Route 66 Headed East 2023 - Tom Bol Photo Workshops

SOLD OUT

Location: Albuquerque and Tucumcari, New Mexico

Dates: October 25-29, 2023 Wednesday at 6:45 pm (after dinner) – Sunday morning after morning shoot

Cost: $1499

Details: Come join Tom and Cree on a classic road trip; Route 66. Steeped in history and Americana, Route 66 was one of America’s first highways stretching from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA. During the dustbowl of the 1930s thousands migrated west on Route 66 looking for jobs and a better life. In later years Route 66 was replaced by the interstate highway system, but many segments were preserved and are still drivable today. More recently many classic neon signs, diners and hotels have been restored, and we plan to photograph some of the best sights along Route 66.

A few years ago Tom shot an assignment for Nikon photographing Route 66 using their classic Df camera. Tom photographed from Oklahoma to the California border, discovering the colorful history and interesting characters along the way. He was so impressed with the classic Americana photography that he has gone back numerous times for other assignments and personal trips. For this workshop, we chose Tom’s favorite section and we want to take you along for the ride!

Our route starts on Route 66 in Albuquerque, NM and continues all the way to Amarillo, TX. We will be based out of classic Route 66 hotels during the trip (El Vado and Blue Swallow ), and have maximized our photography time and minimized our driving time between locations. We have arranged special access to locations along the way, and have set up classic pinup model shoots in front of iconic neon signs. We’ll enjoy an outdoor barbecue in Tucumcari, and sample the famous green chile burgers at the 66 Diner.

On our road trip, we will: 1) discuss how to create an effective picture story 2) explain techniques needed to produce a compelling portfolio of images. We will shoot long exposures of street scenes, and photograph neon at night. Participants will have the opportunity for portrait photography using available light, speedlights and studio strobes. In the evenings we can review the day’s images and talk about image processing. Our days will be filled photographing all aspects of Route 66, rather than in classroom settings. Get ready for the classic Americana road trip!

On this course you will learn about:

Creating the Picture Story
Filter Use
Flash in Travel Photography
Compelling travel portraits

Hotels: We have three great vintage motels to choose from for our road trip:

Albuquerque October 25 & 26: El Vado Hotel This vintage hotel was just completely renovated – and has what Tom calls “very swanky” rooms. Call the front desk at (505) 361-1667. We will set up a group block in 2022.

Tucumcari for October 27 & 28 We have rooms reserved for our group at two different hotels right across Route 66 from each other. We have spaces reserved at the the Blue Swallow until it fills and then across the street at the Safari. We will set up group blocks in 2022.

Closest Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport. Drive time from Sunport to the El Vado is 20 minutes. Drive time from Tucumcari to the Sunport Airport is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Food: We will be keeping it authentic on this trip by eating in a variety of diners and authentic Route 66 restaurants. On Friday evening we will have a private catered Texas style BBQ at our hotel.