WATERFALLS & WILDFLOWERS:
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
APRIL 18 - 22, 2027
Each spring, fresh water from melting snowfields and glaciers cascade from the shoulders of Mount Hood and beyond to meet the incredible Columbia River as it meanders and carves its way between the Oregon and Washington border. The result is a lush and verdant ecosystem filled with waterfalls, wildflowers, and mossy forests that are visual magic for landscape photographers. During our week together, we’ll explore this unique habitat, capturing the spirit that makes this place so special.
We’ll be based in the historic town of Hood River, Oregon, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. It provides charming cafes, breweries, and wineries to relax with new photo friends and is the perfect launching point for our adventures in the Gorge.
Emerald green rainforests create a mystical setting for world-class trails leading to the most famous waterfalls in the Gorge: Wahclella, Latourell, and the iconic 620 ft high Multnomah Falls. We’ll photograph them all and Doug will share skills for shooting moving water so you can capture the mood you want to convey. High above the Gorge on the Rowena Step, Tom McCall Nature Preserve allows us endless opportunities to capture purple lupine and the beautiful yellow balsamroot with the amazing Columbia River always present in the background.
Join DJP for a beautiful week of photography, flowing water, and wildflowers!
Overview
Our Workshop begins with a welcome orientation on Sunday, April 18 at 9:00 am and concludes after our group slideshow on Thursday, April 22 at 6:00 pm.
Each day will include field sessions led by Doug at the best times for shooting, daily lectures to improve your photographic skills, and constructive critiques of your images. Classroom sessions are tailored to each workshop and are based on participants’ interests and goals for the workshop. Additional topics are designed to enhance participants’ skills for the type of shooting the location emphasizes.
Location Highlights: Explore the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, including Tom McCall Nature Preserve, Eagle Creek, Catherine Creek, Latourell Falls, Vista House, Tanner Creek, Wahclella Falls, and the iconic Multnomah Falls.
*Workshop limited to 10 participants
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Tuition by January 10, 2027: $2595 (represents a $100 discount!)
After January 10, 2027: $2695
Deposit: $600 due with Registration (after the Early Bird deadline, the deposit will be $700)
Balance: $1995 due February 1, 2027
Already registered and need to make a final payment? Click Here
Workshop Details
LODGING
The workshop lodging location is the Best Western Plus Hood River. A room block has been arranged from April 17- 22, 2027 (6 nights). The workshop begins on April 18 at 9am, so the hotel block includes the night of April 17 so participants can stay over and be ready to go in the morning. The reservation block also includes April 22, the night after the workshop ends for participants interested in that option. Room rates are $159 +tax per night (non-river view) and $189 + tax per night (river view). Please reference Doug Johnson Photography to receive the special group rate.
TRAVEL
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to/from the workshop and during the workshop.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the nearest airport for this workshop - about an hour from Hood River. You will find several major car rental companies have office locations on-site at the airport. For transportation to and from field shoots, we suggest that you carpool to get to know fellow students.
Doug Johnson Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets, or hotel rooms in the event of a workshop cancellation. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Walking up to 4 miles, paved and unpaved hilly forested trails; some may be muddy. Elevation: 160 - 1000ft.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, participants are expected to be in good physical health. You must be able to carry your own photo gear, be prepared for variable weather (including sun and warm temperatures), and be able to walk in outdoor terrain that will likely involve uneven surfaces.
If you have any questions about the workshop conditions, please contact Doug before registering. While we make every effort to support participants, if we find that the activities are more demanding than your abilities allow, we may need to adjust your participation to ensure your well-being and the smooth flow of the workshop.
“This was my second, but won’t be my last DJP workshop. The photo locations were beautiful, and Doug’s classroom critiques are exceptionally helpful in making me a better photographer.”
EQUIPMENT & ATTIRE
We want your experience on a Doug Johnson Photography workshop to be extraordinary and recognize that preparation is one important key to success. Specific guidelines will be sent to participants, but a general list of recommendations can be downloaded via our Gear & Packing List.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please visit FAQs about Location Workshops.
You can review our Cancellation Policy here.
We are always happy to talk with you about our workshops and what makes a good match for your goals. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Doug at 303-829-2215 or contact us via our online form.
