THE PLAYGROUND OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Join photographers Chris Byrne and Gary Randall in 2023 for a scenic photo tour and workshop in the Columbia River Gorge, located on the beautiful West Coast between Oregon and Washington state.
April 26 - 29, 2023 ***SOLD OUT***
Dividing the states of Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River Gorge is a geological wonder and landscape photographer’s paradise. With lush forests and abundant waterfalls breathing life on both sides of the river, the chance to get lost in nature and create beautiful imagery is a daily occurrence. On this 4-day photography workshop in Columbia River Gorge we will be exploring rolling hillsides covered in wildflowers, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic views of Mt. Hood. You will be guided you to some of the best photo spots along the historic Columbia River Highway that is teeming with waterfalls and also have the opportunity to explore some lesser known locations. Our plan for the week will be to shoot sunrise from a scenic vista, from there head out to photograph waterfalls and cap each day with a sunset session. We will also demonstrate post processing techniques and tools in a classroom setting towards the end of the week. The goal of the workshop is to give you the ability to explore, learn, and fine tune your photography skills both in the field as well in post processing development to bring your images to life.
INSTRUCTORS: CHRIS BYRNE & GARY RANDALL
GROUP SIZE: 8 participants
INCLUDED: Expert instruction and in field guiding, classroom post processing sessions. Single occupancy lodging (4 nights) is optional and charged at cost.
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, meals, transportation, camera gear
COST: $2250 (No Lodging) / $2950 (Lodging Included)
DEPOSIT: A 50% deposit is required to secure a spot, with the balance due 90 days prior to workshop.
This workshop is currently SOLD OUT. To be added to the waitlist please click here.
ITINERARY
We will meet the afternoon of Wednesday April 26 in Hood River, Oregon. From there, after our meet and greet we will begin with a sunset session in the Columbia River Gorge and possibly stay out for photographing the Milky Way (depending on each person’s level of jet lag). Each morning we will rise early to shoot sunrise and continue to one of the many many waterfalls in the region and keep shooting until the light is too harsh. Often in the Pacific Northwest there is enough cloud cover to photograph all day long! Midday we will gather for lunch and hold post processing sessions if we aren’t out in the field. Each day will conclude with a sunset shoot. The workshop will end after sunset on Saturday April 29 with a group dinner.
USEFUL INFO / PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
The sun rises at approximately 6 am and sets at 8 pm during this time of the year on the West Coast. Add in driving time to and from locations and this will make for very early mornings and late nights. Temperatures typically reach into the 60’s during the day and as low as the 30’s at night. Be prepared for colder variable weather with wind and rain.
Physical difficulty of this workshop will be moderate with some tough climbing and wet terrain. Waterfalls in the area can have steep and slippery trails with some difficult sections. It is important for participants to be in good physical health and be sure on their feet. Our longest potential hike will be an out and back 4 miles round trip hike with 800 feet of elevation gain.
AIRPORT / ACCOMODATIONS / RENTAL CAR
Participants should fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). We will meet on Wednesday April 26 in Hood River, Oregon, which is approximately an hour drive from the airport. We will be carpooling as much as possible, and a standard mid-size rental car will be sufficient. Lodging will be at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Hood River and is included for those that choose the option for the nights of April 26-29, checking out on April 30.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
A wonderful week chasing light, waterfalls, and taking a photo tour of the lush Pacific Northwest. You’ll be standing in creeks with mist in the air and fresh spring growth bringing the forest to life. Be prepared to get wet! All with the peaceful sounds of running water as our backdrop to creating memorable images. If you can close your eyes and picture yourself in this fairytale paradise then this workshop is for you! Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is the ideal location to take photos from sunrise to sunset and late into the night.
As stated previously there will be early mornings and late evenings but the days are structured to not wear anyone out and get the most enjoyment of the surroundings and scenery. We will always be providing tips in the field to capture images correctly "in camera" with the goal being that part becomes second nature and students can then focus on the creative aspects of landscape and nature photography. Post processing instruction will run the gamut of importing and organizing files into Lightroom to processing images in Lightroom and Photoshop and finally prepping images for the internet or for print to help you turn your photos into art!
FIELD & CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION WILL INCLUDE:
Beautiful photo tour of the scenic Columbia River Gorge located between Washington and Oregon
Creating compelling compositions and storytelling through images
Controlling your camera in manual mode
Understanding and using the Histogram
Finding foregrounds
Filters - when & how to use them and avoiding their pitfalls
How lens selection affects the scene
Technical Tricks: Bracketing, Focus Stacking, Perspective Blending
Understanding and using light
Capturing Difficult Scenes (getting all the pieces in the field to put together in post processing)
Lightroom - importing and organizing
Lightroom development tools
Cleaning up images - cloning tools, warping and stretching, eliminating distractions
Blending images in Photoshop
Dodging and burning
Using layers and masks
Mindful sharpening (depending on the output)
Image Critiques
RECOMMENDED GEAR - CLOTHING, ETC.
Quick dry, lightweight long pants and shirts
Fleece or warm jacket
Shoes that can get wet, muck boots are ideal
Waders
Hat
Sunglasses
Rain coat
Bug Spray
Sun Block
Umbrella
RECOMMENDED CAMERA GEAR, ETC
DSLR & Lenses ranging from wide angle (12mm) to telephoto (300mm). A macro lens will also useful to bring as well.
Camera manual
Memory cards
A very sturdy tripod
Cable Release Trigger
Filters (Circular Polarizing Filter, Graduated ND Filters and Solid ND filters for long exposures)
Lens cloths, rocket blower, etc.
Computer with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Notebook
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Meals and snacks
Airfare
Transportation
Park entrance fees