Lance Kuehne Photography Workshops

After fall, winter is one of my favorite times to photograph wine country. There are hints of color at this point, and the structure of the vineyard supports and oak trees make for great photographs. We will primarily focus on the mustard that should be around at this time of year, we may also photograph the bare vines, the vine supports, and surrounding natural landscape such as the woods, hills and wetlands. Weather can range from a sunny cloudless day to steady rain. We will mostly photograph near our vehicles and drive on good roads.

Our Focus
Using histograms, the workshop will focus on how to photograph in harsh light, capturing detail in both the light and dark areas of a scene. If it is overcast, we will go over the settings needed to get vibrant pictures.

General Topics Covered
We will build up your technical foundation no matter your current level, including:

Focusing, depth of field, and image sharpness
Getting the ideal exposure for each situation
Proper camera settings to get high quality images
When, how, and what filters to use to improve images
Evoking a sense of place and emotion in your imagery
How to spot new ways of identifying strong compositions
The exact locations of beautiful places to photograph

Workshop Notes

CLASS SIZE: Limited to 5 participants

We will start from Lance's studio in Petaluma (or you can meet up along the way). A map will be provided to everyone detailing the exact stops of the workshop after it is over. We will stop for snacks and drinks around the middle to latter part of the workshop. Bathrooms will be available every hour or two.

The fee is for tuition only, it does not include transportation or meals.

Join us for a stunning springtime photography workshop through some of the most picturesque landscapes in West Sonoma County. This exclusive small-group experience is designed for photographers of all levels who want to refine their skills, explore hidden gems, and capture the essence of spring.

A Perfectly Curated Itinerary

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio (with carpooling options) or meet us at a bakery in Freestone for a convenient starting point.

🍞 A Delicious Start – we start with a stop at the Wild Flour Bread. This bakery is known for its artisanal, organic sourdough breads, all baked in a massive wood-fired brick oven. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before an afternoon of photography.

🌲 We then visit one of the only publicly accessible old-growth redwood groves in Sonoma County. Some trees in the grove are estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, there are also oaks and other trees in this grove. Depending on the time of year, the grove can be bathed in golden afternoon light, shrouded in fog, or speckled with the vibrant greens of new growth.

🏡 Remote Ranches & Vistas – As we travel along one of my favorite roads in Sonoma County, we’ll stop at scenic ranchlands and rolling green hills with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

🌊 Golden Hour & Sunset on the Sonoma Coast – We’ll end the day at the dramatic Sonoma Coast, where we’ll photograph sea stacks, rugged cliffs, and waves crashing into the shore under the warm hues of sunset.

What You’ll Learn

📷 Mastering Exposure & Composition – Learn how to use histograms to control highlights and shadows, ensuring perfect exposures—even in harsh light.

🌤 Adapting to Any Light – Whether the day is bright and sunny or misty and moody, you’ll gain techniques for capturing vibrant landscapes and atmospheric scenes.

🔎 Refining Your Eye for Composition – Discover how to evoke a sense of place and emotion, spot compelling compositions, and use filters to enhance your images.

***

Why You Should Join

✔ Exclusive access to hidden locations—beyond the typical tourist spots
✔ Personalized instruction in a small group setting (max 5 participants)
✔ A diverse range of subjects—landscapes, still-lifes, buildings, and possibly wildflowers
✔ Minimal hiking required—most locations are easily accessible near our vehicles
✔ A relaxing, immersive experience in one of California’s most photogenic regions

📷 Gear Guidance:

• Learn how to make the most of your current gear, whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone
• Get recommendations on essential lenses and accessories for landscape photography

🎨 Creative Support:

• Work on developing your unique photographic style with professional feedback
• Get inspiration and new creative approaches for landscape photography

***

Workshop Details
📍 Where: West Sonoma County (west of Occidental)
📅 Date: Saturday, March 22nd
🕰 Time: 1:30 PM – Sunset

What’s Included:

✅ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level
✅ A detailed map of all our photo stops after the workshop
✅ Carpooling options from my studio

What’s Not Included:

❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – Most locations are close to parking areas with minimal hiking.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of photography as we explore Mount Tamalpais’ most breathtaking landscapes, from lush redwood forests to panoramic sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. This small-group workshop (limited to just 5 participants) is designed for photographers of all skill levels who want to refine their craft while immersing themselves in the stunning beauty of Marin County in spring.

What to Expect

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio (with carpooling options) or meet us in Fairfax for a convenient starting point.

Our Journey Begins at Alpine Dam

We’ll kick off at Alpine Dam, where calm waters reflect the towering redwoods and oaks, creating perfect compositions for moody forest scenes and abstract details of the dam’s architecture. Here, we’ll go over camera settings to prepare for the day ahead.

Forest Trails, Rolling Fog & Golden Light

From Alpine Dam, we’ll gradually ascend toward Bolina Ridge, stopping to capture:
🌿 Moss-covered oaks & towering redwoods filtering soft afternoon light
🌼 Wildflower-filled meadows bursting with poppies, lupines & irises
🌫 Rolling fog drifting through the valleys, creating ethereal landscapes

If conditions are right, we’ll position ourselves along Bolinas Ridge to capture the famous "islands in the sky" effect, where peaks rise above a sea of mist—an absolute dream for photographers!

Golden Hour & Sunset Magic

Before sunset, we’ll take a short hike near the peak along a creekside trail in oak forests, then head to a vista point, where you'll enjoy sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean.

As the sun lowers, we’ll return to Bolinas Ridge, where golden light bathes the hills, casting long, dramatic shadows across the rolling landscape—a perfect opportunity for breathtaking compositions.

Sunset & Twilight Photography

We’ll wrap up at a stunning high vantage point, overlooking Bolinas Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, just as the sky erupts in fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple.

📍 Bonus: After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map highlighting all the locations we photographed, so you can revisit them anytime!

***

Why You Should Join
✔ Personalized, hands-on instruction in a small group setting (max 5 participants)
✔ A diverse range of stunning locations, from forests to ridgelines to coastal vistas
✔ Perfect for all skill levels—whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills
✔ Experience the magic of Mount Tamalpais in spring, a photographer’s paradise!

📷 Gear Guidance:

• Learn how to make the most of your current gear, whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone
• Get recommendations on essential lenses and accessories for landscape photography

🎨 Creative Support:

• Work on developing your unique photographic style with professional feedback
• Get inspiration and new creative approaches for landscape photography

***

Workshop Details
📅 Date & Time: Sunday, April 6th, 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM
💰 Cost: $150

What’s Included:
✅ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level
✅ A detailed map of all our photo stops after the workshop
✅ Carpooling options from my studio

What’s Not Included:
❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – most locations are close to parking areas with minimal hiking.

📷 Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to capture the beauty of Mount Tamalpais in spring.

🔗 Reserve Your Spot Today!

Join us for an unforgettable photography adventure along the rugged Mendocino coast, timed perfectly to capture Bowling Ball Beach at low tide and sunset. Whether you're drawn to dramatic clouds, golden-hour reflections, or the mysterious rock formations revealed by the receding ocean, this workshop is designed to help you elevate your photography skills in dynamic coastal environments.

What to Expect at this time of year

🌊 Tides & Rock Formations – spring often brings stronger tides and occasional storm surges, which can partially submerge or fully reveal the “bowling balls” depending on the conditions. Checking tide charts is essential for capturing them at their best.

⛅ Weather & Atmosphere – Spring on the Northern California coast is unpredictable. Expect anything from clear, golden sunsets to moody, stormy skies, adding to the mystical feel of the beach. Overcast days can provide soft, even lighting, while breaks in the clouds can create stunning, dynamic contrasts.

💨 Coastal Wind – afternoon winds may pick up, especially later in the day. A sturdy tripod is recommended for long exposures.

🌙 Blue Hour & Sunset – spring sunsets can be vivid and dramatic, casting deep oranges, pinks, and purples across the sky. After sunset, the blue hour offers a chance for long exposures, capturing the soft glow of twilight against the mysterious rock formations.
The Itinerary

📍 Starting Point – Lance’s Petaluma Studio
Our journey begins at Lance’s studio in Petaluma, where we’ll organize carpooling for a scenic coastal drive. If you prefer, you can meet up with us in Gualala instead.

🚗 A Coastal Road Trip with Scenic Stops
As we head north, we’ll stop along the way in Gualala and possibly other picturesque locations to stretch, capture coastal beauty, grab refreshments, and use restrooms. Each stop offers unique photographic opportunities, from wind-swept bluffs to ocean vistas.

📷 Point Arena Lighthouse – A Coastal Icon
Our first major photographic stop is the historic Point Arena Lighthouse, where we’ll explore multiple vantage points to capture:
✅ Dramatic cliffs plunging into the Pacific
✅ The towering lighthouse set against an endless horizon
✅ Waves crashing against rugged coastal formations

🥗 Lunch Break in Point Arena
We’ll take a break for a late lunch in the charming town of Point Arena, where you can enjoy a warm meal before our next adventure.

🌊 Sunset & Blue Hour at Bowling Ball Beach
In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Bowling Ball Beach, timing our visit for optimal tide conditions. This location is truly magical at this time of day, with the setting sun casting warm hues across the mysterious, spherical rock formations.

Why You Should Attend

✅ Perfect Timing & Location – This workshop aligns the tides and sunset for optimal conditions at Bowling Ball Beach. Plus, we’ll explore Point Arena Lighthouse, and possibly Salt Point or Sea Ranch, giving you access to incredible, lesser-known coastal landscapes.
✅ Learn to Master Light & Exposure – From harsh sunlight to moody overcast skies, we’ll teach you how to capture stunning detail in highlights and shadows, ensuring your images stand out with rich colors and depth.
✅ Exclusive Small Group Experience – With only 5 participants, you'll receive personalized instruction tailored to your skill level, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer.
✅ Beyond the Basics – Learn advanced techniques including:

📷 Long Exposure Water Effects – Use long exposure settings to create silky water effects around the rock formations.

📷 Gear Guidance:

• Learn how to make the most of your current gear, whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone
• Get recommendations on essential lenses and accessories for landscape photography

🎨 Creative Support:

• Work on developing your unique photographic style with professional feedback
• Get inspiration and new creative approaches for landscape photography

What to Expect

👟 Fitness Level: moderate – Most locations are close to parking areas with minimal hiking.

🚶‍♂️ Hiking Note: There is a moderate hike with elevation change to reach the beach, and we will return in darkness—so bring a headlamp. The beach access ladder has fire damage, so be prepared for possible obstacles.

🚻 Restroom Stops: The last available facilities will be in Point Arena before we head to Bowling Ball Beach.

📜 Bonus! After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map of our photo locations, so you can revisit these hidden gems anytime.

Workshop Details
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, April 12th, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
💰 Cost: $150

What’s Included:

✅ Expert photography instruction tailored to your level
✅ A detailed map of all our photo stops after the workshop
✅ Carpooling options from my studio

What’s Not Included:

❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)