Meaningful Image Workshop

Adventures in the Palouse

July 7-12, 2024

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Palouse

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July 7-12, 2204

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$2000

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Enrollment limited to 4 people

Workshop Information

Overview

After some request, I am heading back to the Palouse, a magical land (the American Tuscany) located in Southeast Washington and part of Idaho this July 7-12, 2024. 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.

What to expect from the course

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.

Core Content

The workshop runs from July 7 through July 12, 2024. We will be departing from Seattle, Wa on Sunday July 7 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, July 12th by 4:00. 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.

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 evening for a short period at Palouse falls or other location.
- 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.
- For two days, I have reserved a meeting room where we can process and review images as needed. 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)

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.

What’s not included in the cost

Travel to and from Seattle, Wa
Any meals or additional accommodations
Hotel cost
Equipment not listed as included
Alcoholic beverages
Trip Insurance (we highly recommend)
Travel Medical Insurance (we highly recommend)
Anything not specifically called out as included in workshop

I cover all the driving so you can just relax and enjoy the adventure.

Payment information

Pay a non-refundable, transferable deposit of $500 to hold your place in the workshop. Reservations are not confirmed until a deposit is received.

Participants paying with a deposit will be billed full tuition 60 days prior to the start of the workshop.

If you are on a waiting list, you will not be charged a deposit fee or tuition until space becomes available for you and you confirm your desire to register.

Hotel room reservations available at discounted rate until May 7, 2024.

Common Questions

What do I need to bring?

Each workshop has a different set of needs. Once you register, you will be sent a detailed handout about the workshop or event. The booklet contains details about the workshop content, locations, directions to the studio and complete workshop schedule. It also includes a list of required materials and optional materials.

However, for most workshops, participants need to bring their computers. Digital cameras are required for on-location or shooting workshops. The studio equipment (printers, scanners, etc.) is available for participant use during each workshop. While we run Macs in our studio, workshops are mostly Adobe-centric or universal software centric, so Windows-based PC users should have few concerns about compatibility. I also worked for several years at Microsoft and have lots of Windows experience.

We use a variety of media. If you want to print on alternate substrates, please bring your preferred media.

For online workshops, you only need access to the Internet and a working device to connect to the session via the provided link.

Is there some way to reduce my financial risk if I can't make it for some reason?

I understand that things happen, and you can read our refund policy below or in our Terms of Service. I highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your workshop. Having that in your back pocket can reduce your risk and put your mind at ease. Travelex is a good company, as are many other options.

All payments made are non-refundable. Funds paid are transferable if you cancel more than 60 days before the start of your workshop. Daniel J Gregory Photography reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 45 days before the workshop begins.

Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or travel emergencies. Participants are still responsible for any losses regarding flights, travel, lodging or other undefined expense. Again, please consider travel insurance to remove any worries you might have. We recommend you purchase travel insurance through Travelex.

If Silly Dog Studios dba/Daniel J Gregory Photography must cancel a workshop, all fees and deposits are refunded in full or transferred to another workshop.

What about COVID-19 and vaccination requirements?

For in-person workshops, we require that attendees be vaccinated. If you fail to produce your vaccination status, you will forfeit your spot in the workshop, and no refund will be provided.

What is your payment and refund policy?

For most in-person workshops, payments are due in full at the time of registration. Our approach is that your payment for the program is a commitment to participate, just as it is our commitment to provide the best experience possible. It is a commitment on both our parts. So, the short answer is we don’t provide refunds on workshops, classes and courses.

If you need to cancel your reservation with more than 60 days notice, funds paid are transferable to a future workshop space permitting. With less than 60 days until the workshop, there are no refunds or transfers. There are no refunds or transfers for any reason once the event, class or workshop date has begun. We highly suggest that you get trip insurance to reduce your risk.

Do I need to bring my own computer?

Yes, you will need to bring a computer. We don’t have computers for you to use. If computers are not required for the workshop, we will let you know in advance.

For smaller workshops or online sessions, many of our attendees prefer just to take notes the old fashion way.

Are there any prerequisites for attending a workshop?

For almost all of the workshops there are no prerequisites. In the event a workshop does require some advanced or prior knowledge it will be specifically called out on the workshop registration page. If you are ever concerned about the specific topics or technical requirements for a workshop, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer any of your questions so that you can feel great about your decision to sign up.

Do you offer any discounts?

Some workshops do offer an early-bird rate. The early bird rate, when offered, will be automatically calculated in the price. The rate is available for workshops with early-bird pricing until four weeks before the workshop start date.

I also offer a discount for alums and referrals. If you want an alum or referral discount, please get in touch with me before registering for your discount code.

Alum discounts may not be used for any online class or workshops except for the Meaningful Image full-length course.

Can I be put on a waitlist?

Absolutely. Life happens and we want to make sure that we can get you in a workshop if at all possible. If the workshop is full, we will take down your name and contact you if a spot becomes available.

Do you offer payment plans?

Some workshops do have a non-refundable, transferable deposit, but unless noted, a workshop payment is due in full at the time of registration. We do understand that sometimes it makes sense to be able to pay for the cost of a workshop over time. If you want to discuss that as an option, please contact us and we can figure out something that will work for you to be able to attend the workshop.