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  • Keith French Photography Global Image

Photography Workshops

In one way or another, many workshops and training sessions tend to take on a personality.
 
I believe that the host or the instructor drives that for the most part, and managed properly, it allows the participants to relax and be themselves. Even with a group of strangers.

How do I drive that? It’s a simple one word answer. PASSION. I are very passionate about sharing the art and technique of picture making. I look for the artist in each individual and nurture it throughout the workshop, building confidence and know how. I know everyone learns differently, and I'll work with you at your own speed to help drive the points home and establish good, consistent habits as you grow and learn.

Keith firmly believes that the learning environment is critical to the improvement of skills and growth. That learning is always easier when it’s fun. So while the topic may be a technical one and a requirement for moving on, Keith will present it in a stress free package and through an enjoyable style that keeps the fun in the session. Regardless of your pace and past experience, the design of the workshops is to ensure you experience growth in your photographic ability, have memory cards filled with images, and forge lasting friendships through fun, positive shared experiences.

Oregon South Coast 2026 - May 10th - May 15th

Oregon South Coast 2026 - May 10th - May 15th

Join the excitement with Keith as he continues the 2026 season on the road at an incredible location!

Discover the advantage of a small, boutique-style workshop designed to support photographers of all experience levels—from curious beginners to seasoned professionals.

The workshop package begins  Sunday and continues through Thursday night, with carefully scouted (“bird-dogged”) shooting locations, a wide range of photographic instruction, and plenty of fun along the way. Ground transportation and lodging are not included; however, I am happy to help coordinate ride-sharing among participants and provide a list of lodging locations.

Overview

This workshop is the second of two Oregon Coast experiences. With more than 350 miles of beaches, harbors, rivers, tide pools, and sea stacks stretching from Washington in the north to California in the south, there’s simply too much beauty to cover in one visit. The northern half of the coast will be explored about a month earlier, in late April 2026.

Ask anyone who has visited the Oregon Coast—it’s hard to get them to stop talking about it. We believe it’s the most varied and unique stretch of coastline in the country, best described by three words:

Different. Dynamic. Unpredictable.

Different

The coastline is dotted with dramatic sea stacks—towering rock formations that look like mesas borrowed from the Southwest and dropped into the ocean. Oregon has more sea stacks than any other state, rising 50–300 feet above the water. These natural sentinels are home to gulls, murres, oystercatchers, puffins, and more. Some appear in clusters, others stand alone, and many become wonderfully accessible at low tide, creating exceptional photographic opportunities.

Dynamic

Everything along the coast is in constant motion. Changing weather, tides with ranges of up to 10 feet, and sea conditions that vary from glassy calm to 15-foot waves create a true photographic kaleidoscope. At high tide, waves crash dramatically against the rocks and, during storms, can launch spray more than 100 feet into the air. At low tide, tidal pools reveal colorful starfish, mollusks, seaweed, crabs, and small fish. The wet sand itself becomes a canvas of wave patterns, miniature drainage channels, and animal tracks.

Unpredictable

The weather here is always evolving. Fog may roll in from the ocean or drift down from inland areas. Cold ocean water keeps temperatures cool both day and night, and the sky is full of surprises. It’s not unusual to experience sunshine, rain, strong winds, and complete calm all in a single day. For photographers, this means capturing many moods of the same subject—and packing plenty of layers to stay comfortable.

Possible Physical Considerations

This workshop offers choices, and we want everyone to feel comfortable with the level of activity they choose. Wonderful images can be made just a few hundred steps from the car on flat, solid ground. For those who want to stretch a bit further, some locations may involve walking on sandy, rocky, or debris-covered terrain; brief navigation through mossy, damp forest areas; descending and climbing stairways to the beach with elevation changes of 60–100 feet; or carefully stepping around tide pools to capture details like starfish.

Most beach walks take place at low tide and may cover up to a mile round trip on firm, wet sand. Before we ever step away from the vehicles, I will explain the conditions and options at each location, always keeping individual comfort levels and needs in mind.

Schedule

(Subject to change due to weather and conditions)

We plan the week carefully, but flexibility is key. Conditions can change quickly, and we adjust as needed. Our priorities are always safety first, followed closely by enjoyment and great photography.

Saturday

Arrive in Medford, Oregon, then enjoy a scenic three-hour drive to the coastal town of Bandon. We’ll meet up at the motel where we’ll be staying. Early arrivals may even have time for some bonus shooting that afternoon.

Sunday

We’ll photograph several locations around Bandon and return to the same hotel for a second night.

Monday & Tuesday

We begin heading south toward Gold Beach, stopping frequently to shoot along the way and take in the beautiful scenery around the Pistol River.

Wednesday

We’ll continue photographing around Gold Beach and the Pistol River area, then start making our way toward Brookings.

Thursday

We leave the Brookings area and head south into California to photograph the redwoods, spending the night in Crescent City, California.

Friday

You’re on your own today. Depending on your travel plans, some participants will head back to Medford Airport in the morning, while others may choose to linger along the coast a bit longer. It’s completely up to you. The drive back to Medford is approximately 2½ hours.

Event Information

Event Date May-10-2026
Event End Date May-15-2026
Cut Off Date Apr-29-2026
Capacity 10
Individual Price $2,600.00
Experience Level Novice, Beginner, Amateur, Advanced Amateur, Professional
Location Oregon South Coast

We are no longer accepting registration for this event

Refund & Deposit Policy

The refund policy is:

  • Up to 90 days before the workshop, you will receive a 75% refund
  • Up to 60 days before the workshop, you will receive a 50% refund
  • Up to 30 days before the workshop, you will receive a 25% refund

Except for one-day workshops, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required at registration to reserve your spot. If you’re registering within 120 days of the workshop start date, the full balance is due at that time.

 

** Exceptions to non-refundable:

 If there is a waiting list and the spot you vacated is filled.

 If you find a person to fill your spot. They must mention you by name as a replacement.

Workshop Reviews

  • Debra M.

    I loved how you accommodated each of us. When I had trouble with my camera, you not only took the time to look into it, you made sure I had time to get the shots afterward.

  • John R.

    The knowledge I gain on this workshop far exceeded my expectations. I felt the brief suggestions on how to shoot each location helped in thinking about composition, which is my weak point. I could have spent half a day in a Q&A with Keith. I wish I had a tape recorder with me because I cannot possibly remember all of his tips and tricks.

  • Susan B.

    Before I even went on the workshop, I thought it was a good value. Afterwards, I strongly agree. Very pleased.

  • Angie C.

    This being my first workshop, I have to say, I was truly satisfied with everything! From communications, lodging, meals, experience, very friendly fellow photographers, made everyone feel welcome included, offered help w/ anything & everything you needed! I found NOTHING negative (even the rain) about this workshop! Well maybe one thing, it was too short (could stayed for a wk!). I’m ready to sign up for another one!! Thanks so much! I had a great time/experience!

  • Linda M.

    Thanks to both of you! It was a great workshop, providing both excellent sites and new skills. The lodging was excellent. Thanks for an enjoyable learning experience! Great time!

  • KD

    As an inexperienced photographer I appreciate that you did not batter me with information overload. You both offered suggestions, but gave me space to do my own thing. You were patient and available to guide me and answer my questions. I learned some things and had fun along the way. Thank you and maybe I’ll see you on another workshop someday.

  • Tom E.

    Love that you guys are always there when/if we need you - whether with technical or composition questions. You also help us see things that we might bypass. I know that I've improved in my photographic "vision" as a result of the workshops. It's great that you tell us, when we get to each location, the time we'll be spending there. It helps us focus during short stops and let's us wander during long stops.

  • Kris D.

    You two are worth your weight in gold!

  • Lisa T.

    It was a small group of 10, The instructors helped everyone. I've been to a few workshops, I've never had so much help, all I had to do was asked and these guys were there.

  • Dan P.

    I am a photographer that does need a great deal of direction, but with every question I had or opinion I sought, help was always available, and I had competent thoughtful and helpful input each time.

  • Sue H.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the photo workshop experience; … I appreciated both of the host's efforts to ensure that I felt comfortably part of the group's daily excursions and training.

  • Meg S.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the experience. I look forward to another workshop in the future and hope that I can use the instructor as a human tripod in the future! :-)

  • Donna T.

    Second time taking a barn photography class with these two wonderful instructors. Nothing better than receiving hands-on instruction from the rock stars of professional rural photography! - Donna T.

Meet Instructor Keith French

Keith is currently a Commercial Photographer in the Greater Chicago Area specializing in visual communication for marking and advertising.

Many novices and amateur photographers begin their love affair with photography in nature. Keith was no different.  After completing military flight school he realized he will be going to some interesting places and should probably learn to use a good camera. A few years after learning how to operate his camera Keith took a tour of the Smokey Mountains in the early spring, the camera opportunities were abundant in all directions. He was hooked. Not yet a full time photographer, Keith carried his cameras everywhere while on active military duty, Asia, Europe, Australia, both US Coasts, the desert southwest, and Canada. At the same time, Keith was getting requests to photograph people, products, and events, and saw each new opportunity to branch out into other aspects of photography. After 18 years of self-teaching, and mentoring under professional photographers, Keith became the owner of an existing retail camera store and photo studio in 2002 and used that opportunity to accelerate his now professional career in studio photography. It wasn't long before camera classes were being held at the store to share the passion on a regular basis. Comfortable in front of a class from his military days Keith has had hundreds of customers take his beginning photography class. An experienced outdoors-men and land navigator trained by the Marine Corps, and an experienced teaching photographer make the transition to this type of outdoor, moving classroom a natural progression.