2024 Schedule
Photography Tours, Training and Coaching with Rick Schafer
Sharpen your skills and expand your creative vision while learning about the latest in photography. You’ll find inspiration abounds in our carefully crafted Pacific Northwest itineraries with Rick’s personalized expert instruction. From the mountains to the coast, aspen groves and waterfalls, to the beauty and symmetry of agriculture, you will explore the iconic scenic beauty and diversity that this region offers.
Rick has over 40 years of experience in the industries of photography and publishing. His work has been published and distributed nationally and internationally for marketing, advertising, editorial and decor. From his large and medium format film camera systems, to his Nikon DSLR equipment to the latest in iPhone camera technology, he has developed a flexibility among mediums as digital photography has advanced. As the Director of the Ray Atkeson Image Archive, he oversees the business and philanthropic interests of one of the most significant and historical photographic archives in the western United States.
Students of all skill levels will benefit from a casual learning environment, both in the classroom and on location. From cameras and lenses to tripods and post-production, we will cover the mechanics that allow photographers to further explore their creativity. Students may choose to learn in multi-day workshops or single day classes for small groups or individual training sessions to maximize their camera system, photographic skills, and creative vision.
Multi-Day Workshops
These workshops take place over the course of three days and two nights. We offer weekend and midweek opportunities. Combining classroom sessions with corresponding field sessions, students will learn to use the camera as a creative tool. We will discuss camera presets to help determine correct exposure and depth of field, studying the concepts of composition, light and teaching students how to see the world more creatively through the camera lens.
Students will receive a workbook which includes daily scheduling, tips on being prepared with equipment and organized for being in the classroom and the field. Lesson plans, field sessions and pages for notes are also included.
Casual food and beverages for classroom and field sessions will be provided. Full meals and overnight accommodations are not included in the price of these workshops. Please contact Rick directly at 503-319-1200 or rick@rickschafer.com. with any questions you might have.
Fall Photography in the Aspens
Our signature event is a multi-day workshop held at the magnificent Black Butte Ranch Resort in Central Oregon. We will explore the natural beauty of Black Butte Ranch including mountain vistas of 5 volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range, colorful aspen groves and the serenity of Paulina Springs as well as other natural wonders in Central Oregon. We will meet as a group at 4:00pm Friday afternoon for orientation and the workshop will conclude at 12:00 noon on Sunday.
| Dates: | October 18-20, 2024 |
| Skill Level: | Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced |
| Equipment Required: | DSLR camera and/or iPhone with tripod Computer with photo editing software |
| Fitness level: | Mild - Elevation 3,350 feet |
| Cost: | $495 per student, limit 14 students |
The Masters Series
Designed for the intermediate and advanced photographers, this series offers a variety of one day trips to iconic regional locations in the Pacific Northwest. 1-3 students will accompany Rick for a day and learn how he sees and studies peak seasonal and atmospheric conditions. You will learn his strategies for moving from location to location in a single day, chasing optimal lighting conditions and maximizing the number of quality images you can capture in a single day. Day trips will be scheduled 7-10 days in advance of the actual day of the trip to maximize photographic opportunities.
| Dates: | TBD |
| Skill Level: | Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced |
| Equipment Required: | DSLR camera system with tripod Computer with photo editing software |
| Fitness level: | Mild/Intermediate - Elevation varies |
| Cost: | $800 per student |
Half-Day Training Sessions for Individuals and Small Groups
Custom designed 4 hour sessions for the beginning to intermediate level photographers who are interested in learning more about basic camera settings and equipment. and tips and techniques on how to use photo editing software.
These sessions are ideal for individuals and small groups that are interested in using cell phone cameras and cell phone editing software for personal or business use. If you are a small business, especially those in the food service industry, that uses cell phone technology for website and social media applications, Rick can teach you the skill sets needed to produce professional quality imagery in terms of composition and lighting.
These sessions can be held on location or in Rick’s studio. Sessions are available Monday - Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Please contact Rick directly to set up a customized session at rick@rickschafer.com or 503-319-1200.
| Dates: | TBD |
| Skill Level: | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Equipment Required: | DSLR camera system Laptop with photo editing software - optional Cell phone with editing software |
| Cost: | $200 per student |
