Rob Strain and Tim Wier bring a polished, professional approach to teaching composition, metaphorical landscapes, small scenes, abstracts, and creative in-camera techniques. In the Oregon Coast Workshop 2027, they will help you create expressive images with strong design, mood, and impact.

Join Rob Strain of Wanderlux Photography and Tim Wier of Photographers Trail Notes on the Oregon Coast for a workshop built around dramatic seascapes, changing weather, and the ever-present possibility of remarkable light. From rolling surf and rugged cliffs to sea stacks, fog, tide pools, and sunset color, this stretch of coastline offers a wide range of photographic opportunities in one of the West Coast’s most iconic settings.

We have three lodging arrangements for home bases, giving us flexibility with shooting locations while avoiding the need to pack up every morning. This also allows time for daytime post-processing sessions at our accommodations, where you can review images and strengthen your workflow during the trip.

The workshop is timed for the best chance of fog and light in the redwoods, but if conditions are not ideal, we will begin our mornings along the coastal cliffs and beaches, our primary focus for the workshop. By following the weather each day, we will look for the strongest opportunities for wave action, reflective skies, and Pacific Coast sunsets. On clear nights, we may also turn our attention to the Milky Way above the sea stacks and lighthouses.

This is an active workshop with driving to locations, significant time in the field, and long days designed to make the most of the season. We will build in midday breaks for meals, post-processing instruction, and a chance to nap before heading back out for the best evening light.

We will be traveling as a group in our van, which will give us time to get to know each other, talk photography and share life experiences. If you choose to meet us in Portland, you should fly in the day before so you can acclimate to any time change. We will suggest a place to stay. We will meet you at 8 am on the 30th. We could also pick you up on our way through Eugene, Oregon at 10:30 am if that is easier for you. From Eugene, we will travel to the coast, with a quick lunch stop (on your own) along the way. Then we continue down the coast to our lodging for the first two nights near the Oregon-California border.

After checking in to our hotel, we will enjoy an early dinner. Then we drive to our first location (sunset is around 8:30 pm), where we will have two to three hours to discuss and find ideal compositions. Our second lodging will be a couple of hours up the coast in Bandon. The timing is great to capture Witch's Hat and other sea stacks to complement your portfolio. Our third lodging location is in the "Gem of the Oregon Coast", Yachats, with the Pacific Ocean just a stone's throw from your room. From there, we have easy access to Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua, and two of Oregon's most famous lighthouses. 

Most days, we will be on the road early. You can grab a beverage of your choice and we will bring muffins, fruit, yogurt, and water. After the morning shoot we will have a late breakfast (9 am or so), before returning to our lodging. Dinner will be early (around 4 pm), before we head out in the late afternoon. If you have particular dietary needs we will try to accommodate you, but you are also welcome to bring your special personal snacks.

On our last day, we will have a final early morning shoot, we will transport you back to PDX or a nearby hotel by 1 PM. You will receive additional details once you sign up...or you may call or email us with your questions.

FUN! Our trips are always filled with laughter, camaraderie, and perhaps a few stories to take home with you!

COLD & WET - It will feel colder along the ocean than the average temperatures would lead you to believe. It can be misty, breezy, and you are likely to get your legs wet. In fact, your willingness to get a bit wet might help you achieve more stellar images. Far in advance, we will provide a list of gear that will help you stay as dry and comfortable as possible.

UNEVEN TERRAIN - We will have some steep stairs or slopes to descend and ascend along the coast. There may be uneven, or even slippery footing. Good balance will be helpful. For those with compromised abilities, we will always offer you an alternate photographic option where you feel safe. For everyone, we will be sure that there aren't unwise risks taken. And we will take the time to assist you.

ACCOMMODATIONS & FOOD - We have arranged accommodations that receive high, while keeping keeping them budget friendly. If you share accommodations, you will have two queen beds unless you let us know you prefer a king.

POST-PROCESSING EXCELLENCE - No matter your stage of progress with photography, you will take home some new abilities in post-processing that will take your results to the next level. Here is a recent review: "Sharing your editing approach was a game changer for me!" Roberta Roth

We hope our instruction will be a game changer for you!

MEMORIES - They say, "Take only pictures and leave only footprints." But we promise you will also take home a memories and portfolio worthy images.

INCLUDED:

✔︎ Expert and knowledgeable workshop leaders.

✔︎ Transportation from our meeting points in Portland or Eugene. 

✔︎ All meals starting with dinner on June 6 and ending with breakfast on June 12. Meals are based on the workshop schedule and generally include early morning snacks, full breakfast, midday snacks, and full dinner.

✔︎ Field instruction with specific instructions for composition, wave action, isolated compositions and much more.

✔︎ Post-processing instruction will be led in Lightroom and Photoshop, but you should be able to accomplish similar results in other editing programs. You will learn to simplify images, develop light, blend images and process night images if we see stars.

✔︎ One-on-one processing assistance during free time.

✔︎ A post-workshop Zoom session will be scheduled. 

✔︎ Participants will receive a list of recommended gear 90 days prior to the workshop.

NOT INCLUDED:

Pre-workshops and post-workshop transportation, including airfare, to our meeting points in Portland or Eugene.

Lodging is an add-on supplement. You should state your choice when making your deposit. You will be billed for your selection of either a private or shared room. We must know this information prior to the ahead of time.

Alcoholic beverages and personal snack items in addition to the energy bars, fruit and nuts we provide.

Trip insurance: This is highly recommended in case health, family emergencies or travel difficulties. Refer to our policies in this regard.