Hope Wildflowers/Waterfalls
Hope is a small, quintessential Alaska town (think Northern Exposure) known more for its mining history than as a destination for nature photography. But if you know where to look it has a lot of photographic gems. Join Alaskan photographer Ray Bulson as we explore Hope and its surroundings for this three-day wildflowers/waterfalls workshop.
In the early evening on Day 1 we will convene to discuss the agenda including photo locations and transportation logistics. Ray will cover relevant field techniques/equipment and give a short tutorial on Lightroom post-processing. Weather permitting, later in the evening participants can join Ray in photography of Resurrection Creek outlet.
Day 2 will be a full day in the field photographing wildflowers. The group will head out to Palmer Creek Valley, a remote alpine area teaming with wildflowers and scenic views. A couple stops along the way offer scenic vantage points for landscapes of the valley. At the end of the road, opportunities to photograph Star and Glacous Gentian, Yellow Paintbrush, Columbine, Siberian Asters, Bog Candle, Sitka Burnet, Alaska Cotton, Common and Dwarf Fireweed and many others abound in the rolling meadows. Hiking distances are as short or long as participants choose. We will reconvene in the evening for dinner and afterwards review the images you created.
On the morning of Day 3 we will return to Palmer Creek Valley to concentrate on photographing a tall cascade/waterfall plunging several hundred feet. This requires a moderate 1/2 mile hike one way. Long exposure photography using ND (neutral density) filters will be demonstrated. Ray will be available for consultation until noon. Participants are free to leave at the time of their choosing.

Lodging has been reserved for up to three (or four for shared rooms with two twin beds) at Hope's Hideaway on the Hope Highway in a cottage with full shared bath and kitchen area. Check-in time is after 3 p.m. For those who wish to stay in RVs there are campgrounds at Porcupine (end of Hope Highway) and in the Hope townsite. Reservations several months in advance are highly recommended. Be sure to select the correct option for lodging/no lodging pricing upon paying for this workshop.
Participants should be prepared for easy to moderate hiking. Bear spray is recommended as a precaution. Vehicles with good ground clearance to travel an old mining road are suggested although four-wheel drive vehicles are not necessary. All meals and drink are the responsibility of participants. Sack lunches can be purchased for the Day 2 outing.
When: July 23-25, 2021
Where: Hope, Alaska
Fee: $400 w/o lodging ($500 with lodging)
Workshop Size: 12 maximum