Time is running out to join me in just two weeks on the Olympic Peninsula for my Lake Quinault Photography retreat! It’s fall in my home state of Washington, and what better way to celebrate the season than to be part of an intimate group of photographers exploring the lush Olympic forest? This region is the gift that keeps on giving; a location that I can never seem to get enough of as far as photographic opportunities go. I always leave feeling like there is so much more to explore, and this exclusive small group setting is my opportunity to share what I see with you in hopes I can pass on four decades of knowledge to you.
Along with this very personal look at a region I’m particularly familiar with, I’ll be providing lectures and critiques. We will also have equipment on hand from X-Rite and Epson during our time at the Lake Quinault Lodge for demonstration on calibration and printing – take home prints of your best photos from our time together!
Sign up now, as the retreat is only a few weeks away and it’s nearly full!
I have decided to jump in on the Olympic Peninsula workshop happening in in April with Gavriel Jecan, Yuri Choufour and Libby Pfeiffer. It is only one month away, so now is the time to pull the trigger if you’ve been contemplating joining us to capture the forests, coastline, and mountain peaks of this lush location. Join myself and trusted instructors in an area with a never ending variety of subjects to shoot!
Take a virtual journey and check out a selection my new imagery taken between April 1st and June 30th. Locations include Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park & the Atacama Desert, Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, the Bolivian Altiplano, the Galapagos, birding in Texas, Washington’s temperate rainforest, and Tanzania. It’s been a busy schedule to keep, but these locations and workshops have provided wonderful opportunities to shoot along with the chance to get to know some new faces. I’m looking forward to what the rest of 2016 brings!
My two workshops on the Olympic Peninsula went off without a hitch. We got some good results in the Quinault rain forest working with the team from Leica. On the second workshop we got absolutely poured on in the Hoh, but that’s why it looks the way it does! Everyone was in great spirits and learned to photograph while holding umbrellas. Then in cleared and the weather gods treated us to a gorgeous afternoon on the Olympic National Park beaches.
1) Check the Olympic National Park off your bucket list. Do you have a National Parks passport? Maybe it’s time to get one and start visiting the sites of “America’s Best Idea.” The park system is marking its 100th anniversary this year.
2) Check a workshop with Art Wolfe off your bucket list. A UNESCO world heritage site combined with a world renowned photographer, who also happens to be a great teacher and inspiration? Check!
3) The trees. The temperate rainforest has a living standing biomass which may be the highest anywhere in the world. And it is stunningly gorgeous.
4) The coast. The rocky headlands, beaches, tidepools nurturing a living rainbow of colors and textures, offshore sea stacks of the park’s 73-mile wilderness coastline is a rare treasure.
5) Assistants. I am accompanied by terrific assistants to assure that your photographic experience is as rich as your surroundings. The Quinault retreat is manned by my workshop coordinator Libby as well as two experts in Leica cameras, who will have equipment on hand for you to use; Libby, Bill, Yuri, and Anthony will be working the Olympic Peninsula workshop.
6) Friendship. I don’t know how many friendships have formed as a result of these workshops in particular.
7) Vampires. They’re sexy.
8) Water. Water defines Olympic National Park. There’s a reason why the trees are massive and the moss lush; why the rivers are highways of life; why the glaciers are there to sculpt the massive peaks.
9) Wildlife. We may get lucky and see the huge Roosevelt elk that make the Olympics home.
10) Adventuresome learning. I work hard to make sure everyone comes away from these multiday workshops feeling better about and more enriched by their photography skills.
“Each day, Art would present an abstract element (such as “lines”) and clearly articulate how it could be effectively incorporated into the elements of a picture. Then we would travel to a spot chosen not for its beauty but instead for its ease of incorporating the “abstraction of the day” into our own photographs. Art and his assistants were there to answer questions, but the photographs we took were our own creations. Each morning we presented our own work to the group and for Art’s critique. His gentle humor kept the anxiety levels down and made for a great learning experience.”—Mike Colpitts
“Attending Art Wolfe’s Olympic Peninsula workshop was the most inspiring 2 1/2 days I have experienced as a photographer. The lectures, field time and critique provided a comprehensive learning environment. Art freely shares techniques and tips from his vast experience and shares them in a fun and memorable manner. And, his assistants are terrific photographers who provided excellent ideas in the field. All up, it was a phenomenal workshop — I learned a lot, had a lot of fun and am anxious to sign up for another.”—Ondra Hidley
“This was an amazing workshop that I enjoyed a lot. It was a great honor to meet and work with Art and his team.”—Mathieu Jonkers
“Art and his team taught us how to create photos, not just take photos. He brought out the artist in each of us, teaching us to compose images with our digital cameras as an artist would compose a painting with humor and energy created a wonderful environment of fun and laughter!”—Paige Roberts
“Studying with Art and his team was a fantastic experience. The workshop was full of precise and valuable information delivered with excellent humor. I’m thankful to have been able to study with such a world-class group of educators, and my photography is much better for having done so.”—Liana Lewis
“I appreciated the personal attention everyone received. In the field Art made sure that I got the most out of each shooting location. In the classes, as well as in the field, Art focused on us seeing things differently. During critiques, he edited our work, transforming the photographs as we watched, which was very insightful. His feedback was enormously helpful and I came away with a better understanding of how to take a more compelling photograph.”—Liz Fanning
“The Art Wolfe Olympic Peninsula Workshop was a tremendous opportunity to learn a great deal about photography in a few short days. We were at the mercy of the weather, and although we had too much sun at times that hampered some of the scenes, and too many clouds that disrupted a potentially awesome sunset, the assistant instructors, who were very knowledgeable and passionate about photography provided valuable insight into the creative process of capturing the most striking features of a scene. Art Wolfe provided a wealth of information on composition, equipment and techniques – and also helped me set-up a shoot in the middle of a rock-strewn stream. The workshop was very worthwhile – and highly recommended. “—Ric Raunio
All of my Washington State workshops this summer are very nearly full. The Olympic Peninsula and Rainier workshops filled quickly, and there is one spot left on the Lake Quinault photo retreat in May.
If you can’t make that, I urge you to consider the Palouse workshop in July. What’s the Palouse you ask? I call it the Tuscany of the Northwest—a rich agricultural region of undulating wheat fields, bordered on the west by world class viticulture. It is also a classic western American landscape, with tidy farms, small towns, and many opportunities to work on your eye for abstract imagery.
For those who have been looking for a different, more intimate and intensive Olympic Peninsula experience—look no further! This photography retreat is designed with the avid photographer in mind who is looking to further develop and explore their talent.
Accommodations are in the luxurious and historic Lake Quinault Lodge and are included in the package.
Be a part of a small group photographing together for five days in the cathedral-like Quinault Rainforest and surrounding Olympic Peninsula locations! This is a great opportunity to spend time with one of the world’s foremost photographers in one of his favorite locations.
As always, it is always great to spend several days in Olympic National Park with such enthusiastic photographers! This workshop continues to be the gold standard of my learning program. Be sure to check out the blogs & websites of the following photographers!
Alan Augustine: “I really enjoyed the workshop. Art and all of his assistants were very helpful with my attempts to progress from simply documenting a scene to creating a work of art.”
_____
Cory Kitzan: “I had a GREAT time at this workshop. I came home and told my wife that it was the best three days of my life! It was very mentally and physically challenging. It took me two days to recover! I loved every bit of it.
Art has so much energy and passion, and seemed to really care about the quality of the workshop experience for each member of the group. He was a lot of fun to be around. His lectures and candid comments during the critiquing session were invaluable. I learned so much!
I also learned humility when I viewed my results. I’ve been taking photographs as a hobby since I was a kid (35+ years). I understand the technical side, and can take good “vacation photos”, as Art described them. I have loved Art’s photography ever since the first time I saw “Travels to the Edge”, but I didn’t know what it was that appealed to me, or how to replicate it myself. At the workshop, those questions were answered.
I now have many fun years of practice ahead of me. What I learned in those three short days will impact my photography for the rest of my life. I would highly recommend Art’s workshops and lectures to anyone interested in photography.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cory Kitzan
______
Dan Rosen: “I had a great time at the workshop!”
_______
Darrell Sano: “I’ve always admired Art Wolfe, ever since watching his “Travels to the Edge” PBS series. He is far more than a landscape photographer, and his fascination with people and culture attest to his multi-faceted interests and skills. Aside from looking at his work and hearing first-hand explanations behind his images, the class afforded me the opportunity to visit someplace I’ve never been. And sharing the experience with fellow attendees, especially those who I drove in our car pool, was utterly enjoyable.”
Web: www.dksfoto.com
______
Ella Hudson: “Earlier in my life I have worked as a college photographer and a medical photographer. More attune to a PR and photo journalism style, I have never really explored nature as a photo subject. The grand landscape has always been too broad and vast; my photos never came close to Ansel Adams! But I enjoy others’ nature photography.
I have followed Art’s work since becoming aware of him through “Travels to the Edge.” His obvious love and passion for animals and nature’s beauty is what makes these episodes. My husband encouraged me to sign up for the Olympic Peninsula workshop as a gift to myself. This was the first real photo workshop I have ever attended. Even though I felt a little out of my comfort zone, I promised myself that I would be open to all the possibilities, no matter what. I really had no expectations; I planned to attend and see what happened.
Well, what happened was more than I could have ever expected. Photography, photography, photography morning to night with a lot of other people at times feeling out of their comfort zones, too! But that’s how you learn! Here was an opportunity to just soak it all up!
Eric Schoch: “This was a terrific workshop in a great locale. Art and all the instructors were supportive and had excellent suggestions. I learned a lot and had a great time!”
Web: ericschochphotography.com
______
Kashif Izhar: “What an exhilarating experience it was to be with Art Wolfe at the Olympic Peninsula Workshop. 3 days full of great advice and ample chances to implement it in the field with first hand feedback from Art and his team. The critique session was by far the best, where Art looks at each photo for a moment and then with live Lightroom implementation, transforms it to its true potential. Wish to join Art once again at a more exotic location for a longer trip.”
______
Kathryn Mead: “Art is a great teacher in lecture, field and critique. His enthusiasm is boundless as is his knowledge, which he shares freely. This was my 3rd workshop with Art. He takes us to places that offer a variety of shots. Since he’s thought out where to go, all I have to do is think about shooting. I really enjoyed shooting with a group. I got to make new friends and learn even more about photography from talking to them and seeing their work. Art’s personality sets a relaxed atmosphere. I would recommend a workshop to anyone who would like to learn more about how to see an environment in a way that allows them to create more compelling images. For me, this class is not (mostly) about f-stops and ISOs. It’s about how to see a composition. My photography has improved tremendously as a result of learning from Art.”
Nick Monkman: “Art Wolfe is a fantastic teacher and and enjoyable person just to be around. Not only did I improve my photography – I also had a fun vacation. Art’s rich background in painting and art history really help drive home his main teaching points about effect compositions. Lectures were well-organized without being oppressive and the image critique at the end of the workshop was especially rewarding. Well done…and when’s the next one?”
Blog: nickmonkman.zenfolio.com/blog/2012/6/okay-that-was-fun
Web: nickmonkman.zenfolio.com/
______
Timothy Lindsay: “I learned a lot about composition and the technical aspects of photography on this workshop. Both during lectures from Art Wolfe and his helpers in the field. I recommend atttending one near your home first so you know what kind of equipment you need (and what you don’t need) when traveling with your photography equipment.”
Here are some great images and kind words from these gallery particiants:
Not all great photographers make great teachers, Art is! His workshops are amazing.
Not only did I leave with renewed passion and a clearer vision for finding a composition when I thought there was none, but the individual attention provided by his assistants, Gavriel Jecan and Jay Goodrich, was tailored specifically to my needs as a student. All provided superb guidance on how to communicate the passion and artistry of a shot.
The workshops are the most worthwhile investment I have made in improving my photography. When critiqued, they cheer you on in your victories and encourage you in your struggles.
Thanks, Harry Ableman www.harryablemanphotography.com
The course with Art and his assistants was exceptional. I learned so many new and important things and cleared so many misconceptions. Everyone of them put in a lot of effort in teaching and training and most importantly, helping to see better and grow as a photographer and a person. Art is an exceptional teacher full of energy and enthusiasim. I would love to go on more trips like this with him and his team.
Mirza Malang
Art Wolfe’s Olympic National Park Workshop was a unique opportunity for me to learn what I needed to do to take my photography to a new level. Art’s lectures gave me a lot of new ideas to think about; and when we were on site taking photographs, Art and his assistants were always helpful and friendly. The critique at theend of the workshop was very liberating in terms of my future photographic choices. The workshop was tough but invaluable.
Dave Olson
Art is as enthusiastic and helpful in his workshops as he is on Travels to the Edge . Understanding his artistic concept and creation of a photograph provided valuable insight for my own photography.
Gail Gazda http://tctriunguis.shutterfly.com/
I’m so impressed with the depth of information that was given to us in Art Wolfe’s Olympic Peninsula Workshop.
Art’s lectures and teaching methods are also so darn entertaining!
Art’s teaching is full of reference to art history, nature, suggestions of camera settings for different shooting situations; always engaging his audience, always aware of his student.
It was wonderful to see how ART has effected Art in his life long body of work as well as his exciting new projects.
I would welcome the opportunity to take this workshop again. Art and his assistants were always helpful and focused on bringing us to a higher level of photographic ability, both artistically and technically .
I came to this workshop because I wanted to bring new perspective to my observations. I definitely experienced new ways to look thru my lens; my ultimate reason for wanting to learn from Art.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Sharon McCormack
Contact Sharon to view more of her photos.
Email her at: sharon4d@gmail.com
The Olympic Peninsula Workshop was my first experience of this sort with a professional photographer / artist. I’ve been getting more serious about my photography for the past couple of years. Art Wolfe (as well as his workshop assistants and organization) set a high bar for value. Art appears to be entirely transparent about his artistry. He is thoroughly giving, approachable, and funny. How many opportunities do you get to sit in a casual “seminar” with someone at the top of his game and “pick his brain”? Art shared with us what he was thinking as he composed his shots, where he finds inspiration and ideas, and he showed us the resulting photographs. We then went to beautiful natural surroundings to put it all together for ourselves. What an education in such a brief period of time! Art, thanks for the challenge you inspire for those of us who appreciate excellence. I can now ‘see’ how to get there.”
Ken McGivney
Shreveport, Louisiana www.kenmcgivney.photoshelter.com
Thanks to all the participants for a great workshop. This workshop is offered twice each year and is always a wonderful experience for me and my great team.
