Olympic National Park Photo Workshop

July 6-10, 2027

Embark on an unforgettable photography adventure through Olympic National Park, where dramatic coastlines, towering waterfalls, lush rainforests, vibrant wildflowers, rugged sea stacks, and glacier-capped peaks provide endless creative inspiration. Along the way, you’ll build a diverse portfolio while strengthening your skills in both field technique and post-processing. Rated Moderate in physical intensity, the workshop includes 1-3 miles of total hiking each day. All ground transportation is included, along with pick-up and drop-off at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Tuition

Max Group Size

  • 4 Students per Instructor
  • Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

  • Ryan McGinty
  • Shane McDermott
Olympic National Park Photo Workshop Wildflowers

Highlights

  • Photograph three distinct ecosystems, ranging from rugged coastlines, old-growth rainforests, to glaciated peaks.  There is so much diversity to enjoy!
  • Learn many new photographic techniques from pro instructors. Enrollment is capped at 8 people, ensuring plenty of individual attention
  • The workshop dates are optimized for alpine wildflowers, green rainforests, and coastal shooting.
  • Ground transportation, including pick-ups and drop-offs at SEA-TAC airport.
  • Post-processing and image critique sessions will be scheduled throughout the workshop to help make the most of your images.
  • The workshop itinerary is kept flexible so we can make best use of the varied weather conditions.

Itinerary

The exact itinerary will be kept flexible to account for the weather and current conditions in the park. We will optimize our time for the best possible photography. The itinerary below is just an example of what you can expect.

  • Day 1:  We meet at 11AM for pick-ups at SEA-TAC airport.  If you are driving your own vehicle, you can meet us at 1:30PM in Port Angeles, WA. Once we are all in Port Angeles, we'll hold a mandatory introductory session.  We'll cover many topics, including some of the shooting techniques you will use throughout the workshop. After a quick dinner we head into the mountains to photograph wildflowers and the jagged peaks of the Olympic Range.
  • Day 2:  We wake up early and are the first to arrive at Sol Duc Falls. We photograph the falls along with the many cascades lining the trail as soft morning light filters through the trees. We grab a late breakfast at Lake Crescent and then make our way to Forks, WA to check into our hotel. For sunset, we photograph a coastal beach with myriad tidepools and seastacks.
  • Day 3:  Since it's a drizzly day, we skip sunrise to get some much needed sleep.  We meet up mid-morning for a post-processing session along with image critique.  After lunch, we venture deep into a rarely visited rainforest to capture the lush, verdant interior.  For sunset we visit a another beautiful beach and capture some amazing cloud color!
  • Day 4:  The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies, so we wake early to photograph a beautiful sunrise at Crescent Lake. We do another post-processing session in the afternoon and then head back to the coast for sunset photos. This time we capture the setting sun coming through a small arch!  With clear skies, we decide to stay out late and capture the Milky Way
  • Day 5:  We get an early start and head to the Hoh Rainforest for our final shoot. After photographing the dazzling array of greenery we start the drive back to SEA-TAC Airport, arriving sometime around 3PM.  You can plan your return travel anytime after this.
Olympic National Park Photo Workshop Second Beach
Hoh Rainforest - Kevin McNeal
Misty Beams Sol Duc Falls Olympic National Park Photo Workshop

Logistics

Please arrive before 11AM at SEA-TAC airport for pick-ups. If you are driving your own vehicle or a rental car, you will meet us at 1:30PM in Port Angeles, WA. If you bring your own vehicle, you will drive from Port Angeles to Forks on the 2nd day.  Once you are with us, we provide all transportation for the workshop outings. On Day 5, we'll drop-off at the SEA-TAC airport no later than 3PM.  You can plan return travel for anytime after that.

Lodging is in short supply so we have pre-paid for 4 nights of hotel accommodations for all workshop participants.  During checkout you will add your lodging package based on either single or double occupancy.  See the Pricing section for more details.

Food is not included as part of the workshop.  If we eat meals as a group, everyone will pay their own tab. We will make food stops when we are driving between photo stops and there are grocery stores in both Port Angeles and Forks if you need snacks.

Our goal is to maximize your photography while you are here. This can mean long days and not a lot of sleep. We will utilize the middle of the day for rest breaks and or post-processing sessions. Make sure you bring ear plugs and eye covers to sleep better during midday hours.

Since we are photographing so much along the coast, we highly recommend each participant bring a pair of chest waders. Without waders, you may get very wet trying to photograph close to the water. A sturdy tripod is a must!

Summer temperatures are usually pretty mild, but due to the elevation, it can still be chilly in the mountains, so make sure you bring a warm layer.  It can rain a lot in the Olympics, so make sure you bring a rain jacket and rain cover for your backpack. An umbrella can come in handy, especially if we are shooting in light rain.  Please see the gear list further down.

Pricing

$2,700/person + Tax

$2,430/person with Loyalty Discount

Trip Includes:

  • 5-Day Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors
  • SEA-TAC Airport Pickup and Dropoff
  • Ground Transportation During the Workshop
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Post-processing and Image Critique
  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting.
  • 4-night lodging package will be added to your booking at checkout. Cost is $725 or $1450 for double or single respectively.

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to SEA-TAC Airport.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Meals and snacks.
  • Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

  • 50% deposit required to hold your spot.
  • Remaining balance is due Mar 6, 2027.
  • If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant.
  • See the full Terms and Conditions.
Kevin McNeal Lightroom and Photoshop for Landscape Photography

Physical Activity
This workshop is rated Moderate. There are no long hikes, but guests should be comfortable walking on forest trails and uneven coastal terrain while carrying the camera equipment and personal items they choose to bring. Rainforest trails may include roots, mud, and slippery sections, while beach access can involve sand, rocks, driftwood, and large logs. These surfaces can make short walks feel more challenging than walking the same distance on a paved path. Sturdy footwear with good traction is recommended.

We maintain a relaxed, photography-focused pace, with plenty of time to stop, set up equipment, ask questions, and move carefully through the landscape. Our instructors are always available to assist with navigating unfamiliar terrain and helping guests find stable, comfortable places to photograph.

Daily Schedule
Because we photograph during the best morning and evening light, some departures may be as early as 4AM, and evening sessions may occasionally continue until approximately 11PM. We build in midday downtime whenever the schedule allows so guests can rest, catch up on sleep, recharge batteries, back up images, and prepare for the next outing. Guests are also welcome to sit out an outing if they would benefit from additional rest or personal time.

Port Townsend Lighthouse Olympic National Park Photo Workshop
FAQ Page
Images from Second Beach along the Olympic Peninsula in Washington St
Olympic National Park Photo Workshop
Olympic National Park Photo Workshop

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Sturdy tripod and ballhead
  • Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera Body.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Long telephoto lenses will come in handy for wildlife encounters.
  • Circular polarizer filters and ND filters for your lenses.  If you like shooting with grads, bring them along.  A 9 or 10-stop ND filter will be useful for creating very long exposures.
  • Backpack to carry your gear along with a rain cover for the pack.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Remote cord for your camera.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos

Personal Gear List

  • Sturdy hiking footwear, hiking socks, and long pants .
  • A rain jacket and several warm layers.
  • Chest Waders
  • Umbrella
  • Headlamp
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat, and Gloves
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder.
  • Hiking poles if you like having them.
Ryan McGinty Profile Photo Olympics

Ryan McGinty

Photography Instructor

Ryan McGinty is a seasoned landscape photographer living in the Palouse area of southeastern Washington.  His first-hand experience in this unique agricultural area makes him the perfect instructor to lead people to out-of-the-way places for those once-in-a-lifetime rainbows, sunsets and sunrises in the beautiful rolling hills. He loves chasing the light and diligently checks weather apps to get the latest sun and rain predictions, cloud formations, wind and temperatures for the best locations and light.

His interest in photography started at an early age and continued in college with graduate work at Brooks Institute of Photography.  His experience in portrait, wedding, film, and medium and large format photography give him an extraordinary background for his award-winning landscape photography.

His passion for the Palouse is only exceeded by his passion for photography and his desire to show people his favorite places.  He takes a legitimate interest in his clients and strives hard to ensure they get the best shots. His photographs have been published in books, calendars and travel guides.

Shane McDermott

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Shane is a seasoned photography instructor with more than 25 years behind the camera and over ten years of experience leading photo workshops. His work is rooted in presence, patience, and a deep relationship with light, shaped by a lifetime spent exploring both creative expression and the natural world.

For more than 30 years, Shane’s practice of yoga and meditation has helped him see beyond surface appearances, and he brings that same awareness into the field. He doesn’t just teach people how to photograph beautiful places; he helps them slow down, truly see, and develop their own creative vision.

Many photographers arrive at iconic locations chasing “the shot” they’ve seen before. Shane gently guides them away from imitation and into genuine discovery, helping them understand how light, form, color, and texture can speak directly to their own sensibility. His passion is helping participants move from simply capturing a scene to creating something that feels alive and deeply personal.

That creative process continues after the cameras are packed away. Shane also guides photographers through RAW processing, adjustment layers, and thoughtful image development, helping them translate the emotion and magic they felt in the field into finished photographs that reflect their own vision and passion.

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