I have attended both the Barlow/Ritter Fine Focus Workshops and Michael Smith's Vision & Technique workshop in Buck's County, PA. They are very different.

Michael Smith's is very much an observation workshop with very little time for actual making of photographs.

The Fine Focus Workshops are primarily field workshops. Bruce and Richard will teach, answer questions, look at your ground glass, review LF issues, etc., but with an emphasis on making photographs. I've attended at least 5 Fine Focus Workshops, including one where it rained nearly the entire weekend and always have fun while learning new stuff and making new friends. Bruce and Richard sort of tailor the workshop to the needs of the participants. If you've never used a LF camera, they will teach you how to "focus on the far and tilt for the near," etc.

Both the Fine Focus and Michael Smith's workshops are very worthwhile and highly recommended. If you attend either, be sure to bring a selection of prints for the print reviews.