There’s something magical about Oregon’s landscapes that appeals to photographers from around the world. Towering waterfalls cascade through moss-draped forests, snowcapped peaks reflect in pristine alpine lakes, and rugged coastline stretches into the horizon under ever-changing skies. Each corner of the state offers a new composition, a new opportunity to capture light and texture in ways that stay with you long after the shot is taken.
For anyone passionate about photography, Oregon photography presents a range of scenes and conditions that challenge and inspire. From the Columbia River Gorge’s dramatic cliffs to the serene reflections at Lost Lake, and the wind-swept beaches of Cannon Beach, Oregon is a photographer’s playground. With each season bringing its own palette, photographers can return year after year and still encounter new perspectives to capture.
The Oregon Extravaganza photo workshop by ColorTexturePhotoTours is designed to help photographers experience these landscapes in a comprehensive, hands-on way. Guided by Scott Setterberg, a local expert with decades of experience, this all-inclusive workshop covers everything from technical camera skills to advanced post-processing techniques, all while visiting some of Oregon’s most iconic locations. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned shooter, this workshop ensures you leave with both incredible images and new skills.
Table of Contents
- Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls and Dramatic Vistas
- Mt. Hood Lake Reflections: Alpine Beauty
- Oregon Coast: Ecola State Park, Hug Point, and Cannon Beach
- Salem Area Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls and Silver Falls State Park
- Workshop Experience: Learning, Comfort, and Convenience
- Why This Workshop Makes Oregon Accessible to All Photographers
- Capturing the Magic of Oregon Photography
- FAQ
Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls and Dramatic Vistas
The Columbia River Gorge is often the first stop for photographers looking to experience Oregon photography at its finest. Carved over millennia, the Gorge is home to a variety of waterfalls, cliffs, and lush forests, making it a paradise for landscape shooters. Munra Falls and Wahclella Falls provide classic long-exposure opportunities where flowing water contrasts with moss-covered rocks and sun-dappled trails.
Starvation Creek is another hidden gem within the Gorge, offering a 190-foot waterfall that drops into a rugged basalt gorge. This location gives you a chance to practice creative composition techniques, including framing the waterfall with natural elements and experimenting with motion blur for water. With guidance from a professional instructor like Scott, capturing the nuances of light, shadow, and exposure becomes more approachable, even for those new to waterfall photography.
Participants in the Oregon Extravaganza workshop have the advantage of visiting these sites during optimal light conditions, often around sunrise or sunset. The small group format allows for individualized guidance, ensuring every participant can focus on the shots that interest them most. Using filters, adjusting shutter speeds, and practicing HDR techniques are all part of the daily learning experience, enhancing each photographer’s skill set while in the field.
Mt. Hood and Lake Reflections: Alpine Beauty
Few sights are as iconic in Oregon photography as Mt. Hood reflected in the still waters of alpine lakes. This setting offers the chance to capture mirrored mountain reflections, vibrant sunsets, and changing cloud patterns that add drama to every shot. The area’s serene atmosphere allows for deliberate compositions and careful control of camera settings to capture the perfect balance of light and color.
The Oregon Extravaganza workshop ensures you are in the right place at the right time to take advantage of these opportunities. Expert instruction on exposure, composition, and the use of filters enables participants to capture both the grandeur and subtle details of the scene. You can experiment with foreground elements such as lake vegetation or rocks to create depth and perspective in your images.
Beyond the technical aspects, this portion of the workshop emphasizes patience and observation. Learning to read weather and lighting conditions, anticipate reflections, and frame a composition thoughtfully are all key lessons that elevate the final images. Participants leave with a stronger understanding of how to create evocative, professional-level photographs in an alpine setting.
Oregon Coast: Ecola State Park, Hug Point, and Cannon Beach
The Oregon Coast is a landscape of contrasts, from jagged cliffs to expansive beaches, offering photographers endless creative possibilities. Ecola State Park provides sweeping vistas above the ocean, perfect for capturing dramatic panoramas with coastal light. Hug Point’s sea stacks and rock formations add texture and interest to compositions, while Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock is iconic for sunset photography, with golden light reflecting off the sand and waves.
Photographing the coast requires careful attention to composition, motion, and light, all of which are emphasized during the Oregon Extravaganza workshop. Long-exposure techniques capture the movement of water, while timing and patience allow for the best cloud formations and reflections. You also receive guidance on framing foreground and background elements to create dynamic images that convey the vastness and drama of the coast.
One of the advantages of a guided workshop is access to insider knowledge about the best viewpoints and timing for light. Small group settings allow for personalized tips on lens choices, shutter speed, and camera angles, ensuring that you can create images that reflect your individual vision. This is a critical benefit for photographers looking to elevate their coastal photography skills.
Salem Area Waterfalls: Butte Creek Falls and Silver Falls State Park
The Salem area is home to some of Oregon’s most photogenic inland waterfalls, featuring lush old-growth forests and cascading streams. Butte Creek Falls offers twin waterfalls framed by mossy cliffs and dense forest, perfect for experimenting with composition and shutter speed. Silver Falls State Park, known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state parks, provides a collection of waterfalls including Upper North Falls and Lower South Falls, each with unique lighting and photographic opportunities.
Workshop participants spend ample time photographing these waterfalls, exploring different angles, and experimenting with both wide and telephoto lenses. Guidance in using ND filters, balancing exposure, and employing creative techniques such as intentional camera movement enhances the images captured. Post-processing instruction helps refine these images, ensuring the final photos reflect the beauty seen on location.
These forested waterfall locations are ideal for practicing depth of field and composition, as well as capturing the interplay of light and shadow among the trees. The Oregon Extravaganza workshop emphasizes careful observation and patient shooting, helping you capture images that are both technically strong and visually compelling. What’s not to like about that?!
Workshop Experience: Learning, Comfort, and Convenience
One of the defining aspects of the Oregon Extravaganza workshop is its all-inclusive approach. You’ll stay in award-winning hotels, enjoy gourmet meals, and travel in comfortable private transportation between locations. This structure allows you to focus fully on your craft without worrying about logistics, making the learning experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Scott Setterberg, the workshop’s lead instructor, brings 35 years of experience and local knowledge to the experience. Participants receive personalized guidance on everything from technical camera skills to advanced post-processing techniques. Daily image reviews and one-on-one instruction provide immediate feedback, helping photographers refine their vision and elevate their work.
Whether shooting waterfalls, mountains, or coastal vistas, the workshop environment encourages experimentation and growth. You often leave with not only a collection of incredible images but also a deeper understanding of composition, lighting, and post-processing that they can apply to future projects.
Why This Workshop Makes Oregon Accessible to All Photographers
The Oregon Extravaganza workshop is designed to accommodate photographers of all skill levels. Beginners receive foundational instruction in camera operation, exposure, and composition, while more advanced participants benefit from nuanced guidance in creative techniques and post-processing. The small group size ensures each participant gets individualized attention and support.
For those who prefer flexibility, the workshop offers a Do It Yourself option with lodging and transportation handled independently, but with access to professional instruction and image reviews. Early bird registration and clear pricing options make it straightforward to plan and budget for the trip, while a six-day itinerary covers some of the most iconic photography locations in Oregon efficiently.
You’ll gain both skills and confidence, leaving the workshop ready to continue capturing Oregon photography on your own. The combination of expert instruction, curated locations, and comfortable accommodations makes this an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to elevate their photography in one of the country’s most scenic states.
Capturing the Magic of Oregon Photography
Oregon photography offers a blend of landscapes that are challenging, diverse, and endlessly inspiring. From waterfalls and alpine lakes to rugged coastlines, the state provides a full spectrum of opportunities for capturing compelling images. By participating in the Oregon Extravaganza workshop, photographers gain access to expert guidance, optimal shooting conditions, and locations that are often difficult to navigate independently.
Beyond the technical learning, the workshop encourages a deeper appreciation for the environment, helping photographers see beauty in both grand vistas and subtle details. Each day brings new challenges and new perspectives, and participants leave not only with an extensive portfolio of images but also with skills that elevate their photography beyond the trip.
Whether you are chasing the perfect reflection of Mt. Hood in Lost Lake, the dramatic cliffs of the Oregon Coast, or the serene cascades of Silver Falls State Park, this workshop allows you to engage with Oregon photography fully and meaningfully. It is an immersive, hands-on experience designed to inspire, educate, and leave lasting memories of the state’s incredible landscapes.
FAQ
What skill level is required for the Oregon Extravaganza workshop?
All skill levels are welcome. Beginners receive instruction on camera basics and composition, while experienced photographers can refine advanced techniques and post-processing skills.
What locations will the workshop cover?
The workshop visits Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, Lost Lake, Ecola State Park, Hug Point, Cannon Beach, Butte Creek Falls, and Silver Falls State Park, covering some of Oregon’s most iconic landscapes.
Is lodging included in the all-inclusive option?
Yes, the all-inclusive option includes award-winning hotel accommodations with breakfast, private transportation between locations, and gourmet meals daily.
Can I participate if I’m traveling alone?
Yes. A single supplement is available for participants who prefer their own hotel room or when room sharing is not possible.
When is the next Oregon Extravaganza workshop?
The upcoming workshop is scheduled for May 31 – June 5, 2026. Early bird registration before February 1, 2026, offers significant savings.
Do I need my own transportation to participate?
No. The all-inclusive workshop includes private transportation to all photography locations, including transfers from and to Portland International Airport.
Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.
