Where We'll Go:

Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint - We arrive before sunrise to capture an iconic view of the Columbia River Gorge.

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Vista House - Next it's just short drive to the Vista House, a national landmark and architectural beauty.

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Multnomah Falls - The "Granddaddy" of Oregon's waterfalls. We'll arrive early enough to beat the crowds, capturing the majestic falls from multiple levels and angles including Benson Bridge. It is a short .4 mile round trip walk on a paved trail to the Benson Bridge with a few switchbacks and some incline. You can choose to stay below or walk up to the bridge. 

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Latourell Falls - A unique Columbia Gorge waterfall because it drops straight down from an overhanging basalt cliff. Best known for the chartreuse colored lichen covering the columnar basalt formations surrounding the falls. A short .3 round trip  from the parking lot.

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What You'll Learn:

Upon arrival we'll scout the locations, exploring lighting and conditions. We'll discuss lighting quality, lighting direction, metering, exposing for the highlights, composition and perspective. This photo tour does not deep dive into basic camera settings. If you are interested in learning camera basics, F-Stops and Shutter Speeds 101 is for you. However, we will discuss the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and how to apply it when shooting landscapes and waterfalls.

 

We will review how to use manual focus, white balance and a cable release or self timer. If you are not already shooting in manual mode, I will help you make the transition easy. We work with a neutral density filter to create a long exposure and the effect of smooth water. We also discuss the use of other filters in landscape photography. 

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You can receive immediate feedback by having me review the images you shoot on your LCD. I will answer any equipment questions you may have. 

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At the end of the photo tour, you will be invited to join Portland Photo Tour Forum. This is a Facebook group open only to those who have participated in a Portland Photo Tour and are interested in learning, inspiring and having fun with photography. Tag me and I will give you feedback on your images!

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Highlights:

Landscape photography techniques

Lighting direction + quality

Manual mode

Long exposures

Using a self timer or cable release

Using filters + a tripod

Metering

Exposing for the highlights

Composition + perspective

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Requirements:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Wide angle lens - 16-35mm or similar

• Standard lens - 24-70mm or similar

• Telephoto lens - 70-200mm (optional)

• Tripod capable of holding the weight of your camera and lens

• 6 or 10 Stop Neutral Density Filter for your wide angle lens

• 2 or 3 Stop Soft Graduated Neutral Density Filter for your wide angle lens. Please note this is a graduated ND filter NOT a variable ND filter

• Cable release (optional) - can also use a self timer

• Capable of walking 1 mile carrying your equipment

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Meeting Location:

Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

39210 Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR 97019

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More Info:

Participants will be traveling in their own vehicles. We will be caravanning from the Women's Forum to the other locations along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Minimum age requirement is 18 for group tours and 13 for private tours.

Group tours are available May-October. Private tours are available year round.

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Max #:

Group tours are 6 people max.

Private tours are for 1-2 people. Custom pricing is available for additional time or participants.