Southern Oregon Coast & Northern California Redwoods Photo Workshop

Dates: May 17-22, 2026
Fee: $1,695 ($500 deposit, balance due by January 2026)

Limit: 6 participants

Bandon, OR &
Cescent City, CA

Fee

$1,695

Dates

May 17-22, 2026

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

Location Images

View Gallery

The southern Oregon Coast and Northern California Redwoods are a paradise for photographers seeking drama, mystery, and variety. Along the coast, the Pacific Ocean meets rugged headlands, while sculpted sea stacks rise from the surf like ancient guardians. Some mornings the shoreline is wrapped in mist; on others, waves crash under fiery skies. Working with a range of exposures will let you capture everything from silky, ethereal water to dramatic, frozen motion, while creative approaches open the door to dabbling in abstractions and more interpretive imagery.

Just inland, the world transforms. The redwoods soar hundreds of feet overhead, creating an awe-inspiring cathedral of trees. Shafts of light filter through the canopy, especially when morning fog drifts between the trunks. Beneath, the forest is lush green, with carpets of ferns. In the spring, rhododendron blooms add vibrant color as well. From sweeping perspectives that emphasize scale to intimate woodland vignettes, the photographic possibilities are endless.

This 6-day, 5-night workshop is designed to immerse you in these extraordinary environments. With a flexible approach guided by weather and light, we’ll explore everything from dynamic seascapes to quiet forest details. Each day will bring opportunities to make images that move beyond pretty pictures, helping you refine your vision and tell more compelling stories with your photography.

With a group limited to 6 participants, you’ll receive plenty of individual attention in the field. The focus will always be on expanding your creativity, strengthening technical skills, and returning home with a portfolio of images you’re truly excited to share.

Who Should Join

This workshop welcomes all levels of photographers, from beginner to advanced.

Whether you’re drawn to the raw power of the Pacific or the quiet majesty of the redwoods, this workshop will help you see these landscapes with fresh eyes, expand your skills, and return home with a portfolio of images that reflects your personal vision.

Learning & Growth

Throughout the workshop, you’ll learn to see the world through a more intentional, creative lens, enhancing your vision to craft images that tell a story. You’ll explore how light, composition, and perspective can transform a scene into something compelling and unique. With a small group of just six participants, you’ll receive personalized guidance in the field, helping you bring your artistic vision to life and create photographs that communicate your personal connection to the landscape.

This workshop is offered in collaboration with the Cascade Center of Photography.

Activity level - Easy to Moderate

Moderate hiking (usually no more than 2 miles) will be required on sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and forest trails. Participants should be able to walk unassisted during field sessions, carrying their photography gear.

ITINERARY

This itinerary is subject to changes based on weather conditions. We will be out early and late to take advantage of the best light.

Day 1 – Arrival in Bandon
We’ll meet in Bandon, Oregon, get settled, and gather for an orientation followed by a group dinner where we’ll discuss the plan for the coming days and prepare for our first sunrise session.

Days 2 & 3 – Southern Oregon Coast
Being so close to the coast gives us easy access to photograph iconic sea stacks at sunrise and sunset, explore tidepools and hidden coves, and experiment with long exposures that capture the movement of waves. Shifting conditions like mist, storm light, or glowing twilight will guide us in making creative choices that bring each scene to life. Between our morning and evening sessions, we’ll review images, discuss composition and technique, and recharge for the next shoot.

Day 4 – Transition to Brookings
After a final morning session near Bandon, we’ll begin our scenic drive south along the coast toward Brookings. This move positions us close to the California redwoods while still giving us access to some of the most beautiful beaches along the southern Oregon coast. Along the way we may stop to photograph interesting coastal scenes if conditions are favorable. After settling in, we’ll head out for an evening session along the shoreline, looking for dramatic sea stacks, moving water, and the soft colors of sunset light.

Day 5 – Northern California Redwoods and Southern Oregon Beach
We’ll spend a full morning immersed in the quiet majesty of the redwoods. Early mornings may reward us with fog and shafts of light filtering through the canopy, while the lush understory of ferns and spring rhododendrons provides intimate scenes and vibrant color. We’ll balance capturing the towering scale of the trees with finding smaller details that often go unnoticed. In the evening, we’ll return to the coast and choose a beach with sea stacks to photograph sunset, positioning ourselves to capture the changing light as it reflects off the ocean and silhouettes the rugged offshore formations.

Day 6 – Final Morning in the Redwoods
On our last morning together, we’ll return to the forest for one final session, refining compositions and seeking out fresh perspectives before concluding the workshop.

Itinerary Includes:

Expert guidance at the best photographic opportunities along the southern Oregon Coast & in the Redwoods.
Personalized In-field instruction covering composition, technical skills, and creative approaches.
Image reviews during workshop
Detailed document to help you prepare for the workshop
Post workshop zoom session.

Itinerary Does Not Include:

Lodging (group hotel blocks provided)
Meals, snacks and drinks
Transportation throughout; we encourage carpooling
Travel insurance - www.insuremytrip.com
Incidentals