Stand on the edge of the Pacific and see what it has wrought along the Oregon Coast.
Workshop Leader: David Downs
For as long as people have traveled from east to west, the views along the Oregon Coast have inspired poetic and literary gold. Sea stacks stand resolute against a relentless onslaught of water and time. Harbors protect a sea of sailboats, their masts stark against the sometimes laden skies. In each location, there will not be enough time to capture all the images you are inspired to collect.
Join us to capture your best images yet and be inspired for a lifetime.
Workshop dates
May 15, 2024 @ 12:00 PM - May 20, 2024 @ 6:00 AM [ Reserve your spot ]
Location
Southern Oregon Coast, Columbia River Valley
Workshop topics
- Landscape Composition
- Resources to use in planning your photography locations
- Capturing Motion
- Photographing Seascapes
- ICM (Intentional Camera Movement)
- Editing for Drama
Additional workshop details are below (PLEASE READ)
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Health/Exertion/Physical Activity
This workshop rates a level 2-3 on a scale of five. We do not anticipate any lengthy hikes and there are opportunities to take photos from higher locations (roadside, ocean cliff side). Still, there are many more opportunities to capture images closer to the water, which requires climbing up/down some short, steep trails and over rocks. You will also potentially walk through and around water (ankle-high or slightly more). Your physical level will determine your ability to capture the photos you desire. Once you register, you will receive a Medical Treatment Authorization Form, which will allow us to seek any treatment you may need, as well as contact info for anyone who should be notified should you need care.
Location/Lodging information
Lodging (double occupancy) is included for all nights (05/15/24 - 05/20/24). We are working out the final details based on the number of participants, but will likely be staying in Brookings or slightly north of there for most of the workshop utilizing AirBnB, VRBO, or hotel rooms, depending on availability & convenience. The last night will be a hotel on the outskirts of Portland to allow for a very early departure on Monday morning (05/20). The workshop fee includes double occupancy ( separate bed, same-sex). A single supplement is available for an additional $450 if you prefer your own room. Please indicate your request at checkout. If you have a specific person you wish to room with, please let us know by e-mail once you've registered.
Agenda
Pre-Workshop Zoom Session On April 18, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST we will host a group Zoom session to cover information that will help you prepare for the trip. You will receive the registration link by e-mail a few days before the call. Approximately one week before the workshop we will e-mail all registered participants an updated detailed agenda, map, etc.
So that you'll know what to expect, here's our tentative agenda (subject to change):
Day 1 - Wednesday May 15
We will depart the Portland International Airport at 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday, May 15, and head immediately for the coast to capture shoreline images including Thor's Well. After dark we will have dinner and drive to our lodging further south near Brookings, OR.
Day 2 & 3 - Thursday & Friday - May 16 - 17
We will explore various locations along the Sam Boardman coastline including beaches, lighthouses, harbors, bridges and sea stacks. Weather will dictate ideal locations and times.
Day 4 - Saturday May 18
We will begin working our way back north, visiting new locations or revisiting others based on weather changes. and stay the night in or near Florence, OR.
Day 5 - Sunday May 19
We will begin our morning revisiting Thor's Well or other nearby locations before heading back to the Portland area to photograph waterfalls along the Columbia River. We will wrap up the day by staying at a hotel near the airport.
Day 6 - Monday May 20
Departure day! Plan on departing from the hotel no later than 6:00 AM in order to make flights home. Safe journey!
Transportation
Transportation will be provided from Portland Airport on Wednesday May 15th at 12:00 PM until Monday morning at 6:00 AM when all participants will be dropped at the airport for return home.
Recommended photography gear
DSLR Or Mirrorless Camera
Wide angle, Medium telephoto and long telephoto zoom lens – There will be opportunities to use each of these lenses and we will discuss the benefits of each during the pre-workshop Zoom session. However, if you're a gear junkie, bring whatever lenses you might use when going on vacation.
Tripod – Bring a good sturdy tripod. We'll be doing some longer exposures during sunset & sunrise as well as other moments to capture motionand tripod will be necessary. This will also be discussed during our pre-workshop Zoom session.
Remote shutter release – Bring one if you have it. Or, know how to set a 2-second shutter delay for your camera. If you use the timer on your camera instead of a shutter release, make sure you know how to turn off the front timer light or cover it with tape.
Headlamp – You'll need a way to light your feet as you walk around prior to sunrise or after sunset. Learn how to use it. Especially, the night vision (red) feature if it has it.
Filters – We highly recommend both Circular Polarizer (CPL) and Neutral Density (ND) filters for this workshop. We recommend staying away from the variable ND filters due to vignetting and color cast issues in the vast majority of them. Also consider a filter system that allows you to use a single set of filters, such as Kase Wolverine, that allow for magnetic attachment and adapter rings for different size lenses. I carry all I need in one small case that holds 4 adapter rings, a CPL, a 3 stop, 6 stop and 10 stop filter. We'll teach you how to use them!
Camera Backpack – We'll be walking around quite a bit with our gear. We'll give you some guidance as to what to bring on each outing but, we'll be moving pretty quickly and the easier it is for you to move, the better.
Batteries – Bring an extra battery. Also, make sure you have your charger.
Storage – An extra SD or CF card (maybe 2 or 3…)
Lastly, bring a desire to learn and have fun! You’re going to walk away with a great experience and a much better understanding of how to photograph the coastline.
Other recommendations
Bring something to take notes with.
Bring hiking boots and waterproof socks if you have them. Rubber boots may help with keeping feet dry but also do not usually function well from a non-slip standpoint. Waders aren't necessarily required but may help you feel more comfortable reaching a specific location you wish to shoot from.
Consider rain gear for both you AND your camera.
Reserve your spot now!
Important info! We encourage you to create an account when you register so future workshop forms will be prepopulated with your data. Shortly after registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail and a separate email allowing you to pay your registration online. You are not fully registered until your payment is received.
Class size is limited. Reserve now to guarantee a spot.
You may reserve your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $500. The invoice sent after registration will be for the total amount. Near the top left is a link to change the payment amount, and you can enter $500. The balance will be due by Jan 31, 2024, and you will receive a balance-due invoice about a week in advance.
Other than the deposit, all payments are subject to our standard cancellation policy.
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