Oregon Coast Photography Workshop

Name: Oregon Coast Photography Workshop September 14-18, 2026
SKU: 214
Availability: OutOfStock

Workshop Dates

September 14-18, 2026 | Sold Out

On my Oregon Coast Photography Workshop, you will experience some of the finest coastline in the world. This intersection of rock and water contains an endless array of fascinating rocky points, arches, sea-stacks, and sandy shores. From the dramatic beauty of Samuel Boardman and Bandon to the south, all the way up to Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach in the north, this stretch of coast is as beautiful as they come. Check out the “Itinerary” section on this page to determine which region we will be visiting. Explore and photograph this world-class coastal environment. The workshop will help photographers create entrancing photos of the breathtaking landscapes found here, and it will focus on understanding your camera’s settings in order to break into new creative realms. There is a strong emphasis on producing striking and powerful compositions, as well as telling a story with your photos. We will cover how to plan for a shoot and how to be in the right place at the right time.

Let me know!

Contact me to get on the waitlist for 2026 or get priority notification for 2027 dates. Also consider my California Coast Photo Workshop.

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SKU: N/A Category: Photography Workshops Tags: oregon coast, oregon coast photo workshop, oregon coast photography workshop, photo tour

Oregon Coast Highlights

photographers on Oregon Coast beach during photo workshop

Stunning Seascapes

The rugged Oregon coast offers a wide range of interesting seascape photographic options.

night sky milky way photography over coastal sea stack in Oregon

Planned Night Sessions

Weather permitting, we will have opportunities to photograph the milky way after sunset. Learn how to plan, compose, and process night sky images.

Photo Workshop location along the rocky coast in Oregon

Learn to See

We will be teaching you how to see the unseen. Pre-visualizing long exposures and use of wide and long lenses when out shooting will be part of our focus.

Oregon Coast Photo Workshop Information

Pricing Itinerary Topics Pack List About

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Workshop Fee $2395 + $1055 Lodging Fee

A $900 deposit is required to reserve your spot with the balance due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop.

What’s Included

4 nights single occupancy lodging right on the coast within walking distance from some of our shooting locations.
Quality, professional, 1-on-1 photography instruction on par with your level as a photographer.
Small group size of 5.
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

Transportation. While participants 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.

Getting to and from the workshop

The Oregon Coast Photography Workshop will start in Yachats at 4:00pm (about a 3 hour drive from Portland). We will photograph some of the highlights in the area along the rugged and scenic Oregon coast. If you’re flying in, Portland (PDX) is your best bet. We will then travel south to Bandon, a beach renowned for its numerous and scenic sea stacks.

Below is a sample itinerary which is fluid and subject to change based on conditions.

Yachats: Monday Sunset through Wednesday Sunrise
Participants arrive in Yachats and are free to explore the area on their own. A few hours before sunset we will meet to introduce the group, talk a bit about the workshop, and go out to shoot our first sunset then head to dinner. Then it’s time for a good night’s sleep. An early wake up the next day ensures we’ll be at our first beach and shooting when the sun rises. Then it’ll be a full day of shooting mixed in with breaks for meals and rest. From sunrise to sunset, we’ll be covering the absolute best and most beautiful beaches along the Oregon coast. Some of my favorite locations include Thor’s Well, Heceta Head, Seal Rock, and Cape Perpetua to name a few. During the midday break, we can rest, get something to eat, and recharge our batteries as well as an optional image critique session where even if you don’t want to share your images, you can learn from others’ critiques. Wednesday, we will again get up for the early sunrise before packing up to head south.

Bandon: Wednesday Afternoon through Friday Sunrise
Wednesday morning ends our time in Yachats and we will travel south to the small town of Bandon. In this region of the Oregon coast, we may visit Coquille River, Port Orford, Samuel Boardman State Park and Pistol River along with Shore Acres and the Cape Arago area. After our final sunrise, we will wrap up and say our goodbyes until next time. The workshop should be finished up by 9:30-10am in Bandon which is about a four and a half hour drive back to Portland.

This workshop is organized to take advantage of the best and most interesting locations the Oregon coast has to offer. However, the exact itinerary and places we visit may change depending on the group and weather conditions.

Weather

The Oregon coast has a varied climate, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to high 70s. This time of year generally brings relief from the fog that often blankets the coast in the summer. Moreover, the Oregon coast receives the vast bulk of its annual precipitation during the months from November to March. While we hope for dramatic weather, we could easily have rain or clear skies but will always make the best of it!

Our Oregon Coast 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

Camera Gear

• Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera
• 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

Due to the cool days and chance of getting wet (either from the ocean or a rainstorm), we HIGHLY recommend bringing multiple layers of non-cotton clothing, a sturdy rain jacket and rain pants, a warm hat, gloves, hand warmers, lots of changes of socks, some dry shoes, and waterproof or rubber boots to wear while shooting. A wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and a large water bottle will also be indispensable.

Fitness level

This Oregon Coast photography workshop is appropriate for photographers of average fitness levels. We will walk approximately 2-3 miles over the course of each day of the workshop. This includes walking on sandy, uneven, and slippery terrain. 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.

Testimonials

Thank you for a FABULOUS experience in Oregon. I really see a huge improvement with my photos I have so many from this trip that I am so very happy with the final look. . I am also more aware of what I should be aiming for with my shots. I can also self critique and know what I need to do better next time…I am looking forward to my next Jim Patterson workshop – See you soon!

Christine C."Oregon Coast Photography Workshop"

Thank you and Vinny for bringing us this opportunity to visit these sites, giving us perfect weather, plenty of information and lots of fun. Jim, my best tip from you was how to get to my ISO 50 on my camera – so valuable! Vinny, thank you for all your suggestion on composition and exposure timing for my goal. It helped that you knew my camera. Best tip – HAND WARMERS!

Sally B."Oregon Coast Photography Workshop"