Trail Runner Photo Camp 2020

Come join us to for a great time—and take your photography to the next level.

This three-day course puts you in the field under the watchful eye of trail running’s top pro shooters. Learn the tricks of lighting, composition, getting in position, anticipating movement and more, from the photographers who have succeeded in the field.

You will also learn how to efficiently edit your images, and how to improve them in Photoshop. The camp also covers what magazine editors look for in submissions, and how to improve your chances of getting published.

What to Expect

Overview

Days are spent in the field shooting some of the sport’s top trail runners. On fantastic trails, our crew of athletes will run while you shoot and receive instruction. In the evenings you’ll return to the hotel for dinner, photo processing and a critique of your day’s work by the instructors. The goal is to improve your photography each day and have you go home with professional-level photos.

Each student will receive a photo-assignment agreement—you’ll be shooting as a professional, gaining invaluable insight into the field, and getting the opportunity to have your photos published in Trail Runner in our print feature highlighting the three-day camp. … And one lucky photographer may see his or her image on the cover of that issue! We will also publish a gallery from the camp on trailrunnermag.com.

Eligibility

Neither expertise in trail running or photography is required, only an enthusiasm about running photography.

All inclusive

Accommodations and meals are included in the cost of camp. (Vegetarian and special-needs diets can be accommodated upon request.)

Class size

Paid enrollment is limited to 15 students to maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio.

What to bring

Camera(s) and any other equipment you need for shooting, a laptop for post-shoot editing, outdoor apparel suitable for variable mountain weather … and last but not least, a good pair of trail-running shoes!

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Fred Marmsater

A reformed former scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, Fred Marmsater has catapulted into the outdoor-photography biz as one of its busiest shooters. His work has been regularly featured in Trail Runner, and includes a recent feature on his adventure to the wild King’s Trail in his homeland, Sweden, and several cover images.

He specializes in shooting in remote locations and capturing athletes pushing their limits. During expedition skiing and long trail runs, he gets into beautiful and seldom-seen locations to bring back fresh images. Good luck keeping up with him, even when he’s loaded down with an extra 40 pounds of camera gear.

Randall Levensaler

Over the past 15 years, Randy Levensaler, Trail Runner’s Art Director, has worked as art director, graphic designer, photo editor and photographer and, on some occasions, all of them at the same time. He has worked with numerous outdoor companies, including Marmot, La Sportiva, The Access Fund, American Alpine Club, Sierra Designs, Kelty, Climbing and Urban Climber magazines.

Randy balances his visual pursuits with his passion for the outdoors. Whether its climbing, biking, running or skiing, he relishes being self-propelled in the mountains.

Here’s what former participants had to say …

I want to pass along a huge thank you to Trail Runner magazine for the opportunity to partake in the Photo Camp held in Bishop, California. To be honest, I have been shooting for several years and was on the fence on whether or not to attend but am over-the-top stoked that I did!

I learned a ton from Fred, Howie, Randy and Mike. These guys are not only awesome to learn from but are also super cool guys that to hang out with.

The atmosphere with the other “campers” and athletes was great as well, no egomaniacs, just awesome people who love shooting and being in the outdoors.

I was even lucky enough to land this year’s cover. For that, I’m forever honored because we all saw each other’s photos and, honestly, it could have been anyone of us that landed that highly sought-after spot. Attending another camp is definitely in my future!”

—Mike McDermott, 2018 Photo Camp Participant

“I just wanted to say thank you again for the great experience, feedback and insights into the world of editorial and running photography. [My wife and I] had an amazing time and have not stopped talking about it since we left. The people and athletes were all awesome, and Fred and David’s feedback was great for helping us get to the next level with our photography.”

—Payton Ruddock, 2015 Photo Camp Participant

“I want to give a huge thanks to you and everyone at Trail Runner. It’s a great honor to land the cover and article opener! The article looks great and I really dig the clean design layout.

I had a great time hanging out with everyone and learned a ton. I really love the spirit and inclusiveness of the trail running community and hope to work with you all in the future.”

—James Harnois, 2016 Photo Camp Participant

“Thank you so much for the incredible experience last week. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet each of the participants and rekindle my interest in photography. I am inspired to to build upon the base I acquired.

I am particularly grateful for the time and patience afforded by the instructors. Myke, Fred, and Randy were so kind to me! I am comparing cameras and looking to purchase something soon so that I can avoid allowing the knowledge I gained to atrophy.”

—Sacha Mittelman, 2016 Photo Camp Participant