Join Ted Gore and TJ Thorne on a five day journey through three of Oregon's Seven Wonders: Crater Lake National Park, Smith Rock State Park, and the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

All within a several hour drive of each other, the diversity and accessibility of Oregon's landscape will be the showcase of this workshop as we explore three very different locations. From the vast blueness of Crater Lake, to the unique rock formations of Smith Rock, to the waterfalls and lush autumn foliage of the Columbia River Gorge, we will have many opportunities to click the shutter, learn new techniques, and grow together as both photographers and people.

This workshop is designed for people who want to get bang for their buck. There are few places in the United States where one can photograph such diversity in a short amount of time. We will cover many in-field and post-processing techniques: exposing and blending for dynamic range, focus stacking, shutter speed blends, dodging and burning, creative touches and lots more tips and tricks that will help take your photography to the next level. Photographers of all levels are invited, but basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, including luminosity masking, is suggested.

I invite you to join us on this trip that is sure to be a blast. We'd be honored to help you grow your photographic skills and show you some of the reasons we are so in love with Oregon.

Crater Lake National Park - Day 1 and 2

Enjoy a day of exploring, relaxing, and photographing both a sunset and sunrise at Oregon's only National Park.

In October of 2014 TJ was  selected as one of four the artist-in-residence that resided in the park for two weeks. This has given him not only great knowledge about specific shooting locations, but also a profound appreciation of the park.

At 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest in the world. Due to the fact that the lake is fed only by snowmelt and precipitation, the water is some of the purest you will will ever see. The stunning color of the lake, along with the vastness of it's size (5 miles by 6 miles wide!) and the subalpine environment provide countless photographic opportunities.

The Klamath tribe have long regarded it as a spiritual site and upon experiencing it, we are sure you will see why.

Suggested lodging: Union Creek Resort

Smith Rock State Park - Day 2 and 3

The 600 foot cliffs of Smith Rock State Park seemingly rise up out of nowhere in the high desert outside of Bend, OR. The volcanic formations carved out by the Crooked River set the stage for a sunset shot on day 2 and a sunrise shot on day 3.

Also considered a world class climbing and hiking destination, the park provides numerous vantages for compelling photos. We will spend the day scouting these locations and planning our shots while soaking in the view and breathing in the sagebrush and juniper scented air. A mid-day lunch and post-processing session is planned in the nearby town of Terrebone.

Suggested Lodging: Sleep Inn and Suites, Redmond

Columbia River Gorge - Day 3-5

The last leg of our trip will be spent in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and surrounding area. 

Formed by the great Missoula Floods over 13,000 years ago, the Columbia River Gorge is known for it's it's moss and lichen covered surfaces, countless waterfalls, and accessibility. It's one of my favorite places in Oregon and truly feels like a scene from a fairytale. 

These last days will be action packed with many locations visited each day. The town of Cascade Locks will be our home base for lodging, lunch, and post-processing instruction.

Suggested Lodging: Best Western; Cascade Locks or Bridge of the Gods Motel

What's Included/Not Included

Included

• Guidance to some of the best shooting vantages at many diverse locations.

• In-field instruction on capture technique, composition, capturing smooth water flow, compensating for high dynamic range, focus stacking, shutter speed blending among other techniques.

• Processing instruction including everything such as raw processing, blending exposures using luminosity masks, focus stacking, the orton effect, artistic finishing touches in photoshop, and preparation and sharpening for web and print.

• Plenty of intimate instruction and individual attention due to the low group size.

• Personal and artistic growth.

• Fun and adventure!

Not Included

• Transportation

• Lodging

• Meals and snacks: We will take a break each day for lunch and also meet up again for dinner on some nights. Please plan your breakfast for before our meetup time.

SAFETY

While adventure and great photos are our main goal, your safety is a priority along with treating the land we travel on with respect, practicing "leave no trace" ethics. TJ and Ted are seasoned backcountry travelers, CPR/First Aid certified, licensed, permitted, and insured.

In order for participants to have a comfortable experience where they can concentrate on the photography, it is highly advised that you be physically able to hike comfortably for 4 miles in a day, have proper attire consisting of non-cotton outdoor dedicated clothing, wet weather gear (poncho/rain jacket), some type of water shoes or waders, and equipment for keeping your camera gear protected from wet conditions. Temperatures may range from 30°F (-1°C) to 60°F (15°C)  and proper clothing for that range is recommended. 

A lot of the hikes we will do may be considered 'strenuous' by novice hikers. Be prepared to get a lot of exercise and to spend most of the day in the elements.

What to Bring

• Your Camera. You can choose to use any camera you like, but a digital camera with full manual control and interchangeable lenses is highly recommended and will give you the best experience. It is advised that you fully understand how to operate your camera.

• Lenses. There are opportunities on this workshop to use any focal length possible, so bring all that you can. Most of the time we will be focusing on wide angle images, so a wide angle lens is highly recommended.

• Tripod. Because of the shaded and often low light conditions, and the desire to shoot longer exposures for smooth water flow, a tripod is an absolute necessity for the sharpest photos.

• Filters. Generally all that you will need to use is a polarizer and neutral density filters, although it is possible to get great shots without either.

• Other gear. Several batteries, plenty of memory, a remote trigger, lens cleaning supplies (we highly recommend Kimwipes).

• Clothing & shoes. Weather conditions in Oregon area can vary, so be prepared to adapt with insulating layers! A good rain jacket, or at least a poncho, is advisable. Bring shoes that you are comfortable getting wet; dedicated water shoes are ideal. Chest/hip waders can be very useful as well, as some of the streams we'll visit can be very cold. Neoprene socks would also work, but are not as effective. Waders can be also be rented.

• Snacks and hydration. Maintaining energy and hydration is very important when out in the wilderness. Energy bars, nuts, seeds, and water are recommended. While we will not be in very remote places, we would rather that our time be spent photographing instead of making unnecessary stops. There is a well stocked grocery store across the street from the hotel.

• Willingness to learn and discover.

Payment and Terms

Cost of the workshop is $1595.

A deposit of $595 will be required upon sign up. Balance is due 45 days prior to the date of the workshop. Cancellations that occur 90-45 days before the date of the workshop will forfeit deposit. Cancellations that occur within 45 days of the workshop will forfeit their full payment. If your spot can be filled, you will receive a full refund after the workshop has taken place. Payment can be arranged through PayPal.

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