Mount Rainier WORKSHOP
Wilderness & Wildflowers - July 31-August 3, 2025 - SOLD OUT
5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (17 Reviews)
Experience the best of Mount Rainier National Park in this immersive four-day photography workshop, co-led by professional photographers Scott Kranz and Stephen Matera. Past participants have given this workshop perfect 5-star reviews for its balance of hands-on instruction, iconic landscapes, and unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Timed to coincide with peak wildflower season and a near-new moon, this workshop includes sunrise, sunset, and astrophotography sessions, offering the chance to capture the Milky Way alongside one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic peaks. Each day will feature moderate to strenuous hikes to some of Rainier’s most stunning locations, including potential routes like Burroughs Mountain, Comet Falls, and Glacier Vista – Panorama Point.
What You’ll Learn:
Techniques for capturing Mount Rainier’s diverse summer landscapes
Mastering astrophotography, from camera settings to composition
Gear selection, trip planning, and shooting strategies for mountain environments
Scott and Stephen’s complete creative processes—from concept to final edit
Workshop Details:
Dates: Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3, 2025
Start/End Times: Begins at Noon on July 31 and concludes at 11 a.m. on August 3
Group Size: Limited to eight (8) participants for personalized instruction
Accommodations: Three nights (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights) in Packwood, WA, with private rooms, shared rooms, and camping options available (see order form for pricing and details)
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 10 miles and 2,500 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. Typical, representative hikes may include Burroughs Mountain, Comet Falls, Glacier Vista - Panorama Point, among others.
DATE: July 31 - August 3
GROUP SIZE: 8
COST: $1899 USD
DIFFICULTY: Moderate & Strenuous Hiking
5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (17 Reviews)
About your instructors:
Scott Kranz
Scott Kranz is a Minnesota-bred, Seattle-based photographer, filmmaker, and educator. When he moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest in 2013, he couldn’t have imagined how the mountains there would forever change his life. He just knew their natural beauty held an undeniable power, and that his life’s work would soon become visual storytelling in the outdoor spaces where we work and play. Since then, Scott has become an industry leader, partnering with the world’s leading outdoor brands while shooting on all seven continents.
Stephen Matera
Stephen Matera is a professional landscape and outdoor lifestyle photographer and National Geographic contributor based in Seattle. He combines his passion for all things outdoors with a unique creative eye, creating images for some of the world’s leading publishers and outdoor equipment manufacturers. He developed his vision as a natural landscape photographer, and now also applies his creative vision to conservation and outdoor lifestyle storytelling. View Steve's landscape imagery at www.stephenmatera.com.
What is included?
All photo education over four workshop days.
Optional accommodations in the Packwood, WA area for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 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 (MORA-2425-P02).
What is NOT included?
Transportation to, from, and during the workshop.
Entrance fee for Mount Rainier National Park
Dinner, breakfast and lunches.
Any accommodations before or after workshop, such as the nights of Wednesday, July 30, and Sunday, August 3.
All travel insurance and gear insurance.
What to expect:
Each day will bring something different. Scott and Stephen will coordinate to select shooting locations based on time of day, light, and weather. We will let the weather and light help us decide what to shoot each day. Conditions permitting, days will be long as we will plan to get up and shoot sunrise, then shoot until sunset to take advantage of the best light and make the most of each day.
In the middle of the day we'll do an image critique and a lesson in post processing, including RAW processing and conversion, stitching panoramas, or final touches to improve an image.
Some shooting will be from close to the road, while other times we may be hiking to shoot at prime backcountry locations. In terms of hiking, expect moderate and strenuous efforts (including hikes up to 10 miles and 2500 feet of elevation gain) each day, so participants should be physically fit for hiking with loaded packs over on maintained backcountry trails over consecutive days. Specific hikes may include Burroughs Mountain, Comet Falls, Glacier Vista - Panorama Point, among others, as potential examples. In advance of the workshop, we may ask you about your fitness and hiking experience to confirm your ability to fully participate and ensure a successful workshop.
