You can view all of the events you’re registered for by logging into your Out of Chicago account. In the upper right corner of the website, go to “my account” and “my conferences”. You should see your conference listed there. If it is not, please email us at support@outofchicago.com.

After registering, you will receive an email to confirm your registration and hotel details. Be sure to stay connected via email to receive crucial event communication, including surveys about your preferences and updates as needed.

This conference is designed for photographers who want to deepen their creative and technical skills in the field, in post-processing, and through classroom instruction. Attendees range from beginner to advanced enthusiasts. A solid understanding of your camera and basic photographic principles is recommended, but not necessary.

Enrollment is intentionally limited to 100 attendees to maintain a focused, immersive experience and meaningful access to instructors during field sessions and classes.

Yes. Over the course of the week, you will work with each of the instructors in the field, ensuring exposure to a wide range of styles, techniques, and perspectives.

Our four legendary photographers anchor the conference with evening keynote presentations and participate throughout the event. They may make guest appearances in the field throughout the week.

Absolutely. Throughout the week, you’ll spend time with instructors during shared meals, evening gatherings, classes, and small-group field sessions. The conference is designed to encourage conversation, questions, and genuine connection, creating plenty of opportunities to learn from and spend time with your favorite photographers.

No. This is a field-driven, hands-on conference. Each day is built around time outdoors photographing Yosemite, balanced with classroom sessions and discussions at the lodge. Classes are designed to support and expand what you are doing in the field, not replace it, so you’ll spend a significant portion of each day shooting, exploring, and applying what you learn.

The full days begin with a morning field session, followed by group brunch and instructional sessions at the lodge. Late afternoons and evenings are spent back in the field photographing Yosemite in changing light, followed by group dinners and evening presentations.

No. Strenuous hiking is not required. Most field sessions focus on easily accessible locations near the road or involve short, manageable walks. Winter conditions may include snow and uneven terrain, but the conference is designed to be approachable for a wide range of abilities.

For those who want more physically demanding options, there will be opportunities to join a group made up of other more adventurous attendees.

Most attendees fly into Fresno, which is the closest major airport to Yosemite National Park and offers the shortest drive to Yosemite Valley. Fresno Yosemite International Airport typically provides the easiest and most direct access.

Other common options include San Francisco and Sacramento, which offer more flight options but require a longer drive to the park.

Yes. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from Yosemite and for conference field sessions. We will help coordinate carpools within your group to get to the field sessions.

Yes. Snow chains must be carried in your vehicle to enter Yosemite National Park during winter, as required by the National Park Service. Get more information at https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tirechains.htm. You can pick up snow chains at Walmart on your way to the park and if you don’t use them you can return them.

Yes. Anyone driving into the park will need a National Park Service Pass, including to get to Yosemite Valley Lodge, which is inside the park.

Winter in Yosemite can include snow, ice, and rapidly changing conditions. This is part of what makes the landscape so compelling, but be prepared with appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear.

With a large enough snow storm, it’s possible that the park is closed for the day due to road conditions. This is rare, but not impossible. Be sure to have travel insurance in the case of unexpected cancellations.

Travel insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended. Winter weather in Yosemite can be unpredictable, and travel insurance can help protect you in the event of unexpected delays, cancellations, or travel disruptions related to weather. We encourage all attendees to review their coverage options and choose a policy that fits their needs for peace of mind.

Allianz Global Assistance, AIG Travel Guard, and World Nomads are three possible companies to consider for travel insurance.

January is one of the most visually rewarding times to photograph Yosemite. Winter can transform the valley with snow-covered granite, frozen streams, dramatic waterfalls, and mist-filled mornings that do not exist in other seasons. Crowds are lighter, creating a quieter and more focused experience in the field.

January also offers unique winter light and extended low-angle illumination, adding depth and mood to images throughout the day.

While winter requires preparation and flexibility, those conditions are what make January such a compelling and inspiring time to be in Yosemite with a group of dedicated photographers.

You should bring a camera system you are comfortable using in the field. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls is recommended.

Most photographers will benefit from:

• A wide-angle lens for landscapes and environmental scenes

• A mid-range zoom or short telephoto for details and compositions across the valley

• A longer telephoto lens for isolating light, patterns, and distant features

• A sturdy tripod, essential for low light, long exposures, and winter conditions

Additional recommended items include:

• Extra batteries (cold temperatures drain batteries quickly)

• Memory cards and a way to back up images

• Lens cloths and basic weather protection for snow and moisture

• A camera backpack suitable for short walks in winter conditions

We’ll share a detailed recommended gear list before the event. A laptop is suggested so you can work on your images during the post-processing and critique sessions.

Yes. B&H Photo Video will be attending the conference. Their team will be on site throughout the week, offering support, insight, and opportunities to connect around gear, printing, and workflow. While the focus of the event is hands-on learning and field experience, having B&H present adds an extra layer of value for attendees who want to ask questions or explore equipment options during the conference.

A guest can stay with you for no additional charge.

If your guest would like to join us for group meals and the evening presentations, A guest ticket will be available for an additional charge. Due to the extremely high food costs in the Yosemite Valley, the guest meal ticket will be nearly $1,000, which is what we’re paying for every participant. 

To keep group sizes small and stay within the guidelines of our permits, field session excursions and midday classroom sessions are strictly reserved for conference attendees only. Guests may attend the opening and evening keynotes.

Yes, when we get closer to the conference, you’ll let us know if there are people you would like to have in your group and we’ll make sure you’re in the same group.

Due to the limited nature of the conference and advance commitments, cancellations are subject to our stated policy. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes or winter weather disruptions. You can read our refund policy here.