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 landscape/wildflower 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 long exposure 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 widlflowers and scenic views. 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. For those willing to put in a moderate climb, you will be rewarded with a tall cascade/waterfall plunging several hundred feet along the way and a tarn at the end. We will regroup in the evening after dinner and review the images you created.

In the morning on Day 3 we will drive a short distance down the Hope Highway to photograph the Turnagain Arm mudflats at low tide. The mudflats near Hope offer a different perspective of Turnagain Arm than the Anchorage side. Of course, the intricate abstracts and patterns of the glacial silt are always unique and fascinating. The afternoon on the last day is open to locations. Ray will be available for consultation until 4 p.m. Participants are free to leave at their choosing.

Lodging has been reserved for up to six (or eight for shared rooms with two twin beds) at Hope's Hideaway on the Hope Highway in two separate "cottages" 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.