This photography workshop focuses on capturing Washington's tallest peak, Mt. Rainier. The workshop dates are aligned with the peak of the wildflower season and the best time of the year to shoot the Milky Way behind the mountain.
Sunday, July 27th - Friday, August 1st, 2024
$2295
This workshop begins on the Sunrise side of Mt. Rainier, where we'll photograph open meadows with wildflowers and Mt. Rainier with the Milky Way as our backdrop. Then, we'll move to the Paradise side of the mountain, where we can capture waterfalls, sweeping vistas, star trails, and numerous mountain ranges. Each participant will receive a star tracker to use for the duration of the workshop, which will allow you to capture highly detailed, low-noise images of the Milky Way. The workshop will also have numerous post-processing sessions where you can learn how to take your RAW files to works of art.
This photography workshop focuses on capturing Washington's tallest peak, Mt. Rainier. The workshop dates are aligned with the peak of the wildflower season and the best time of the year to shoot the Milky Way behind the mountain.
This workshop begins on the Paradise side of Mt. Rainier, where we'll photograph fields of wildflowers and the massive mountain. We'll also capture waterfalls, sweeping vistas, star trails, and numerous mountain ranges. Then, we'll move to the Sunrise side of the mountain, where we can capture the core of the Milky Way above Mt. Rainier and wildflowers. Each participant will receive a star tracker to use for the duration of the workshop, which will allow you to capture highly detailed, low-noise images of the Milky Way. Near the end of the workshop, we'll have a couple of post-processing sessions, allowing you to see the whole photo creation process from start to finish.
SCHEDULE
We'll start our workshop at the Sunrise Lodge, where we'll shoot the Milky Way each evening (weather permitting). We may travel on some mornings or evenings to other areas, but we'll stay on the east side of the mountain. During the daytime, the group may choose to catch up on sleep after long nights, or you'll have the option to learn post processing techniques.
After shooting sunrise on the east side of the mountain, we'll pack our bags and you'll have the day to get to the other side of the mountain (Paradise). We'll meet up again in the evening and shoot sunset near Paradise.
The final two days will take place on the south side of the mountain, where we can capture wildflowers, waterfalls, and fantastic views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding mountain range. We'll have the opportunity to do some more post processing during the daytime. On Friday morning, we'll part ways after shooting sunrise.
If you are booking a hotel or campground reservation, book the nights of July 27th-29th near Sunrise Lodge, and the nights of July 30th and 31st near Paradise. More information will be sent to you upon registration to the workshop to help you pick out lodging.
SCHEDULE
We'll start our workshop at the Sunrise Lodge, where we'll shoot the Milky Way each evening (weather permitting). We may travel on some mornings or evenings to other areas, but we'll stay on the east side of the mountain. During the daytime, the group may choose to catch up on sleep after long nights, or you'll have the option to learn post processing techniques.
After shooting sunrise on the east side of the mountain, we'll pack our bags and you'll have the day to get to the other side of the mountain (Paradise). We'll meet up again in the evening and shoot sunset near Paradise.
The final two days will take place on the south side of the mountain, where we can capture wildflowers, waterfalls, and fantastic views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding mountain range. We'll have the opportunity to do some more post processing during the daytime. On Friday morning, we'll part ways after shooting sunrise.
If you are booking a hotel or campground reservation, book the nights of July 27th-29th near Sunrise Lodge, and the nights of July 30th and 31st near Paradise. More information will be sent to you upon registration to the workshop to help you pick out lodging.
What's Included
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Guiding. As an expert and someone who frequently travels in this area, I will share my knowledge of locations and take you to the places where I believe the weather conditions are the most favorable for photography.
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Post Processing Sessions. We will spend the daytime hours catching up on sleep and editing our images. I'll teach you as much as you can absorb in just a couple of days!
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Instruction. I will instruct the group as a whole, but there will be plenty of one-on-one time during both the sessions in the field and the classroom.
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Star Tracker. You'll get to borrow a Star Tracker for the weekend. You'll learn how to use it to capture noise-free night photos.
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Lifetime access to my exclusive alumni Facebook group. Here, you can receive weekly image critiques from Austin and talk to other alumni.
What's Not Included
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Transportation. Transportation is not included in any way. However, I can connect you with other workshop attendees if you would like to arrange a carpool. This workshop will have some off-road travel on washboard dirt roads. However, these roads are passable in most any passenger car, and AWD/4WD or high clearance is usually not necessary but is recommended. Austin James Jackson LLC takes no responsibility for your transportation.
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Lodging. Lodging is not included. Upon signup, you'll receive a welcome email outlining some lodging recommendations. Many participants choose to camp or book a nearby hotel for this workshop.
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Meals. Meals are not included. It is the responsibility of you, the participant, to bring all necessary snacks and meals.
PRICE
The total price of this workshop is $2295. $500 is due at registration to hold your spot. This deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the start of the workshop. You will not be able to receive any refund if you do not cancel prior to 90 days before the workshop. The remaining balance of $1795 must be paid no later than 30 days before the first day of the workshop. Otherwise, you risk losing your spot.
Austin James Jackson LLC is not responsible for your lodging (unless otherwise noted) and transportation to and from each location.
TRIP AND GEAR INSURANCE
Both trip and gear insurance are highly recommended for any of my workshops. One simple fall or big wave and all of your camera gear may be ruined. As a reminder, Austin James Jackson LLC takes no responsibility for the wellbeing of your gear and will not cover any damages or losses.
Trip insurance is recommended by chance that something comes up and you cannot make the workshop. Because of the nature of being a small business, Austin James Jackson LLC does not offer refunds (within 90 days prior to the workshop).
WHAT TO BRING
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DSLR/Mirrorless Camera
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Drone (optional)
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Tripod (the sturdier, the better)
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Lenses covering a wide range of focal lengths
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Proper clothing (rain jacket, warm clothes, hiking boots)
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Laptop with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom installed
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Camera batteries, chargers, extra memory cards
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Headlamp (preferably one with a red setting)
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A good attitude and willingness to learn!
Group size: Up to 6 Students
I limit my group size to 6 students so that I can spend as much time as needed working with each student individually. This workshop is open to all skill levels, so I expect that each student will need help directly catered to them, and most instruction will be individual rather than group. This allows me to successfully teach beginners, intermediates, and aspiring pros all in the same workshop!
All Skill Levels
Whether you just picked up your first camera or you've been shooting for 50 years, this workshop will help you sharpen your photography skills. Class size is kept small so that each participant gets plenty of attention and personalized assistance to help them improve their own skills.
Adventure Seekers
This workshop features many locations that you wouldn't be able to find with a Google search. Austin has scouted these areas for years and will do everything he can to put you in the right spots at the right time. While we will be visiting a few spots you may have heard of, expect many of the locations we visit to be ones you haven't ever seen photos of.
Intermediate Fitness Level
This workshop involves hiking, but never more than 5 miles round trip at one time. Most hiking is done on a dirt trail or on rocks. Hiking will occasionally have some elevation gain or loss, but never more than 500 feet/mile. Participants should be capable of hiking up to six miles per day. If you have concerns about your fitness level, please contact me.
WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
Editing Sessions
In addition to perfecting your photograph in the field, you'll also learn how to edit your photos fully using Austin's workflow.
This workshop will utilize a TV/Projector to edit most during the workshop. We'll have a couple formal editing sessions where you'll watch Austin edit, and then a couple more editing sessions where you can get hands-on help.
Best of all, Austin will be right there with you to help you edit your image, making sure you leave the workshop with multiple portfolio-worthy photos.
Editing Sessions
In addition to perfecting your photograph in the field, you'll also learn how to edit your photos fully using Austin's workflow.
This workshop will utilize a TV/Projector to edit most during the workshop. We'll have between 2-4 editing sessions, giving you time to learn how Austin edits his photos and receive individual help editing your own photos.
Best of all, Austin will be right there with you to help you edit your image, making sure you leave the workshop with multiple portfolio-worthy photos.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Austin James Jackson is a professional photographer based in Southern Utah. Austin has been shooting photos for over 10 years and has spent the last 6 years helping his clients become better photographers.
I take my job as your workshop guide very seriously. I am certified in Wilderness First Aid, ensuring that you will be in good hands in the rare event of an accident. It is my goal as an instructor to ensure that you leave my workshop not only with some great photos but also as a better photographer. The group size in my workshops is kept small so that I can work hands-on with you and ensure that you leave with a variety of new skills.
My photo workshops are run a bit differently than many traditional workshops. Unlike many workshops, where you are brought to a location, and told exactly how to frame your photo and exactly the settings to use, I let you, the photographer, find the shot that makes your heart sing. I'll bring you to great locations and then assist you in finding a composition that works for you. Then, I work directly with you to help dial in your composition, ultimately allowing you to shoot your photo instead of shooting mine. Throughout the process, I'll always be by your side to help with any questions and give you my feedback to help you become a better photographer.
I can't wait to work with you!
Austin James Jackson
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Austin James Jackson is a professional photographer based in Southern Utah. Austin has been shooting photos for over 10 years and has spent the last 6 years helping his clients become better photographers.
I take my job as your workshop guide very seriously. I am certified in Wilderness First Aid, ensuring that you will be in good hands in the rare event of an accident. It is my goal as an instructor to ensure that you leave my workshop not only with some great photos but also as a better photographer. The group size in my workshops is kept small so that I can work hands-on with you and ensure that you leave with a variety of new skills.
My photo workshops are run a bit differently than many traditional workshops. Unlike many workshops, where you are brought to a location, and told exactly how to frame your photo and exactly the settings to use, I let you, the photographer, find the shot that makes your heart sing. I'll bring you to great locations and then assist you in finding a composition that works for you. Then, I work directly with you to help dial in your composition, ultimately allowing you to shoot your photo instead of shooting mine. Throughout the process, I'll always be by your side to help with any questions and give you my feedback to help you become a better photographer.
I can't wait to work with you!
Austin James Jackson
Testimonials
Derek H.
This was my first time attending a photography workshop and will not be my last. Austin is amazing when it comes to communicating what to expect, patient with instruction of 5 individuals, and scouting the best locations in the area. The price was the first thing to draw me to this workshop in Utah. But after experiencing this trip for myself, its value to me is substantially more than what it was priced at.
Austin really took the time to make sure everyone was getting the most out of their time spent there. Whether it was on location shooting or in the house editing. Austin was absolutely present with each person to make sure questions were being answered and techniques were being applied. He gave us all the space to get the shot we wanted, not one he chose for us. This was where I was most impressed. I seen Austin many times run up sandy hills or up and down steep rocks just to make sure everyone was getting time with him. He never neglected anyone. He made us all feel like we were on the same level, no matter our skill level.
In the end, we all went our separate ways feeling accomplished and more confident than we had arrived. Austin made sure we left with at least two images that we felt great about how the post edit came out. To conclude, book now if you can!
FAQ's
This workshop is limited to just 6 students, which gives plenty of individual time to work with each student. By having small workshop sizes, it allows for any kind of photographer, from brand new, intermediate, or even semi-professional photographers to find success and improve their photography.
While transportation is not included, participants often choose to ride together. If you would like to find someone to carpool with, please email Austin before the workshop, and he will connect you with the other participants.
Most students will choose to bring a laptop with Photoshop and Lightroom installed. The first session will be more about you learning a workflow that helps you create amazing photos, and the later sessions will be about editing your own photos. Austin will be right there to help you work through any problems, and ultimately come away from the workshop with multiple awesome photos.
Yes, because the workshop size is very small, you'll get plenty of individual attention to help you learn about photography.
In addition to being guided to the best locations, you'll also learn a lot on the workshop. Even experienced photographers will pick up a lot of information that will help you create better photos.
Most hikes are less than two miles, but a couple of the hikes may be between 4-6 miles. The terrain is usually flat, but sometimes uneven ground is present. Most average "weekend" hikers will be totally fine on this workshop. Please contact Austin if you have additional questions or concerns about fitness level.
Anyone shooting photos must be registered for the workshop. Some workshops, you may be able to bring a guest with you, but please contact Austin ahead of time.
If you're flying in to join us, it's recommended to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) airport.
A full refund is offered up to 90 days in advance of the workshop. After 90 days, your deposit can't be refunded unless your spot is filled prior to the workshop start date.
Unfortunately, no. No drones are allowed in the National Park.
FAQ's
Austin's workshops are limited to just 6 students, which gives plenty of individual time to work with each student. By having small workshop sizes, it allows for any kind of photographer, from brand new, intermediate, or even semi-professional photographers to find success and improve their photography.
While transportation is not included, participants often choose to ride together. If you would like to find someone to carpool with, please email Austin before the workshop, and he will connect you with the other participants.
Most students will choose to bring a laptop with Photoshop and Lightroom installed. The first session will be more about you learning a workflow that helps you create amazing photos, and the later sessions will be about editing your own photos. Austin will be right there to help you work through any problems, and ultimately come away from the workshop with multiple awesome photos.
Yes, because the workshop size is very small, you'll get plenty of individual attention to help you learn about photography.
In addition to being guided to the best locations, you'll also learn a lot on the workshop. Even experienced photographers will pick up a lot of information that will help you create better photos.
Most hikes are less than two miles, but a couple of the hikes may be between 4-6 miles. The terrain is usually flat, but sometimes uneven ground is present. Most average "weekend" hikers will be totally fine on this workshop. Please contact Austin if you have additional questions or concerns about fitness level.
Anyone shooting photos must be registered for the workshop. Some workshops, you may be able to bring a guest with you, but please contact Austin ahead of time.
If you're flying in to join us, it's recommended to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) airport.
A full refund is offered up to 90 days in advance of the workshop. After 90 days, your deposit can't be refunded unless your spot is filled prior to the workshop start date.
Unfortunately, no. No drones are allowed in the National Park.
Testimonials
Derek H.
This was my first time attending a photography workshop and will not be my last. Austin is amazing when it comes to communicating what to expect, patient with instruction of 5 individuals, and scouting the best locations in the area. The price was the first thing to draw me to this workshop in Utah. But after experiencing this trip for myself, its value to me is substantially more than what it was priced at.
Austin really took the time to make sure everyone was getting the most out of their time spent there. Whether it was on location shooting or in the house editing. Austin was absolutely present with each person to make sure questions were being answered and techniques were being applied. He gave us all the space to get the shot we wanted, not one he chose for us. This was where I was most impressed. I seen Austin many times run up sandy hills or up and down steep rocks just to make sure everyone was getting time with him. He never neglected anyone. He made us all feel like we were on the same level, no matter our skill level.
In the end, we all went our separate ways feeling accomplished and more confident than we had arrived. Austin made sure we left with at least two images that we felt great about how the post edit came out. To conclude, book now if you can!