Jason Browning | @j.browning_photography

“I was lucky enough to attend Ryan’s first workshop on the Oregon Coast. He is freaking awesome!! I’ve been told before that you should be weary of meeting your heroes. I guess they can be much different in person than their Internet personalities lead you to believe, but he was so COOL. So down to earth. Not fake, and genuinely in love with the art of photography. And that love really shows in his teaching. He wants everybody to succeed. I almost cancelled my workshop and told him to gift it to someone who needs it because I thought I was “good enough” already. But my wife refused today let me pass up that opportunity, and I’m so grateful for that! Since the workshop my photography has been taken to a whole new level. Since then I’ve sold so many prints! I don’t even have a website, I just post on social media for friends and family. Before the workshop I got likes and a comment here or there but was never asked for prints. I shoot for purely the love of it, I don’t care to make money I just want my friends and family to enjoy the views I’m lucky enough to experience. Ryan shoots purely for the love of it too, that’s why he’s so awesome to hang with. He wants every artist to succeed and he has a great road map down that path. The experience was truly amazing. Oh! It was a two night workshop in which the marine layer never lifted, but he refused to let us leave without some Milky Way so he asked us all to stay another night and we got some outrageous milk!!! If you’re on the fence about attending his workshop, get off the damn fence and get out under the stars with him! It’s so very worth it!!!”


Leslie Mackeen | @lesliemackeen

“I can't say enough about Ryan. His Oregon Coast photography workshop reignited my passion for landscape photography and connected me with an amazing group of like minded photographers. Not only did I take some of the best photos of my life, I learned how to scout locations, identify compositions, and professionally edit. Ryan’s teaching style is hands on, focused on his students, but without hand-feeding you everything. He encourages you to tap into your own creativity and help you to identify your own unique compositions. This was not my first photography workshop, but it was the only workshop where I departed with concrete knowledge and skills that I am still applying today. And finally, the value of this workshop is not solely measured in my amazing photos but in the conversations, friendships, and connections made.”


Jason Kudlo | @jasonkudlophotography

“In May of 2019 I took the PNW Photography Workshop on the southern Oregon coast with Ryan, and it was an amazing experience during which I learned new photography techniques and met some amazing people. He was excellent at both scouting locations before we arrived as well as making sure we had backup plans should weather inhibit our goals (which, a few of the nights, mother nature did not play along - but that was ok, we still got to shoot). During the time, we did some classroom learning during which Ryan showed us his lightroom and photoshop workflow, as well as hiking and wandering the beaches (that he had scouted before we arrived so as to ensure we could maximize our time shooting) during sunset and the late night to shoot the milky way. Ryan is very personable, polite, knowledgeable, and all around a great guy to be around. In the end, the only thing I regretted was when it was over, having to go back home. It was such a blast and the people were so amazing that I could have seen myself staying for weeks! If you are considering a workshop with Ryan, I recommend you do it - you are sure to have a blast and come away with new knowledge and techniques!”


Jen G. | @lil_j_Loves

“I attended the Oregon Coast and Astro Photography workshop in June 2019. I had just purchased my first camera with the help of both Ryan, and within the first few hours of the workshop, I felt more confident. He gave me individual attention, as I was the only beginner photographer in the group, and made me feel more comfortable. The workshop itself, was absolutely incredible. I saw places on the Oregon coast that I never would have found by myself. My milky way photographs looked like a professional had shot them. It was a magical experience and gave me the necessary skills to be able to continue shooting on my own. Each person I met on the course was so supportive and I have made long lasting friendships. I can’t recommend Ryan’s workshops enough. He is an incredible photographer and truly provide you with an amazing experience. I am already looking forward to my next workshop with him!”


Nichole G. | @nicholegaertnerphotography

“Attending Ryan's workshop was such an amazing experience.  It took me from guessing and not quite getting the shots to being able to confidently sell my images. The one on one critique changed the way I see my work and post process my images. I went from capturing light harsh and contrasting to dreamy and otherworldly.  And on top of the learning and adventuring- he made it a very fun and comfortable environment.  I left that weekend with new friends, new skills and much more faith in my own abilities.  Thank you so much for helping me to fine tune my taste and develop into my style.”


Tasha E. | @tasha.pnw

“Ryan's workshop was the first I've ever attended so I really had no idea what to expect! I signed up because shooting at night has always been a struggle for me, and I wanted to have amazing milkyway shots like I'd seen so many times. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side as far as seeing stars, but it didn't even matter! He was able to help teach me the skills I needed to achieve focus at night, and how to stack the star shots together. The group was amazing. I can't say enough good things about the positive energy, and endless laughs. The workshop was literally the highlight of my summer. During the day we had classroom sessions while the light was harsh outside. I especially enjoyed learning how to do blue hour blends, which became the staple of some of my favorite summer/fall shots. I highly recommend his workshop if you're wanting to take your night photography to the next level. My confidence in my work has exploded since!”


Krystle Doty | @atlastowander

“Ryan is amazing! I was able to take my landscape photography to the next level thanks to him! I did a private workshop with him and it was worth every penny! Not only is he a talented photographer, he is one of the most amazing human beings I've had the privilege of getting to know. You will not be disappointed with whatever adventure you take with him! You will leave any experience with them feeling empowered and inspired in your craft!”


Jen Peterson | @jen.j.peterson

“One of the best decisions I made in 2020 was to sign up for Ryan’s workshop. My goal for summer was to improve my skill set for astrophotography. Lucky for me, I was able to join the Oregon Coast June workshop with Ryan. Having never attended a photography workshop before, I was a little nervous about what to expect. No need to worry as Ryan was very welcoming, easy going, and made me feel comfortable on our adventurous weekend together. He is professional, polite, and knows his craft. We went to places on the coast that were absolutely magical and full of photographic potential. Each site was well scouted leaving us time to work on composition and technique, rather than location finding or logistics. Who knew how good the milky way is on the Oregon coast? Ryan did! He helped me to better utilize my equipment and to elevate my editing skills. I believe his ability to teach technique and theory while encouraging my own creativity gave me the space to accelerate my learning. I came away from the weekend with confidence, new skills, and some amazing images. If you are thinking of taking a photography workshop I would definitely recommend Ryan, you will be so glad you did! I would definitely love to join him again!”


Dustin Davidson | @dustin_davidson

“Huge Thank You to Ryan for another great workshop. This was my second workshop with him and it was just as good as the first. Maybe even better since it was a private workshop, so I was able to be greedy and take up all his time for myself. One of the things I like about him is that he is there to help guide me through my thought process of setting up compositions to camera settings was nice. The best part of that process was he didn’t tell me what to do. He let me tell him what I was doing and why. Which allowed me to sometimes rethink and dial in a composition or setting. I was basically teaching myself without even knowing it. It’s kinda like teaching someone how to fly fish. You never want to grab the rod from someone trying to learn how to cast and say “this is what you do watch me.” Instead you let them work through their bad habits and become more familiar with the proper techniques in order for them to fine tune and refine their skills. I would highly recommend taking one of his workshops. He is so talented in the field and in the post processing of photography. His passion for helping other artists become better is huge! Once again, thank you Ryan. Hope to see you again soon.”


Tom Barreto | @visionpix2020

“Not only did I learn so many new photography skills and slick editing tricks in Lightroom and Photoshop, but I made lifelong friends with a dream team of incredible photographers and instructors. These connections are priceless. So many friends and followers on IG noticed the difference in my photography after that workshop and I would definitely recommend one or more of his workshops - it’ll be worth every penny!”


Ryan McDade | @wander_into_Focus

“I joined Ryan for a 5 day MasterClass in June of 2020 along the Oregon coast. I can say without any doubt that I learned a ton over the course of this workshop, and that it helped me bring my photography to the next level. Ryan is an excellent photographer, but more than that, he is passionate in his love of photography and it comes through in how he teaches. Not only did I feel he was there to guide and support my work, but he was honest in his critiques in a helpful and genuine way. He was motivated to learn what we wanted to gain from the workshop, and tailored his approach to fit the skills we were wanting to learn from him. I really appreciated his approach to meeting me where I was at my skill level. Everything about this workshop was top notch. The environments he chooses to shoot in are exceptional. His guidance on developing your skills is excellent, honest, but non-intrusive and supportive. The accommodations were absolutely awesome! The guidance on creating a more “dialed in” post process for editing was so informative and has proven to be incredibly helpful. Overall, I couldn’t recommend Ryan enough. If you’re considering these workshops, I highly recommend you take the chance. You will learn a ton from this wonderful photographer, and you will have a great time in the process. Just be ready for minimal sleep...he doesn’t mess around when it comes to astrophotography, morning shoots, sunset and blue hour shooting. Mixed in with the classroom and work, you will need some serious sleep on the back end. Be ready to get to work, and I hope to see you out there!”


Brad Pickett | @bppickett

“I must admit, while driving to a remote campsite outside of Sedona to meet a guy I found on the internet for a photo workshop, I felt like I might have made an unhealthy decision. I could not have been more incorrect with my concerns. Upon my arrival, I met Ryan with whom I felt an immediate kinship. My workshop experience was far better than expected. This was a no frills, get back to nature and get down to photo business experience- exactly what I was looking for. We cooked together, foraged small rivers, hiked in darkness, climbed to rocky ledges, encountered fascinating desert creatures and replenished Ryan’s Monster Energy supply, all for the opportunity to find and create perfect night landscape images. I had some experience in night photography prior to the workshop, but as Donald Rumsfeld once said, there are unknown unknowns, things we don’t know we don’t know. For me, there were many of these. Ryan helped me learn how to look at a landscape and find an image. I learned about my equipment and how to get the most out of my camera and lenses. He encouraged me to think outside the box to create images that have meaning to me. There is much more to learn about LR and PS, but I feel like I have a much better understanding of how to use this software to create what I see in my mind's eye. If your goal is to have a productive photo workshop experience with an instructor who is passionate about teaching how best to create images of the natural beauty of the night sky and the landscape, you can’t find a better instructor to work with.”


 

May Yang | @mk.Yang_

“I was a little concerned I was too inexperienced having just bought a camera a few weeks before the workshop, but Ryan was nothing but patient and encouraging, and the other attendees were nothing but supportive. Finding the Oregon Coast Photography Workshop last minute was meant to be. Ryan is such kind-hearted, genuine people and I feel so damn lucky I got to learn photography basics and so much more with them. Who else can say they got to explore one of the most magical places in the PNW AND shoot the Milky Way for the first time, within only a few weeks of purchasing a camera!? I got to check so many boxes off my bucket list through this workshop. Sure, I suffered a little sleep deprivation, but I gained so much knowledge and had the BEST time and I can't wait to take another workshop with him! Highly recommend-- I guarantee you'll take away new skills and techniques no matter your experience level”.


Trever C. | @trevor_camp

"Such an incredible experience! Felt welcomed and comfortable from the get go. A dynamic group of instructors gave the students everything they could ask for and more. With a well balanced week between the in field photography, classroom, and one-on-one sessions, this workshop is not one to miss!! These guys genuinely care about helping you become a better photographer. Leaving the workshop with a wealth of knowledge and techniques and feeling incredibly inspired!"


Steve C. | @stcrawford

"I had a great time with the team at the Big Bend Workshop. Even as a group setting... the instructors really made it feel like a 1:1 session with their attention to each person and personalized instructions and feedback. They were able to troubleshoot problems in complete darkness, and help with pre to post production. Beyond that, they're awesome guys and were a blast to hang out with. I'II definitely be keeping an eye on future workshops with them to stretch me as a photographer."


Karina B.

"It was the first time in my life that I shed a tear looking at my own shot. I thought I would scream, but it was more of an intimate feeling. Having several instructors who have different backgrounds and have their own strength was fantastic. They are super helpful and very attentive. The timeline of the workshop are great, you just need to understand what you signed. up for... You know, shooting stars means that it will be on vampire hours. Hiking for miles with your camera gear at weird hours, I probably would not have done by myself. Having this done in a group setting, it was a lot more fun. I felt like we all pushed each other in a very good way. I will NEVER forget this awesome workshop. This whole experience will be on my TOP 10 list forever!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You guys are awesome and I'm forever grateful."


Sara C. | @saracheeks

"The Big Bend workshop was one of the best I have been on! The instructors really care about helping the participants to achieve their goals, regardless of what level they're at, and depart as better photographers. Everyone is very easy going, and the participants were all a pleasure to be around - a testament to the positive, helpful atmosphere the leaders create. I highly recommend!"


Brenda M. | @bmarafioto

"Truly the best photo class I have ever taken! The instructors are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable in all aspects of technical and creative image capture, but their passion for TEACHING photography is undeniable. I can not recommend this experience highly enough - tuly a fabulous investment in your photography journey.”


Stephen P. | @steve.panico

"This workshop was a git from my birthday git rom my fiancée and it's not an exaggeration to say the skills and experience I got from this workshop were life changing, and has been the best gift l've ever received! If you are a nature/landscape photographer then I expect you will have the same reaction. Going into this class I had a vague idea of how to capture and edit landscapes and night sky images, but there is no substitute for having guidance from real experts. I was able to capture and produce images that simply wouldn't have been possible without attending this class. It certainly doesn't hurt that my classmates and the instructors were all insanely awesome people and so easy to work with. Highly, highly recommend.”


Mark M.

"Beyond expectations! My wife and I joined the [Big Bend Workshop] class in March 2021. We were novices and soaked in the instruction as did the experts who also joined our intimate class. The personalized instruction was of tremendous benefit. We were learning about our new Nikon camera and others were using Sony and Canon cameras. Each instructor had a speciality with one of the three brands and were able to provide insightful suggestions to even the most experienced among our group.

The night skies were astonishing and we couldn't believe the pictures we were able to capture. The instructors knew wonderful locations to capture breathtaking images and the time of day or night to be there to maximize the light or darkness. With such an amazing experience we highly recommend it.”


Tom B. | @visionpix2020

"I had such an awesome weekend in Big Bend National Park last year! They took us to places in and around the park that I never would've found on my own. I got to experience everything from cemeteries, canyons, hiking to balanced rocks and hieroglyphs all while shooting the Milky Way in the darkest skies in the US. I got some amazing images thanks to their guidance and expertise. It was a forgettable workshop for me!"


Janis R. | @j4skies

"The Big Bend Workshop was an absolutely incredible experience! I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about astrophotography ( or photography in general) while having a great time with some amazing guys! I have to admit that I was nervous driving down there because I'm not really a hiker, especially at night! I'd never used a tripod before, but the instructors made sure they knew everyone's comfort level and took the time to work with each client. Not only did I gain a ton of knowledge in the field, but we had classroom time where we learned about processing techniques that have improved my photography greatly. I would absolutely jump on the chance to go to a workshop with them again! 5 stars!"