LEARN SOME THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE, SEE SOME SPECTACULAR SCENERY, HUNT DOWN SOME OBSURE WATERFALLS AND EXPLORE THE FORGOTTEN CORNERS OF THE NORTHWEST!
Photographing waterfalls is not exactly rocket science, but it can be a somewhat tricky art to master. And while learning the basics of your camera can get you part way there, there are certain concepts that aren't nearly as simple to understand and learn on your own. Over nearly 20 years of hunting, photographing and documenting waterfalls and more recently focusing heavily on landscape photography in general, Northwest Waterfall Survey founder Bryan Swan has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the waterfalls in the region and how to approach them from a photographic standpoint.
For the 2010 season, Bryan will be offering one-day photography workshops specializing in Stream and Waterfall Photography. These workshops will be heavily hands-on, take place entirely in the field and will be as open-ended as prudently allowed. While the general idea behind this is to help you become a better photographer, this also will provide you with an opportunity to explore some of the often overlooked nooks and crannies in the Pacific Northwest, see some spectauclar scenery and marvel at the power and beauty of nature.
Workshops will take place in the field where we will visit anywhere from 5-10 waterfalls (depending on the location of each workshop and the weather) and discuss techniques related to lighting, composition, exposure and how to shoot around physical limitations in the terrain and scenery. Any questions you have in the field, Bryan is there to answer them for you first and foremost.
Schedule:
Sun. May 16th, 2010 |
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Workshop - FULL
Experience the epitomal haven for waterfall hunters in the Pacific Northwest as we visit the famous Columbia River Gorge during the height of the spring melt. We will spend the day visiting a few of the more well known waterfalls, but will focus a substantial amount of time visiting several off-the-beaten-path locations on both the Washington and Oregon sides of the Columbia River. This workshop will occupy the ENTIRE day, so be both prepared and capable of being out from morning until sunset.
Locations we may visit this outing (subject to change due to conditions):
- Sheppards Dell Falls (short stop)
- Multnomah Falls (short stop)
- Wahclella Falls / Tanner Creek Canyon
- Eagle Creek / Metlako Falls / Ruckel Creek Falls
- Gorton Creek Falls / Emerald Falls / Harphan Creek
- Panther Creek Falls (Washington)
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Sat. June 19th, 2010 |
North Cascades / Mountain Loop Highway Waterfalls Workshop - FULL
Washington's Mountain Loop Highway is well known by the local hiking enthusiasts as a wonderland offering easy access to jagged peaks and dozens of gorgeous lakes. It also boasts numerous waterfalls. We will spend the day driving the loop starting in Arlington, passing majestic Whitehorse Mountain, then head south from Darrington to Barlow Pass, past the mining district of Monte Cristo and the looming face of Big Four Mountain, and finish up with a hike to scenic Lake Twentytwo.
Locations we may visit this outing (subject to change due to conditions):
- Feature Show Falls / Boulder River Trail
- Asbestos Creek Falls
- Lower Chocwich Falls
- North Fork Falls (Sauk River)
- Big Four Picnic Area for Lunch, Rucker Falls / Big Four Falls
- Mossy Rock Falls / Humpback Falls / Confusion Falls / Hundred Step Falls / Apron Falls / Lake Twentytwo Hike
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Sat. July 3rd, 2010 |
Foss River Waterfalls Photo-Tour Adventure- 4 slots remaining
The Foss Lakes basin harbors the largest lakes found in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It also harbors a handful of the largest waterfalls in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Not only will we see some of the most spectacular water features running at their mightiest, but we will also visit a rarely-accessed lake and have an opportunity to photograph waterfalls of all shapes and sizes. This outing is not for everyone. We will be hiking about 9 miles (round trip) in the day, including fording large streams, climbing up rock walls (non-technical climbing) and smashing through thick brush, much of which will be done without the aid of an official trail. Your reward, however, will be seeing some of the absolute best waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. This outing will ONLY proceed if the signup is full 2 weeks prior to the date of the outing.
If you are not capable of hiking 9 miles, this trip is not for you.
Locations we may visit this outing:
- Upper Copper Falls
- Middle Copper Falls
- Lower Copper Falls
- Lower Foss River Falls
- Upper Foss River Falls
- Angeline Falls / Big Heart Falls / Otter Lake Falls / Delta Lake
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Sat. July 10th, 2010
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North Cascades National Park Waterfalls Workshop - 2 slots remaining
Washington's North Cascades are among the most impressive mountains in the United States. They also happen to hemmorage waterfalls left and right. We'll spend the majority of the day along the Skagit Gorge / Ross Lake corridor and head towards either Cascade Pass or Baker Lake as time and weather permit. There will be several short hikes during this workshop, some of which may be steep and strenuous, but hiking distances longer than half of a mile should be limited to a bare minimum.
Locations we may visit this outing:
- Ladder Creek Falls
- Gorge Creek Falls
- Ketchum Creek Falls
- Cedar Hollow Falls / Happy Creek
- Stetattle Creek (if conditions permit)
- Granite Gorge Falls
- Lazy Bear Falls
- Olson Creek Falls
- Upper / Lower Sulphur Creek Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls (Mount Baker)
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Sat. August 14th, 2010 |
Mount Rainier National Park Waterfalls Workshop - 5 slots remaining
Washington State's preeminent National Park harbors a higher density of waterfalls than any other region of similar size in the Northwest. Combined with the largest single-mountain glacial system in the US outside of Alaska, the extensive volcanic history of the region has produced literally hundreds of waterfalls, many of which are among the most photogenic in the state. We will be focusing on only a handful of these, however, many of which are not destinations commonly sought out by the average visitor.
Locations we may visit this outing:
- Goat Falls
- Deer Creek Falls
- Chinook Creek Falls
- Chinook Cascades
- Stafford Falls
- Thunder Falls
- Summit Creek Falls
- Grant Purcell Falls
- Falls Creek Falls
- Martha Falls
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September 2010, Date and location to be announced |
Location TBD - 5 slots remaining |
Cost and Availability:
All 2010 workshops will cost only $150 per person. A 50% deposit is required to hold a position. You may cancel your registration any time up until 2 weeks prior to the day of the workshop and recieve a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations with less than 2 weeks notice are non-refundable. Positions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. When a position is cancelled, the next person in line will be offered the empty slot. Accepted methods of payment: Cash, Check or Paypal
Enough with the details, sign me up!
(Please specify in the Subject which Workshop you would like to attend)
What you will need to bring:
- Your Camera, an SLR is highly recommended, but a high-end point and shoot will function as well (as long as it allows control over the aperture and shutter speed; look for "AV", "TV", and "M" options on the dial on the camera). A Tripod is essential, any Extra Lenses you have that you would like to use in a classroom environment, Filters, Memory Cards, Batteries, etc.
- Good, sturdy footwear that you won't mind getting dirty or wet. Waterproof boots are a good idea, sandals can function just as well. Tennis shoes are not recommended.
- Raingear. Plan for the worst possible weather, this is the Pacific Northwest after all.
- Food / Snacks. We will be out all day, so pack yourself a lunch.
- Water. We will be hiking wherever the workshops are held (locations vary), you will need to stay hydrated.
What is not provided:
- Transportation to the meetup point. You are responsible for getting yourself to the designated meeting location on the morning of the Workshop. We will consolidate and carpool from there (for classes with more than 3 people, a second driver may be asked to shuttle additional participants who wish to carpool or you are welcome to follow alone in your own car.
- Food. Gotta bring your own.
- Photography Equipment of any sort. You are expected to have your own camera, lenses, tripod, memory cards and anything else relevant. You are welcome to bring anything you find relevant as long as you are willing to haul it. If you don't want to leave it in the car at a trailhead, don't bring it (some locations that we will visit have been known in the past to harbor vandals and thievery).
If you have any questions about the workshops, don't hesitate to ask.
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