SHUTTER NONSENSE PRESENTS
Yosemite Winter 2027
Workshop Overview
This multi-day workshop visits many of the iconic areas within Yosemite National Park in California. During the course of this workshop, we will photograph a variety of iconic scenes in the park, ranging from Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Fall, Valley View, scenes along the Merced River, Half Dome, and more.*
In addition to guiding you through the park to these areas, we will provide photography instruction along the way. Topics will range from capturing a well-exposed image to composition, fieldcraft, and more advanced techniques like exposure bracketing and focus-stacking during the workshop. During the mid-day downtime, we'll be available to review editing techniques and have more in-depth discussions of topics we touch on in the field.
Our instruction is a mix of group and individual instruction during the workshop. We cover the broad concepts as a group when we visit locations and then more individual attention while we are photographing to help answer specific questions you may have.
We keep the workshop size small. This allows the individual attention to maximize the value you can gain from the workshop with one-on-one instruction to work on specific skills for you. It also helps give us plenty of room to work at various locations so we aren’t in each other’s way.
* This workshop leads up to, but DOES NOT include, the annual Fire Fall phenomenon. We have intentionally scheduled it to avoid the road and parking restrictions, and large crowds, that come with that event, however, you may wish to make your own plans to stay after the workshop as the alignment of the sun with Horsetail Falls generally begins in mid-February. More information on the Fire Fall can be found on the NPS informational page.
When
February 4 - 8, 2027
Location
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley
Instructors
Jeffrey Tadlock, Michael Rung
Fitness Level
Moderate
Spots Left
8 of 8 remaining
Price
$2,195.00
Is This Workshop Right for You?
This workshop is designed for landscape photographers who want to feel more confident making decisions in the field and creating stronger images from the places they explore.
Photographers at every stage are welcome. Whether you are newer to landscape photography or have years of experience behind the camera, we will meet you where you are and help you build confidence throughout the week.
We will work through composition, exposure, simplifying grand scenes, changing light, editing, and image review, along with more advanced techniques such as bracketing and focus stacking. We'll tailor our guidance to the things that will make the biggest difference in your photography.
What Past Participants Have Said
“I have been to two other workshops and they don’t even compare to this one. This was an amazing experience with two kind, knowledgeable and attentive instructors and a welcoming group of like-minded people. The instructors went above and beyond what was expected to ensure each one got all they had hoped for and more. A super fun time!”
— Barb
Itinerary
Because mountain conditions can change quickly, we will choose locations based on the weather and the strongest photographic opportunities available. The itinerary below focuses on each day’s activities rather than fixed locations, giving us flexibility throughout the workshop.
February 4th, 2027
Arrive in Yosemite Valley. We will meet in the mid-afternoon for introductions, orientation to the workshop, and safety talks. Once we complete that, we will head out for a short time in the park to photograph during golden hour light and on into sunset.
February 5th, 2027
Early morning with sunrise in the park. Early lunch with a brief break mid-day. We will reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
February 6th, 2027
Early morning with sunrise in the park. Lunch with a mid-day break. Reconvene with a “classroom” session and then back into the park for sunset photography.
February 7th, 2027
Early morning with sunrise in the park. Lunch with a longer break mid-day for rest and recuperation, and then back into the park for sunset photography.
February 8th, 2027
We will photograph scenes at sunrise on our final morning together. After the sun rises and we have captured what we can, we will have a brief Q&A session to answer any final questions and close the workshop out. The workshop ends by mid-morning to allow time for checking out from lodging.
The classroom sessions are informal group discussions on specific topics. They typically include a look at photo editing workflows in Lightroom Classic, along with deeper dives into subjects chosen based on participant questions and needs. The goal of these sessions is to review topics that are causing you trouble in the field so we have time to understand them better and then put them into practice during the on-location photography sessions.
Some of the locations we plan to visit during this workshop include:
Tunnel View
Half Dome
Bridal Veil Fall
Cathedral Beach
El Capitan
Gates of the Valley (also called Valley View)
Various scenes along the Merced River
Additional Workshop Information
Fitness Level
Moderate
The majority of this workshop takes place at overlooks or other easily accessible locations. There are options for a bit of hiking but they are dependent upon time, fitness, and weather. Photography along the Merced River can involve walking and photographing along slippery banks. Because of this, good physical condition is required.
Winter weather in Yosemite Valley can vary significantly. There can be ice and snow on the ground, especially along bodies of water and in areas that don't see much sunlight, increasing one's risk of slipping and falling. As the workshop approaches, we will closely monitor weather conditions and will err on the side of everyone's safety when deciding upon which locations to visit during the workshop.
If you have questions, please contact us before registering.
Lodging
This multi-day workshop is based in Yosemite Valley. When we meet in the early mornings it will be at the valley lodge, unless our destination warrants a different meetup spot in the valley. Staying in the valley or close by is important. We typically work to secure a block of rooms for a period of time so instructors and participants have the opportunity to stay at the same hotel (subject to availability; more information will be provided to registered partipants well before the workshop begins).
You are responsible for your own lodging arrangements.
It's worth noting that lodging within the park itself is expensive. Camping is also a possibility, and Yosemite View Lodge is an option approximately 30 minutes from the park entrance (or 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley Lodge).
Getting There
Most participants traveling by air will likely find Fresno to be the most convenient major airport for reaching Yosemite, with a drive of approximately 2.5 hours (do check carryon size allowances as they can be more limited on smaller planes). San Francisco is the next best option and requires approximately 6 hours of driving to get to the park.
If you are driving to the workshop, plan your route around reaching Yosemite Valley Lodge since that will be our primary meeting point.
Be sure to keep an eye on road conditions, whether you are flying or driving. Access to the park can be impacted, possibly extending your drive significantly. This is less of a concern when coming from an airport versus driving in from the east but winter weather can always change things.
IMPORTANT: Review the note regarding tire chains in the Transportation section.
Transportation
You are responsible for your transportation to and from the workshop, and during the workshop.
Carpooling is encouraged amongst workshop participants, at your discretion. Carpooling helps significantly when we visit locations with limited parking, and minimizes our impact on the park while also helping foster camaraderie between partipants.
IMPORTANT: Even though we will be traveling on paved roads throughout the workshop, tire chains may be required. This applies throughout California, not just within the park. Failure to comply with active tire chain alerts may result in significant citations.
NPS information on tire chain requirements and alternative options
What to Bring
Please reference our Preparing for a Landscape Photography Workshop page for what to bring and prepare for before a workshop. We will communicate additional information via email prior to the start date.
Included with Workshop
Landscape photography guiding
Landscape photography instruction
Not Included with Workshop
Transportation to/from/during workshop
Lodging
Meals
Anything not listed as included
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Payment Terms
Your spot for the workshop is only confirmed when a $400 deposit is received.
The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the workshop's date.
Please review the workshop's Terms and Conditions before registering. Payment of workshop fees means you accept the Terms and Conditions of workshop registration.