From Crater Lake to the Coast — A Photographer’s Journey
photo workshop
May 6 — 10, 2026
Location - Eugene, OR.
Dates: May 6 — 10, 2026
Tuition:
- $2200 per participant before 02/15/2025,
- $2400 per participant after 02/15/2025
(limit: 8 participants).
Instructor: Alex Mironyuk
Deposit: $500 (payments accepted for the remainder of the balance)
Join us for an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes of Southern Oregon and Northern California. From the deep, still waters of Crater Lake to the towering Redwoods, the crashing surf of Bandon Beach, and the dramatic sea stacks and lighthouse views near Crescent City — this workshop is more than a photography trip. It’s a chance to slow down, take in the wild beauty of nature, and connect with incredible places at the best times of the day.
We’ll explore moss-covered waterfalls near Crater Lake, walk under the shadows of ancient giants in the redwood forests, and watch the sun rise and set over rocky shorelines. Whether you bring a camera or not, every stop offers something to soak in — from the sound of rushing water to the feeling of ocean wind on your face. Each location has been carefully chosen for its visual impact, serenity, and accessibility, and we’ll spend unhurried time at each one.
This adventure is open to anyone who loves nature, light, and wild places — photographers, hikers, artists, or simply wanderers at heart. The focus is on experience: taking the time to really be in each place, not just passing through. Whether you want to capture beautiful images or just enjoy a few days immersed in unforgettable scenery, this trip is for you.
Workshop highlights: Each day of the workshop will include both sunrise and sunset sessions, taking full advantage of the golden hours for the most stunning light and mood. During the brighter midday hours, when the light is more contrasty, we’ll shift our focus to photographing waterfalls, forest scenes, and shaded areas that come alive in softer light.
We’ll also make sure there’s time to recharge — you can expect at least an hour and a half of downtime before the evening shoot. Throughout the day, we’ll have informal, hands-on one-on-one guidance on photography techniques directly in the field. And for those interested, we’ll offer an optional post-processing session in Lightroom one evening after dinner, focusing on editing techniques that bring your images to life.
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate. This workshop Involves short hikes up to 2 miles and features anywhere from 0 — 500 ft of elevation gain.
Fitness Level: Like any outdoor nature photography workshop, a reasonable degree of fitness is ideal. We will not be engaging in strenuous physical activity, but every participant should be able to hike 1 — 2 miles with all photo gear.
Transportation: is included in tuition.
Lodging: The simple hotel/motel lodging (double occupancy) is included in the tuition. Every room will have two beds and a shower. In case of inclement weather, where we need to change the itinerary, cancel our booked hotels, and book new ones, we will only be able to get last-minute hotel availability. Under those circumstances, we can’t guarantee the quality of the rooms and the amenities.
Day 1. May 6. Wednesday
All participants should plan to arrive in Eugene, Oregon after 3:00 PM. You’ll make your own way to the hotel (self-transfer); we’ll do our best to meet some of you at the airport, but unfortunately, we can’t guarantee airport pickup for everyone.
In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group dinner, a chance to relax, get to know one another, and share a few stories. We’ll also have a brief introduction to the workshop, go over the plan for the coming days, and answer any questions before we dive into the adventure.
Night in Eugene, OR
Day 2. May 7. Thursday
Today we’ll hit the road and make our way toward Crater Lake, but we won’t be rushing. Along the drive, we’ll pass a handful of beautiful waterfalls, most of them just a short stroll from the road. We don’t need to visit every single one — depending on our pace and how the day unfolds, we’ll stop at three or more of the best ones for a bit of exploring and shooting.
By late afternoon, we’ll roll into Crater Lake and get our first glimpse of that unreal blue water and Wizard Island. We’ll take our time scouting a few good spots for tomorrow’s sunrise and sunset sessions. Then, we’ll end the day right — watching and photographing the sunset from the rim, soaking in the quiet, dramatic views as the light fades over the crater.
Night at Crater Lake Lodge
Day 3. May 8. Friday
We’ll start the day with sunrise at the rim of Crater Lake — a peaceful, quiet way to begin the morning, watching the first light hit that impossibly blue water. After that, we’ll pack up and head west toward the coast.
On the way, we’ll stop at a few gorgeous river gorges and waterfalls — spots where you can feel the power of the water and grab a few photos or just enjoy the view. As we get closer to the ocean, we’ll take a short hike through a redwood grove, looking for that magical moment when sunlight filters through the trees like a spotlight.
Later in the day, we’ll explore a narrow, moss-covered canyon — it’s lush, green, and almost feels like stepping into a movie set. The trail follows a shallow creek, so expect to wade through ankle-deep water. It’s absolutely worth it, but waterproof shoes or sandals will come in handy!
By the end of the day, we’ll arrive in Crescent City, California. We’ll finish with a sunset session at one of the area’s wild beaches, full of jagged sea stacks and a quirky, photogenic lighthouse that’s unlike anything else on the coast. It’s a perfect mix of forest, water, and ocean magic all in one day.
Night in Crescent City
Day 4. May 9. Saturday
We’ll start the morning with sunrise at the Crescent City Lighthouse. It’s in a great spot — right on a rocky point surrounded by sea stacks — and the early light can be amazing if we catch the right conditions.
From there, we’ll head north into Oregon. First stop: Brookings and Harris Beach, a nice stretch of coastline with big views and easy access. Then we’ll take our time driving through the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. This is one of the most photogenic sections of the whole coast, and we’ll hit several of the best viewpoints — short walks, sea cliffs, maybe even a secret cove or two if the tide and light line up.
We’ll also stop at Pistol River Beach for some wide-open beach views and then make our way to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. It’s the westernmost point in Oregon, and the view from up there is definitely worth the stop.
We’ll roll into Bandon by late afternoon, just in time to get set up for sunset on the beach. This place is unreal — massive sea stacks, wet sand for reflections, crazy light if we’re lucky. Easily one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere, and a perfect spot to wind down the day.
Night in Bandon
Day 5. May 10. Sunday
We’ll start the morning with sunrise at Bandon Beach — one last chance to enjoy the ocean and maybe grab a few final shots in that soft morning light.
After breakfast, we’ll stop by the Coquille River Lighthouse for a quick visit, then head back toward Eugene. We’re planning to be there by 1–2 PM, where the workshop officially ends.
It’s been a packed five days — a lot of great places, early mornings, and fresh air.
Payment schedule and cancellation policy:
The total price for the trip is $2200 if you book this tour before 10/05/2025; after that date, the price is $2400.
A deposit of $ 500 is due during sign-up to reserve a space for this trip.
Cancellation Policy—Your deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days before the trip starts (March 5, 2026). If you decide to cancel your trip after that date, your deposit becomes non-refundable.
The final balance is due by March 5, 2026. Full payment is due at this time, and there will be no refunds on the total amount owed if you cancel after the final price. However, if we find another client to fill your space, you will receive a full refund minus your non-refundable deposit.
If we cancel this trip — you will get a full refund.
What is included:
- Basic lodging (2 persons per room);
- Transportation (minivan, 12-seater van, or SUV);
- Expert instructions and guidance for a beautiful variety of Oregon and California locations.
- In-field instruction on capture technique (composition, compensating for high dynamic range, focus stacking, creating influential sun stars, night photography, light painting, and much more)
- In-field recommendation on your photo gear.
- An incredible, unforgettable experience, full of adventure with amazing people and loads of great photos!!!
What is NOT included:
- Airfare to/from Eugene, OR;
- Hotel in Eugene on the last day of the workshop;
- Meals and snacks;
- Medical Insurance & Incidental Costs.
Recommended Photo Equipment:
- Camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) W/Extra Batteries And Memory Cards.
- Drone (if you have one).
- Tripod with a ball head (leveling base is optional but very helpful to take a panoramic shot)
- Shutter release
- Wide to a standard zoom lens, with their lens hoods (I carry 15-35mm and 24-70mm lenses)
- Telephoto zoom lens for extraction and abstract scenes (I use 70-200mm and 100-500mm lenses)
- Circular polarizer filter to remove glare from the water (it’s OK if you do not have one)
- Graduated neutral density filters (if you use them)
- Rocket blower and microfiber cloths for keeping glass surfaces dry and clean
- Most importantly — a great attitude!
Recommended Personal Gear:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Rain jacket and pants
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Neos Adventurer All Season Overshoes or something similar (like rubber boots) to protect your feet from the waves may be helpful during the ocean shore shooting.
- Extra warm clothing for possible cold weather conditions, including long underwear, hats, and gloves
- Backpack (bag) to carry photo gear.
Questions? Please feel free to call me at (386) 627-1449 if you have any questions or message me.
A follow-up email with schedule details, recommended gear, and a liability release will be sent to registered participants.
A deposit payment of $500 is required to confirm the booking. We will send you payment instructions upon registration. The remaining balance is due March 5, 2026. Please register for this workshop using the form below.
