Olympic National Park
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Sandstone Gorges of the Hocking Hills
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At a Glance
Location
Ohio, USA
Tuition
$4,495
Dates
May 12 – 15, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 6 Guests
Collections
- Signature Collection
Sandstone Gorges of the Hocking Hills Photography Workshop
Photograph waterfalls, forests, caves, and sandstone cliffs in Ohio
May 12 – 15, 2027
- Photograph waterfalls, gorges, caves, and spring forests
- Learn to simplify complex woodland scenes
- Enjoy a 3:1 guest-to-pro ratio for personal instruction
Hidden within the forests of southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills is a landscape of towering cliffs, narrow gorges, recessed caves, and cascading waterfalls that create remarkable opportunities for photographers, particularly during the lush spring conditions of May, when fresh foliage and humid air bring the forests to life.
Throughout the workshop, we’ll explore many of Hocking Hills’ most iconic locations, including Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave, as well as quieter forest scenes off the beaten track. Beyond grand landscapes, the workshop focuses on intimate compositions, abstract details, flowing water techniques, and finding order amid the forest’s complexity. With only six guests and two pros, this workshop is designed to provide extensive hands-on instruction in the field. We’ll help you improve your own composition, work with difficult forest light, use long exposures effectively, and simplify chaotic woodland scenes into stronger, more intentional photographs. Between field sessions, we’ll hold image reviews and post-processing discussions.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave not only with a strong portfolio from one of America’s most underrated landscape destinations, but with a deeper understanding of how to approach woodland photography creatively.
Your Pros
Jeffrey Tadlock
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
May 12, 2027: Arrive Columbus, Transfer to Hocking Hills, Ash Cave Exploration
Arrive at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Columbus, Ohio before 12:00 PM today. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
After arriving in Columbus, we’ll transfer into the forests and sandstone gorges of Hocking Hills, where spring foliage and seasonal runoff create ideal conditions for landscape photography.
Our first field session focuses on Ash Cave, home to one of Ohio’s tallest waterfalls, dropping nearly 100 feet from the sandstone cliffs above. In mid-May, seasonal runoff often transforms the cave into a spectacular scene of flowing water and wet stone beneath the enormous recessed cave. This is an ideal location to begin working on composition, long exposures, and balancing the dynamic range between bright waterfalls and the darker forest scene beyond.
May 13, 2027: Explore Upper Gorge, Devil’s Bathtub, Image Review
We begin early, photographing waterfalls and sandstone formations in the Upper Gorge. Depending on conditions, we may continue deeper into the gorge system toward locations such as Devil’s Bathtub and the Inner Gorge, where narrow ravines, moss-covered rock, and flowing water create opportunities for more intimate landscape work. Throughout the day, we’ll focus on simplifying complex woodland scenes and finding smaller compositions beyond the obvious grand landscape views.
After lunch, we’ll hold an image review and post-processing session before returning to the field for additional waterfall photography and forest abstracts during the softer evening light.
May 14, 2027: Morning Gorges Tour, Hone Advanced Composition Skills
Today focuses on some of Hocking Hills’ most photogenic sandstone environments. Early morning light filtering into the gorges often creates beautiful atmospheric conditions, particularly when combined with spring mist, wet stone, and new spring foliage.
Throughout the day, we’ll continue refining long-exposure techniques, composition, and the challenge of working with layered forest scenes. In addition to waterfalls and wider landscapes, we’ll spend time exploring smaller details within the forest, including patterns in sandstone, abstracts of flowing water, and intimate woodland compositions that capture the mood of this incredible region.
May 15, 2027: Final Morning Session, Concluding Review, Depart from Columbus
On our final morning, we’ll enjoy one last field session before returning for breakfast and a concluding image review. Together, we’ll discuss editing approaches and how to continue developing your landscape photography beyond the workshop. The workshop concludes late morning, with transfers back toward Columbus for afternoon departures.
Flights out can be made after 4:00 PM on May 15, 2027.
Fitness
Moderate: Short walks on trails to locations and some inclines, mild temperatures.
Flights
Arrive at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Columbus before 12:00 PM on May 12, 2027. Flights out can be made after 4:00 PM on May 15, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $450 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Columbus, Ohio.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $450 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $2,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than January 1, 2027.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll learn techniques for capturing dramatic landscapes, including working with natural light and mastering long exposures for waterfalls. You'll also practice composition skills and post-processing techniques to enhance your images.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150 and 91 days, you get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90 and 61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee and are issued by the original payment method.
The workshop has a maximum capacity of 6 participants, ensuring personalized attention and ample opportunities for one-on-one guidance from the instructor.
A moderate fitness level is required, as the itinerary includes hiking to various locations like waterfalls and gorges. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and spending extended periods outdoors.
Pack comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your photography gear, including a tripod and wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for landscapes. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards for your camera.
Yes, all meals, soft drinks, and snacks are included during the workshop. However, alcoholic beverages and meals before or after the workshop dates are not included.
Travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional but recommended to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances. It can provide peace of mind and coverage for unexpected events.
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