Olympic National Park WORKSHOP

Experience the best of Olympic National Park in this immersive five-day photography workshop, co-led by professional photographers Scott Kranz and Stephen Matera. This is a brand-new workshop, with it being the first time this workshop is held in Olympic National Park! Past participants of Scott and Steve’s workshops (held at other national parks like Mount Rainier) have given their workshop experience a perfect 5-star reviews for its balance of hands-on instruction, iconic landscapes, and unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Timed to align with early summer wilderness scenes and full moon, this Olympic National Park workshop is designed to explore the extraordinary diversity of the peninsula—from dramatic mountain vistas to moss-draped forests to rugged Pacific coastline. With basecamps split between Port Angeles and Forks, we’ll photograph sunrise, sunset, and moonlit scenes, emphasizing landscapes, coastal compositions, and atmospheric light. The full moon allows for extended blue hour and luminous nighttime landscapes across some of Washington’s most iconic terrain, including potential locations of: majestic Hurricane Ridge, Obstruction Point, and Deer Park; Lake Crescent’s pristine waters and ancient forests; the lush Hoh Rainforest (Hall of Mosses, Spruce Trail) for vibrant greens and mossy trees; and dramatic coastlines for moody fog or sunset.

What You’ll Learn:

• Techniques for capturing Olympic’s diverse summer landscapes, mountains, forests, and coasts

• Mastering sunrise, sunset, and blue hour photography, from camera settings to composition

• Gear selection, trip planning, and shooting strategies for a diverse array of environments

• Scott and Stephen’s complete creative processes—from concept to final edit

Workshop Details:

• Dates: Thursday, June 25 – Monday, June 29, 2026

• Start/End Times: Begins at 4 p.m. on June 25 and concludes at 11 a.m. on June 29

• Group Size: Limited to eight (8) participants for personalized instruction

• Accommodations (optional): Four nights total, including Thursday and Friday nights in the Port Angeles area, and Saturday and Sunday nights in the Forks area, with private rooms, shared rooms, and camping options available (see order form for pricing and details). Camping participants will have full access to the main lodging facilities, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and showers.

Pre-Workshop Connection:
Before the workshop, you’ll connect with Scott and Stephen (virtually or in person) to share your background, goals, and aspirations. You’ll also receive a detailed welcome packet with the full itinerary and packing list to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Important Considerations:
Participants should be in excellent physical condition, prepared for daily hikes of up to 8 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Hikes will take place on maintained backcountry trails, often with loaded camera gear. We may ask about your hiking experience in advance to ensure you’re ready for this rewarding adventure.

About your instructors:

What is included?

All photo education over five workshop days.

Optional accommodations in the Port Angeles, WA area (2 nights) and Forks, WA area (2 nights) for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights available for purchase (please see order form for accommodation options and pricing)

Trail snacks, water, coffee, and tea.

Certified NOLS Wilderness First Responders and LNT Trainers on site.

All necessary permits, including the requisite Commercial Use Authorization (OLYM-2026-7d4278cf ).

What is NOT included? 

Transportation to, from, and during the workshop.

Entrance fee for Olympic National Park

Dinner, breakfast and lunches.

Any accommodations before or after the workshop, such as Wednesday night before day 1, and Monday night after day 5.

All travel insurance and gear insurance.

What to Expect

Day 1 (Port Angeles area) – Arrival & Sunset (partial day)

• Meet in Port Angeles and check in to our lodging, a top-rated home with waterfront views and full amenities

• Several options for rooms: private, shared, or camping (see order form for pricing and details)

• Head out for our first sunset shoot!

Days 2-4 (Port Angeles & Forks areas) – Core Workshop Days

• Sunrise and sunset shoots, expect a diverse mix of landscapes, from mountains, to lakes, to forests, and more.

• Midday group photo talks, image reviews, and post-processing instruction, including editing to strengthen an image to completion.

• Evenings may include blue hour and near-full moon photography, conditions permitting.

• One lighter morning may be built in for rest, editing, and deeper discussions around approach and technique.

• PLEASE NOTE that on day 3, we’ll check out of Port Angeles lodging, enjoy lunch en route, and relocate to Forks and settle into a second guest-favorite home with full amenities (including a hot tub). While in the greater Forks area, we’ll have access to world-class rainforest and coastal shooting.

Day 5 (Forks area) – Final Morning & Departure

• Early morning sunrise and full moon set, conditions permitting.

• Breakfast in advance or in the field, and then we’ll return to Forks lodging and check out by 11:00 a.m.

• Workshop officially concludes at 11 a.m. (optional group lunch afterward before saying goodbye!).

Physical Expectations

• Mix of roadside-accessible locations and moderately difficult hikes up to 8 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Hikes will take place on maintained backcountry trails, often with loaded camera gear. We may ask about your hiking experience in advance to ensure you’re ready for this rewarding adventure.

If you have further questions, please visit the Workshop FAQ page.