Workshop with Rachel Opdahl - Forest

1 Day: July 13th, 2024 - Tillamook - 5 attendees - $975

In this workshop, Rachel will share her secrets to creating scroll-stopping Portraits in some of Oregon’s lush, green, moss-covered forests! Oregon is rich with greenery all around! Whether it’s ivy-covered trees or moss covered forest floors you are looking for, we’ve got you covered! There is no need to travel to some far-away land to get to this kind of location. We have it here in Tillamook! Forest light can be tricky though, if you don’t know what you are doing. Rachel will show you how she harnesses and creates beautiful light in the forest with perfect color-balance.

Rachel’s instruction, setups and demonstrations will give each photographer a greater understanding of how to use light, style, and lens choice to create an impactful image full of color and storytelling. Photographing portraits in Tillamook’s forests will guarantee you get a unique look. Rachel will show you how to make the most out of these beautiful locations.

During this workshop you’ll learn how to spot and use natural light in different ways. You will receive instruction on a range of speciality lighting tools as well, so that you can have further control of your environment, rather than your environment controlling you. You will learn how Rachel seamlessly melds both natural light and flash to create the dynamic look you see in many of her images. She will also show you how to make flash mimic natural light. Forest light can be dark and dull. You will learn how to find and use natural light to your advantage and how to modify it when necessary.

During this event, you will also have the opportunity to work with stunning models who will be incredibly styled - guaranteeing you will walk away with superior images.

Schedule:

Rachel will begin the day by taking you through her thought process as she designs and creates a typical outdoor shoot. The many factors involved, including camera and lens choices, styling, lighting, and location will be discussed. She will show you how and why she shoots a certain way, holding nothing back. You will learn how to begin with proper in-camera exposure, in order to cut-down on your editing time, dramatically!

Through-out the day Rachel will demonstrate soft vs hard light, and when she likes to use both. She will show you how to modify light and create beautifully-lit images, even when the natural light is dull and flat. By the end of the workshop, you will no longer be a slave to your environment, as she will teach you how to shoot in various types of lighting situations.

Editing: Rachel will edit a photo the same day with you. She will show you her process from beginning to finish by editing one of her landscape portraits right there in front of you. You will be able to ask any questions you may have.

Shooting: Now it’s time for Portfolio building! You will have the opportunity to create stunning images using the techniques and setups with Rachel’s guidance! You will work with professionally styled models in several different setups to explore what you’ve learned. Be ready to get inspired and to love the images you take home with you!

Rachel Opdahl

I am thrilled to share my experience of 17 years with you. I can’t wait to show you how to make light! After spending years as a wedding photographer, I didn’t have the luxury of only shooting during the “sweet light” hours. I was forced to figure out how to make any lighting situation look good.
Shooting in full sun? I will show you how to make it look gorgeous! Do you typically turn off your camera as the sun starts to set? I will show you how to keep shooting. There are some very portable and easy ways to light your subject these days. Let me show you how.
Many people don’t realize I use flash in most of my photographs. I typically try to make flash not look “flashy”. When you aren’t a slave to the elements and you learn how to create your own light, your whole world opens up. I will demonstrate how you can use speedlights, strobes, and at times even constant lights to add beauty and drama any time of the day. We’ll do this all while achieving that soft and dreamy background, which separates and brings attention to your subject.

Book my spot!

FAQ

Our workshop is held in a little town called Tillamook, which is about 2 hours from downtown Portland, Oregon.
We recommend you have a basic understanding of how to use your camera in manual mode and are also familiar with photoshop techniques using layers.
Yes we do. But the workshop must be paid in full, before attending.
Transportation to the workshop and accommodations are the responsibility of the attendee and not included with the price of the workshop.
First and foremost you’ll need a camera, since the majority of this workshop is about portfolio building and we’ll be taking plenty of photos.
Also bring your favorite long lens, along with your favorite wide-angle. Renting lenses can be a great option if you don’t own them. You’ll also want to bring plenty of memory cards, and batteries.
You do not need to bring any lighting equipment or modifiers as that is provided. We prefer attendees not bring tripods as they can be obtrusive and get in the way of others. If you do require something to stabilize your camera, we recommend bringing a monopod.
A laptop is also not required, although we do have follow along portions for retouching so you can bring one at your own discretion.
Please also refer to our pre-workshop information email that is sent out several weeks before the workshop for any updated or additional information.
We provide a meal option each day of the event as well as snacks and beverages.
If you have certain dietary restrictions you will need to bring your own food and/or specify to Rachel what you may need. We will be happy to accommodate you if possible.
We do not allow refunds of any kind. If you have circumstances that don’t allow you to attend, you may sell your workshop seat or save the credit for future workshops.
Reach out to Rachel via email at rachelopdahlphotography@gmail.com or text 503-801-3612

I'm ready to book!

Things to know.

Know before you come: Be familiar with your camera. Know how to get to the settings and have a general knowledge of how to use it. Although many cameras are similar, Rachel does not claim to know everything about every camera. The more you know about your camera already, the further along we can get in our instruction of the fun stuff! You should be shooting in manual mode, and be familiar with layers and masks in photoshop to get the most out of this workshop.

This workshop is prohibited to those located within 50 miles of Tillamook, Oregon.

When posting any of the images you have taken at the workshop, you must credit the workshop in some way, every time. Credit can be given in 1 of 2 ways:

1. By just mentioning that you took the photos at “Workshops with Rachel Opdahl”

2. By using hashtag “#RachelOpdahlWorkshops”

The photos may not be entered into any contests, since this is a teaching workshop. An exception may be made for “low-profile” magazine submissions. You are welcome to use them for portfolio purposes. Please message Rachel with any questions you may have concerning this. Thank you!

Cost: The cost for the workshop is $975. Nearest airport: PDX Portland. Any travel costs are not included. 1 lunch meal and snacks are provided during the workshop.

A $500 non-refundable retainer and a signed contract are required to book your seat. In the event that you need to cancel your participation in the workshop, you may sell your seat to another. If you fail to make a payment by the scheduled dates, you will forfeit your seat and will not be entitled to a refund.

Payment Plan: Half payment of $500 USD to book your seat. $475 USD due June 21st, 2024. You can, of course, pay in full as well.

To access the payment plan, click “Book my spot” and choose from the options.

Please give us your correct email, as we will want to send you something that pertains to the workshop. We will never sell or give your address away! We won’t spam you either.

By completing the transaction for this Workshop, you are agreeing to the terms outlined here in.