Vancouver Island Photography Tour – Wild Coastal Beaches, Rainforests, & Moody Light
*Limited to 3 Photographers *
4 days – 3 nights
Slow down. See deeper. Photograph with purpose.
Capture the serene energy of the ancient rainforests and waterfalls of the West Coast. This tour is rooted in the Earth and Water elements, offering a chance to ground yourself in nature’s beauty.
Vancouver Island Waterfall Photography Tour – The Water Element
*Limited to 3 Photographers*
4 days – 3 nights
Slow down. See deeper. Photograph with purpose.
Capture the dynamic energy of waterfalls and other bodies of water on Vancouver Island. This tour is rooted in the Water element, offering a chance to experience nature’s beauty through water.
Arizona Photography Tour Phoenix and East Valley – The Earth Element
*Limited to 4 Photographers*
From 1 to 4 days
*Runs Late Oct to mid-April*
Slow down. See deeper. Photograph with purpose.
Capture the earth energy of the deserts of the Southwest. This tour is rooted in the Earth element, offering a chance to ground yourself in one of nature’s starkest landscapes.
Personalized 1-on-1 Tours
Slow down. See deeper. Photograph with purpose.
Experience a 1-on-1 immersion of your choice in a variety of landscapes including the Oregon Coast, Southwest Colorado, Phoenix and East Valley, Utah Badlands, Banff, and Vancouver Island.
Testimonials
What Sets Our Tours Apart from Others
Field-Based, Real-Time Instruction, Post-Tour Image Guidance
No hotel ballrooms. No canned lectures. You’re out in the field as much as possible chasing light, working angles, simplifying scenes, and learning by doing. In-field input provided for all photographers. Keep the learning going: advice and guidance on your images is available after the Tour.
Designed for Artistic Growth
You’ll learn not just how to take the photo but why. Composition, natural light, mood, storytelling, intention.
Curiosity-Driven Learning
Curiosity is woven into everything we do. We look closer, ask questions, experiment with unusual angles, and try techniques you may not have used before. My role is to help expand your creative vocabulary so you can walk away not just with great images, but with new ways of seeing.
Leave No Trace at the Heart of Every Workshop
We practice and model LNT behaviors throughout the tour. This includes where we walk, how we step around delicate vegetation, respecting tide pools and cryptobiotic soil, packing out everything, and staying mindful of wildlife.
Slow Photography, Deep Connection
We take our time here. No Rushing. Just unfiltered time with your camera and the landscape. You’ll tune into the land, the light, and your own creative instincts. And create something you’re proud of. These workshops are intentionally relaxed. We follow your pace, your curiosity, the weather, and the landscape. If fog rolls in, we wander into it. If a waterfall is flowing harder than expected, we shift gears. The goal is not to rush or chase a checklist: it’s to let the land guide us and make thoughtful, intentional images along the way.
Arriving Early Helps You Settle Into the Creative Mindset
I encourage participants to arrive a day or two early if possible. Giving yourself that buffer helps you unwind from travel, sync with the local landscape, and ease into a creative, receptive state before we hit the trails and start shooting.
Adjust Based on Weather (In the Best Way)
Fog? We lean in. Rain? We find waterfalls. The landscapes’ changing moods are part of its magic and they create images that go beyond the ordinary.
Build Confidence with Every Shot
This isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about building your confidence. Our small group sizes ensure you’ll get one-on-one attention, so you can ask questions, experiment, and learn at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Simple Techniques for Stunning Results
You don’t need expensive gear or years of experience to capture amazing photos. In each session, you’ll learn practical, easy-to-apply techniques that will transform your photography instantly, helping you create compelling images of nature with any equipment you have.
Community Matters Here
These workshops are more than photography trips: they’re little pop-up communities. I encourage everyone to connect, share socials, websites, photography clubs, and creative projects they’re part of. Many participants stay connected long after the workshop ends, trading photos, meeting up for shoots, and building friendships grounded in shared love for the outdoors.
Landscape Photography Tour FAQs
Recommended Learning Levels
Each workshop specifies the skill level best suited for the experience. Some are perfect for beginners, others for intermediate or advanced photographers who want to push their skillset. I outline exactly what level works best so you know the workshop is a good fit for your experience and comfort.
How long are these tours?
Most Tours and Retreats are 3-4 days. Personalize workshops can be as long as you need.
What kind of terrain will we cover?
Expect moderate activity: 1 – 2 mile hikes through forest trails with dirt, mud rocks and roots, rocky beaches, uneven ground, desert landscapes, sand, cactus, and early mornings. You’ll need to be mobile, but we’re not sprinting to any of the spots; we wander with intention, enjoying the scenery of the journey as much as the destination.
Where do you offer Tours?
Tours and Retreats are offered in the following locations, please check back for updates to this page via my newsletter (includes discounts!): Oregon Coast (Bandon Beach Area), Vancouver Island (Wild West Coast, Waterfalls, + more TBD), Utah Badlands, Phoenix Area.
What gear do I need?
A camera with manual controls (DSLR or mirrorless), wide-angle and telephoto lenses, tripod, filters (polarizer and ND), weather-appropriate clothing, remote shutter, extra batteries, memory cards, and a headlamp. A full packing list is sent upon registration.
Are accommodations included?
Accommodation details are provided for each specific tour. Some workshops include lodging, others allow you to book your own. We’ll always stay near our shooting locations to maximize our in-field time and immerse ourselves in the environment.
What about food and transportation?
Meals are not included so we can remain flexible, eat local, and keep things simple. Transportation during the tour is often shared or caravan-style, with folks either bringing their own vehicle or renting one and ride-sharing to locations. Details are confirmed after booking.
Do you offer Private Tours?
1-on-1 fully immersive custom tour experiences are offered and will be tailored to your goals and ability level. For example; 1-on-1 car camping/overlanding tours and 1-on-1 hiking and tent camping tours have been popular in the past.
Do I have to pay a Deposit?
Yes, a 50% deposit is due up front, with the balance due 90 days before the tour.
What Payments do you Accept?
Venmo, Zelle, Cash, Check, [Interact Email Transfer/Bank Transfer (Canadian Photographers only)]. All prices are in USD. CAD conversion is the greater of the going exchange rate OR $1.39 CAD = $1 USD.
When is Payment Due?
Full Payment is due 90 days before the Tour begins.
What’s the group size?
Small. Always. We cap attendance at 3-4 people to ensure a personal, high-touch experience for every participant. Inquire about custom Tours created just for you.
Can we shoot in any weather?
We will shoot in any weather on Vancouver Island and the West Coast. The moody, ever-changing weather is part of what makes Vancouver Island so photogenic. Some of the best images happen under overcast skies, in fog, or just after rain. We adjust based on conditions and always prioritize compelling images over comfort.
Can I arrive early or stay late?
Absolutely. Vancouver Island deserves extra time. I’ll happily share suggestions for places to explore on your own.
Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, a rental car or carpooling is usually required, especially since some of the best photo spots are remote. I’ll facilitate group introductions ahead of time to encourage ride-sharing.