Lance Kuehne Photography Workshops

Capture the Magic of Summer Light on Mount Tamalpais!

Saturday, August 22nd, 1:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Mount Tamalpais in summer is a breathtaking blend of golden hills, coastal fog, and expansive views. The landscape transforms as the lush greens of spring give way to rolling grasslands shimmering in warm, golden hues. The oak woodlands and redwood forests remain vibrant, offering a cool retreat from the sun, while the open ridges provide panoramic views stretching from the San Francisco Bay to 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 Countyin summer.

What to Expect

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

Our Journey Begins at Alpine Dam
We’ll kick off at Alpine Dam, where calm waters reflect the towering redwoods and oaks, creating perfect compositions for moody forest scenes and abstract details of the dam’s architecture. Here, we’ll go over composition, lighting, and camera settings to prepare for the day ahead.

Forest Trails, Rolling Fog & Golden Light
From Alpine Dam, we’ll gradually ascend toward Bolinas Ridge, stopping to capture:
🌿 Moss-covered oaks & towering redwoods filtering soft afternoon light
🌼 Wildflower-filled meadows can still be found in pockets—bright yellow tarweed, delicate farewell-to-spring blossoms, and the occasional late-season lupine dot the hillsides
🌫 Rolling fog drifting through the valleys, creating ethereal landscapes
If conditions are right, we’ll position ourselves on Bolinas Ridge to capture the famous "islands in the sky" effect, where peaks rise above a sea of mist—an absolute dream for photographers!

Golden Hour & Sunset Magic
Before sunset, we’ll take a short hike near the peak along a creekside trail in oak forests, then head to a vista point, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.
As the sun lowers, we’ll return to Bolinas Ridge, where golden light bathes the hills, casting long, dramatic shadows across the rolling landscape—a perfect opportunity for breathtaking compositions.

Sunset & Twilight Photography
We’ll wrap up at a stunning high vantage point, overlooking Bolinas Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, just as the sky erupts in fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple.

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

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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 summer, 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

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Workshop Details

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, August 22nd, 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.
📷 Spots are limited! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to capture the beauty of Mount Tamalpais in summer.

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

Join me 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: Tuesday, September 8th
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 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!

# Capture the Magic of the Mendocino Coast and Bowling Ball Beach

Saturday, September 12th, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable autumn photography adventure along California’s stunning Mendocino Coast, perfectly timed to capture Bowling Ball Beach at low tide and sunset. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic skies, golden-hour reflections, or the mysterious rock formations revealed by the receding tide, this workshop is designed to help you elevate your coastal photography skills.

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What to Expect This Time of Year

🍂 Golden Light & Long Shadows – The lower autumn sun enhances textures, creating rich contrasts and dynamic compositions. Golden hour lasts longer, offering extended shooting opportunities.

🌊 Tide Considerations – The famous spherical rock formations are fully revealed at low tide. Autumn’s predictable tides make it easier to time a visit when the beach is at its most photogenic. A receding tide at sunset is ideal for long-exposure photography.

🌫 Moody Coastal Atmosphere – Cooler temperatures bring crisper air and occasional mist, adding depth and mystery. Some evenings feature soft, rolling fog, while others showcase clear, vibrant skies.

🌙 Sunset & Blue Hour Magic – Fall sunsets can be spectacular, with deep oranges, pinks, and purples stretching across the sky. After sunset, blue hour provides an opportunity for long exposures, capturing the soft twilight glow against the mystical rock formations.

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📍 Itinerary

🚀 Starting Point – Lance’s Petaluma Studio

We begin at Lance’s studio in Petaluma, where we’ll organize carpooling for a scenic coastal drive (optional). If preferred, you can meet us in Gualala instead.

🚗 Coastal Road Trip with Scenic Stops

As we head north, we’ll stop along the way in Gualala and possibly other picturesque locations to stretch, photograph the coastline, grab refreshments, and use restrooms. These stops provide excellent opportunities to capture windswept bluffs and ocean vistas.

📷 Point Arena Lighthouse – A Coastal Icon

Our first major stop is the historic Point Arena Lighthouse, where we’ll explore multiple vantage points to capture:
✅ Dramatic cliffs plunging into the Pacific
✅ The towering lighthouse against an endless horizon
✅ Waves crashing against rugged coastal formations

🥗 Lunch Break in Point Arena

We’ll pause for a late lunch in the charming town of Point Arena, giving us a chance to warm up and discuss shooting techniques before our next stop.

🌊 Sunset & Blue Hour at Bowling Ball Beach

In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Bowling Ball Beach, timed for optimal tide conditions. As the sun sets, warm hues will bathe the spherical rock formations, creating a breathtaking scene. We’ll stay well past sundown to experiment with blue-hour and long-exposure techniques.

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Why You Should Attend

✅ Perfect Timing & Location – This workshop is planned around the ideal tide and sunset alignment at Bowling Ball Beach. Plus, we’ll explore Point Arena Lighthouse, with potential bonus stops at Salt Point or Sea Ranch for even more diverse coastal landscapes.

✅ Master Light & Exposure – Learn how to balance highlights and shadows in varying light conditions, from bright midday to moody twilight.

✅ Exclusive Small Group Experience – With only 6 participants, you’ll receive personalized instruction tailored to your skill level—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer.

✅ Go Beyond the Basics – Explore advanced techniques, including:

📷 Long-Exposure Water Effects – Create silky water effects as waves move around the boulders.

📷 Gear Optimization – Learn how to maximize your current DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone. Get recommendations on the best lenses and accessories for coastal photography.

🎨 Creative Development – Receive professional feedback and inspiration to refine your personal photography style.

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What to Expect

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

🚶♂️ Hiking Note: There is a moderate hike with elevation change to reach the beach, and we will return in darkness—so bring a headlamp. The beach access ladder has fire damage, so be prepared for possible obstacles.

🚻 Restroom Stops: The last available facilities will be in Point Arena before we head to Bowling Ball Beach.

📜 Bonus! After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map of our photo locations, so you can revisit these hidden gems anytime.

Workshop Details

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 11:00 AM – 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)

Reserve Your Spot
Space is limited to 6 participants.

You’ll receive a 10% early-bird discount if you register at least one week in advance.

### Mount Tamalpais in Fall: Golden Hills & Coastal Light

Saturday, September 26th · 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Limited to 6 participants

Fall is a season of transformation on Mount Tamalpais. The hills glow with golden grasses, the forests deepen in color, and the coastal fog rolls through the valleys, painting everything in soft, shifting light. This workshop is your chance to explore the mountain’s rich textures and long shadows during one of the most photogenic times of year.
Designed for photographers of all levels, this small-group workshop offers hands-on instruction as we move from shaded forest trails to open ridgelines, ending with golden hour and sunset over the Pacific.

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### What to Expect

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio in Petaluma (carpooling available), or meet us in Fairfax

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#### Our Journey Begins at Alpine Dam

We’ll begin the afternoon at Alpine Dam, where calm reflections and weathered stone offer opportunities for moody forest images and creative compositions. We’ll go over exposure, lighting, and composition techniques to prepare for the rest of the day.

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#### Redwoods, Fog, and Fall Light

As we make our way up toward Bolinas Ridge, we’ll stop to photograph:
🍂 Mossy oak groves and redwood stands bathed in low, directional light
🌫 Fog drifting through valleys, adding mood and atmosphere
🌾 Grasses and dry wildflowers catching the sun’s golden glow
If conditions are right, we’ll position ourselves for the “islands in the sky” effect—ridge peaks rising above a blanket of coastal fog.

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#### Sunset & Twilight Over the Coast

We’ll finish the day with golden hour and sunset along Bolinas Ridge or another vista point, where the warm light and long shadows bring the hills to life. Expect sweeping views of Bolinas Lagoon, the Pacific Ocean, and maybe even San Francisco gleaming in the distance.
📍 Bonus: After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map of all photo stops so you can revisit them on your own.

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### Why You Should Join

✔ Small group (max 6 participants) = personalized guidance
✔ Diverse photo subjects: forests, hills, fog, ridgelines, and ocean vistas
✔ Perfect for all levels—from beginner to advanced
✔ One of the best seasons for capturing the drama of light and landscape on Mt. Tam

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### Workshop Details

📅 Date: Saturday, September 26
⏰ Time: 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM
💰 Cost: $150

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – most locations are close to parking with short walks
🚗 Transportation: Optional carpooling from Petaluma
🚻 Bathrooms available every 1–2 hours
☕ Midday snack break included (please bring your own)

Included:
✅ Expert instruction tailored to your gear and experience level
✅ Map of our photo stops (delivered after the workshop)
✅ Optional carpool coordination
What’s Not Included:
❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

***

Capture the shifting light and golden stillness of Mount Tamalpais in early fall—when the land glows, the fog rolls in, and every moment feels like a painting.

🔗 Reserve your spot today—only 6 spots available!
🎟️ Sign up at least a week in advance and get a 10% Early Bird discount.