Sunrise on Hatteras Island
Photography Workshop
Avon, North Carolina
Dates:
2026 dates coming soon! Email me for info.
Investment
$250 for 2 hour workshop
+ 45 minute group virtual image review
Group
2-4 attendees
Skill level
Beginner to Intermediate
Sunrise on Cape Hatteras National Seashore Photography Workshop
Join me on a sunrise photography workshop on Cape Hatteras in Avon, North Carolina. This two hour workshop is suitable for all levels of photographer and is limited to 4 attendees to ensure ample time and attention is given to each attendee. You will leave this workshop with an improved understanding of landscape and nature photography.
The workshop will begin with guided instruction on the foundations of photography tailored to your skill level to ensure that you fully understand your camera and the fundamentals of exposure. We will discuss focusing techniques, lens choice, and compositional considerations. For the more advanced photographer, we will discuss elements of design and advanced exposure techniques to improve your photographs.
Once we have spent time on these essentials of photography, you will put into practice the concepts we discussed and photograph the sunset with your own camera. I will be available to offer advice, instruction, and answer additional questions. Following the workshop you will receive a 45 minute virtual mentoring session to review the images you created during the workshop.
Some topics we could cover include:
How to use manual mode- understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
How to get better focus- understanding focusing modes and points.
How to meter, read and histogram, and exposure images in challenging light.
How to photograph in any light- including overcast, shadow, sunset, and twilight.
How to approach and plan a landscape photography shoot on location.
What to photograph landscape and nature when conditions aren’t what you had hoped.
Additional topics for discussion- time permitting: How to shoot landscape, nature, wildlife, and special techniques including long exposure, macro, moonrise, Lensbaby lenses, manual focus, etc.
“The most valuable part to me was learning the technical aspects of photography. I gained confidence in my creative, artistic self...enough to want to pursue the technical understanding to further the fun part of taking photos.”
Sunset at Back Bay, Sandbridge, VA
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach, VA
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• Instruction on photography techniques including- exposure, composition, focus, creativity.
• 45 minute group post workshop mentoring session to review images
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•Transportation to/from Avon, NC
•Personal gear, clothing, and photographic equipment
•Meals, snacks, beverages
•Individual admission fee to workshop location
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$150 for 2 hours + 45 minute group virtual mentoring session
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Some topics we could cover include:
How to use manual mode- understanding aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
How to get better focus- understanding focusing modes and points.
How to meter, read and histogram, and exposure images in challenging light.
How to photograph in any light- including overcast, shadow, sunset, and twilight.
How to approach and plan a landscape photography shoot on location.
What to photograph landscape and nature when conditions aren’t what you had hoped.
Additional topics for discussion- time permitting: How to shoot landscape, nature, wildlife, and special techniques including long exposure, macro, moonrise, Lensbaby lenses, manual focus, etc.
A Few Sights You Might See
F.A.Q.
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Average daily high temperatures increase from 65°F to 75°F. Rain is always possible, so please come prepared to shoot in a variety of weather conditions.
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Camera- dSLR or mirrorless camera capable of shooting on manual mode.
Lenses- A variety of lenses is nice to have, but magic can be made with one lens. A wide angle can be fun, particularly on a crop sensor. And a telephoto is helpful for shooting sunrises/sunsets, wildlife, and flowers. My favorite all around lens is the 24-74 f2.8 lens. It’s a reliable workhorse for me. Additionally a telephone lens will help photograph shorebirds and distant sights.Tripod- I prefer lightweight travel style tripods. My current favorite tripod is the Travel Tripod by Peak Design. You will want a tripod studying enough to withstand sand and wind holding the weight of your camera and heaviest lens.
Filters- I recommend a neutral density and/or dark circular polarizing filter for long exposures.
Rain/Dust Cover- this will also help if the wind is off the water and there is sea spray.
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I would expect it to be in the low 70s for the workshop. I would suggest bringing layers, as the temperatures are often low in the morning.
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Directions will be provided to the location following registration. Use Avon, NC on Google Maps for a general idea.
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Payment is due upon booking.
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This workshop is non-refundable.
Interested in learning more? Consider attending The Saltwater Retreat.
Read about the previous workshop and retreat experiences: