Outer Banks: Shape, Space, and Intention
March 15 – 18, 2027
3 Spots Left
Vision Series: Big Sur Coast
At a Glance
Location
California
Tuition
$6,495
Dates
April 17 – 21, 2028
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 12 Guests
Collections
- Learning Lab
- Short Escape
- Signature Collection
- US National Parks and Wilderness
Vision Series: Big Sur Coast Photography Workshop
Comprehensive study of photography and composition of the beautiful beaches of California in spring
April 17 – 21, 2028
- Master composition through classroom and field instruction
- Build an advanced Lightroom and Photoshop workflow
- Put new skills to work along the dramatic Big Sur coast
A Deep Dive into Composition, Light, and Post-Processing Along California’s Iconic Coast
This photography workshop invites you to explore one of the most celebrated stretches of coastline in the world: the Big Sur Coast. From the sculpted granite coves and wind-shaped cypress trees of Carmel to the dramatic cliffs of Point Lobos, this location is an ideal place to study composition and delve into your personal focus in landscape photography.
Designed as part of our Vision Series landscape photography workshops, this immersive experience emphasizes seeing beyond the obvious. Rather than simply visiting iconic locations, you’ll learn how to interpret the landscape through thoughtful composition, the careful use of light, and a refined understanding of visual design. Working alongside experienced instructors, you’ll develop the skills to simplify complex scenes, recognize compelling relationships between foreground and background elements, and create photographs with greater depth, balance, and emotional impact.
Each day begins in the classroom, where we examine how composition, light, color management, and post-processing work together to shape the final image. Through image critiques, demonstrations, and discussions of photographic design, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why successful photographs work—not simply how they are made. After lunch, we head into the field, applying these concepts along the rugged coastline as changing tides, shifting weather, and evolving light continually transform the landscape. Every outing becomes an opportunity to practice observation, anticipation, and intentional image-making.
Throughout the workshop, you’ll learn to recognize and control subtle shifts in color temperature, dynamic range, and exposure while developing a repeatable workflow that preserves both realism and artistic intent. Classroom sessions cover focus stacking, exposure blending, color management, Photoshop layers and masking, local adjustments, luminosity control, and advanced techniques for refining landscape photographs. More importantly, you’ll learn when—and why—to use these tools so your post-processing supports your vision rather than distracts from it.
This is far more than a photo tour. It is a structured educational experience that encourages you to slow down, pre-visualize, and make deliberate creative decisions from the moment you raise your camera through the final edit. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a cohesive portfolio that reflects the extraordinary beauty of Carmel and the northern Big Sur Coast, along with a deeper understanding of composition, light, and a post-processing workflow you can confidently apply wherever your photography takes you.
To make the most of our time together, participants should arrive with a working knowledge of Adobe Lightroom Classic, including catalog management and basic editing, along with Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop installed on a computer capable of running both applications efficiently. This foundation allows us to focus on refining your vision and advancing your photographic skills rather than covering software fundamentals.
Your Pros
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
April 17, 2028: Arrival at San Francisco, Drive to Monterey, Sunset at Local Beach
Arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO) by 11:00 AM. The drive south to Monterey is approximately 2 hours.
We will meet in the lobby of our hotel in Carmel, California, at 4:00 PM local time. Once everyone is gathered in our private meeting room in the hotel, we will begin our workshop with introductions and short presentations about what’s to come. We’ll enjoy our first dinner together and prepare for class the following morning.
April 18, 2028: Morning Class, Composition Lessons, Beach Practice Session
Class starts after breakfast at 8:00 AM.
Everyone will be given a folder of lesson notes, making it easier to follow along.
- Composition–how to use all the elements within an image and understand all the variables such as alignment, balance, shape, aspect ratio, etc.
- A short break.
- You’ll learn about Lightroom Classic preparations to continue your workflow into Photoshop. And why so many aspects, such as white balance, sharpening, and various other settings, are very important to adjust prior to moving into Photoshop.
- Lunch.
- Presentation on camera settings
- 3:00 PM, Field time! You’ll visit one of several local beaches within a 15-minute drive. You’ll have an understanding of specific creative goals to practice in an amazing setting.
We’ll finish the day with a delicious dinner together!
April 19, 2028: Review, Photoshop Techniques, Afternoon Beach Visit
Class begins at 8:00 AM
- We’ll begin with a review of yesterday’s images, going over learned compositional techniques and colors.
- Short break
- You’ll learn how the layers palette in Adobe Photoshop works, covering topics such as managing layers, adding contrast, and controlling color.
- Lunch
- This composition presentation will follow up on the first day’s lessons about how to use balance, scale, color, and contrast to create a look and feel in your images.
- 3:00 PM, Field time! You’ll visit another beach within a 30 min drive for more time in the field practicing what you just learned. You’ll have time to spend in this amazing location until well after sunset and into blue hour.
Dinner
April 20, 2028: Image Review, Workflow Presentations, Sunset Beach Outing
Class begins at 8:00 AM
- We’ll begin with a review of yesterday’s images, going over learned compositional techniques and colors.
- Short break
- Presentation on workflow using Lightroom Classic and Photoshop to maximize your image post-processing.
- Lunch
- Classroom time to work on your own images with the instructor’s assistance.
- 3:00 PM, We will return to the coast for our final sunset and blue hours shoot.
Dinner
April 21, 2028: Final Class on Plugins, Hands-on Practice, Wrap-up by Midday
Class begins at 8:00 AM
- You’ll learn about plugins and various other tools used for post-processing.
- Classroom time to practice what you’ve learned with the instructor’s assistance.
- Class ends by 11:00 AM
Fitness
Moderate: Be prepared for moderate activity with daily outings to coastal locations involving short drives and walks along beaches. The terrain may include sandy and uneven surfaces, requiring careful footing. Expect a full schedule with classroom sessions and field practice, including sunset and blue hour photography.
Flights
Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco before 11:00 AM on April 17, 2028. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on April 21, 2028. 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 a $1,050 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 3 pros.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Single rooming available for $1,050 supplement.
- Travel to and from San Francisco, California.
- 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 is available for a $1,050 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $2,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than December 1, 2027.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll learn to interpret landscapes through thoughtful composition, careful use of light, and visual design. The workshop covers focus stacking, exposure blending, color management, and advanced Photoshop techniques like layers and masking to refine your landscape photographs.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150–91 days, refunds are given for payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, for 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 requires a moderate fitness level. Be prepared for daily outings to coastal locations involving short drives and walks along beaches, which may include sandy and uneven surfaces.
Bring a camera with lenses suitable for landscape photography, such as wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm. A sturdy tripod is essential for sunset and blue hour photography, and a laptop with Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop installed is needed for post-processing sessions.
The workshop accommodates up to 12 participants and includes guidance from 3 professional photographers, ensuring personalized attention and instruction.
The package includes double occupancy lodging, all meals, soft drinks, snacks, permits, park fees, and transportation during the workshop. It also covers tips for crew, drivers, and local guides, as well as multiple image reviews and post-processing sessions.
