Jun 5 - 7, 2026 - -Group size: 6 - 10
$895.00 - 6-8 Participants
This workshop goes far beyond simply photographing Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the landscape and the creative process. We’ll explore a carefully curated mix of iconic vistas and lesser-known locations, focusing on moments when light, weather, and atmosphere come together to create truly compelling images—morning fog drifting through the valleys, soft overcast light in the forests, and dramatic skies over the plateau.
What truly sets this experience apart is what happens after the shutter clicks. During our dedicated printing session, you’ll transform your images into finished fine art prints using a professional large-format printer I’ll bring on-site. You’ll learn how to refine your work for print, make intentional adjustments, and leave with physical prints in hand—something most workshops never offer. This is about completing the creative process, not just capturing the scene.
Workshop Highlights
- Sunrise and sunset from sweeping overlooks above the Allegheny Front.
- Explore mountain meadows, laurel thickets, and red-spruce forests.
- Waterfalls and streams in Canaan Valley State Park.
- Classroom session on post-processing and critique.
- Small group size for personalized, in-field guidance.
Workshop Schedule
Friday, June 5: 2:00 PM meet & greet at Canaan Valley Resort, opening classroom session, then evening shoot in Canaan Valley. Classroom session focuses on essential field techniques.
Saturday, June 6: Sunrise in Dolly Sods, morning field session at Elekala Falls, mid-day classroom for editing & critique, sunset at Lindy Point overlooking Blackwater Canyon.
Sunday, June 7: Final sunrise shoot at a highland overlook, afternoon critique session & printing class followed by final late day/sunset photo shoot.
Lodging Details
We’ll reach out after registration with details about the group room block at the Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center, where all classroom sessions will take place.
Physical Difficulty
Moderate:
This workshop is open to photographers of all levels. Walking distances are generally short, less than 1 mile, with some uneven terrain. Good balance and moderate physical health is required to hike down to the waterfall and over the uneven terrain at Dolly Sods.
What You Will Learn
Capture Techniques
- Setting up your camera for optimal image quality
- Fundamentals of composition
- Understanding and working with natural light
- Creative control using shutter speed and aperture
- Using filters to manage and enhance natural light
Processing Techniques
- RAW image development
- Tone control and contrast management
- Refining color and achieving clean color separation
- Creative selective adjustments
- Dodging and burning for local tonal control
- Image sharpening for both screen and print
- Cloning for cleanup and distraction removal
- Perspective corrections and transformations
- Exposure blending for high dynamic range (bracketed images)
- Focus stacking to achieve sharpness from near to far
Printing Techniques
- Monitor calibration for accurate editing
- Installing and using ICC profiles for paper types
- Soft proofing to manage color and tonal accuracy in prints
- Selecting the ideal paper for your image
- Setting up the Lightroom print dialog correctly for professional results
Payment & Cancelation Policy
The workshop fee covers instruction only. All other costs—such as transportation, lodging, meals, and National Park entry fees—are the responsibility of each participant.
A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the workshop start date.
If you need to cancel within 90 days of the workshop, a partial or full refund may be possible only if we are able to fill your spot, minus the $500 administrative fee. We understand that emergencies happen—please contact us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your situation.
