Meaningful Image Workshops

Adventures in the Palouse

Dates: June 22-June 27, 2025

Tuition: $2000

Workshop Type: On Location

Location: Palouse Region of Washington–based out of Colfax, Wa.

Registration

Overview

I am heading back to the Palouse, a magical land (the American Tuscany) located in Southeast Washington and part of Idaho this June 22-27, 2025. I plan on taking four of you with me for a fantastic week of photography learning and adventures. No matter what time you go to the Palouse, something is always happening to amaze the camera. In early summer, green is everywhere and shapes the rolling hills and contrast the deep blue sky. Along the backroads and by-ways, you will find fields of mustard seed and other crops spraying bits of yellow. Old barns, silos, cars, tractors, buildings, and trees dot the landscape. There is never a shortage of subject matter.

All my workshops focus on creating more meaningful work. This workshop is no different. Much of our conversions will be focused on how we see the world and tell our stories of space, place, and identity using the landscape of the Palouse. We will undoubtedly talk about gear and settings, but our main focus will be on pushing your voice and vision as a photographer to make the photographs that speak to you and your heart.

Space is limited to 4 participants.

Workshop Details

The workshop runs from June 22 – 27, 2025. We will be departing from Seattle, Wa on Sunday June 22nd around 10:00 am. We will all travel together for this workshop, maximizing our time in the field and some time back at the hotel to process images and relax. We will be staying in Colfax, Wa, in the heart of the Palouse. I will return you to Seattle on Friday, June 27th by 4:00.

We will set out each day for sunrise and sunset shoots and spend some time wandering the backroads seeing what we can find. For me, there is so much to see, and photography and nothing beats exploring the dirt and two-lane roads that criss-cross the landscape.

- Get up early for sunrise (early, like 3:45-4:00). The sunlight comes up around 5:00 am this time of year. After the morning shoot and some exploring, we have breakfast around 8:30-9:00.
- Work our way back to the hotel to relax, nap, or process images for a few hours, depending on weather and evening shooting locations.
- Early dinner around 4:00-4:30 and then off for sunset work. Back to the hotel around 9:00-9:30 or later if we do night shooting.
- Depending on interest, we could do some astrophotography for one or two evenings at various locations such as Palouse falls.
- The small group means we can focus on in-the-field learning. How to best approach the photographs composition, subject, vision, and intention.
- Hands-on help and conversations both in the field and driving around. Much of the learning happens in the car, which is one of the key reasons we all travel in one car.
- We will be flexible and adapt to changes in what we want to photograph based on locations, weather, and other conditions.
- This workshop is a shooting, discovering, and exploring workshop. We will absolutely hit some of the big highlights that the Palouse is known for, and this won’t be our sole focus. There is nowhere we won’t find something amazing and unique.
- I have a block of rooms reserved, so you’ll have a private room at the hotel to relax and recharge.
- Focus on Composition, Light, and Weather. Big landscapes here don’t just mean wide-angle. There’s also a place for using your telephoto lenses (150mm+) to compress and isolate parts of the landscape.
- I have reserved a meeting room where we can process and review images one afternoon. While this isn’t a processing workshop, previewing images and getting feedback can help make sure you are getting the best images possible in the field.

What you’ll need

It may sound a little strange to put on the list but come excited and ready for some adventures. I don’t know what we will see or find, but I am so excited to spend time with everyone attending.

The cost of the workshop doesn’t include meals and lodging, so that you will be responsible for those expenses. I will stop at a grocery store in Pullman as needed to buy any supplies you might need, such as drinks and snacks. I will have a large cooler in the car. You will want to bring appropriate clothing for the weather, and we will be out before and after sunrise. Sunglasses and a hat are nice to have with you.

As for your camera gear, bring your usual kit. Again, we won’t be hiking very much on this workshop (there are a few short walks but nothing with elevation).

Here is a list to consider

Camera Body(ies) (Digital or Film)
A variety of lenses. While you might think wide-angle, some of the best of the Palouse images are done with telephoto lenses compressing the never-ending rolling hills. I will have from 14-400mm in my bag.
Tripod
Extra Batteries/charger (You will be suprised at how much you might photograph. I will have some portable chargers in the car, but extra batteries are always good).
A Circular Polarizer is an excellent filter to have on a trip like this. Graduated ND filters are nice, but a polarizer is important.
Laptop
Memory cards and readers
Hiking shoes/boots
Sunscreen/bug spray (If you need it)
Water and snacks
Extra layers you can easily add and remove as needed
Rain Jacket (sometimes we get big rain for a spell)

What to expect

A lot of time shooting and exploring. The Palouse region has many subjects that can overwhelm you as you explore. By traveling as a single group, you will focus on your vision for what you want from the experience rather than directions and locations. I want to be 100% focused on your photography, relaxing, and having fun.

Usually, the landscapes are a sea of green this time of year, and the temperatures can vary from 80-100. The warm days and nights make it pleasant to photograph. Often there can be thunderstorms in the afternoons and big puffy clouds. No visit is ever the same.

You must deal with all of your photography equipment during the workshop. We usually don’t wander more than 200 feet from the car, but we are on dirt roads that can be dusty and muddy if it rains. While the temperature is usually warm, it can be cool, particularly in the morning. Finally, it can be windy at times. We go out regardless of conditions, so be prepared for any type of conditions (sun/hot/wind/rain/cold). Good light doesn’t care about the wind. 🙂

Usually, the landscapes are a sea of green transitioning to a field of gold this time of year, and the temperatures can vary from 80-100. The warm days and nights make it pleasant to photograph. Often there can be thunderstorms in the afternoons and big puffy clouds. No visit is ever the same.

Travel & Accomodations

We’ll be staying at the Best Western Wheatland in Colfax and I have setup speical room rates for everyone. I will send you information on booking your room using our discounted rate when you register.

You are responsible for any cost and expense getting to Seattle. You are also responsibe for hotel, food, drinks and other costs. The cost of the workshop includues travel from Seattle to Colfax.

Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or travel emergencies. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. There are several options for purchase a good one is Travelex.

In the event that Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography must cancel a workshop, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop. Particpants are still responsible for any losses regarding flights, travel, lodging or other undefined expense. Again, consider travel insurance to remove any concerns.

We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

Guidelines

We treat each other with mutual respect.

We do not engage in disruptive or unsafe behavior that disturbs others, threaten others physically, or engage in verbal harassment.

We don’t act unreasonably or interfere with others’ use of the facilities (online or in-person) or class time.

When providing feedback, we provide honest, open dialogs about our work and the work of others in a respectful manner.

Silly Dog Studios does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran.

Silly Dog Studios values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives of people in our community. Encouraging and protecting diversity creates an environment that promotes freedom of thought and shared learning.

Please note that anyone who violates these guidelines will be removed from a workshop, course, or program. No refunds will be given.