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Adventure and variety are in store for this crew! The Olympic coastline has the most awe-inspiring Sea Stacks I’ve ever seen. Rising out of the surf like giant monoliths, there is no questioning why this is one of the most photogenic environments on Earth.
When you’re done playing around the Sea Stacks, we’ll travel to the interior to visit one of several rainforests, including the Hoh Rainforest and its famous Hall of Moses where giant trees and abundant wildlife await. We will also visit Quinalt Rainforest which is one of my favorites. The trail system through there is full of old growth trees dripping with moss right beside a beautiful stream and a picturesque waterfall. The last time I was in there a pigmy owl landed right in front of me. This is also the home of the gorgeous Quinalt Lake which is usually covered in fog early in the am and if you’re lucky you may just catch a glimpse of the occasional Elk that wonder down for a morning visit.
During our trip to the beautiful waterfront we will visit Second beach, along with Ruby and Rialto Beaches where the beaches are just full of sea polished stones of all varieties. The sound they make as the water retreats over them is just heavenly. They also make for beautiful leading lines in the surf during Sunset. Along our route, we will also visit Lake Crescent and several classic waterfalls that are not to be missed! If you looking for a well-rounded trip to see it all, this one is definitely for you!
Overview
Adventure and variety are the heart of this experience. The Olympic coastline features some of the most awe-inspiring sea stacks anywhere in the world—massive monoliths rising straight out of the surf, creating an environment that feels wild, remote, and endlessly photogenic. These rugged formations provide incredible opportunities for long exposure photography, powerful foreground elements, and dramatic compositions as waves crash and retreat through the tide zone.
After exploring the coastline, we’ll head into the lush interior of the Olympic Peninsula to photograph some of the most iconic temperate rainforests in the United States. Locations may include the legendary Hoh Rainforest, home to the famous Hall of Mosses, where ancient trees tower overhead and the forest floor is alive with vibrant greens and surreal textures.
We’ll also spend time in the stunning Quinault Rainforest, one of the true hidden gems of the park. This mossy old-growth wonderland features beautiful trail systems, winding streams, and picturesque waterfalls—perfect for practicing long exposures and learning how to create depth and flow in your rainforest images. Wildlife sightings are common here as well, and it’s not unusual to encounter birds of prey or even elk in the mist.
Along the coast, we’ll photograph iconic beaches including Second Beach, Ruby Beach, and Rialto Beach, each offering its own dramatic scenery. These shorelines are filled with sea-polished stones, driftwood, and leading lines that create unforgettable foregrounds during sunset and blue hour. The sound of the surf rolling over the stones is just as memorable as the views themselves.
As we continue our journey, we’ll also visit breathtaking locations such as Lake Crescent and several classic Olympic waterfalls that are must-photograph stops for any landscape photographer.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded Olympic National Park photography workshop that combines coastal drama, rainforest magic, waterfalls, and mountain lake scenery, this trip offers an unforgettable experience and a portfolio’s worth of incredible photographic opportunities.
Itinerary
Day 1 (1/2 day)
Meet in Forks, WA. Check in is 3pm. We will hit a local Beach for our Sunset Photoshoot
Day 2
We will wake up early to head over to the Hoh Rainforest where we will explore the Hall of Mosses and other key locations. Our Sunset Session will be at Rialto Beach.
Day 3
Our Sunrise Session will continue on some key trails in the Hoh Rainforest, followed by an afternoon Session exploring the Queets River Rainforest. Our Sunset Session will be at Ruby Beach.
Day 4
Get up early and head over to the Quinalt Rainforest to explore the many amazing trails there. Our Sunset Session will be at 2nd Beach.
Day 5
Get up early again! We will start our morning over at Sol Duc Falls, followed by several other key trails and waterfalls. Our afternoon and Sunset Sessions will be at Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach.
Day 6 (1/2 day)
Sunrise Waterfall or Rainforest Session. Workshop Adjournment and Check Out at 11am
TERRAIN
Beaches, Maritime Forest, Trails, Sand. Hiking Boots, Trail Shoes, and Water Shoes are recommended.
ACTIVITY
Easy to Moderate trail walking up to 1.5 miles
EXPERIENCE
Aspiring to Advanced. Cell Phones are welcome
GROUP SIZE
6-7 Participants
TEMPERATURES
50-75 degrees. Waterproof/Breathable Outerwear is recommended. Zip off Trail pants work well
HUMIDITY
60-70%
NEAREST AIRPORT
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
PACK LIST
Click HERE to view the Packlist
Topics we will cover
Learn how to create powerful compositions and bring your artistic vision to life
Visualizing your composition, capturing and guiding the viewer
The use of Neutral Density and ND Graduated filters to enhance and control light.
How to identify and control: Balance and visual flow
The use of filters to enhance and control light. How to “see” light
Histograms, how to read them, and why they play an important role
Focus Stacking for extreme front and back focus
How to use lens compression and when to use it.
How to blend focal lengths and exposures to maximize Dynamic Range
How to create beautiful Long Exposures to unveil a hidden visual world of intrigue and wonder
Photographing the night sky: Stars, Milky Way, Star Trails, and Time Lapse Photography
Light Painting in the Twilight and Night Landscape
Image Critique and Visual Experience
Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, including third party softwares
How to research potential shoot locations
How to read the weather
What’s Included
Photography guidance with Landscape Photographer Tommy White
Lightroom and Photoshop training
3rd party programs like TK Actions, Luminar, and Nik
5 Full days of Photography and field Instruction on the coast of the Olympic National Park
One on One field guidance in framing, settings, composition, visual flow, and how to “see” your shot in the landscape.
GPS field guidance to track our shoot locations
Drinks and Snacks are provided during Workshop
Identifying important subjects both near and far
Capturing textures, shapes, and patterns
Visual interpretation of the landscape. How to “see” and use the light
Guidance and safety throughout the entire trip
Limited field equipment and accessories
What’s not included
Participants should plan to provide their own transportation. Carpooling will be available at your own discretion
Flight
Meals during the trip. I will always have drinks and snacks on hand, but plan to travel with your own favorites as well.
Lodging - We will provide information for you on Lodging upon registration.
Park and admission fees. We are fully permitted in State and National Parks, but occasionally there are other fees per individual.
Alcoholic beverages
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
Personal Items
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your booking, the Deposit is nonrefundable on all Seasonal and Group Photography Workshops. If the cancellation is less than 90 days, you will receive a full refund minus the deposit and 15% admin fee when your spot is filled. If the cancellation is more than 90 days, you will receive a full refund when your spot is filled, or, you may move to another available workshop (minus a 15% admin fee) in the current calendar year. The remaining balance on the new Workshop is due upon transfer.
If you are booked for a Private Workshop and you need to cancel, you may reschedule your workshop one time within the current calendar year during an available time.