Realm of the Ancient Redwoods Workshop
Few places spark the imagination like the giant redwoods. In the far reaches of Northern California and into southern Oregon sit some amazing coastline and some of the most spectacular forests on the planet. Walking through these magnificent ancient forests will make all your senses come alive! Join us for an amazing weekend exploring the redwoods and coastlines of Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Itinerary
Day 1: We'll make our way into the Redwoods, spending some time hiking a few of the wonderful trails located within the Redwoods State and National Park system. These giant trees and lush green foliage transport you to a time long ago, when the forest was home to large and more menacing creatures like the dinosaurs. During certain times of the year, the Rhododendrons are typically in bloom, and we'll search out some of these flower patches as they add little bursts of color within these massive green forests. With any luck, some of that wonderful coastal fog will filter into the trees, giving our images extra depth and mood.
After an afternoon lunch break, we'll set off north and stop along the Oregon coast as we make our way to Bandon for dinner and some seascape photography. Bandon has some of the most iconic and beautiful sea stacks in the area, and the slow-moving sea fills the puddles to create awesome opportunities for reflection shots.
Day 2: It's off to explore more of the glorious redwoods looking at the various groves of these giant trees. There are numerous areas within this park that have potential. Based on current flower and weather conditions we’ll spend our morning exploring the areas that have the best opportunities for great images.
The afternoon we'll spend processing some of the images we've gathered and going over different ways to finish up what our cameras have captured. Our last evening will be spent exploring the coast looking for a great spot for sunset. After our sunset has concluded, everyone will head back to the hotel where they can relive the memories of our redwood adventure!
Lodging
While lodging is not included in the workshop fee, the Aperture Academy does its best to set up a discounted block of rooms for enrolled students in our recommended hotel or location for all our workshops.
Please check with us before booking your lodging reservations. Upon sign-up, you will be emailed any current information on recommended lodging for this workshop.
Traveling: Students and instructor(s) will drive individually during the course of the workshop unless you've made arrangements to carpool with others.
Equipment To Bring
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DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Required: You'll want, and need, the full power and creative control of a Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera to get the most out of your learning experience on this workshop. We teach all brands and models of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and more!
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Lens
Required: You'll want to cover a range of 16mm (or wider) to 200 mm. Even up to 400mm would be great!
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Tripod
Required: Stability is everything in Photography! Using a sturdy tripod will help improve your compositions and get sharper images. A tripod also helps you have both hands free to focus (pun intended!) on learning and getting "the shot"!
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Polarizer
Optional: Even though a Polarizing filter is optional, we highly recommend them as they help give the clarity and color of your photos that extra "pop". Just like sunglasses, a polarizer will bring out the very best in your photos!
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Neutral Density Filter
Optional: Graduated ND, Solid ND ( 6 or 10 stops)
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Computer (Required): Laptop with Light Room Classic CC and Photoshop CC
Meet Our Workshop Pro Instructors...
Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.
→ Brian Rueb
Brian Rueb has been photographing for the better part of 21 years. Combining a degree in photography and a degree in art, he has worked the two together to create powerful and dynamic landscape images. His love and passion for photography is evident in each and every image he shoots. In addition to his passion for art,Brian has a passion for education and has spent almost 21 years teaching art and photography in the public high school system. During that time he has developed an art and photography program that has seen numerous students win awards and go on to major in the profession. His goal is not only to be great himself, but to instill that knowledge and passion into his students.
In addition to being an internationally recognized photographer, Brian also writes for several websites sharing his interesting often comical adventures into the wilderness in search of new images, and has released a book depicting his two month adventure around the country of Iceland titled Me, Myself, and Iceland. Brian is a volunteer in Lassen Volcanic National Park and working on a five year project compiling images for a book on the park and its changes throughout the seasons.
Rueb's work has appeared in numerous magazines including Shutterbug and Photographers Forum. His work has won numerous awards and merit at the Local, State, National, and International levels.
Brian currently resides in Northern California with his wife, two boys, and two dogs.
Note: In the event a scheduled instructor for a particular workshop is unavailable, a replacement instructor will be scheduled.
While we make every effort, there is no guarantee that the assigned instructors for a scheduled workshop will be present.
Is there a lot of hiking in this workshop?
Many of the redwoods trails are at an incline. Most of the workshop we will try to keep it to a minimum walking distance, but there are a couple trails that we might walk 2/3 of a mile each way up and down hill. The trail has numerous beautiful spots along the way, so if you feel tired, you can stop at any point.
What about meals?
Our instructors will have granola bars, and try to make a breakfast stop if we are out later. Lunch will be at home base each day upon return for break. We will stop for dinner Saturday night in Bandon on our way to shoot sunset. Friday and Sunday plan to eat an early dinner.
When does the workshop start and end?
Orientation will be at 3pm on Friday, and we will be heading out to shoot directly after. We will conclude after sunset on Sunday.
What about weather?
It can rain on the coast, but we will be doing our best to get out whenever we can to shoot. Umbrellas will help as well. Those times when we are under the canopy of the redwoods, there won't be as much rain filtering down. Please be sure to bring along a rain sleeve for your camera, just in case!
Is there a set itinerary?
Yes, and no. We have a plan A, B, and C for sure, but if weather or conditions change that warrant a shift in location, we will adjust our times and location to try and maximize the best light and shooting conditions.
Workshop Price and Deposit
The workshop fee is $995. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:
- 100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater
- No refund within 150 days or less of the start date
- Seats are transferrable
What is/isn't included?
The workshop/tour price includes:
- Professional photography instruction
- Post Processing session
- Light snacks
The workshop/tour price DOES NOT include:
- Transportation
- Food
- Alcoholic beverages
- Instructor gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Lodging
