August 24-26, 2025
w/ Joseph Rossbach
$2,495.00
Join me for an exclusive, small-group photography workshop (limited to just 3 participants) as we explore and capture the unique coastal ecosystem of the lower Chesapeake Bay and the Virginia Coastal Preserve. Based out of Cape Charles, VA, we’ll have access to the pristine tidal marshes surrounding the barrier islands along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the diverse landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay.
Over the course of three full days, you'll have the opportunity to photograph a stunning variety of subjects: from sweeping landscapes and salt marshes to wildlife, birds, and charming fishing villages. One of the highlights of this workshop will be photographing the historic fleet of 80-year-old concrete ships out on the bay, which serve as both a breakwater and a nesting site for waterfowl. These unique structures provide a dramatic backdrop for your photos, especially when illuminated by the soft light of sunrise or sunset.
The majority of our excursions will be conducted on water, with 90% of our time spent aboard my 16-foot skiff boat. This allows us to explore hidden corners of the ecosystem and access areas that are otherwise unreachable, ensuring you have a variety of perspectives for your shots.
A drone is essential for this workshop, as we’ll be using it to capture the tidal marshes from above. The aerial shots will give you an abstract, top-down view of the marshes, revealing intricate patterns and textures that are impossible to capture from the ground or boat. Whether you're an experienced drone operator or new to aerial photography, this is an incredible opportunity to take your skills to new heights.
The workshop will begin at sunrise on Day 1 and conclude at sunset on Day 3. Each day, we'll be out in the field during the best light—early mornings and evenings—exploring and photographing a variety of locations and subjects, as seen in the images below. Expect to come away with a diverse portfolio, new techniques, and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable coastal ecosystem.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most photogenic, lesser-known corners of the East Coast, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Chesapeake Bay Workshop
Day One
Our day will begin bright and early, meeting before sunrise at a local dock to capture the serene beauty of the morning light over a small cove filled with fishing boats. This quiet, tranquil scene offers a perfect opportunity to practice capturing soft, golden-hour light reflecting off the boats and water.
After sunrise, we’ll launch the boat and embark on an exciting photographic journey through the intricate network of tidal marshes. The boat ride is about 15 minutes to reach the marshes, where we'll spend several hours exploring and photographing the unique landscape, wildlife, and stunning patterns formed by the tidal waters. The perspective from the water will allow you to capture these marshes in a way that's only possible from a boat or the air.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a break from fieldwork and gather for a post-processing and image critique session at the hotel. This is an excellent opportunity to review your images, discuss techniques, and refine your editing skills, ensuring that your photos reflect the beauty you’ve captured throughout the day.
As the day winds down, we’ll head back out at 6 p.m. for a sunset shoot to photograph the historic concrete ships on the bay. These weathered, 80-year-old ships, now home to nesting waterfowl, make for striking silhouettes against the colorful hues of the evening sky. It’s a dramatic and unforgettable subject to end the day on a high note.
Chesapeake Bay Workshop
Day 2
Our day will start with an early launch before sunrise, as we head out onto the water to capture the haunting beauty of the concrete ships at first light. The soft glow of dawn creates a perfect atmosphere to photograph these historic structures as they rise out of the bay, bathed in the gentle, cool light of the morning. After we’ve spent some time photographing the ships, we’ll turn our attention to the sea birds that nest on the ships and pilings scattered throughout the bay. We’ll spend a couple of hours capturing these fascinating creatures, using the early light to highlight the textures of their feathers and the rugged surfaces of the ships.
After our morning shoot, we’ll return to the hotel for an afternoon class focused on post-processing and image critique. This will give you a chance to refine your editing skills, discuss techniques, and review your work from the morning, ensuring you leave with both beautiful images and enhanced technical knowledge.
In the late afternoon, we’ll venture back out for a stunning drone sunset shoot along the marshes of the Virginia Coastal Preserve. The aerial perspective will allow us to capture the intricate patterns of the tidal marshes, as well as the rich, vibrant colors of the sunset reflecting off the water. This will be an excellent opportunity to experiment with aerial photography, as the drone offers a unique vantage point to photograph the marshland and surrounding landscape.
Chesapeake Bay Workshop
Day 3
On our final day, we’ll launch from a local boat ramp to explore even more of the tidal marshes. After setting out on the water, we’ll focus on capturing the local fishermen at work, photographing them as they navigate the marshes in their boats. This is a fantastic opportunity to capture the quiet, timeless rhythm of life on the bay, with the fishermen providing dynamic subjects against the backdrop of the rugged coastal landscape. We’ll spend several hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to experiment with compositions, lighting, and techniques in this unique environment.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel for a class session, where we’ll review the images from the day and engage in group critiques. This is a valuable opportunity to refine your skills, receive feedback on your work, and learn how to enhance your photos in post-processing. We’ll cover any remaining questions you might have and discuss how to approach photographing coastal environments like the ones we’ve explored.
As the day comes to a close, we’ll head back out to photograph the iconic concrete ships at sunset along the Chesapeake Bay. The golden light of the evening will bring out the textures and details of the ships, making them the perfect subject for a dramatic final shoot. We’ll also have the chance to photograph the surrounding landscape, capturing the beauty of the bay as the sun dips below the horizon.
The workshop will conclude after the sunset shoot, leaving you with a diverse portfolio of images, new techniques, and lasting memories from this unique coastal adventure. Whether you’ve captured the fleeting moments of the fishermen at work or the serene, abstract beauty of the marshes, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful, wild region and the skills to continue your photographic journey.
Travel & Accomodations
For those attending the workshop or event in Cape Charles, we recommend staying at the Cape Motel, conveniently located at:
Cape Motel
26460 Charles M. Lankford Jr Memorial Hwy
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Phone: [Insert phone number here if needed]
This charming, locally-owned motel offers comfortable accommodations and is ideally situated for easy access to nearby attractions, including the town’s scenic waterfront, beaches, and historic district.
Booking Information:To make a reservation, please contact the motel directly at the phone number listed above. Be sure to mention the event or workshop you are attending to inquire about availability and any potential group rates.
Physical Difficulty: Easy
The physical demands of this workshop are minimal. There will be little to no walking or hiking required, making it suitable for participants of all fitness levels.
Most of our time will be spent on the water aboard a custom 16-foot skiff boat, designed to provide a stable and comfortable platform for photography. You’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning scenes from a unique vantage point, all while enjoying the peaceful surroundings without the need for strenuous physical activity.
This workshop is designed to be accessible and relaxing, allowing you to focus entirely on capturing beautiful images and learning new techniques, with minimal physical exertion.