2027 New River Gorge:
A Sheography Women’s Photo Workshop
DATES: April 18-22, 2026
BEGINS: At 6:00 p.m. on April 18. Hotel check-in starts at 4:00 p.m.
ENDS: About 9:00 am on April 22. Hotel check out is at 10:00 a.m.
COST: $2495/person
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately strenuous. Best suited for mobile, sure-footed participants who are capable of hiking up to two-mile roundtrip on uneven, sandy or rocky terrain while carrying their gear.
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 10 women
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Calling all the ladies! Since 2011, Colleen's all-women's workshops have helped inspire photographic growth, personal development, wanderlust, and life-long friendships. And Sheography™ aims to continue that, to help women of all ages, backgrounds, and photographic skill "Put the HER in the photograpHER®."
Join Colleen and other Sheographers in making new images in one of the National Park Service's newest national park: the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.
We'll base ourselves at the Adventures on the Gorge where we won't have to travel very far to see gorge-ous (get it?!) scenery. We'll visit scenic locales with names like the Endless Wall, Diamond Point, Grandview, and Turkey Spur Overlook. Waves, reflections, and wildlife on the New River, which is one of the oldest rivers on the planet, from places like Fayette Station will provide endless fodder for our photography. Of course, no visit is complete without exploring the rich history of the area so stops at the New River Gorge Bridge overlooks and Thurmond mining town are also on the schedule. So many new subjects, scene, and experiences await!
In this learning-focused, supportive, and small group setting characteristic to Colleen's/Sheography™ workshops, we'll push ourselves to try new things photographically and creatively. Through a balance of field-based sessions, presentations, casual discussions, and a formal image critique session, attendees will learn more about how to:
Incorporate the creative process into your photography to make unique and meaningful images
Connect on a personal level with the New River Gorge landscape through grand, intimate, and macro perspectives using mindful observations
Tap into visualization, visual language/composition, and lighting to create emotionally-driven photographs
Technically translate what you know, see, and feel into an effective photograph using exposure controls, depth of field, filters, etc.
And you'll have a blast in the process!
As with all my workshops, the final curriculum will be developed from the participants interests (collected through a pre-workshop questionnaire) and tailored to both individual and group needs. All levels from beginner to professional--and all camera types from iPhones to fancy dSLRs--are welcome
But wait, there's more! As an added bonus, registrants are invited to join Colleen after the workshop on an optional one-day rafting adventure on the New River. Come make new memories and gain new inspiration in the New River Gorge!
WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
Four (4) nights single-occupancy lodging in hotel-style cabins with private bath from April 18 through April 22
Photography instruction (online presentation, field, and a critique session) plus handouts
NPS permits & park entrance fees
Welcome dinner and drinks on the evening of April 18
An invitation to join the closed "CMS Photography: Workshop Alumni Forum" and "Sheography" Facebook groups
Cool Sheography™ swag!
WORKSHOP EXCLUDES:
Airfare to/from West Virginia (the best airport to fly into is Charleston-CRW which is approximately 75-90 minutes drive away from our lodge)
Transportation to/from/during the workshop--carpooling during the session will be encouraged!
Participants' breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from April (rooms have a small refrigerator and microwave)
Rafting fees on the optional rafting adventure, including activity fees, wetsuit and splash gear rental, guide tips, etc.
Trip insurance
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be provided in writing. Cancellations made:
At least 61 days prior to the workshop start date: A full refund of all monies paid, minus a $250 administrative fee, will be granted.
60-31 days prior to the workshop start date: A refund of 50% of all monies paid will be granted.
30 days or less prior to the workshop start date: No refunds will be issued.
Any requests to transfer a participants registration to another CMS Photography workshop or to another participant will be treated as a cancellation. The above policy will dictate which monies, if any, shall transfer.
Although rare, CMS Photography reserves the right to cancel a workshop for any reason at our discretion. Should we decide to cancel a workshop, we will refund your registration fees in full.
Also, CMS Photography also reserves the right to modify a workshop itinerary based on local or federal restrictions beyond our control (e.g. COVID-19 restrictions, government shutdowns, closed sites). Should a registrant choose to cancel because of these changes, our standard cancellation policy outlined above applies.
There are no exceptions to these policies.
CMS Photography strongly encourages you to purchase trip insurance with a "Cancel for Any Reason" clause immediately after paying your deposit to protect yourself in the event of unexpected circumstances preventing you from attending our workshops. Consider contacting AAA, your credit cards, or other notable trip insurance companies for appropriate policies.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST ATTENDEES
“If you want to improve your photography, I can guarantee that Colleen's workshop will make you a better photographer. The last day of our workshop, I did some of my best photography. Her workshops are well thought out and you won't be lining up with the group to take a shot she picked out. You will have the freedom to roam and capture your own compositions. She is always present to answer questions or help with compositions. If you're on the fence about taking a photography workshop, get out of your comfort zone and take one of Colleen's workshops. You'll come out a better photographer, have loads of fun and make great memories doing it.” ~Donna C., 2024 New River Gorge Sheographer
“I thoroughly enjoyed my Sheography workshop to the New River Gorge. The locations are beautiful and provide a range of shots from macro to landscape - with beautiful vistas from the top of mountains to wildflowers, waterfalls, and cityscape. Colleen shared her vast knowledge of photography, creativity, and helped me grow as a photographer. In addition, she created a culture of camaraderie and esprit de corps among participants. We had fun with each other, shared knowledge & techniques, and came home with some great shots.” ~Jill A., 2024 New River Gorge Sheographer
“The Sheography Photography Workshop at New River Gorge in West Virginia was an amazing experience. The views were stunning, and the accommodations were wonderful. And last but not least, it was fun to meet and photograph the gorge with other creative women.” ~Barbara D., 2024 New River Gorge Sheographer