Olympic Peninsula Workshop

Looking for a great opportunity to photograph one of the most incredible wilderness’ in the lower 48?

Join this six day, late summer workshop to explore amazing photo opportunities on the Olympic Peninsula and in the National Park. This area, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca is anchored by the Olympic Mountains. No other place in America provides three distinct environments in such a small geographic area. The flora and fauna of the wild rocky coasts and pebble beaches, lush moss-draped rainforests and soaring snow-clad mountains with extensive alpine meadows provide wonderful photo experiences. Some of the great locations (conditions permitting) are: Hurricane Ridge; Lake Crescent; Salt Creek Recreation Area; Sol Duc Falls; Hoh Rainforest; and Ruby, Rialto and Second Beaches. We arrive early to scout and help find the most desirable shooting locations. During these various shooting experiences, personal coaching is provided with numerous feedback sessions and lessons in a classroom setting. The home base will start in Forks and move to Port Angeles, Washington. The workshop is informal, relaxing, and a fun way to learn.

COME JOIN THE FUN!!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This workshop is designed to accommodate all levels of photographic experience. It is important, however, that participants be familiar with their equipment and its operation.

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

A digital SLR or mirrorless camera with a battery of lenses that may capture wide-angle to telephoto and macro subjects and a sturdy tripod are recommended. If you don’t have a macro lens, using extension tubes are a wonderful substitute. A polarizing filter is a good idea to cut glare off the leaves and enrich the color. A neutral density filter is recommended as we will playing with long exposure compositions throughout the day.  More detailed equipment information is provided by email after registration, but in the meantime to help you prepare please see our Preparing for Your Workshop article.  Understand that our equipment recommendations, are just that, recommendations. We’ll work with what you bring.

DRESS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Because of the varying environments, weather can be quite unpredictable, coming prepared for combinations of wet, dry, cold and warm conditions is advised. Remember the locations are in three distinctly, different environments, i.e., sub alpine, seashore and rain forest. Be sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly (Weather). This is an outdoor nature photo workshop, so general good health and fitness will help maximize one’s comfort and enjoyment. Planned activities should be well within the ability of people in moderate to good shape. Most locations are accessible from the road, but there are a number of hikes to reach locations, which are less than 2 miles one way and on somewhat varying terrain. The Olympic coast is rocky, so participants will on occasion encounter areas that are potentially uneven and slippery, but avoiding anything inherently dangerous. Of course, as with any outdoor activity, there is some associated risk from terrain, inclement weather, and other outdoor hazards.

LODGING

We will notify you when the blocks are set and you can contact the lodging facilities list below directly for reservations. When you do, be sure to mention Nettelhorst Photography Workshop to receive the discounted rates.

Participants should plan to arrive in the Seattle area on Thursday, May 14, 2026 to be sure to make it to Forks for the start of the workshop around 6:00pm (Approx. 4 hr drive)

Pacific Inn Motel – Forks

352 S. Forks Ave.
Forks, WA 98331
(360) 374-9400

Block of rooms:

Wed. – Mon., May 13 – 18, 2026 (LV: 5/18 – held through Feb 28, 2026)

Rates: TBD

SUPER 8 – Port Angeles

2104 E 1st Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 452-8401

Block of rooms:

Mon. – Wed., May 18 – May 20, 2026 (LV: 5/20 – held through Feb 28, 2026)

Rates: TBD

All rooms will be based on availability. This is the busy season. Therefore, making reservations sooner, rather than later, is wise. Reserve your room immediately.

TRANSPORTATION and MEALS

Seattle-Tacoma or Sea-Tac (SEA) is the closest major airport. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and throughout the workshop. Carpooling is encouraged to minimize the number of vehicles at shooting location and it also promotes interaction. For those interested in sharing car rentals and coordinating flight times, We will share participants’ email addresses to facilitate communications. Therefore, the earlier one registers, the better the chance for sharing costs with a car rental. Participants eat all meals together, but individuals are responsible for their own expenses. Super 8 will provide the early breakfast in Port Angeles, while we provide it in Forks. Please bring a cooler bag for the Breakfast-to-Go à la carte, continental breakfasts each morning, making flexible eating schedules around photo ops possible.

WORKSHOP DATE and TIME

Thursday, May 14 (6:00 pm PT) – May 19 (2:00 pm PT), 2026 Forks & Port Angeles, WA

REGISTRATION FEES

$2450 / $1200 non-refundable deposit required to reserve a space (min/max: 5/8 participants)

The registration fee covers leaders’ expenses, coaching, instruction, critiquing, continental to-go breakfast and closing dinner. Lodging, all other meals, travel arrangements, park entrance fees, alcoholic beverages and any other expenses are all the responsibility of workshop participants. Please refer to the cancelation policy in the Terms & Conditions and there will be a $50 administrative fee charged for any cancelation. Full payment is due by February 15, 2026 prior to the workshop start.  It is strongly encouraged that participants purchase travel insurance because of the non-refundable fees. Be sure to contact an insurance agency before registering.

Upon receipt of your registration a confirmation email is sent and you will receive additional information leading up to the Meet & Greet as well as the workshop.

NOTE: In case minimum registration isn’t met, we will notify participants promptly and refund payments in full. The workshop may still be offered to interested photographers at a higher fee.

Terms & Conditions

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” ~ Ansel Adams