As I stare out the window at the falling snow, I can’t help but dream of spring in Olympic National Park, where I’ll be co-leading a photography workshop May 15 - 19 with the amazing Kurt Budliger.
Olympic is a truly world-class destination. I had wanted to go here ever since seeing Kurt’s incredible images, like this one above.
My own first personal impressions of area weren’t a disappointment. Quite the opposite. We were driving into the park and passing through valleys lined with misty hillsides. My jaw was on the floor and I couldn’t help but exclaiming with joy around every turn, “More steamy trees!” I love steamy trees.
Kurt sets the gold standard for amazing photography of the beaches in Olympic. This was taken on one of his workshops years ago. He does a great job teaching students techniques that help them to make images like this.
We have a few spots left on the workshop, and would love for you to join us! Sign up at the link below.
In addition to the coastline, Olympic is home to beautiful snow-covered peaks. We were lucky to be able to drive up Hurricane Ridge when we visited, and I photographed this view of some of the peaks around Mount Olympus.
Surprisingly to me, while the beauty of the beaches and high peaks are undeniable, it is the rainforest that won my heart. I was in complete awe of what I was seeing out here. The photo above was taken on the shore of Crescent Lake. These moss-covered maple branches with bright green spring growth being backlit were spectacular!
The complexity and sheer abundance of growth in the forest makes it challenging to photograph. It’s a puzzle that will push your mind to consider creative solutions and take your photography to the next level, if you accept the challenge!
Of course there are areas where you can’t seem to make a bad image. Sol Duc Falls, seen in this breathtaking image by Kurt, is one of them.
I loved exploring the tide pools at Kalaloch Beach, and found this neat arrangement that reminded me of looking through a telescope at stars, nebulas, and galaxies.
Many smaller details like this can be found around the park, in every location we visit.
I found this piece of weathered wood on one of the beaches, looking like a Van Gogh painting.
Also on the beach, this piece of seaweed looked like it had been arranged like this, just for us to marvel at.
I have so many favorite images from the park, and this after only two visits! I was lucky enough to be a part of the Out of Chicago conference here in 2023, and ran another workshop, sadly without Kurt since he was sick, the week after. The image above, taken at Ruby Beach, felt like a real creative breakthrough for me.
Still, nobody does it better than Kurt, in my mind. This is one of those images, again, that made me want to visit before I even had met Kurt personally!
Are you ready to come and visit this amazing place with us? There are spaces available and we’d love to have you. Sign up at the link below.
An extraordinary place. Enjoy!
Looks like an amazing place! The photos are stunning!