I took a trip with BCJ the beginning of August 2021. The itinerary was Glacier National Park…read moreHiker's version. I was supposed to be on that trip exactly a year before. Something happened, I can't remember what. BCJ was very accommodating of the situation, holding money, moving trips, etc... This brings me to my first comment because of my first contact. Because of the year delay, I was in touch with the email support way more often than I am sure they appreciated. Every single email exchange was so pleasant, helpful, and asking if there were follow up questions. Never have strangers cared so much about my wellbeing, and overall contentment with life. Turns out I met one of these stranger email supporters, he was a guide on the trip. Freddy something-or-other, from Canton, if I remember correctly.
On to the actual experience. I was both so excited to participate in this kind of get together, but also very nervous and apprehensive. I am a bit of a socially awkward person, and I have never done a photography workshop before. I will probably be the worst, right? Wait, worst? Is this a competition? What am I doing. That is just a short narrative from my thoughts about a workshop with BCJ, or anyone I don't know.
All of the fears and paranoias were dissolved in Whitefish. My first interaction was with the 2 guides, Kenton & Michael. I drove from Maryland to Whitefish. I had 9 days to be at a hotel in Whitefish on a Sunday at 5pm local time. 9 days. I got there with a half hour to spare, it took me 6000 miles. I traveled properly. Within a few minutes of the end of that driving adventure, I imposed on the guides, because they had the telltale BCJ hats on.
I guess our group had a unique experience. The guides were already friends, and they immediately treated me like I had known them each as long as they knew each other. It was beautiful. A perfect situation for the guy with all the awkward social issues. What a lucky boy I am. I am sure the rest of the group felt similar.
The guides knowledge was far superior to mine. If I left not knowing something, it is my own fault. Probably because I was busy telling a long, dull, story, that nobody cared about, most likely involving Geocaching. The guide/guest ratio was 3/1 (I think, math...you know). There was ample time to get dedicated insight.
This was my first photography workshop, group event, whatever you call it. It won't be my last, and BCJ will be my first place to look.
Thanks for a fantastic time, keep up the great work, and I hope to cross paths again.