Lance Kuehne Photography Workshops

An Afternoon Photography Adventure on the Sonoma Coast
Join a small group of photographers for an inspiring afternoon exploring the breathtaking Sonoma Coast. With a maximum of five participants, this intimate workshop provides personalized guidance, allowing you to refine your skills while immersing yourself in one of California’s most scenic landscapes.

Much of the Sonoma Coast is part of a state park, offering a diverse range of photographic opportunities. We may visit locations from Bodega Head to the far northwestern part of the county, capturing rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and expansive beaches. While the shoreline will be our primary focus, we may also photograph historic buildings, seasonal wildflowers, and the rolling interior hills that shape this beautiful region.
Weather conditions can shift from sunny and bright to moody afternoon fog, giving us the chance to work with varied lighting and atmospheric conditions. We’ll be traveling on good roads with minimal walking, stopping at key locations that allow for easy access to incredible photo opportunities.

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A Thoughtfully Curated Itinerary

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio (with carpooling options) or meet us at a bakery in Freestone to begin the adventure.

🍞 A Delicious Start: Our first stop is Wild Flour Bread bakery, a perfect place to fuel up before an afternoon of photography.

🌲 Ancient Redwoods: Next, we visit one of Sonoma County’s few publicly accessible old-growth redwood groves. Some trees here are over 1,000 years old, surrounded by oaks and other native flora. Depending on the season, we may capture golden afternoon light or a misty forest atmosphere.

🏡 Scenic Ranches & Rolling Hills: As we travel one of my favorite backroads, we’ll stop at expansive ranchlands and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean—hidden gems that most visitors never see.

🌊 Beaches & Shoreline:
• Sandstone Formations – The unique tafoni rock formations in Salt Point, sculpted by wind and waves, are a highlight for photographers looking for intricate textures and patterns.

🌊 Golden Hour & Sunset on the Sonoma Coast: We end the day along the dramatic coastline, photographing sea stacks, rugged cliffs, and waves crashing against the shore as the sky turns golden with the setting sun.

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What You’ll Learn
📷 Perfecting Exposure & Composition – Use histograms to manage highlights and shadows for perfectly exposed shots.
🌤 Adapting to Changing Light – Techniques for capturing both vibrant landscapes and moody, atmospheric scenes.
🔎 Refining Your Eye for Composition – Discover how to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story.

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Why Join This Workshop?
✔ Exclusive access to lesser-known locations beyond typical tourist spots
✔ Small group size (max 5 participants) for personalized instruction
✔ Diverse subjects – landscapes, still-life, historic buildings, and seasonal wildflowers
✔ Minimal hiking – most spots are easily accessible near our vehicles
✔ A relaxed, immersive experience in one of California’s most photogenic regions

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Photography Gear & Creative Support
📷 Gear Guidance: Whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, learn how to make the most of your equipment.
🎨 Creative Support: Get feedback and develop your unique photographic style with professional guidance.

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Workshop Details
📍 Where: The Sonoma Coast & nearby inland areas
📅 Date: Saturday, June 28th
🕰 Time: 2:00 PM – Sunset
💵 $150 – Registration required

✅ Included:
✔ Hands-on photography instruction tailored to your skill level
✔ A detailed map of our photo stops after the workshop
✔ Carpooling options from my studio

❌ Not Included:
✖ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
✖ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – Most locations are close to parking areas with minimal hiking.

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Ready to capture the stunning Sonoma Coast? Reserve your spot now for an afternoon of photography, inspiration, and creative exploration!

🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today!
Get a 10% Early Bird discount if you sign up at least a week in advance.

📅 Dates: June 30 – July 4, 2025

📍 Location: Coastal Redwoods & Historic Towns of Humboldt County
Immerse yourself in the towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and historic towns of Humboldt County on this exclusive five-day photography workshop. From the Avenue of the Giants to the misty trails of Fern Canyon, we’ll explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Northern California, refining our photography skills in a small, focused group.

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Workshop Highlights

📍 Avenue of the Giants (Day 1 – Arrival & Journey North)
Our journey begins with a scenic drive through the Avenue of the Giants, one of the most awe-inspiring redwood corridors in the world. With time to stop and photograph ancient groves, winding roads, and soft-filtered light through towering trees, this will set the tone for our adventure.

📍 Redwood National & State Parks
Two full days of exploring the most iconic and hidden gems of the redwoods:
• Fern Canyon – A lush paradise where 50-foot canyon walls are draped in ferns and mist, perfect for capturing soft light and depth.

• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, with winding trails, open meadows, and Roosevelt elk.

• Orick & Coastal Overlooks – Hidden trails and stunning ocean vistas where the redwoods meet the Pacific.

📍 Trinidad & Coastal Seascapes
The charming town of Trinidad offers rugged sea stacks and pristine beaches:

• Golden Hour & Sunset Photography – Capturing waves crashing against the cliffs, shifting fog, and dramatic coastal colors.

• Beach & Tidepool Photography – Exploring reflections, textures, and movement along the shoreline.

📍 Ferndale & Humboldt Redwoods (Day 5 – Backroads & Departure)
Our final day includes historic Ferndale and scenic backroads into Humboldt Redwoods State Park:

• Rolling Ranchlands & Foggy Hills – A stunning contrast to the dense forests, featuring golden summer grasses and winding country roads.

• Lost Coast Vistas – If conditions allow, we may capture the rugged coastline where few visitors venture.

• Final Stop in the Redwoods – One last chance to photograph ancient giants before heading home.

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What You’ll Learn

📷 Mastering Light in the Forest – Handling high contrast & soft light in the redwoods.

🌊 Seascape Photography – Capturing long exposures, crashing waves, and changing tides.

🏞 Composition & Storytelling – Creating images that evoke a sense of place and emotion.

🔎 Refining Your Vision – Personalized feedback to develop your photographic style.

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What You’ll Gain
✅ Expert guidance on composition, exposure, and creative techniques.
✅ Access to diverse landscapes – towering redwoods, misty fern canyons, rugged coastlines, and historic towns.
✅ Small group setting for personalized instruction & feedback.
✅ Flexible itinerary to adapt to weather and lighting conditions.
✅ post-workshop image critique to refine your skills.
📷 Gear Support & Creative Development
• Learn how to maximize your DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphone camera.
• Get expert recommendations on lenses and accessories for landscape photography.
• Develop your unique style with professional feedback & new creative approaches.

• Bonus: After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map of all our photo locations for future visits.

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Workshop Details

📍 Where: Based around Eureka, visiting Redwood National & State Parks, Fern Canyon, Orick, Trinidad, Ferndale, and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

📅 Dates: Monday – Friday, June 30 – July 4
💵 $695 – Registration required

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – most locations are near parking areas, with optional short hikes.

✅ Included:
✔ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level.
✔ Detailed location map after the workshop.
✔ Carpooling options from Petaluma.

❌ Not Included:
✖ Transportation (aside from carpooling options).
✖ Lodging (suggested lodging options provided upon registration).
✖ Park entrance fees.
✖ Meals.

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Reserve Your Spot – Limited to 5 Participants!

📢 Early Bird Discounts
• Sign up by June 16 → 15% Off
• Sign up by June 23 → 10% Off