Photograph the Sonoma Coast - Summer

An Afternoon Photography Adventure on the Sonoma Coast
Join a small group of photographers for an inspiring afternoon exploring the breathtaking Sonoma Coast. With a maximum of five participants, this intimate workshop provides personalized guidance, allowing you to refine your skills while immersing yourself in one of California’s most scenic landscapes.

Much of the Sonoma Coast is part of a state park, offering a diverse range of photographic opportunities. We may visit locations from Bodega Head to the far northwestern part of the county, capturing rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and expansive beaches. While the shoreline will be our primary focus, we may also photograph historic buildings, seasonal wildflowers, and the rolling interior hills that shape this beautiful region.
Weather conditions can shift from sunny and bright to moody afternoon fog, giving us the chance to work with varied lighting and atmospheric conditions. We’ll be traveling on good roads with minimal walking, stopping at key locations that allow for easy access to incredible photo opportunities.

***

A Thoughtfully Curated Itinerary

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio (with carpooling options) or meet us at a bakery in Freestone to begin the adventure.

🍞 A Delicious Start: Our first stop is Wild Flour Bread bakery, a perfect place to fuel up before an afternoon of photography.

🌲 Ancient Redwoods: Next, we visit one of Sonoma County’s few publicly accessible old-growth redwood groves. Some trees here are over 1,000 years old, surrounded by oaks and other native flora. Depending on the season, we may capture golden afternoon light or a misty forest atmosphere.

🏡 Scenic Ranches & Rolling Hills: As we travel one of my favorite backroads, we’ll stop at expansive ranchlands and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean—hidden gems that most visitors never see.

🌊 Beaches & Shoreline:
• Sandstone Formations – The unique tafoni rock formations in Salt Point, sculpted by wind and waves, are a highlight for photographers looking for intricate textures and patterns.

🌊 Golden Hour & Sunset on the Sonoma Coast: We end the day along the dramatic coastline, photographing sea stacks, rugged cliffs, and waves crashing against the shore as the sky turns golden with the setting sun.

***

What You’ll Learn
📷 Perfecting Exposure & Composition – Use histograms to manage highlights and shadows for perfectly exposed shots.
🌤 Adapting to Changing Light – Techniques for capturing both vibrant landscapes and moody, atmospheric scenes.
🔎 Refining Your Eye for Composition – Discover how to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story.

***

Why Join This Workshop?
✔ Exclusive access to lesser-known locations beyond typical tourist spots
✔ Small group size (max 5 participants) for personalized instruction
✔ Diverse subjects – landscapes, still-life, historic buildings, and seasonal wildflowers
✔ Minimal hiking – most spots are easily accessible near our vehicles
✔ A relaxed, immersive experience in one of California’s most photogenic regions

***

Photography Gear & Creative Support
📷 Gear Guidance: Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, learn how to make the most of your equipment.
🎨 Creative Support: Get feedback and develop your unique photographic style with professional guidance.

***

Workshop Details
📍 Where: The Sonoma Coast & nearby inland areas
📅 Date: Saturday, June 28th
🕰 Time: 2:00 PM – Sunset

✅ Included:
✔ Hands-on photography instruction tailored to your skill level
✔ A detailed map of our photo stops after the workshop
✔ Carpooling options from my studio

❌ 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.

***

Ready to capture the stunning Sonoma Coast? Reserve your spot now for an afternoon of photography, inspiration, and creative exploration!

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