer
Learning photography is one thing, but capturing the attention and (adorably) erratic movements of our furry friends is a whole other game of fetch! In this workshop, Zilkerbark founder Alex Hopes will share all his tools & tricks to achieving that perfect composition, whether it’s a head-tilting posed puppy, or a mid-air frisbee catch.
September 1-4, 2023 | SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
join us for 4 days and 3 nights at casa chicoma, Alex hopes’ santa fe home.
casa chicoma features fOUR guest casitas and plenty of scenic outdoor space for photos.
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The workshop includes classroom and field learning, and will teach you how to work with dogs to achieve proper posing, how to understand light and composition, and how to utilize your camera to create stunning images even when your subject’s movements are erratic. We’ll walk through how to master each type of shot, from posed to action. On the final day, we’ll visit an iconic location around Santa Fe where we’ll work with trained talent dogs to provide each of you with a strong dog photography portfolio.
This workshop will be hands-on and educational, but most importantly it will be a fun and relaxing weekend in the southwest!
*Staying on the property is optional, first come first served. See below for room rates.
TELL ME MORE!
DATES
The workshop encompasses two full days of learning and shooting. (DATES/DAYS/ITINERARY explained here….)
General Itinerary:
Friday 9/1 - Arrival, Introductions, Dinner
Saturday 9/2 - Breakfast, Classroom sessions, Lunch break, Afternoon sessions working with dogs, Dinner break, Movie night!
Sunday 9/3 - Breakfast, practice shoot at the Casa, Portfolio Field Trip, Lunch in Santa Fe, Evening puppy shoot, Dinner & photo share.
Monday 9/4 - Goodbyes & departure!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This workshop is geared towards Amateurs, Advanced Amateurs or Professionals.
Participants need to be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a workshop to learn how to use your gear or editing software. However, we will go through how to use specific settings to capture different types of images. Participants must be able to download, select, and transfer images to their own jump drive for class each day.
The workshop allows for up to SIX participants, therefore it will be very intimate with plenty of personalized instruction.
LOCATION
Learning will take place at Casa Chicoma, Alex’s property just west of downtown Santa Fe, as well as one or two “field trips” between 15-60 minutes away.
Booking a casita to stay on the property is optional, but highly suggested! If you’d like recommendations on alternative places to stay in Santa Fe, we’re happy to provide those.
Available Accommodations for 3 nights:
Sala Sol | Casita, sleeps up to 3 | $560
La Chihuahua | Casita, sleeps up to 3 | $560
The Regal Beagle | Spartan trailer, sleeps 2 | $600
Sala Luna | Scamp trailer, sleeps 2 | $425
*Note - each unit will also incur our standard $75 cleaning fee.
INVESTMENT
Tuition*— $1850 per person , includes:
Three-day workshop
Meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Sunday breakfast & dinner
Destination/Portfolio Session at iconic Santa Fe location
Fees— $275 per person, includes:
Dog talent
Location fee
Materials
If you would like to share a unit on our property with a friend/family member that is also attending the workshop, you may do so at no extra accommodation cost. You may also bring a non-participating friend/family member to share your accommodation if there is space, if they would like to participate in our catered meals (see above) a separate fee will be required.
* See partial rebate opportunity below!
PARTIAL REBATE OPPORTUNITY!
This workshop features a giveback component. Those of you interested in putting your new skills to work at your local shelter will receive a $250 rebate from your tuition fee. A minimum of 10 hours photographing dogs at a registered 501c3 is required. We’ll be sharing more information about this as the workshop gets closer.
Meet your host
Alex, ZilkerBark Founder
Alex has practiced dog photography for seven years, photographing more than 35,000 dogs in that time. His work has been commissioned by brands such as Canon, Dell, Purina, H-E-B, Mashable, and the PGA Tour. His work has been featured on MSN, The Dodo, Buzzfeed, Right This Minute and various other media outlets.
Alex now spends his time between Austin and Santa Fe, where he hosts travelers and their pups from all over the world at his eco-friendly guest property. He’s excited to utilize this beautiful location to share his love and expertise in dog photography with others!