Big Sur Central California Coast

Adventure Along the Central California Coast

The California coast contains miles and miles of breathtakingly beautiful sandy shores and rocky cliffs. From the dramatic beauty of the Big Sur coast to the thousands of views along the Monterey County coast, there won’t be a shortage of photo opportunities. We won't limit ourselves to just beautiful seascapes. There will be opportunities to photograph wildlife, engage in some macro work, as well as photograph the amazing locations throughout the area. We timed this journey to avoid summer crowds, allow you to escape your daily routines, and enjoy all the beauty the area has to offer. For those of you who have visited this area before and for first-timers, it will be easy to see why the area has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea on the planet”.  

Join us in October for an adventure along

the Central California coast.

This adventure may include, but is not limited to the following photogenic locations:

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park  Point Lobos  Carmel Mission

Soberanes Point  Hurricane Point  Monterey Wharf and Harbor

Bixby Bridge  Pfeiffer Beach  Lover’s Point

Rocky Point  Garrapata State Park  Garrapata Beach 

Your guides will always be on the lookout for interesting image possibilities during our photo adventure and for this reason, our itineraries are always subject to change. Weather plays a major role in capturing the best images possible. Changing light and weather conditions will always be assessed and changes in the schedule will be made accordingly. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure are key to having a great time and capturing stellar photographs.

When

We will begin this journey just before sunset on the evening of October 2, 2023 and complete after sunrise on the morning of October 5.  

Payment Terms

$1900 total USD The deposit is $900 and due now to reserve your spot.

The remainder is due August 1st, 2023.We understand that attending our workshop requires advance commitment, and also that things can happen in life that may force you to cancel from a workshop. Based on the cancellation date, the following apply:

    •    Greater than 60 days before the workshop start date: full refund of any payments made.

    •    Within 60 days of the start of the workshop: No refund.

All refunds will be made by the same method as the original payment. 

Number of Participants

In order to give plenty of time and attention to each participant, we are accepting 6 - 8 people.

Lodging

We recommend reserving a room at the Carmel Mission Inn, which is situated along one of the most desirable stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway in the one-of-a-kind community of Carmel. (This is where we are staying.) Carmel Mission Inn provides us with a breathtaking place to play, relax, and regroup before heading out on our next excursion. We will be a short distance from all of the restaurants and beauty that Carmel has to offer. You will need to make your own reservation.


Flights

We suggest flying into Monterey (closest), San Jose, Oakland, or San Francisco.

Transportation

Although we will try to carpool as much as possible, you will need transportation from the airport to the hotel in Carmel and to each location we are photographing.

What's Included in Your Workshop:

    •    Hands-on Instruction by 2 professional photographers

    •    Guidance of the basics for achieving correct exposure to more complex photography techniques

    •    Creating pleasing compositions

    •    When to use filters and why

    •    Capturing the motion of the waves - blur/no blur

    •    Guidance to the most beautiful locations on the central California coast

    •    Instruction at your level to help you progress

What's not included:

    •    Transportation, however, we will be carpooling as much as possible

    •    Meals during breaks  

    •    Lodging at the Carmel Mission Inn

    •    Trip Insurance. Fees are not refundable unless we can fill your spot. We strongly recommend trip insurance in case of unforeseen events that may require you to cancel.

What to bring:

Camera Gear

• Interchangeable lens camera: either mirrorless or DSLR

• Lenses: Wide and ultra-wide angle lenses as well as mid-range lenses, telephoto, and macro - Bring it all if you can!

• A sturdy tripod

• Circular polarizer and neutral density filters

• Rain protection for your gear and you

• Remote shutter release

Recommended clothing

The weather is unpredictable on the coast in October. But due to the cool days, wind, and chance of getting wet (either from the ocean or a rainstorm), we HIGHLY recommend bringing multiple layers of non-cotton clothing, a sturdy rain jacket and rain pants, a warm hat, gloves, lots of changes of socks, and some dry shoes. A wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and a large water bottle are also advised.

Fitness level

This coastal workshop is appropriate for photographers of average fitness levels. We will do a lot of walking during the workshop. This includes walking on sandy, rocky, uneven, and slippery terrain or groomed pathways. All participants are expected to be able to carry their camera gear, personal items, and water/snacks during the workshop.

Details

What others have said about this workshop.

participants of the February 2023 Big Sur/Monterey workshop
photographing the wharf from the coastal rocks
Bixby Bridge on the California coast
California coast at Big Sur

“I highly recommend this trip to anyone on the fence. A month later and I am still processing and sharing my photos. I also really enjoyed my time with the other photographers..”

DeAnna T.

“Great experience! Learned so much !!!!”

Andrea B.

“It was a fantastic experience. Wonderful gals to travel with and both Amy & Nadeen are exceptional teachers.  Great place to shoot. You can’t go wrong!”

Barbara P.

“This trip was a dream.. If you have a chance to take a workshop from these talented and gracious leaders, I can't recommend them any higher.  I learned so much and experienced some truly spectacular locations.  Thank you Nadeen and Amy!”

Donna R.

participant at Adventure Along the  Central California  Coast

“It was so much fun, very well planned and a great group of women. You couldn’t ask for a better locale or two better people than Amy and Nadeen to lead the way!”

Terry

To sign up

I can answer any questions and send you an invoice to confirm your spot!

Meet Your Guides

Amy Ames

is a wildlife and landscape photographer, living in North Carolina. Although her family is keeping her grounded on the east coast, she looks for any excuse to make her way West. She loves that this stretch of the California coast allows both of her favorite genres, wildlife and landscape.

Nadeen Flynn

is a multi-genre photographer, living in rural northern California. Nadeen has a background in education, but is currently loving her role of light seeker, aka landscape, nature, and still life photographer. Nadeen still loves that she can help others learn and continue with her teaching.