Vancouver Island Photo Workshop

May 7-12, 2026 - Sold Out

Join our Vancouver Island Photo Workshop for an unforgettable 6-day adventure! From the lush temperate rainforests and misty coastal seascapes to dramatic sea stacks and rugged mountain peaks, this workshop is packed with diverse scenery. We’ll chase golden light along wild beaches, explore moss-draped old-growth forests, wade through lush slot canyons, and capture powerful Pacific waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. With expert instruction, small group dynamics, and a flexible itinerary, this workshop is perfect for those looking to sharpen their skills.

Tuition

$3050
Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

4 Students per Instructor
Max 8 Students

Instructor(s)

Kevin McNeal
Shane McDermott

Physical Intensity

Highlights

Capture the dramatic seascapes, tidepools, and sea stacks of Vancouver Island’s wild west coast
Wander through ancient, moss-covered rainforests filled with towering cedars and vibrant green ferns
Capture stunning golden light on remote beaches and rugged coastal cliffs.
Take advantage of early May’s peak conditions for flowing waterfalls, vibrant vegetation, and atmospheric weather.
Photograph the charming harbor city of Victoria, known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and vibrant waterfront
Learn advanced landscape photography techniques with hands-on instruction in a small group setting
Enjoy a flexible itinerary designed to adapt to weather and conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Victoria Arrival
We’ll meet at 2PM at the Doubletree by Hilton in downtown Victoria for a mandatory orientation session where we’ll go over safety, gear, shooting tips, and workshop logistics. After settling into our rooms, we’ll head out to photograph the vibrant gardens, historic architecture, and scenic waterfront that make Victoria one of Canada’s most picturesque cities.

Day 2 – Victoria to Port Renfrew
We’ll kick off the morning with a sunrise shoot in Victoria, capturing golden light along the harbor and nearby viewpoints. After breakfast and checkout, we’ll make our way toward Port Renfrew, our base for the remainder of the workshop. The drive offers plenty of scenic stops along the way, and we’ll photograph as conditions allow.

Day 3–5 – West Coast Exploration
These days will be dedicated to exploring the wild, rugged beauty of Vancouver Island’s west coast. We’ll photograph powerful waterfalls framed by emerald rainforests, windswept beaches scattered with driftwood, sea stacks rising from the surf, and tidepools teeming with life. Expect early mornings, golden-hour shoots, and moody forest light throughout the day. Our itinerary will remain flexible so we can respond to the best weather and lighting conditions. Some locations may require longer drives, but we are rewarded with exceptional photographic opportunities.

Day 6 – Departure Day
We’ll enjoy one last sunrise shoot before packing up and making the drive back to Victoria. Participants will be dropped off at the airport no later than noon, so return flights can be scheduled for early to mid-afternoon.

Logistics

Plan to fly into Victoria International Airport (YYJ) or take a ferry from the mainland, arriving before our 2PM orientation at the the Doubletree by Hilton in downtown Victoria. Lodging is included in the workshop fee. Single rooms are available for an extra fee - see Pricing Section below. You may wish to spend an extra day or two before or after the workshop to explore Victoria on your own.

Everyone on this trip should be in reasonably good physical condition. We aren't planning any long hikes but you should be comfortable walking a cumulative 2-3 miles per day while carrying your photo gear.

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.

Our goal is to maximize your photography while you are here. This can mean long days and not a lot of sleep. Depending on the weather, we may 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 and inland streams, we highly recommend each participant bring a pair of waders (hip or chest). If you don't want to bring waders, knee-high muck boots are second best. A sturdy tripod is a must for photographing the coast!

Spring temperatures are usually pretty mild, but it can be chilly on the coast, so make sure you bring a warm layer. It can rain a lot, 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 - 6 Days

$3050/person + Tax

Trip Includes:

6-Day Photo Workshop with 2 Pro Instructors
5 nights double occupancy lodging. Single rooms are available for an additional $350.
Round trip transportation to/from Victoria, BC.
Park entrance fees
Post-processing sessions and image critiques
Pre-workshop zoom meeting.

Trip Does NOT Include:

Transportation to/from your home to Victoria, BC.
Meals, snacks, and beverages.
Instructor Gratuities.

The Fine Print:

50% deposit required to hold your spot
The final balance is due Jan 7, 2026. We will contact you ahead of the deadline to make payment arrangements.
There are no Loyalty Member discounts on this international workshop.
You can cancel your spot at any time. If we fill your spot with another participant, you will receive a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee. If we do not fill your spot, no refunds can be given.
We highly recommend Travel Insurance to protect your investment.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

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.
Drone (optional). We will let you know where you can and cannot fly.
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, Hip Waders, or knee-high muck boots.
Umbrella
Headlamp
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat, and Gloves
Water bottle or hydration bladder.
Hiking poles if you like having them.

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Kevin McNeal

Photography Instructor

Kevin McNeal is a Washington-State photographer who is passionate about photographing grand landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this to print is the ultimate goal. His images hold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture landscapes in fresh ways. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. He has traveled all over North America, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places with the hope that we can convey to the public that this earth is worth caring for. His award winning images can be seen in galleries and showings across the United States. He was recently invited to the Art Wolfe Art Gallery for the Environmental Photography Invitational. Kevin was the grand winner of the Landscape category for the Natures Best Magazine and was selected for the Smithsonian National Museum of History in Washington D.C.. He is a regular contributor to publications like Outdoor Photographer.

Artist’s Statement

“I believe that the Earth shares secrets with us that only can be discovered by trying to understand our position on this planet. We are never fully intimate with the planet but are given brief moments that make our souls want more. These glimpses of nature’s power are fleeting and never the same twice. I also believe it is important to share with those who want it. The treasures that await us given the patience that is out there. What I try to do is bring some of that magic to my images to share with the rest of the world. Each of my images tells a story that everyone can relate to in some way whether it is success, fear, or challenging oneself to overcome obstacles

View Kevin's Portfolio.

Shane McDermott

Photography Instructor

Artist's Statement: Through all of my wanderings, photography has remained a constant, providing the creative link between my passion for adventure and the outdoors. I will never get enough of that “Wow!” feeling when I see a stunning image rendered on my camera’s LCD and helping guide others to that same experience is the bacon in the beans for me. I am excited to start working with Action Photo Tours. Everything about their instructors, locations, deep research, proficiency and stop-at-nothing vibe shows me that I have found the company where we can all grow and have countless “wow” moments together.

From the inseparable experience of unity, the camera is not something I “look at” the world through it is an opportunity to see something in myself. Photographs are no longer lost extractions of time; they become holographic reflections of the precious whole in every part. I love to guide those passionate about photography and those wanting to celebrate the extraordinary beauty of nature. If you seek a deeper connection with yourself and the astonishing beauty of our planet, I invite you to embark on this journey of creative discovery. I seamlessly weave together the technical and artistic dimensions of photography and help students learn to cultivate a greater level of presence, perception, and perspective. I have endless patience for those who genuinely seek to unlock their unique creative brilliance and transform their passion into pixels.

Photography has been a transformative experience of Self-discovery more than it has been about great image-making. The interior landscapes of my Soul have been the primary territory of my exploration. From a place within, the landscapes and creatures of our great planet have provided amazing opportunities to learn about myself and my connection to the world.