Southern Oregon Coast Milky Way Workshop
September 6th-9th, 2024
Join professional photographers Brian Chambers and Steven Michael for 3 days of fun, exploration and landscape photography on the stunning Southern Oregon Coast. Cost is only $895 and the workshop is limited to 9 participants to allow for one on one teaching opportunities.
Itinerary: The workshop will be centered on the beautiful southern Oregon Coast in the town of Bandon, Oregon. Steven has extensive experience with photographing every corner of the Oregon coast so we will use his local knowledge to help decide the optimal shooting locations. The workshop is designed to maximize our chances of capturing the MIlky Way over the stunning Southern coast. Whether you are just getting started on night photography or looking to learn advanced techniques such as light painting, star stacking, time blending or focus stacking, you will benefit from this workshop. We will be shooting sunset daily with an optional sunrise shoot for early risers. Brian and Steven will be available to discuss computer post processing, editing, gear and any other questions about photography you have during the workshop. The area has a breathtaking variety of photographic subjects including sea stacks, crashing waves, lighthouses, redwoods and beautiful vistas.
While the exact itinerary will be decided based on weather conditions and participant interests, the following is a potential schedule:
Friday : Meet at 4:00pm at a restaurant in Bandon to get acquainted and discuss our shooting schedule. We will be eating a early dinner together and then head out to shoot the sea stacks and beach at Face rock during golden and blue hour. We will stay to shoot the Milky Way over the pacific ocean.
Saturday: An optional sunrise shoot at a local lighthouse. After a yummy breakfast, we will consider a drive north to capture wave action or inland to capture waterfalls and coastal rainforest. At sunset, we head south to the Cape Blanco lighthouse and capture it's light as it shines on the coastal waters.
Sunday: We will drive south to explore and photograph the amazing Samuel Boardman area including sunset and MilkyWay shots.
Monday: We will enjoy breakfast together and debrief after our coast adventure before heading out on our way home.
Brian and Steven will be constantly evaluating the weather and conditions and adjusting the itinerary to give everyone the best chance of creating beautiful photographs.
What is included: The price of $895 includes instruction and guiding to the locations only. Class size will be limited to 9 students to allow for plenty of one on one time with the two photographer guides. Brian's wife, Kelly, will also be attending and helping in all aspects of logistics, organization and general fun.
What is not included: Lodging, transportation, meals, drinks, any day use or parking passes. Attendees are welcome to carpool and share rooms.
Requirements: Any level photographer is welcome to attend. This workshop is rated as easy to moderate in terms of physical difficulty. You should be very comfortable walking more than 2-3 miles per day with your gear including climbing stairs and walking on the beach. Although many of the shooting locations have easy access, some locations you will be walking on sand, uneven ground, unstable/slippery surfaces and steep climbs and descents. This is especially true for the portion of the workshop in Samuel Boardman. The Oregon coast can be a dangerous place with sneaker waves, killer logs and cliffs and participants are responsible for their own safety at all times. Please contact Brian with any questions or concerns.
Lodging: Participants will be responsible for finding accommodations that match their budget and priorities. Friday and Saturday will be based in Bandon OR and Sunday will be in Brookings. You are advised to book early!
Cancellation Policy: Brian and Steven reserve the right to cancel the workshop in the event of extreme or unsafe conditions such as fire, pandemic, illness of instructors or with three or fewer registrations. In this event, you will get a full refund. Attendees who cancel by July1st may receive a 75% refund if we are able to fill their spot. Cancellations after May 1st are non-refundable. Weather on the coast is variable and there will be no cancellations or refunds due to poor weather conditions.
About us:
Steven Michael: Steven has been a resident of the Oregon coast since 1975 and has been a full time professional photographer since 1998. He has been featured on the OPB show, Oregon Field Guide, showcasing the Shore Acres Waves. He has been publish in various magazines, brochures and on billboards. He has also published a children's book as author and illustrator. When not out photographing, Steven is home painting mandala designs on rocks, or writing educational blogs centered around earth science or pioneer cemeteries. The rest of his time is spent outdoors exploring with his dog. Steven is among the most knowledgeable and experienced photographers on the Oregon Coast.
Brian Chambers: Brian has been living full time and photographing in the Columbia River Gorge since 1997. He is a member of one of the premier art galleries in Hood River (301 gallery) and has been published in several magazines and has been teaching photography classes and workshops in the Columbia River Gorge for several years. When not out photographing, he is a part time Veterinarian (recently retired!!), home remodeler and spends as much time as possible outside in nature enjoying the beauty of Oregon.
Testimonials:
"Wanna shout out and say a HUGE thank you for wonderful presentation. The group absolutely loved, loved, loved it!!" -Noel
"I thought you were the best instructor ever." -Lois
"I highly recommend any course run by Brian and Steve. I took their 2.5 day course in Bandon in 2021 and it was excellent. I had taken a 6 day course run by another company earlier in the year. In Brian and Steve's course they were there to teach you new techniques and help you resolve any problems you were having. In the other course the instructor was just a tour guide and did very little teaching. If you are looking for someone to be right there helping you improve your photographic skills, then any course taught by Brian and Steve is for you. The course I took with Brian and Steve was thoroughly enjoyable and I met some really nice people." -Marvin
"The Bandon Coast Workshop was an awesome experience led by two very experienced, knowledgeable and entertaining photographers. Brian Chambers and Steven Michael took us to amazing sites and worked with each of the workshop participants so that we got the best shots. I appreciated their flexibility on selecting our sites and how long we stayed at each place. I never felt rushed throughout the weekend. I highly recommend any workshop these two offer. You will definitely come away with numerous photographs that you would be to frame and hang on your wall." -Pat
"If you have a passion to become a better landscape photographer, enrolling in one of Brian Chambers photo workshops you won’t be disappointed. The personal attention one receives from his three person team is unparalleled! Brian also has over twenty years living in the Hood River Oregon area, so he knows all the good spots to go to get a great shot; even some secret locations not to disclose to maintain the natural beauty of the area. The level of caring and attention a student receives was amazing. Thanks Brian!" -Marc