Cascades & Creeks: The 2-Day Ridgefield Refuge & Yacolt Waterfalls Workshop!
Get ready for an action-packed weekend exploring the wild side of Southwest Washington! Join me for an unforgettable two-day, WOMEN ONLY photography workshop combining incredible wildlife and birding opportunities at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge with the stunning, silky waters of the waterfalls near Yacolt! This is going to be a fun, skill-building adventure!
💖 A Supportive Space Just for Women!
This workshop is intentionally limited to a small group of women to create an atmosphere that is 100% low-key, friendly, and totally encouraging!
No Pressure, All Fun: Feel completely comfortable asking any question—big or small! We believe the best learning happens when you feel relaxed and supported.
Built-in Community: Connect with fellow passionate female photographers. You'll leave with new skills and a supportive network to cheer you on long after the workshop is over!
Focus on Creativity: We'll dive deep into technique in a safe, judgment-free zone, empowering you to explore your unique artistic vision with confidence.
Workshop Highlights: Focus on the Wild & Wet!
This workshop is the perfect blend of two popular niches, giving you a chance to master diverse subjects:
Personalized Coaching: You'll receive focused, one-on-one coaching from an experienced landscape and wildlife photographer in a supportive, small-group setting. With only 6 spots available, you get maximum personalized attention!
Diverse Skills: You'll learn beginning to intermediate landscape and wildlife techniques, including composition, dealing with tricky lighting, and capturing motion (or freezing it!).
Our Wild Itinerary (Subject to Change with Weather!)
Before the Workshop: We'll hop on a quick half-hour Zoom call to go over some basic photography knowledge and do some planning. This ensures we maximize our time in the field!
Day 1: Wildlife at Ridgefield Refuge 🦅
10:00 AM Meetup: We’ll meet right at the Refuge to start exploring and photographing!
Wildlife Action: We'll dive into techniques for birding photography, learning the specific camera settings needed to capture sharp photos of birds (especially birds in flight!) and any other amazing wildlife we spot.
Car Blind Tour: We'll drive the scenic 4-mile loop using our cars as "blinds" (hides) to approach subjects quietly and respectfully.
Evening Plans: We'll check into our lodging at a 6 bedroom and 3 bathroom house and have a group dinner. We will also go over our images and discuss editing, what worked, what didn't and any feedback you would like to get! If the sky cooperates, we'll head back out for a sunset photo session!
(Remember, there is a small $3.00 fee for the Refuge.)
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls Near Yacolt 💦
Early Start: After breakfast and checking out (we’ll plan a potential sunrise shoot the night before!), we head toward Yacolt.
Waterfall Wonders (9:00 AM onwards): We'll spend the day mastering those gorgeous long exposures as we visit Lucia Falls, the photogenic Moulton Falls and its bridge, Yacolt Falls, and finally, the stunning Sunset Falls.
Historic Bonus: If time allows, we'll swing into the charming, historic town of Yacolt to capture some of its rich train history!
Wrap-Up: We’ll conclude our workshop around 2:00 PM after lunch, giving you plenty of time to head home at a reasonable hour, energized by your new photos!
Logistical Hugs & Follow-Up
Post Workshop: We'll have a one-hour Zoom call to go over simple editing tips, share our favorite images from the weekend, and ask for gentle feedback (if you choose to participate!).
What’s Included:
Two full days of Guided Photography Sessions and location access.
Hands-on, personalized coaching, teaching, and help.
Post-processing and critique session via Zoom.
One nights lodging at a 6 bedroom/3 bath house. Three bedrooms are available for a single person and three are available for a shared room to lower your cost.
What’s NOT Included:
Transportation: I highly recommend carpooling to make travel easier! Let me know if you would volunteer to drive.
Food and Drink. (We will plan food ideas on our 1/2 hour pre-workshop zoom call. Just order pizza for dinner? Breakfast ideas?)
Your photography gear (and the $3.00 Refuge fee).
What to Bring:
Your DSLR or mirrorless camera (a wide-angle lens and a telephoto for wildlife are highly recommended!). Cell phones are also welcome!
A Tripod (essential for those silky waterfalls and low light!).
Filters like a circular polarizer and ND filters are encouraged!
Extra batteries, memory cards, and comfortable, water-resistant shoes.
(A full, detailed gear list will be sent out once you sign up!)
Ready to master wildlife action and flowing water? Register Today! With only 6 spots, this personalized adventure will fill up fast!