Exploring the Oregon Coast
Information

Where does the workshop take place?

We’ll be exploring the southern Oregon coast – based in Bandon the first two days, and then in Brookings for the remainder of the workshop. We won’t know the exact field destinations for our field sessions until assessing the conditions immediately prior to the workshop, but possible locations include Bandon Beach, Shore Acres, and Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.

When does the workshop begin and end?

The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 4th, at our classroom space in Bandon, followed by our first field session Friday afternoon. Saturday through Tuesday we’ll go from sunrise to sunset, with breaks, classroom sessions, and image-reviews sessions during the middle of the day. The workshop ends after our sunset field session on Tuesday, November 8th.

Transportation

Participants must provide their own transportation to and from southern Oregon, and between Bandon and Brookings when we change our base of operations during the workshop. The nearest airport to Bandon is the Southern Oregon Coast Regional Airport in North Bend (airport code is OTH); it’s about 45 minutes north of Bandon. The Eugene airport (EUG) is about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the Portland airport (PDX) is about 4 hours and 30 minutes. The closest airport to Brookings is in Crescent City, California (CEC), which is about 35 minutes away (this small airport probably only has one commercial flight per day). During the workshop we’ll carpool to our field locations – we’ll discuss these arrangements at the introductory session.

Equipment

Whatever camera you normally use will probably be just fine. A digital SLR or advanced mirrorless camera is ideal. You’ll want to have a selection of lenses from wide angle to short telephoto (or zooms that cover that range). A sturdy tripod is a must, and for this workshop you’ll also need neutral-density filters. We’ll send you a complete list of things to bring prior to the workshop.

Experience

This workshop is suitable for intermediate and advanced photographers. You should have a good understanding of technical fundamentals like exposure, shutter speed, aperture, and depth of field.

Hiking

Hikes will be relatively short, but sometimes very steep, with up to a 400-foot elevation gain on the way back. Also, getting to our photo locations may require climbing over steep, rough, rocky, uneven terrain, clambering over unsteady driftwood logs, or descending steep, muddy, slippery trails. You’ll need to be in good physical condition, and be sure-footed and mobile enough to ascend and (especially) descend steep, muddy, slippery trails, and clamber over rolling, unstable driftwood logs – and do so safely, without falling. Also, some of the best photo locations on this rugged coast are perched atop high cliffs that plunge directly into the ocean, with no railing. The footing in those spots is secure (we would never bring people to a location we consider dangerous), but if you’re particularly sensitive to heights you might not enjoy this workshop. We’d love to have you join us, but we also want to make sure you’re safe and have a good time! If you have any questions about any of this, please email Michael.

Lodging

We’ve reserved rooms in Bandon and Brookings for this workshop, and six nights lodging is included in the workshop tuition – starting on Thursday night, November 3rd in Bandon for three nights, then moving to Brookings on Sunday, November 6th for three nights.

Meals

There are good restaurants in both Bandon and Brookings. On most days you don’t need to pack a lunch, as we’ll be close to restaurants or markets during the middle of the day. Meals are not included in the workshop tuition.

COVID Considerations

We want to make this workshop as safe as possible for all participants. Since the COVID-19 pandemic situation is constantly evolving, our procedures and requirements may change as well. We will, of course, follow CDC guidelines, as well as state and local requirements. We may also institute additional measures to ensure everyone’s safety, including proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test, masks while indoors, avoiding carpools (meaning everyone will have to drive their own vehicle to field locations), and conducting classroom sessions via Zoom.

Deposit

A $1000 deposit reserves your space in the workshop. The balance is due 60 days before the workshop (don’t worry, we’ll remind you!).

Cancellation

We know this workshop will surpass your expectations and help move your photography to a new level, but should you need to cancel for any reason we will refund your tuition (or deposit) in full up to 45 days prior to the start of the workshop. Should you need to cancel within 30 to 44 days we will refund your tuition less a $150.00 cancellation fee. Refunds are not available less than 30 days prior to the workshop unless we can fill the vacancy, in which case you’ll be charged a $150 cancellation fee. If you do need to cancel we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can alert people on the waiting list.

In the rare event that we need to cancel this workshop because of lack of enrollment or an unforeseen event you will receive a complete refund or credit toward a future workshop. We recommend that you avoid purchasing non-refundable airline tickets, and consider getting trip cancellation insurance.

This workshop is full!
Please email us to sign up for the waiting list.