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Join Paul Thomson and Adam Gibbs for a taste of big trees and wild coastlines on Vancouver Island.

Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island - 3 Days

2024 November - 1st-4th, 8 Participants Total

USD 1695

Port Renfrew is becoming recognized as the BIG tree capital of Canada, and for a good reason. Some of the last remaining temperate old-growth forests in western Canada are not far from this small coastal town. Not only does Port Renfrew have large trees, but it has a stunning coastline. To the south is the 45km Juan de Fuca trail, and to the north, the infamous 75km west coast trail.

Important! Please note, In the event of a cancellation there is limited refund. Photography Booking Policy, please read.

We'll stay at the Big Fish Lodge for this workshop, which overlooks the beautiful San Juan Bay. During this weekend retreat, we'll explore several locations, including Botanical Beach, well-known for its fabulous tide pools. Sombrio Beach for its waterfalls and the Avatar grove that has two of the "gnarliest" red cedars on the coast.  

Late Friday afternoon, we meet at the Big Fish Lodge. Get acquainted and have an early group meal at the local pub.

Each day, we’ll spend roughly six to eight hours in the field. Weather and time permitting, we’ll also cover several subjects at the lodge, including a couple of presentations about composition, creating mood in your images, post-processing and an invaluable critique session.

On the fourth day, we’ll head out for a morning field session and say goodbye from noon to late afternoon.

What’s Included:

• Three night accommodation at the lodge

• Breakfast, snacks (dinners, lunches not included)

• Photography instruction by Adam Gibbs and Paul Thomson

What’s not Included:

• Transportation to Port Renfrew

• Accommodation before and after the workshop

• Medical and travel insurance

More Information….

Where is Port Renfrew?

Port Renfrew lies on the west coast of Vancouver Island, overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, roughly 110km north of Victoria. The drive from Victoria takes about 1.5 - 2hrs.

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How challenging will the hiking be? PLEASE READ, IMPORTANT!

Hiking? Who said anything about hiking? Yes, we will be walking to all locations. The distances are typically no more than a couple of kilometres return. Mystic Beach is roughly 4km away. However, all locations will require a walk, including steep hills. If you do have mobility problems, this is probably not the trip for you. 

What camera gear should I bring?

The following are some recommendations. Generally, we will be focusing primarily on landscape photography but may encounter some wildlife shooting opportunities. Ideally, since we will be hiking throughout the day and carrying our gear, equipment should be kept to a minimum. Here is a list of what we typically carry in the field. A more detailed "what to bring" list will be sent to you before the workshop. If you shoot wildlife and own or use a very large lens, you are welcome to bring it.

Camera Equipment:

• Lightweight tripod w/ball head

• Camera backpack

• DSLR camera body

• 14-24mm lens

• 24-120mm lens

• 70-200mm lens

• Various ND filters/polarizers/holders for all lenses

• Two extra batteries

• Lens pen/lens cloth

• lens shade

Other items that should make your day more comfortable on the coast. Either worn or put in your pack for the day.

• Rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots

• Long pants

• Brimmed hat

• Warm jacket

• Rain jacket

• Snack bars/lunch/something to dr

• Headlamp/flashlight

• Sunglasses

Optional items:

• Laptop computer

• Umbrella