The entire Oregon coast is magnificent and beautiful. All sorts of superlatives can be used to describe it, but none really capture how pretty it actually is. Newport, on the mid-Oregon coast, is a particularly perfect spot for a photographic workshop. It’s easy to get to, it has good places to eat and stay, and there are more nearby places to take pictures, with more variety, than almost any other place on the west coast. There are two lighthouses close by, tide pools to explore with your camera, sea stacks to fit into your compositions, miles-long beaches with pounding surf, and quiet pools that catch the summer light.

On top of all this there is an active harbor full of picturesque fishing boats, stacks of colorful crab pots, and piles and piles of brightly colored ropes and nets. All of this within walking distance of our hotel. Photos of the harbor at twilight (usually foggy this time of year) are breathtaking. Walking the docks and playing with the delicate colors and ship lights in the blue and gold twilight will result in images you never thought possible. We even spend a morning at the Oregon Coast Aquarium photographing breeding puffins, red and green anenomes, golden and glowing jellyfish, seastars and even adorable sea otters.

This is one of David’s favorite places to photograph and to teach. He comes here every year because it is such a productive place to photograph. It is also a great place to simply explore and enjoy.