THE PALOUSE is Eastern Washington’s most scenic centerpiece: expansive, colorful and rich in historic detail.
Join professional photographer and educator David Julian to photograph the Palouse’s endlessly gorgeous rolling landscapes, barns, agricultural or abandoned vehicles, livestock and wildlife in eastern Washington and Idaho. Over the past seven years I’ve repeatedly explored the region to map newly-discovered locations and connect with residents to offer his fully-guided and affordable photography experience. Participants also receive 1:1 guidance photo critique if requested, and will learn my advanced techniques to process their photos expertly in Lightroom.
DATES: August 4-7, 2023
Absolutely stunning scenery.
Many have called The Palouse “the Tuscany of North America“, but here there are no crowds. In this location workshop, we capture the vivid colors and long shadows of early and late day, as well as a sunrise and sunset from the highest butte. We explore the region shooting rural textures, aged machinery, barns, granaries, wizened trees, livestock and serendipity along the way. I give both group and 1-on-1 guidance, specifically noting techniques and approaches for each location. If you love rural beauty, country charm, and guided photo opportunities, this workshop is for you. Read on...
Non-photographers are also welcome. If you aren’t an avid photographer, I’ll help you make excellent photographs with your smartphone. [ see examples ]
Dave guides you to capture a variety of landscapes, vintage vehicles and historic details in the Palouse region.
With hundreds of potential compositions, Dave helps you ideal rhythms of light, shadows and expressive details.***
You’ll benefit from Dave’s weeks of scouting, research, planning and also our chance encounters. He has also discovered special locations not in articles or on any maps. We capture the full Palouse story from viewing historic collections, and visiting a unique farm who’s owner delights us with history, stories, knowledge, huge farm machinery and generous heart.
How much photography experience is needed?
- This workshop is geared for advanced beginner, intermediate and pro photographers. Below are some basics to know:
- You should know how to use your camera’s settings for Auto Exposure, and knowing manual settings within the exposure triangle will add a lot to your shoots.
- Know how to set your camera to RAW format option if you want to have the most control of your photos using developing software like Lightroom, which I will demonstrate at the end.
- Know how to set the self-timer or bring a remote shutter release.
- Know how to zoom in to check details upon playback of new photos.
- Know how to mount your camera to whatever Tripod you bring. Test this before leaving home!
- Bring your camera’s printed manual, or add it as a PDF to your phone as I do.
- Non-photographers are also welcome! If you don’t own a camera system, many of my travelers have made excellent photographs in the Palouse using modern smartphones. [ see here ].
Instructional topics include:
- Visual storytelling : going beyond the postcard
- How to capture what you see and feel in the moment
- Finding a photo in a vast landscape, creative composition, subject design and visual layering
- Creating dramatic and graphic landscapes
- Creative use of depth of field (DOF)
- Using dramatic points of view (DPOV)
- Shooting tips for the best results in any light
- Smartphone photography tips and apps extend your mobile abilities
- Field techniques and settings for Dawn, “Blue Hour” and Night
- HDR capture for full dynamic range where light is highly variable (optional)
- Timelapse and sky painting (optional)
- Tips for expert processing in Lightroom during our ‘Lab’ session
- Expert techniques for B&W processing with DXO Silver Efex Pro
…more as time and weather allows
Here are some unsolicited comments from my Palouse workshop surveys:
“Dave provided many opportunities to make our time in the Palouse rewarding and fun. He helped me all weekend to make photos I am proud to share.” Jeff C, Bothell, WA
“DJ’s workshop was the best I’ve done in the Palouse. His friends in the area were generous with their time, and we learned a ton about light, seeing and being ready for anything.” Ellen O, Wells, ME
“This was my third Palouse workshop and so far the best. Dave was organized, helpful, and easy to learn from. He checked each person’s settings as we waited for that unforgettable owl-filled sunrise.” Patty M, Eureka CA
“Well done Mr. Julian! Thanks again for another great workshop. I just sold two of my truck prints in B&W, so thank you for that idea and encouragement. See you in ’22.” Karen R, Kent, WA
Enjoy country comforts.
We base in the heart of the Palouse at a well-appointed hotel with our discounted group rate. You will have Wifi, free coffee and tea and a king or two queen sized beds with included continental breakfasts. See Lodging below for details.
Still life from a large historic private home and collection where I have special permission access to photograph AND use our tripods.
What is included:
- Pre-trip group meeting via Zoom in May (date/time TBA)
- Orientation meeting and field techniques presentation at the hotel
- Full breakfasts at the hotel each morning, or bagged for our early exit to shoot sunrise
- Professional 1-on-1 photography guidance at your own level of experience or need
- Group size is often 8 with a max of 10 (when we use a touring van)
- Everyone gets both group and 1:1 guidance as needed regardless of group size.
- Exploring, shooting, on-location instruction
- Professional Lightroom developing workflow and tips
- We will assist in finding carpool potential for attendees traveling from Seattle
- Snacks and bottled water are available throughout the workshop
- A fun, positive, and memorable interactive learning environment
- Dave’s irreverent humor and tales from the road
What is not included:
- Transportation to the Palouse workshop or motel.
- Accommodations. Participants should book one of our discounted rooms as described below
- Meals, drinks, gratuities, hotel incidentals or personal expenses
- Basic camera instruction. Please bring a camera you have familiarity with. Bring the manual booklet or PDF if needed.
- Individual photography critiques after the workshop. These are available via Zoom on a fee basis after the workshop, and many participants take advantage of this opportunity no matter where they live.
To respect the people of the Palouse, we never wander into private property without their permission.
Join us!
$1895- Complete workshop as described.
Space allowing, alumni of my 2023 University of Washington course can receive a substantial workshop discount.
Contact me.
Email Dave with any questions. This workshop usually fills, so it is advised to reserve ASAP with your Deposit or to save time, pay in full.
Here is how to get on board:
Please read this completely.
1. Email me first to check if I have openings, and state how you will send in your Deposit so I can find it.
Include your full name and best phone number in case I need to reach you.
2. A deposit of $700 will hold your space in the workshop.
Payment Method Options: (Please use the same method for Deposit and workshop Balance)
Zelle: art@davidjulian.com (no fees)
Venmo: @DavidJulianPhotography (no fees)
Check: Email me for my mailing address to pay by check (no fees)
Paypal: use the Button below. If you use a credit card with Paypal, add on their 3% fee.
> > Total trip balance is due by July 12 unless notified otherwise. Most people send in the full workshop fee all at once to save time.
3. Download and sign this required Liability Waiver (link to PDF form) and return it by email to become fully registered. Email me with any questions. You are not fully-registered until I have your Waiver Form via Email.
4. Be sure to then book your airfare if flying, and hotel room at our hotel using our reserved group rate held under “Explore the Palouse Harvest” or David Julian Palouse Harvest.
5. Forward to me a copy of your travel and lodging receipts, and if you are sharing (or seeking to share) a hotel room.
What to bring?
We all want to bring whatever we think we might need, but know that the more gear, the more decisions while shooting, which impedes creative seeing. It’s wise to pack compactly for fast and easy load/unloading as we hit several locations per day. Whatever camera you bring will be fine, so long as you know how to use it. Bring the manual just in case. My manual is a searchable PDF on my phone. You don’t need to have pro photo gear. We will have a Pre-Trip ZOOM to meet each other, go over logistics and what to bring. You’ll relax and feel your creativity will flow in the Palouse!
Here is the local Weather.
Daily gear:
- Lightweight clothing for hot sunny conditions
- Hiking shoes or sneakers, windbreaker jacket, sun hat or cap
- also: warm layers, maybe wind pants, gloves, warm hat.
- Sunscreen, bandana
- Snack bars, spill-proof insulated bottle or coffee mug, non-DEET repellent,
- Headlamp or powerful LED flashlight for nights. RED L.E.D helpful for night photography.
- We will cover this topic and more in a pre-trip ZOOM meeting.
Photo gear:
- One or two camera bodies you know how to use
- Wide angle prime or zoom lens
- Medium prime or zoom lens
- Telephoto zoom lens of at least 200mm
- You can optionally rent gear at Glazer’s (Seattle), or at Lensrentals.com or BorrowLenses.com
- Polarizing filter. • consider an ND 10 filter for special effects
- I use UV filters for every lens so I’m not cleaning grit off lens elements. Try K&F anti-static UV filters
- lens cloths and awesome safe LensPens. Get a few as they eventually get dusty.
- 64 or 128gb Prograde Gold SD cards, batteries and charger. Charge batteries before trip!
- Consider a RainSleeve in case we get a shower during an great shoot
- Fit all in one photo pack, or other bag with a COLOR name tag or fabric loop to identify easily.
- Tape your name on your tripod and camera bag. Airline luggage will not fit our daily van.
- Label your photo stuff! I use a Brother® label maker, even for SD cards. Frog tape can work too.
- Download the offline google Map for the Palouse Region as cell service / GPS is often spotty
- Consider a lightweight PowerBank phone charging a phone just in case.
- Hand sanitizer and of course a face mask.
- No DRONES may be used during this workshop.
David Julian is a Seattle-based photographer and educator. Between editorial, corporate and entertainment assignments, he teaches photography and creative development. He has led dozens of workshops at Maine Media Workshops, Santa Fe Workshops, Anderson Ranch, Vancouver Photo Workshops, Lepp Institute, Photographic Center Northwest, Luminous Works, School of Visual Arts, and on small-ship adventures. He is adjunct photography faculty at The University of Washington and Seattle Creative Academy. His projects have taken him to Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, India, Indonesia and Europe. His articles and interviews have appeared in _Nikon World, Outside, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, After Capture, SHOTS, Outdoor Photographer, SHOTS, Rangefinder, Digital PhotoPro, FujiLove and Digital Photography School. Check out his photography podcast episodes on Hit The Streets.
He is an official Fujifilm X CREATOR photographer, and shoots exclusively with Fujifilm gear. Ask him why! Dave also leads annual photo-cultural tours in Cuba and other destinations. **Dave’s website. Dave’s email.**
ASK DAVE ABOUT HIS 2022 CUBA TRIP THIS DECEMBER!
Cancellation Refunds:
• If we cancel the trip due to unforeseen events, all deposits and balances are 100% refunded and registered participants are automatically prioritized for the next Palouse Workshop.
• Deposit and balance paid will be fully refunded if cancellation is made prior to July 1. No refunds will be given if cancellation is made after July 15. If flying in it is advised to get trip insurance.
(updated June 2, 2021)
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