with George Stocking
June 8 - 12, 2009
Cost: $2,195
Volunteer Trip Leaders: Art Foxall and John Frelich
 The Olympic Peninsula of northwestern Washington is home to a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. It includes some of the only temperate rain forests in the world, and beaches that are famous worldwide for their natural beauty.
Veteran Arizona Highways photographer and workshop instructor George Stocking knows this country well and looks forward to taking you on an unforgettable exploration of the amazing landscapes and fabulous beaches. He knows the importance of timing and the techniques required to make spectacular images in these incredible locations.
 You’ll enjoy sunrise along Hurricane Ridge, walk the stunning black cobblestones on Ruby Beach, shoot the sun as it sets behind the immense sea stacks off Rialto Beach and immerse yourself in the deep green, moss-covered Hoh Rain Forest. It’s a tremendous opportunity to explore the photographic possibilities of this ancient and primeval land.
Portfolio reviews and critiques for each student will emphasize creating those one-of-a-kind images that get the attention of editors, as well as your family and friends.
All students flying into Seattle-Tacoma International will be picked up for the drive out to Port Angeles, Olympic Peninsula’s largest city situated on its northern coast. We'll arrange an early check-in if possible, meet for lunch and then gather to hear George’s expert orientation on the spectacular locations we’ll be photographing over the next 5 days.
We'll visit Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, home to Dungeness Lighthouse and Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the U.S., jutting out from the Olympic Peninsula into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Next, a spectacular 17-mile drive up Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. At a mile above sea level, we’ll have dramatic views into the heart of the Olympic Mountains. Afterwards, George conducts one of his famous critiques of the images shot so far on our trip. From there, we’re off to the town of Forks and 2 days exploring the beaches of Olympic Peninsula’s Pacific Coast.
 We'll explore Rialto Beach with its massive rock sea stacks, making sure to scout the beach and make mental notes for our return trip to Rialto for sunrise the following morning. Then, to Second Beach and its forested sea stacks, where we will again return the following day at sunrise in the hope of catching the morning fog as it lifts off the ocean.
The scenery changes dramatically as we move from the beach to forest. Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate (low elevation) rain forests in the world, receiving annual rainfall of 12 to 14 feet. “Lush” doesn’t begin to describe this greener-than-green forest of huge Sitka spruce trees covered in velvety moss. Watch for tree frogs, spotted owls, raccoons, elk and deer.
On our last night together, we’ll be treated to the special accommodations and stunning ocean views of the Kalaloch Lodge perched high above the beach. The workshop concludes the following day with critique discussions, and one last trip to the beach before saying goodbye to the Olympic Peninsula. But you know you’ll be coming back to this paradise soon, to once again immerse yourself in this unique ecosystem.
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