CALIFORNIA COAST
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
October 22–25, 2026
Morro Bay • Montaña de Oro • Cambria • Big Sur
Limited to 8 Photographers
WORKSHOP RATE — $1,295
Four days of landscape photography: field instruction, image critique and creative exploration along California's spectacular Central Coast.
EXPERIENCE THE CALIFORNIA COAST
THROUGH A PHOTOGRAPHER'S EYES
California's Central Coast is a landscape that never seems to stay the same.
Fog moves through coastal hills. Waves reshape the shoreline. Light breaks through clouds for minutes—or sometimes seconds. Rocky cliffs, sea stacks, beaches, forests and quiet stretches of coastline provide an extraordinary variety of photographic opportunities within a relatively small area.
Over four days, we'll photograph this landscape together during the best light of the day while exploring not only how to operate a camera, but how to see photographically.
We'll work on composition, light, long exposures, panoramic photography and finding photographs within complicated landscapes. Between field sessions we'll review images, talk through what worked and what didn't, and learn how to take an image from capture through editing and ultimately into a finished piece of artwork.
This is a small-group experience limited to eight photographers, allowing plenty of time for individual instruction in the field.
I'VE SPENT MORE THAN A DECADE
PHOTOGRAPHING THIS COAST.
What began as an idea eventually became a ten-year photographic journey covering more than 1,100 miles of California's coastline - from Mexico to Oregon
I created most of the images using medium-format panoramic film cameras, including my Linhof 617 and Noblex.
That journey became my book, California's Coast: Take A Second Look. But along the way I learned something more valuable than simply where the beautiful locations are. I learned to slow down and see.
During this workshop, I want to share that process with you - not so that you leave making photographs that look like mine, but so that you leave seeing differently.
YOUR FOUR DAYS ON THE CENTRAL COAST
DAY 1 — THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Arrival & First Light
• Welcome and orientation
• Sunset field session
• Optional group dinner
DAY 2 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Montaña de Oro
• Sunrise field session
• Composition and seeing
• Image critique
• Sunset field session
DAY 3 — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Big Sur / Highway 1
• Morning field session
• Big Sur photography
• Photo exploration
• Signature sunset session
DAY 4 — SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
Bringing It Together
• Final sunrise session
• Image critique and editing
• Capture to Print
• Workshop concludes around noon
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
COMPOSITION & SEEING
Learn to simplify complicated landscapes and recognize stronger compositions.
COASTAL LIGHT
Understand how fog, clouds, backlight and changing weather can transform a scene.
LONG EXPOSURE
Explore shutter speed, filters and techniques for controlling the movement of water.
PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn how I approach wide-format composition and create images for large presentation.
IMAGE REVIEW & EDITING
We’ll critique your images and work through selected photographs in post-production.
CAPTURE → PRINT
Learn how I evaluate photographs for printing and choose between different materials, sizes and presentation styles.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
- Welcome & orientation
- Sunset field session
- Optional group dinner
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
- Sunrise field session
- Composition & seeing
- Image critique
- Sunset field session
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
- Morning field session
- Big Sur photography
- Photo exploration
- Signature sunset session
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
- Final sunrise session
- Image critique & editing
- Capture to Print
- Workshop concludes around noon
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
MORE THAN CAMERA SETTINGS
COMPOSITION & SEEING
Learn to simplify complicated landscapes and recognize stronger compositions.
COASTAL LIGHT
Understand how fog, clouds, backlight and changing weather can transform a scene.
LONG EXPOSURE
Explore shutter speed, filters and techniques for controlling the movement of water.
PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn how I approach wide-format composition and create images for large presentation.
IMAGE REVIEW & EDITING
We’ll critique your images and work through selected photographs in post-production.
CAPTURE → PRINT
Learn how I evaluate photographs for printing and choose between different materials, sizes and presentation styles.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A PROFESSIONAL.
This workshop is designed for photographers ranging from enthusiastic beginners with a working knowledge of their camera through experienced photographers looking to strengthen their creative vision
• Basic understanding of camera controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO)
• Any camera brand is welcome
• A moderate level of physical activity (1-2 miles, uneven terrain)
LIMITED TO 8 PHOTOGRAPHERS
A small group means more individual instruction and a better experience in the field.
WHAT TO BRING
Camera, lenses, tripod, filters, laptop, outdoor gear and more. A complete gear list will be provided after registration.
BASE LOCATION
Morro Bay, California. Participants arrange their own lodging. Recommended options will be provided.
INCLUDED
All instruction, field sessions, image critiques, editing, panoramic photography and Capture-to-Print instruction.
NOT INCLUDED
Lodging, meals, transportation, park fees, personal equipment and travel insurance.
COME PHOTOGRAPH THE COAST WITH ME.
I’ve spent more than a decade exploring and photographing California’s coastline. For four days this October, I’d love to share some of what it has taught me.
OCTOBER 22–25, 2026
LIMITED TO 8 PHOTOGRAPHERS