Join us on a photo tour or workshop to one of America’s most beautiful places, Oregon. We will visit the stunning coast and the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Photo subjects include waterfalls, rivers, lighthouses, sea stacks, tide pools, wildlife, and landscapes. It is a photographer’s paradise.

Oregon Pacific Coast Highway
This tour will travel along one of the most scenic and picturesque routes in the country, the Pacific Coast Highway. We will be photographing the best locations on the Oregon coast. We will visit several unique locations. This coastline is an inspiring landscape abundant with gorgeous subjects including enchanted forests, sand dunes, giant sea stacks, tide pools, dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, enormous waves and exciting wildlife. Each day, we will visit carefully selected sites depending on the weather forecast.

Columbia Gorge and Hood River Valley
The Columbia River Gorge stands out as one of the most extraordinary and captivating locations worldwide. Nestled within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this awe-inspiring canyon safeguards the beautiful landscape where the mighty Columbia River carves its way through the majestic Cascade mountains. With striking cliffs and scenic viewpoints offering vistas of Washington’s northern region and Oregon’s mountains adorned with magnificent waterfalls in the south, the Gorge enchants visitors with its beauty. The Gorge is unique in its natural and cultural history, as well as its designation as a national scenic area.

The Columbia Gorge is home to many majestic waterfalls (known as waterfall alley), which includes Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet from the lip to the lower pool, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the fourth tallest in the United States.

This is mostly a landscape photography tour but we will be photographing some wildlife photography. The opportunities may include peregrine falcon, elk, harbor seals, sea lions, black oystercatcher, murres and harlequin ducks.

When:
May 10-17, 2024

Where
Columbia Gorge and the Oregon Coast. Tour begins and ends in Portland, Oregon.

Getting There:
Portland International Airport (PDX)

Itinerary:
Each day is paced to maximize the best light, opportunities and time of day.

Day 1: We will meet at the hotel where we will have a quick meeting to discuss plans, goals and objectives for the upcoming week. We will then head out for dinner followed by a sunset shoot.

Day 2: We will photograph waterfalls, and nearby overlooks with the Columbia River in the background.

Day 3: We will photograph waterfalls, and nearby overlooks for the sunrise session. Later, we will drive to the coast with stops along the way. We will check in to the hotel and leave for an afternoon photo session until sunset.

We will be staying three nights in the picturesque town of Bandon at a cliff-side motel. Bandon offers an excellent base for venturing out and discovering the sea stacks like Face Rock and Wizard’s Hat, as well as other attractions in the vicinity. Our itinerary includes capturing giant crashing waves, exploring the vibrant tide pools, photographing charming lighthouses, and other coastal attractions.

Day 4 and 5: We will photograph several locations throughout the southern coast.

Day 6
After we photograph sunrise, we will check out of the hotel. We will drive north along the Pacific Coast Highway and photograph along the way. We will check in to the next hotel and photograph until sunset.

Day 7: We will photograph along the coast.

Day 8: We will photograph sunrise and return to the hotel before check out time. We will be able to drop-off people at the Portland airport for afternoon flights. We have a target time to reach the airport at 2 pm.

Group Size:
Our group size is substantially smaller than most tour companies. This will maximize learning and allow us to get closer to wildlife. This offers several advantages:

Personalized one-on-one attention, critiques, and photography advice. We want to make sure you get the best shots while we are on location.

We get much better access to remote areas then bus tours, day tours and car pools. There are several incredible places which only has room for one or two cars.

We will be traveling in two vehicles. We can access more remote areas and respond quicker to photo opportunities.

Skill and Fitness Level Requirements:
Anyone with an interest in photography from beginner to professional.

The participants should have a love of nature and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

This tour includes several short hikes. Participants should be able to walk 1-3 miles with frequent stops to take pictures. We will get out and explore some incredible places.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

For information regarding mobility concerns, please call our office to discuss options and alternatives.

What's Included:
The hotels are included in this tour (7 nights stay). Lodging is double occupancy. If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy) it is an additional $300. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want to do this.

We will be providing transportation. You do not need to rent a car.

Professional instruction, permits, and entrance fees.

Classroom and or Zoom Class:
This trip is planned to maximize time outdoors photographing. We may have classroom time to discuss photography, post processing or provide photo critiques.

After the tour:
You will be invited to Zoom classes exclusive to past tour participants at no additional cost. Topics will be Lightroom, Photoshop, Wildlife Photography and Landscape Photography. We usually offer 3-4 a year.

Not Included:
Food and drinks. Each participant will be responsible for their own food bills.

Air travel is not included

Price: $4795
Deposit: $500
Balance Due: Six months before the start date of tour.

Payment:
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards on our website.

Cancellation Policy

About Us:
John Slonina (leader)

A professional nature photographer who has been photographing nature for several decades. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding nature not only increases your appreciation of it but also helps you become a better nature photographer.