FW26 | LAWRENCE, KANSAS
FW26 USA Details:
Dates: February 22-26, 2026(Sunday – Thursday = 5 days)
Location: Lawrence, Kansas (near Kansas City, Missouri)
Number of students: 18
Tuition: $4900 USD per student for tuition only (FW workshop alumni discounted price: $3900). Students are responsible for their own travel, lodging, car rental car (required), some meals, and incidental expenses. An initial non-refundable $500 retainer is required to secure spot once application is accepted. Full tuition is due by January 21st, 2026. We will invoice students for $2200 due by August 20th, 2025 and the final $2200 due by January 21, 2026.
To apply, please use the link below. We will be accepting applications on a first come first served rolling basis.
Please be sure to scroll down to learn about the FW26 teachers and read the entire FAQ section before applying.
Tentative Schedule:
Day 0 Saturday Feb. 21, 2026 – travel day, everyone arrives, workshop welcome meet and greet at 8 pm
Day 1 Sunday, Feb. 22 – Workshop
Day 2 Monday, Feb. 23 – Workshop
Day 3 Tuesday, Feb. 24 – Workshop
Day 4 Wednesday, Feb. 25 – Workshop
Day 5 Thursday, Feb. 26 – Workshop
Day 6 Friday, Feb. 27– travel day, everyone departs for home
FW26 TEACHERS
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Citlalli Rico
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David Eulitt
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Ben Chrisman
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Erwin Darmali
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Tyler Wirken
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More to come
Citlalli Rico
Citlalli Rico
Citlalli Rico
Citlalli Rico
Citlalli Rico
Citlalli Rico
David Eulitt
David Eulitt
David Eulitt
David Eulitt
David Eulitt
David Eulitt
Ben Chrisman
Ben Chrisman
Ben Chrisman
Ben Chrisman
Ben Chrisman
Ben Chrisman
Erwin Darmali
Erwin Darmali
Erwin Darmali
Erwin Darmali
Erwin Darmali
Erwin Darmali
Tyler Wirken
Tyler Wirken
Tyler Wirken
Tyler Wirken
Tyler Wirken
Tyler Wirken
INFO
Wow! It’d better be a great workshop!
We have been at this since 2003 and we believe in the process! You will be getting the full attention of the best photographers and teachers in the industry in a setting that’s like no other. Each team will consist of 2 teachers to 6 students ensuring as much personal attention as possible. Many of the workshop instructors have gone through the workshop process themselves and all are dedicated to your learning process.
How does the team system work?
Each team has 2 instructors, a team leader and a mentor, for a max of 6 students. Because the teams function as independent units, each team is free to customize its schedule and procedures to suit the needs of its students. Students will be receiving instruction visits by the instructors in the field on each shooting day for the ultimate one on one learning. After shooting, the team will gather for editing, critique, and discussion.
Can I choose my instructors?
No. Students will draw what team they are on at random once at the workshop. Our teachers are hand picked based on not only their photographic experience but more so for their character. This workshop is a very personal experience and our teachers must not only be able to teach photographic principles but also obtain the necessary skills when dealing with people’s needs and learning abilities. Most of our teachers have been a part of this workshop for decades and fully understand the process of guiding our students.
Can we edit my work in private? I don’t want to look bad in front of my peers.
We learn not only from examining our own work but more so from that of others. The editing sessions are conducted with the whole team present. It’s an invaluable process to begin to understand how other photographers think and see.
What skill level should I be at to make the most of the workshop?
Students should already be very familiar with using camera gear in a variety of situations. The teams will not spend a lot of time and energy teaching students how to use a camera.
What will I be photographing for the week?
Students of Foundation Workshop select an assignment at random once at the workshop. The assignments will be a mix including businesses, individuals, families, and nonprofits. All assignments are different and unstructured. Each student will have their own experience. We cannot guarantee any specific outcome or events with assignments.
Do I need digital equipment? What should I bring?
You’ll only need the basic digital equipment : two digital bodies, a wide lens, a medium lens, a long lens, flash, and memory cards. You’ll be shooting JPGs to ease with the editing process. Additionally, students should bring a laptop.
Will we be discussing post-production techniques at the workshop?
No. Photoshop is only a tool to process the images from your story. We will focus our time at the workshop exclusively on the processes of seeing and capturing those images, not on post-production methods.
Do I have to stay at the host hotel?
We ask all students stay at the host hotel in efforts to produce a strong workshop community as well as for safety reasons. We prefer students not be driving late at night after team critiques.
I heard that participants did not get a lot of sleep during past workshops. Is that true?
Unfortunately, that can be true. The workshop is very intense, full of challenges and interesting people. Fueled by their passion for photography, many participants find it difficult to rest when immersed in such an environment.
However, since the Workshop was expanded to 5 days students are able to get additional rest.
Will there be any other organized social activities for fun?
Not really. Photography is fun!
I cannot come for the entire workshop. Can I leave early or arrive late?
No. It is very important that all students be able to be present the entire time. This ensures students experience the proper learning process from start to finish. Students need to arrive at the hotel on Saturday Feb. 24th, 2024 no later than 6:00pm and leave the workshop on Friday, Feb. 30th, 2024. Students are encouraged to not book early morning flights on the 30th following the workshop celebration party as historically that night is a late night.