I am a long exposure addict, astrophile, photography workshop instructor, and Arkansas Ambassador. I use photography as a means to document my love for the outdoors and to inspire others to be more adventurous. I love to show off not only what Arkansas has to offer, but I also enjoy exploring hidden nooks of our diverse country while documenting the night skies along the way.
We’ll be staying at the Best Western Cascade Locks, located right at the iconic Bridge of the Gods. Each participant will enjoy a private river-view balcony, where you can unwind while taking in the stunning Columbia River scenery. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and inspiration to help fuel your creativity.
I’ve got everything covered to make this trip stress-free and unforgettable:
• All Meals: Delicious, locally-inspired meals to keep you energized for the adventure ahead.
• Transportation: Relax and enjoy the ride—transportation from the hotel and between workshop locations is included, so you can focus on the views.
Prepare to explore some of the most breathtaking waterfalls and landscapes the Columbia River Gorge has to offer, including:
• Multnomah Falls: One of the most iconic and photographed waterfalls in the country.
• Rowena Crest: A stunning viewpoint that showcases the Gorge’s winding roads and unique terrain.
• Vista House: A stone observatory that sits 733 feet above the Columbia River at Crown Point.
• Starvation Creek State Park: A hidden gem with cascading falls and lush trails.
• Wahclella Falls: A magical waterfall nestled in a scenic canyon.
And that’s just the beginning—you’ll see over 15 waterfalls on this tour!
This isn’t just a sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to take your photography skills to the next level. We’ll cover long exposure techniques to help you capture silky-smooth waterfalls and dynamic landscapes. You’ll also learn about the history and geography of this unique area, giving you a deeper appreciation of its natural beauty.
With expert guidance, stunning locations, and a small group setting, you’ll come away with incredible images, new skills, and memories to last a lifetime.
📅 Dates: June 5-8, 2025
🌟 There’s only 2 spots left, so don’t wait to sign up!
Are you ready to take the adventure of a lifetime? Our South Africa Photo Safari Tour promises an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, up-close wildlife encounters, and awe-inspiring night skies. This trip will leave you with stunning images and incredible memories.
• Exclusive access to some of South Africa’s most captivating wildlife reserves.
• Opportunities to photograph iconic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos during expertly guided game drives.
• Star photography sessions under the Southern Cross and Milky Way, led by yours truly.
• Unique activities like wildlife darting with a veterinarian, a visit to a crocodile sanctuary, Kruger National Park, and an elephant safari.
• Luxurious accommodations in modern safari lodges, complete with delicious local cuisine and all-inclusive amenities.
What You’ll Learn:
This is an immersive photography workshop in one of the most photogenic places on Earth. During the tour, we’ll focus on:
• Capturing wildlife in action
• Shooting stunning landscapes
• Mastering night photography to create breathtaking images of the African night sky.
From the moment you land in Johannesburg, we take care of all the details: lodging, transportation, meals, and activities (minus airfare). Imagine staying in beautiful bush lodges, enjoying delicious meals, and experiencing the best of South Africa—all while honing your photography skills.
This 9-day, 8-night tour is jam-packed with excitement, exploration, and education. Check out the full itinerary and details here: South Africa Safari Photo Tour.
Day 1: Arrival at Kolobe Safaris Base Camp
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Johannesburg International Airport and embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the Kolobe Safaris Base Camp. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a delicious dinner of local specialties and refreshing drinks. Relax in your private, modern chalet under the African stars and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Wildlife Darting & Crocodile Sanctuary
Start your day with a spectacular sunrise over the African Bushveld, or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. One of the day’s highlights includes joining a veterinarian for a wildlife darting experience—an incredible opportunity to learn about conservation up close.
Later, we’ll visit a crocodile sanctuary, home to over 13,000 crocodiles, for an engaging tour of their breeding program. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire for dinner and a star photography lesson, where we’ll capture the magical night sky.
Day 3: Game Drives & Nighttime Adventures
Get your cameras ready for a game drive in the Entambeni Game Reserve, where you’ll have the chance to photograph lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—along with other incredible wildlife. In the evening, opt for a short night drive or dive into astrophotography to capture the stunning African sky.
Day 4: Cultural Shopping & Dinner by the Blyde River
Explore roadside markets showcasing handcrafted African jewelry and bowls made by local artisans. In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner along the scenic Blyde River, with views of the majestic Mariepskop Mountain as your backdrop.
Day 5: Blyde Canyon & Elephant Safari
Start your day with breakfast by the Blyde River before heading out on a two-hour boat trip through Blyde Canyon, the world’s deepest green canyon. Marvel at the Three Rondavels and the stunning Tufa waterfalls.
In the afternoon, you’ll meet and interact with elephants during an elephant safari. For those seeking adventure, an optional 30-minute ride is available. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks by a lake at a serene safari lodge.
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Spend the day exploring the legendary Kruger National Park on a full-day game drive. Capture breathtaking shots of iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, and buffalo, in their natural habitats. The day concludes with a unique dining experience at a modern safari camp within the park.
Days 7 & 8: Luxury Lodge Experience
Enjoy multiple game drives, bush walks, and the luxury of high tea at the lodge. Whether photographing wildlife or unwinding with the lodge’s top-notch hospitality, these days are designed to balance adventure with relaxation. Reflect on your experiences and savor delicious meals as you prepare for your final day.
Day 9: Farewell to South Africa
After one last morning game drive, we’ll head to Hoedspruit Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg International Airport. Say goodbye to new friends, cherished memories, and the stunning South African landscapes.
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to claim your place on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! 🐘📸🌌
Master Lightroom Like a Pro: Introducing My 3-Part Lightroom Classic 101 Course (Take It at Your Own Pace!)
Are you ready to take your Lightroom Classic skills to the next level? Imagine editing your photos with ease, transforming your landscapes, portraits, or nightscapes with the same tools used by professional photographers. My 3-Part Lightroom Classic 101 Course is designed for both beginners and intermediate photographers who want to unlock Lightroom’s powerful features at their own pace—and it’s arriving soon!
Why This Course Stands Out: A Complete, Flexible Guide to Lightroom
My 3-part Lightroom Classic 101 course is packed with everything you need to know to elevate your photos, from foundational steps like importing and organizing your images to advanced techniques utilizing the latest AI technology that will make your shots stand out. Not only do you get lifetime access to the course material, but it’s also broken down into manageable parts, each with a video tutorial, a step-by-step PDF walkthrough, and a copy of my HDR Glow preset—perfect for adding that professional finishing touch to your edits!
What’s Inside the Course?
Here’s a sneak peek at each part of the course and the topics that will take you from editing novice to Lightroom expert:
Part 1: Getting Started with Lightroom
• Importing Photos: Learn how to streamline your import process, save time, and ensure that your photos are organized from the moment they enter your library.
• Exploring the Lightroom Modules: Discover how each module functions and when to use them for different editing needs.
• Mastering Presets & Profiles: Want to give your photos a signature look? We’ll dive deep into using Lightroom presets and profiles for quick, stunning effects, including using the HDR Glow preset.
Part 2: Precision Editing with Masking, Sliders, and AI Tools
• Advanced Masking Techniques: Learn how to isolate areas of your photo for precise adjustments, giving you full control over highlights, shadows, and everything in between.
• The Magic of Sliders: Sliders are at the heart of Lightroom editing, and this section will teach you how to manipulate exposure, contrast, saturation, and more to perfection.
• Leveraging Lightroom’s AI Functions: Lightroom’s AI tools are game-changers, helping you enhance your photos faster and smarter. We’ll cover how to use AI-based features for things like subject and sky selection, as well as the Removal Tool.
Part 3: Final Touches & Exporting
• Polishing Your Edits: We’ll teach you the art of final adjustments, including sharpening, noise reduction, and adding the finishing touches that will make your photos shine.
• Exporting for Every Platform: Whether you’re sharing on social media, printing, or sending files to clients, knowing the right export settings is essential. We’ll cover all the export techniques you need to ensure your images look their best everywhere.
What You’ll Receive with the Course
• Video Tutorials: Clear, easy-to-follow video instructions that guide you through each part of Adobe Lightroom Classic.
• Walkthrough PDFs: Downloadable guides that allow you to review each lesson at your own pace, perfect for following along or quick reference.
• Exclusive HDR Glow Preset: Elevate your photos with my HDR Glow preset, which is designed to add depth, vibrancy, and a professional glow to any shot.
Why You Should Be Excited!
This course is designed to be accessible, engaging, and practical. Whether you’re new to editing or looking to sharpen your Lightroom skills, this course will provide everything you need to create beautiful, professional-quality photos. And the best part? You can take each part at your own pace, whenever it fits your schedule.
The Course Drops Soon!
This course will be available this Winter! Keep an eye out on my website and social media channels for the official release date, and be one of the first to access this comprehensive Lightroom Classic 101 Course.
Why Invest in Lightroom Skills?
With so many photos being shared online every day, knowing how to edit effectively has never been more valuable. Lightroom allows photographers to transform images into works of art, and once you understand its full potential, you’ll wonder how you ever edited without it. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring out the best in your photos—stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new course, and be ready to elevate your editing game!
Autumn around the Buffalo National River in Arkansas is nothing short of enchanting, and the recent Buffalo Fall Color Photo Retreat offered the perfect opportunity to explore and capture the rich landscapes, wildlife, and historic charm of this region. Set against a backdrop of vibrant foliage, this retreat was a photographer’s dream, with every turn revealing new photographs.
Our home base for the weekend was the warm and welcomingHarmony Mountain Retreat, nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This lodge offered the perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort, making it the ideal spot to unwind after long days of exploring and photographing. The lodge provided a cozy atmosphere where participants could relax, review their shots, and discuss techniques in a supportive community of like-minded photographers.
No retreat is complete without good food, and we were treated to some incredible local dining experiences in Jasper and Ponca. Throughout the weekend, we enjoyed meals at some of the best eateries the area has to offer, each one adding its own flavor to our adventure, like the Jasper Pizza Company, Wooden Spoon Provisions, & JJ’s Buffalo Grill.
From famous overlooks to hidden treasures, the Buffalo River area never failed to amaze. We spent our days venturing to iconic and off-the-beaten-path locations, each spot more breathtaking than the last.
One of the most stunning aspects of the Buffalo River is its painted bluffs, and Steel Creek and Pruitt Landing are two of the best spots to take in this natural beauty. The soft light of autumn hues cast a glow on these majestic bluffs, highlighting their multi-layered, colorful limestone. Our group had ample opportunities to capture the intricate patterns and textures of these cliffs, framed by the vibrant colors of fall foliage.
Few experiences are as thrilling as spotting elk, and Boxley Valley is one of the best places to see these majestic creatures. During our retreat, we were lucky enough to witness several elk bugling one evening. Watching and photographing these animals was a highlight of the trip, providing a deeper connection to the region’s heritage.
The Upper Buffalo River is rich with history, and we took time to explore and capture the historic structures that tell the story of this area. From old barns to homesteads and the Boxley Grist Mill, these structures speak of a simpler time and are a beautiful reminder of the valley’s past. Photographing these historic sites provided us with an opportunity to appreciate the enduring legacy of the region and the communities that once thrived here.
No trip to the Buffalo River would be complete without a visit to Hawksbill Crag. We woke up before dawn to make our way to this iconic overlook, and our efforts were richly rewarded. As the first rays of sunlight spilled over the horizon, they illuminated the valley below and painted the sky orange. Hawksbill Crag’s dramatic rock formation and expansive views make it one of the most photogenic spots in the Ozarks, and witnessing sunrise here was nothing short of magical.
Despite the challenges of low rainfall, the fall colors did not disappoint. Around every bend and along every trail, we found vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that transformed the landscape into a living work of art. Our cameras were constantly in hand, capturing the brilliance of Arkansas’s autumn and preserving memories of the season’s fleeting beauty. From dense forests to open valleys, the foliage added a richness and depth to our photos that only autumn could provide.
The Buffalo Fall Color Photo Retreat was more than just a weekend of photography—it was an opportunity to connect with nature, share experiences with fellow photographers, and explore one of Arkansas’s most beautiful regions. The combination of comfortable accommodations, delicious local food, and awe-inspiring sights made this retreat a truly unforgettable experience.
If you missed this year’s retreat, we invite you to join us next fall! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this retreat offers the perfect setting to refine your skills, enjoy the great outdoors, and capture the breathtaking beauty of the Buffalo River Valley in all its autumn glory.
Stay tuned for next year’s dates and details—and get ready to experience the magic of the Ozarks in fall!
What an unforgettable time we had on this year’s San Juans Fall Color Tour! The scenery, the company, the perfect weather—we couldn’t have asked for more. Let me take you through our adventure-packed 4 days exploring some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Colorado.
Day 1 started with an auto tour from Ouray to Silverton, hitting all the best stops along the way—overlooks, historic mines, and rugged mountain views that stretch as far as the eye can see. We were hopping in and out of the vehicles, snapping shots and making sure we didn’t miss a single thing. But the night wasn’t over yet! We wrapped things up by shooting the Milky Way over Crystal Lake. Even though the lake is being drained for dam maintenance, the stars aligned just right (literally), and we still caught some amazing reflections.
Day 2 kicked off with a stunning sunrise over theMolas Cabin and Molas Lake. There’s something special about seeing the first light hit the water, especially when it’s reflected by those glowing fall colors. But the highlight of the day? A scenic steam train ride from Durango to Silvertonthrough the Animas River Canyon! We maxed out SD cards and drained batteries because every turn brought more jaw-dropping views. After an epic morning, we grabbed lunch at the best BBQ joint around—because a tour like this deserves some killer local food! We ended the day riding back into Durango as the sun set behind us, the perfect close to a perfect day.
Day 3 didn’t hold back either. We started bright and early at a scenic overlook where the Ophir Needles and Sunshine Mountain gave us the most beautiful alpenglow. That soft light hitting the peaks? Unreal. Then, we headed over to Telluride and took the gondola up for 360-degree views of the San Juans. The colors were popping in every direction, and the whole group was loving it. From there, we journeyed to the basin of Wilson Peak, one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers featured on the Coor’s Beer Can, to capture scenic ranches and sprawling views of the aspens in all their glory.
The afternoon had a twist—an editing course focused on Lightroom and Milky Way stacking, which was just what we needed to polish our shots before heading out for our sunset session at Bear Creek Falls. We even witnessed an elopement right there! Talk about a surprise—one of those magical moments that happens when you’re in the right place at the right time. To top things off, we dabbled in some car trail photography before calling it a night.
On our final morning, we caught the sunrise at Dallas Divide with the sun sneaking over the horizon to light up Mt. Sneffels. It was the perfect way to end the trip—watching the landscape we’d come to love glow in that golden morning light. Afterward, we gathered back at the hotel for a hot breakfast, where we tackled any last-minute editing questions and just enjoyed each other’s company one last time before heading home.
This tour was such a success that I’m already planning for 2025—and guess what? I’m posting TWO dates (one date is already posted!!) to make sure everyone has a chance to join in on the fun. Stay tuned for the official announcement of the second date, and thank you to everyone who made this trip so incredible. The memories we made and the photos we captured are something I’ll be looking back on for a long time.
