Olympic National Park Photography Workshop

Name: Olympic National Park Photography Workshop <br>May 13-17, 2026
SKU: 105
Availability: InStock

Olympic National Park offers up a multitude of beautiful landscapes indicative of the Pacific Northwest. During this photography workshop, we may visit the Hoh Rain Forest and its Hall of Mosses as well as the forests found in the Quinault region of the park. We will also photograph the rugged coastline and its awe-inspiring sea stacks which can be found at First, Second, and Third Beaches. Other coastal locations include Ruby and Rialto beaches. Around Lake Crescent, we will explore the inner forested areas in search of cascades and waterfalls. This photography workshop will take advantage of the best the northwest has to offer on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

May 13-17, 2026

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SKU: N/A Category: Photography Workshops Tags: Olympic National Park, Olympic National Park photo workshop, Olympic National Park photography workshop, photo tour

Olympic National Park Highlights

Olympic National Park photo workshop locations include lush rain forests

Temperate Rainforests & Waterfalls

The variety of subjects in the rainforest is unrivaled. Mosses, lichens, mushrooms, and more fill the forests with life and subject matter. We will visit several scenic waterfalls as well.

Olympic National Park in Washington is a great spot for a photography workshop

Small Workshop Group Size

Our photo workshops are kept small and personable. You are sure to get ample time with the instructor over the course of the workshop.

Olympic Peninsula Photo Workshop locations include rocky beaches under the stars

Sunset & Sunrise Seascapes

The rugged coast of the Olympic Peninsula will offer us opportunities to work on movement with water and a focus on using shutter speed and filters for creative control of your images.

Olympic National Park Photo Workshop Information

Pricing Itinerary Topics Pack List About

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Workshop Fee $2295 + $995 Lodging Fee

A $900 deposit is required to reserve your spot with the balance due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. I will book lodging with group rates when possible. Lodging fee will be updated once it is secured.

What’s Included:

4 nights single occupancy lodging (2 nights at Lake Crescent Lodge and 2 nights at Pacific Inn Motel in Forks)
Quality, professional, 1-on-1 photography instruction on par with your level as a photographer.
Small group size of 5 or less.
3 full days and 2 half days of in-field shooting and instruction.
Downtime sessions: image critiques and/or post processing (time allowing).
Snacks throughout the workshop.
A fun, positive, interactive learning environment.
Post-workshop 90 minute Zoom Session for image critique and/or post processing. Additional time may be booked.

What’s Not Included

Getting to the workshop at Lake Crescent is a roughly 3.5 hour drive from SeaTac (SEA) Airport for those flying in. Please note, we’ll move to Forks for the final two nights which is a longer drive back for those needing to catch a flight Sunday afternoon.
Transportation during the workshop. While students need to provide their own transportation during the workshop we will be carpooling as much as possible.
Meals, though the group often eats together throughout the workshop.
Trip Insurance: I highly recommend trip insurance due to unforeseen circumstances that may require your cancellation.

Cancellation Policy

Please view the cancellation policy here.

General Workshop Itinerary

The Olympic National Park photography workshop begins on Wednesday at 4pm near Lake Crescent which is about a 3.5 hour drive from Seattle. We will go over photo tips on settings and composition, logistics, and introductions before heading out to photograph sunset. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will be spent photographing from sunrise until sundown with mid-day breaks due to the long days at this time of year. The workshop wraps after sunrise on Sunday. Our weekend will be spent wandering through forests draped with mosses and lichens, photographing sea stacks along the coast, and venturing to snow melt waterfalls with electric green mosses, and more.

This workshop is organized to take advantage of the best and most interesting locations in Olympic National Park. However, the exact itinerary and places we visit may change depending on the group and weather conditions.

Weather

Olympic National Park in spring can be a mix of just about everything. Certainly we may encounter rain, possibly snow (although unlikely). We may also have clear skies or foggy conditions. The best advice is to prepare for everything and bring layers and extra shoes so you always have a dry pair.

The Olympic National Park Photography Workshop topics include:

• Transforming your artistic vision into memorable photographs
• Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO – their relationship to one another and how to change them for exposure control
• Metering and getting a correct exposure
• Histograms, how to read them, and how to fine-tune exposure
• Creative depth-of-field effects using aperture control
• Capturing motion within your photos using different shutter speeds
• Timing waves to capture crashing spray, water streaks, and sandy reflections
• White balance and creative coloration
• Creating perspective, depth, and a sense of “being there” in your photos
• Creating powerful compositions with impact
• Composing to control your viewer’s attention in your photos
• Composition balance, tension, and visual flow
• How to use filters to capture dramatic light or create long-exposure effects
• Shoot planning and how to be at the right place at the right time
• Aspects of post-processing and digital workflow
• Shoot planning and how to be at the right place at the right time

Camera Gear

• Interchangeable lens camera: either mirror less or DSLR
• Lenses: Wide and ultra-wide angle lenses are highly recommended as are mid-range, medium telephoto, and possibly macro
• A sturdy tripod
• Circular polarizer and neutral density filters
• Rain fly
• Remote shutter release

Recommended clothing

Most participants will be comfortable with a warm jacket, beanie, and gloves for the mornings and evenings, and rain wear (if necessary) throughout the day. For our late night and early morning shoots, we recommend a very warm jacket, hat, and gloves. A wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and a large water bottle will also be indispensable. Waders, rubber boots, or shoes that can get wet and dry quickly are nice to have for the coastal sessions. Hiking boots with good traction are great for the short hikes we will do.

Fitness level

This workshop is appropriate for photographers of most fitness levels. We will walk approximately 2-4 miles over the course of the workshop each day over mostly even terrain. Beaches do have slippery rocks and some trails have minor elevation gain. All participants are expected to be able to carry their own camera, personal gear, and water during the workshop.

Spectacular Locations
My workshops combine the very best scenery we can find along with in-depth knowledge of the areas we’re visiting. From the coast to the mountains to the desert, our workshops visit some of the most breathtaking landscapes you can imagine. And with hundreds of hours spent scouting and shooting in each location, I know the best times to visit, the best things to see, and the best shots to get. Plus I’m constantly adding new and exciting locations to our line-up so you can keep expanding your photographic horizons.

1-on-1 Instruction at Your Level
I take a three-tiered approach to my photography instruction: Philosophy. Theory. Technique. This means that no matter what level of photographer you are, you can expect to walk away from a workshop with your head bursting with ideas about how to refine your vision and find your own style, an understanding of camera techniques and composition concepts to springboard your photography, and the actual “How-To” of nailing a shot in the field. And with my relaxed, casual, 1-on-1 approach, you can soak up just the information YOU need to become a better shooter.

Small Class Size
My workshops insure you get ample one-on-one time, and the small group size also helps build camaraderie. Plus, we can go places big photography tours simply can’t.

A “Go Happy or Go Home” Attitude
I believe photography is as much about enjoyment as it is about scoring a keeper for your portfolio. I strive to create a fun and dynamic environment in which you meet other photographers, learn at your own pace, enjoy the beauty of nature, and have a great time while doing it.

I Never Stop Scouting
I’m never content to rest on my laurels. Before and after every workshop, I am scouting, scouting, scouting. Whether it’s to find new and exciting location to shoot or to provide a different view of the old icons, I strive to show you the absolute best places for photography.

Fully Insured and Permitted, Leave-No-Trace Advocates
My workshops are 100% above board, and I obtain all necessary permissions and insurances.

I am also a strong advocate of Leave No Trace (LNT) wilderness ethics. I teach responsible photography practices and never sacrifice the environment for the sake of a photo. My goal is to leave our photography workshop locations in better shape than how we found them.

More Photos in My Olympic Peninsula Gallery

Your Instructor

Jim Patterson

Jim Patterson has a a vast experience teaching landscape photography and has taught many students along the coast of California teaching seascape photography for over 15 years. Since moving to the PNW in 2015, he has explored Olympic National Park every year and continues to find and add new locations and deepening his understanding and connection to the park.