One Day Misty Oregon Coast Workshop in Oceanside

Greeted by misty conditions, we rounded Maxwell Point with lots of surf, a deserted beach and nice sand and rock areas at low tide. The beautiful sea stacks were playing hide and seek in the morning fog.

Carol Enyart, ©2016

Moving water around the rocks was one of themes, and using slower shutter speeds to capture it's motion. A bevy of gulls and cormorants were in the air and on the rocks.

Birds and Sea Stacks. Andrew Kaplan, ©2016

As the tide returned and the fog lifted a bit, the scene changed to more blue skies and sun, bringing with it the throngs who were escaping the heat of interior Oregon. We headed to Roseanna's Cafe for a very nice lunch and a window seat.

After lunch we visited Will Dixon and his gracious wife Betsy in their lovely home perched near a cliff on overlooking the Pacific at Cape Meares. Will is a master wood carver who often works in the traditions of the Native Northwest woodcarvers, as well as carving some of his own lovely imaginary creations. He is also and noted author.

Will Dixon. Kira Bartlett, ©2016

Will is a fountain of stories, so he related some of his experiences with working with tagging raptors, as well as telling some of the famous NW native legends that inspires his carvings. He also graciously provided shortbread crab cookies he had made that day for us.

We then headed to the Bayocean area to explore the beach and the cliffs on the north end of Cape Meares. The persistent fog finally came ashore to this lovely beach, but we were treated to some beautiful light before the fog descended.

Cape Meares Mist, Katrina Gustafson, ©2016

The advent of seeing a sunset was not be, as the heavy fog moved in. After a very busy day, we decided to have a relaxing evening inside!

A collection of participant photographs from this workshop can be seen here>>

August Workshop at Oceanside and Cape Kiwanda

Morning fog greeted us as we gathered at Oceanside for a long day of shooting and enjoying the beautiful Oregon coast.

Low tide and mist at Oceanside

Quiet and waves with the sea stacks as Frank sets up

Ever changing patterns of waves running through the rocks was enjoyable to watch and capture.

Tai getting the shot! Thanks, John

After an enjoyable lunch at Roseanna's Cafe in Oceanside, we had a long review session and discussion before heading south to Cape Kiwanda.

Cape Kiwanda is a very busy place, with all kinds of activities on the beach. We were lucky to see the fog had lifted revealing beautiful clouds and intermittent sunshine. As evening approached, we had the Cape pretty much to ourselves. It's an ideal place for beauty and photography.

Walking the beautiful sandstone cliffs with Tai. Thanks, Frank

John and I take a moment in the beautiful evening light.

 Thanks for all who attended. Participants photographs can be viewed here>>

Saturday Workshop on the Oregon Coast

On Saturday, July 13th, our workshop group gathered at the Oregon coast just north of Oswald West State Park for a long day of shooting the endless beauty here. 

One can never say what the weather will hold in store. Although July didn't have any rain, the Oregon coast, like the mountains, has it's own weather. The weather gods smiled as we had pleasant but cool and somewhat windy weather. In the morning at Arch Cape, we also had some lovely cirrus clouds slowly and majestically rolling by. They were here, apparently, just for us, as the areas to the north towards Ecola State Park and to the south were clear.

We started at Arch Cape, with an outgoing tide.

 Great to be out on the beach!

 Giving some settings suggestions. Thanks, John

We were able to move in to explore south of the Cape, as sand had filled in the gap that was there just a few months ago. Fine waves and beautiful sea stars.

 Tai lining up a detail shot.

Preston capturing the rock and cloud formations. Thanks, Kira

After lunch and a two hour review and processing session (whew!), we headed to the forest of Oswald West State Park and spent some calm time in the grand forest surrounded by the old growth forest of Sitka Spruce, Hemlock and other fine species. Overall shots and details of the forest fauna were abundant.

Last stop was the cliffs of Neahkahnie Mountain. Common Muirs, Cormorants and gulls flew close by, traveling to their nests and groups. A special place with wildflowers surrounding the trail. We were protected by the NW wind, so it was quite pleasant as evening approached.

Kira, Preston and Tai shooting from the cliffs.

Thanks to everyone for fine company in a grand landscape.

Participant photographs can be Viewed Here>>

Oregon North Coast Workshop, July 17th, 2011

One thing you can count on in the Northwest is the weather changing it's mind, regardless what the computer models say. After delaying our workshop for one day, some of the participants experienced a righteous downpour in the early morning upon leaving Portland, but everyone was able to come, at least for part of the day.

The tide was well out as we made our way down to beautiful Hug Point and the myriad photographic opportunities there, including caves and a nice waterfall. It was a cool and overcast morning, so we had the potential of rich colors with lower contrast. We dodged the rain until 11a, when a light soaking was the theme. A good time for lunch and reviewing.

Shooting at Hug Point

The deep cave at Hug Point. Good to try HDR here. Thanks, Bill

After our review session, we strolled down to Haystack in the mist to be greeted by crashing waves and an incoming tide.

A few folks had to head back, but the rest of us were treated to somewhat clearing skies at the north end of Cannon Beach near Bird Rocks (sometimes known as Guano Rocks, for obvious reasons). with sea grass and a great view of Haystack.

Next we headed to Ecola State Park, another photographer's paradise. Since the weather had been rather rainy, the usual Sunday crowd was absent, and it was quite peaceful there.

Lush and well watered covering at Ecola State Park. Note those tripods.

Last stop was Indian Beach, Ecola State Park. Tide was going out as we strolled the beach, with pelicans flying and the sun finally making a modest appearance near the day's end. An added bonus was elk at Ecola Park making a somewhat unusual summer appearance!

Participants photographs can be viewed here>>

Thank you all for coming!