ABOUT THE OREGON COAST PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Join Us for an Unforgettable and Intensive Photography Experience on the Oregon Coast!
Move beyond simply capturing a landscape and learn to truly see it. Our Oregon Coast photography workshop, led by Andy Cook, is a comprehensive exploration designed for photographers eager to develop a deeper, more artistic connection with their subjects. Instead of rushing from one spot to the next, we will focus our time on two of the most dramatic and photogenic areas of the Oregon Coast.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION
Through multiple sessions at each location, you will have the time to expand your vision and capture a wide variety of images. Learn to work with the changing light, tides, and weather, and discover the hidden compositions that reveal themselves on subsequent visits.
TECHNICAL MASTERY
Master the special techniques required to capture breathtaking ocean panoramas and the full dynamic range of a scene. We will teach you how to use Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) for stunning sunsets. The field techniques we teach are designed to yield successful results with minimal post-processing effort.
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Under the focused guidance of workshop leader Andy Cook, you'll develop your personal style and creative voice. Andy's greatest contribution is his one-on-one assistance in the field—helping you with technical questions and refining compositions. By removing the burden of the mechanical “how-to” of photography, he enables you to channel your full creative energy into artistic vision. With this renewed focus, you'll gain confidence in essential skills like incorporating foreground elements and capturing the dramatic light of the Oregon Coast. We also dedicate time to addressing participants' post-processing questions.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026:
4:30 PM: Workshop begins with introductions and a meeting in the hotel conference room.
6:30 PM: Depart for our first photography session.
LODGING: Sunset Motel, 1865 Beach Loop Drive, Bandon, Oregon. 800-842-2407
Check-in: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Check-out: Thursday, August 13, 2026
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026:
MORNING: Sunrise photography session on Bandon Beach.
MIDDAY: Check out and relocate to Gold Beach, Oregon. This small town has many hotels to choose from, please find one that makes you comfortable.
INSTRUCTOR'S LODGING: Sure Stay Plus by Bestwestern, 29232 Ellensburg Ave, Gold Beach, Oregon, 97444. 541-247-7066
Check-in: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Check-out: Saturday, August 15, 2026
EVENING: Evening photography session capturing the rugged coastline in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026:
MORNING: Workshop concludes after sunrise photography session.
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING: Capture the magic of Oregon's coastal sunrise starting from civil twilight. We'll stay through sunrise to ensure you capture the best light. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day.
MIDDAY: We dedicate several hours to in-depth Photoshop sessions with personalized instruction. With your laptop and the software installed, you'll receive one-on-one guidance to bring out the best in your images, helping you finalize your favorite shots from the field.
EVENING: Each late afternoon, we gather for a delicious dinner at local restaurants, fostering camaraderie among participants. Afterward, we embark on evening photography sessions, capturing the Oregon coast in its golden hour splendor.
Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced photographer seeking new inspirations, our Oregon Coast photography workshop promises an unforgettable experience. Join us and discover the magic of capturing the Oregon Coast through your lens.
Book your spot today and elevate your photography amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Oregon Coast.
→ Click here to REGISTER for the Oregon Coast Workshop
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WORKSHOP DETAILS
EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced photographers.
SMALL GROUP SIZE: Maximum number of participants is 8. Enjoy a supportive and collaborative environment with like-minded photographers.
EFFORT LEVEL: Moderate - The first two days involve climbing stairs to access Bandon Beach and walking along the shoreline. The final two days include ¼-mile hikes (each way) on primitive, sloped, and uneven trails, with some challenging sections and exposure to heights.
CONDITIONS: Prepare for cool temperatures and moisture. Bring a winter coat to stay warm and comfortable during our Oregon Coast photography workshop.
GETTING TO THE WORKSHOP
AIR TRAVEL: Most people flying to Oregon for this workshop will find flying into Portland to be the best choice, others will find flying to Eugene to be preferable.
Driving time from Gold Beach to Portland, OR is 6 hours.
Driving time from Gold Beach to Eugene, OR is 3 hrs and 45 min.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: Expect mostly paved roads throughout the workshop. While traveling to photography locations, we encourage carpooling among participants to minimize our impact and foster camaraderie. A standard rental car will be sufficient for this trip.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
FOR OREGON COAST:
LENS RANGE: Bring lenses that cover a focal length range of at least 16mm to 200mm (full-frame equivalent) to capture a wide variety of landscapes and seascapes. If you're using a crop-sensor camera (APS-C or Micro Four Thirds), be sure to account for the crop factor to ensure you have a wide enough lens—for example, a 10-12mm lens on APS-C or a 7-8mm lens on Micro Four Thirds.
POLARIZING FILTER: Essential for reducing glare and enhancing colors in your coastal shots.
NEUTRAL DENSITY FILTERS: Bring both 6-stop and 10-stop solid neutral density filters to create long exposures that smooth water, streak clouds, and convey a sense of motion and atmosphere in your images. Variable ND filters are not recommended, as they can introduce image quality issues such as softness or uneven darkening (X-patterns), particularly at wide angles or higher densities.
CLOTHING and FOOTWEAR: When photographing tidal pools, and beaches, wear sandals that secure to the foot or Teva-style shoes designed to get wet. Neoprene socks can help prevent blisters. Andy typically wears a winter jacket, hat, shorts, and Tevas on the beach. In summer, the water is chilly, so knee-high rubber boots are preferred by many, but they always seem to flood. Supportive hiking boots are essential for the last two days of the workshop.
