Lance Kuehne Photography Workshops

Experience Yosemite at Its Most Breathtaking!

Friday–Sunday, May 1st to May 3rd, 2026

Join us for an unforgettable three-day photography workshop during peak waterfall season in Yosemite National Park! Early May is one of the most spectacular times to visit, as spring awakens the valley with roaring waterfalls, blooming dogwoods, and meadows bursting with fresh greenery and wildflowers.

A Photographer’s Paradise

After months of snowmelt from the Sierra high country, Yosemite’s waterfalls reach their peak flow, creating a mesmerizing display of thundering cascades and misty rainbows. Iconic falls like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall are at their most dramatic, sending plumes of mist into the air and often drenching nearby trails.

Even unnamed waterfalls appear, tumbling down sheer granite cliffs, making the valley feel almost mythical—a scene straight out of Lord of the Rings. Mist rises from cascading falls, lush green meadows stretch toward the towering cliffs, and fleeting clouds swirl around granite peaks. The constant sound of rushing water creates an immersive, almost otherworldly experience.

What You’ll Capture

🌊 Powerful waterfalls at their peak flow
🌿 Lush green meadows and wildflowers (including lupine and poppies)
🌳 Blooming dogwoods contrasting against dark evergreens
☁️ Dramatic clouds and mist-shrouded cliffs
🌅 Golden morning light and pastel-hued sunsets

Workshop Itinerary & Details

🚗 Departure & Logistics:
We will depart from Petaluma on Friday morning, though you may also meet us in Yosemite Valley. Along the way, we’ll make brief stops for refreshments and photo opportunities. Our base will be in Yosemite Valley, and each day’s locations will be carefully selected based on weather conditions to ensure the best photographic experience.

Upon arriving in Yosemite Valley on Friday afternoon, we may begin photographing right away, capturing the soft evening light as it falls over the valley. In the evening, we'll aim to dine together, providing a great opportunity for introductions and discussion.

On Saturday, we’ll rise before dawn (weather permitting) to photograph the sunrise, taking advantage of the golden morning light. Midday, we’ll take a break in Yosemite Village to rest, review images, and discuss techniques. The remainder of the day will be spent photographing until sunset, ensuring we capture a variety of light and conditions.

Sunday morning will be dedicated to exploring new locations in the valley, focusing on spots we haven’t yet photographed. Around midday, we’ll wrap up the workshop, giving you the flexibility to revisit favorite locations, venture to new ones with your refined skills, or begin your journey home at your own pace.

🎓 What You’ll Learn:

• Master waterfall photography in different lighting conditions.
• Use histograms to get perfect exposure in bright or overcast settings.
• Learn techniques for sharp, vibrant images with the right camera settings.
• Discover when and how to use filters to enhance your shots.
• Develop a stronger sense of composition, emotion, and storytelling in your images.
• Gain insider knowledge on the best locations for photography.
• Capture the "spirit" of Yosemite, not just its surfaces.

🎤 Post-Workshop Image Critique:
A few weeks after the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an optional image critique session to refine your skills even further.

📍 Bonus: After the workshop, you'll receive a detailed map of all the locations we photographed, so you can revisit them anytime!

Why Join This Workshop?

✔ Personalized, hands-on instruction in a small group (max 5 participants)
✔ A diverse range of stunning locations, from waterfalls to meadows to towering cliffs
✔ Perfect for all skill levels—whether you're just starting or a seasoned pro
✔ Exclusive small-group experience for more one-on-one guidance
✔ Three days of photography in Yosemite Valley
✔ Flexible itinerary based on weather conditions
✔ Optional post-workshop image critique to refine your photography

📷 Gear Guidance:

• Learn how to maximize your current gear (DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone).
• Get recommendations on lenses and accessories for landscape photography.

🎨 Creative Support:

• Develop your unique photographic style with professional feedback.
• Gain new creative approaches to capturing landscapes.

***

Workshop Details

💰 Cost: $395 (Tuition Only)
📅 Dates: Friday–Sunday, May 1st to May 3rd

🚶♂️ Fitness Level: Easy to moderate—most locations are close to parking areas with minimal hiking.

✅ What’s Included:
✔ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level
✔ A detailed map of all our photo stops after the workshop
✔ Carpooling options from Petaluma

❌ What’s Not Included:
🚗 Transportation (aside from carpooling options)
🏡 Lodging (Suggested lodging options will be provided after registration)
🎟 Park entrance fees
🍽 Meals

Reserve Your Spot! Sign up 2 weeks before the workshop and get a 15% Early Bird discount. Sign up 1 week before the workshop and get a 10% Early Bird discount!

Capture the Essence of Spring in Wine Country

Saturday, May 9th, 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Spring in Napa and Sonoma Wine Country is a season of renewal and breathtaking beauty. The vineyards awaken as bright green leaves unfurl, marking the start of a new growing season. Rolling hills transform into a lush, vibrant landscape, with wild mustard flowers painting a brilliant yellow between the rows of vines.

The dynamic spring weather offers a range of photographic opportunities—from sunlit vistas to glistening vineyards after a passing rain. Dramatic cloud formations may add depth and mood to the sky, enhancing the region’s natural charm. Beyond the vineyards, oak-studded hills, winding country roads, and seasonal wetlands come alive. Creeks swell with fresh water, and blossoming fruit trees burst into shades of pink and white, creating a rich tapestry of color, texture, and light—perfect for photography.

What to Expect

Starting from Lance’s studio in Petaluma, we’ll embark on a carefully planned route (map provided after) that ensures prime photographic opportunities at every stop, or you can join up with the group at our first stop, the location of which will be determined by the itinerary for that day.

This workshop's itinerary will vary depending on our route, whether we explore northern Sonoma or northern Napa Valley or venture through central Napa Valley and the southern Carneros region(which spans both counties). Regardless of our path, we’ll have opportunities for rest breaks and refreshments midway through the workshop, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

📍 Bonus: After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map highlighting all the locations we photographed, so you can revisit them anytime!

***

Why You Should Join
✔ Personalized, hands-on instruction in a small group setting (max 6 participants)
✔ A diverse range of stunning locations, from vineyards to the surrounding natural landscape
✔ Perfect for all skill levels—whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills
✔ Experience the magic of Wine Country in spring, a photographer’s paradise!

📷 Gear Guidance:

• Learn how to make the most of your current gear, whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone
• Get recommendations on essential lenses and accessories for landscape photography

🎨 Creative Support:

• Work on developing your unique photographic style with professional feedback
• Get inspiration and new creative approaches for landscape photography

***

Workshop Details

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, May 9th, 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💰 Cost: $150

What’s Included:
✅ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level
✅ A detailed map of all our photo stops after the workshop
✅ Carpooling options from my studio

What’s Not Included:
❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

👟 Fitness Level: Easy – most locations are very close to our cars

📷 Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to capture the beauty of Napa-Sonoma Wine Country in spring.
🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today!
Get a 10% Early Bird discount if you sign up at least a week in advance.

Capture the Magic of Late Spring on Mount Tamalpais!

Sunday, May 10th, 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of photography as we explore Mount Tamalpais’ most breathtaking landscapes, from lush redwood forests to panoramic sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. This small-group workshop (limited to just 6 participants) is designed for photographers of all skill levels who want to refine their craft while immersing themselves in the stunning beauty of Marin County in spring.

What to Expect

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio (with carpooling options) or meet us in Fairfax for a convenient starting point.

Mount Tamalpais in late spring is a photographer’s dream, offering a mix of golden hills, lush greenery, and coastal fog rolling over the ridges. The landscape transitions from the vibrant greens of winter to the drier, golden tones of summer, creating a striking contrast between sunlit grasslands and the darker, forested areas.

In the afternoon, the fog may retreat, revealing sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin coastline, and even San Francisco in the distance. The interplay of light, mist, and shadow offers endless opportunities for dynamic compositions, from wide panoramic vistas to intimate close-ups of textured landscapes.

In late spring Mt. Tam is ideal for capturing:

• Golden hour glow over rolling hills and coastal bluffs.
• Fog-scapes as mist moves through the trees and valleys.
• Long exposures of clouds flowing over the ridges at sunset.
• Wildflower details against soft, defocused backgrounds.
• Dramatic silhouettes of lone trees against colorful skies.

Whether shooting landscapes, moody fog, or abstract nature details, Mt. Tam in late spring offers a variety of subjects that change throughout the day.

Sunset & Twilight Photography

We’ll wrap up at a stunning high vantage point, overlooking Bolinas Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, just as the sky transforms into fiery warm hues of yellow and gold.

📍 Bonus: After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed maphighlighting all the locations we photographed, so you can revisit them anytime!

***

Why You Should Join

✔ Personalized, hands-on instruction in a small group setting (max 6 participants)
✔ A diverse range of stunning locations, from forests to ridgelines to coastal vistas
✔ Perfect for all skill levels—whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills
✔ Experience the magic of Mount Tamalpais in spring, a photographer’s paradise!

📷 Gear Guidance:

• Learn how to make the most of your current gear, whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone
• Get recommendations on essential lenses and accessories for landscape photography

🎨 Creative Support:

• Work on developing your unique photographic style with professional feedback
• Get inspiration and new creative approaches for landscape photography

***

Workshop Details
📅 Date & Time: Sunday, May 10th, 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM
💰 Cost: $150

What’s Included:
✅ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level
✅ A detailed map of all our photo stops after the workshop
✅ Carpooling options from my studio

What’s Not Included:
❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – most locations are close to parking areas with minimal hiking.

📷 Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to
capture the beauty of Mount Tamalpais in spring.

🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today!
Get a 10% Early Bird discount if you sign up at least a week in advance.

Join us for a relaxed 2-hour photowalk through historic downtown Petaluma, where we’ll explore textures, reflections, architecture, and evening light. This free event is open to all levels—from beginners looking for guidance to experienced photographers who just want to shoot with others.

We’ll meet at Putnam Plaza and make our way through side streets, alleyways, and the waterfront area as golden hour sets in.

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 10

⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

💰 Cost: Free

🎯 Skill Level: All levels welcome

📍 What to Bring: Camera (any kind), comfortable shoes, and a sense of curiosity!

Reserve Your Spot – Limited to 20 Participants!