Join us for 5 days and 4 nights while we chase the Milky Way and incredible light along the majestic Oregon Coast and through the enchanting Redwood Forest National Park.
We’ve listened to the feedback from you all and decided to extend our workshop, allowing us to visit more places and go more in depth in our classroom sessions. This breathtaking coastline is untouched and unlocks some of the most magical landscapes the PNW possesses under the Milky Way. These mystical scenes provide ever-changing conditions that can be moody with the fog rolling in to fiery coastal sunsets to brilliant night skies.
Learn how to take advantage of any condition and go home with not only a memorable adventure, but unique images you will be proud to share!
TRIP DATES
JUNE 08 - 12, 2024
TRIBE SIZE
Limited to an extremely small group size of 8 students with 2 instructors to ensure that everyone receives our attention and to keep compositional possibilities uncluttered
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
All experience levels are welcome
HIKING REQUIREMENTS
This workshop will require moderate hiking (no more than 2 miles) through rocky terrain
ITINERARY
Pre-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
Prior to the start of the workshop, we will hold a zoom classroom session. We will show examples of images from the locations we will be visiting so you know what to expect and how to best compose images using advanced techniques, focus blending and other tips and tricks to make for the best composition. We only get to visit each place once and we want you to be fully prepared so you can get the best images possible while in these iconic places.
Day 1
Our workshop begins at 2:00pm with a meet and greet at our AirBnB. After we go over the agenda and get to know one another, we will grab our gear and head out to explore the incredible Oregon coastline, taking in all the magical and enchanting views while photographing the sunset, blue hour and Milky Way.
Day 2
Classroom session begins directly after an early lunch. You will learn how to stack stars and edit your Milky Way shots. After class, we will pack our camera gear and adventure out to some of the most magnificent rock formations along the coast for some sunset, blue hour and Milky Way fun.
Day 3
After a couple of days exploring the Oregon coastline, the Redwoods are next on our list! There is nothing better than catching the morning fog rolling through the magnificent giant Redwoods. Another classroom session will follow after a morning of chasing light rays through the ancient forest. We will have a quick break before heading back out for sunset, blue hour and Milky Way.
Day 4
Our last full day will start with a late morning classroom session. This classroom session will be dedicated to you editing your favorite images, practicing and implementing the new editing techniques you’ve learned. Both instructors will walk around spending time with each student and answering any questions. Afterwards, we pack up our gear for one last night under the stars together.
Day 5
Wrapping up our amazing week, each individual will receive a 1-on-1, personalized session with each of the instructors. This includes a handful of your favorite photos you’ve taken and allowing us to offer a fresh set of eyes and some powerful constructive feedback.
Optional Add-On Day 1
There is no better way to start the workshop than photographing one of the most iconic gems of the Oregon Coast, Thor’s Well. Capturing those silky smooth water streaks falling into the abyss requires catching this spot at just the right time with just the right conditions, which is exactly when we will be there. We have planned to be at Thor’s Well during peak conditions during sunset and Milky Way to make sure you walk away with incredible images of this famous icon.
Optional Add-On Day 2
We’ll make our way down the coastal highway to one of the most iconic and photogenic lighthouses on the entire West Coast. We will spend the afternoon exploring the lighthouse grounds so you can find your favorite compositions and be ready to capture the incredible lighthouse during golden hour and sunset light. After we snag our sunset shots, we will move down the road to capture this incredible lighthouse nestled in the cliffs with our telephoto lens during twilight. Afterwards, we will continue down the coastal highway to our last stop of the add-on.
Optional Add-On Day 3
The Oregon Coast is full of magnificent rock sea stacks, lighthouses and seascapes and our last location of the add-on has them all! We’ll start our day early with the Milky Way rising over one of the most famous sea stacks on the west coast and continue photographing right through sunrise. After a long night and morning of shooting, we will grab a little rest before packing up our gear and heading back out for sunset.
* We will be chasing conditions and constantly monitoring the weather. The itinerary may change based on what conditions are during the workshop.
Post-Workshop Zoom Classroom Session
We will hold some of our classroom time until after the workshop. Since this workshop is focused on seeing the best and most iconic places the Oregon Coast has to offer, we chose to prioritize locations over classroom sessions during our time together. Following the workshop, we will hold live online classroom sessions answering any questions you may have. These will also be screen recorded for you to be able to finish your images at your leisure.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION AVAILABLE
Oregon Coast Gems
TBA, 2024
(PRICE TBA)
Trace the Oregon coastline to a sea stack littered beach full of reflections, tides and imaginative shapes, a plethora of interesting foreground for a sunset and Milky Way shoot. Continue up the coast to a naturally occuring ocean well, as the tide comes in and the sun starts to set this location is transformed into a mesmerizing scene worthy of capture. Finally ending our trip by photographing a historic lighthouse from two angles giving you two completely different images.
STUDENT IMAGES AND BEHIND THE SCENES FROM PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
Our goal is to leave you feeling confident, motivated and passionate about your photography with a new set of ideas and perspective! We will teach simple and actionable techniques to scout out incredible compositions and the process of how to approach and execute unique photos in any environment or conditions. The classroom portion of this adventure will teach you a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop workflows and methods that will allow you to create some powerful images. We decided to keep the group small and intimate, thus allowing us to focus and give you much more access to the instructors and 1-on-1 attention. Both instructors will always be with the group providing thoughts and real time critique as the light changes from sunset to the enchanting night skies.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Planning your shoots
Scouting and evaluating conditions
Composing an image to grab the viewer’s attention
Composing an image with a person in frame to show scale and tell a story
Utilizing apps, such as PhotoPills, for more efficient planning
Choosing the right lens and filters for the job
How to shoot with a plan or vision for editing
Capturing your image
Histogram - how to read for perfectly exposed images
Exposure control - how to use ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed in different scenarios
Bracketing, Perspective Blending and Focus Stacking
Focusing at night to capture pin sharp stars and foreground
Long Exposure - how to capture blue hour & Milky Way
Stacking for Noise Reduction - how to shoot the proper frames to stack
Bringing the image to life
Lightroom and Photoshop - learn our post-processing workflow
Luminosity Masks
Dodging and Burning
Blue-hour Blends
Star-stacking - how to edit starry night skies with the stacking technique
Understanding layers and masks
Finishing touches using clone stamp and removing distractions
Creating Orton glows and painting with light
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
All Lodging Accommodations
We have reserved lodging for the duration of the workshop. Each student will have their own room.
All Photo Instruction
From the field to the computer, we will cover it all. We will teach you techniques on how to capture a better image and our unique work flow in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Portfolio Feedback
Personalized and honest feedback from a 1-on-1 session with both instructors. We will review your top images and give honest feedback on how to improve in camera shots and personalized editing tips.
MEET THE TEAM
Jess Santos
She calls the desert her home and first love, but she is a wanderer at heart and is constantly on the road to the next adventure.
Her photography is driven by a desire to share the stories of these wild places and her experience through her imagery. She spends sleepless nights chasing the vibrant colors of desert landscapes and the distant glow of the Milky Way.
She is very proud to belong to the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective as a Sony Alpha Brand Ambassador and an official B&H Creator. As well as Slik Tripods, Cokin Filters and F-Stop Camera Bags.
Ryan Oswald
Ryan is a full time travel photographer & digital artist based out of St. Louis, MO, but is constantly on the move. He is often on the road for months at a time exploring the back roads and capturing iconic views.
His love for the outdoors and endless wanderlust has fueled his obsession for photography. Pursuing his passion has led to traveling extensively all across the globe and teaching photography workshops. Whether it’s chasing that perfect light or the Milky Way, Ryan is in his happy place as long as a camera is in hand!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Nearest Major Airport
Portland, OR
Medford Airport is much smaller, but much closer
Meeting Location
Brookings, OR
6 hour drive from Portland Airport
2.5 hour drive from Medford Airport
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Transportation
Flights and car transportation are not included.
Meals/Snacks
Meals will often be on the go as we chase light, you will be responsible for your own food.
Travel Insurance
With any trip/adventure, it is recommended you have travel insurance, especially for medical emergencies.
Cost: $2,699
Deposit: $900 to reserve your spot
Space is limited and filling up quickly on a first come, first serve basis. With three photography instructors present for the duration of the workshop, you will have plenty of opportunity for 1-on-1 instruction to improve the skills you feel you need to work on!
Join Our Tribe and Invest in Your Passion!
* Please read the workshop F.A.Q. section to learn more about cancellation policies or if you have any other questions.