Weekend Photo Workshop: Seattle

In Seattle, rolling streets swoop down to a bustling waterfront, markets and musicians bring spirit to the sidewalks, and Elliott Bay lies blue and serene against a backdrop of skyscrapers and snow-clad peaks. This collage of contrasting heights, colors, and rhythms makes the city a fantastic place to photograph. Spend the weekend capturing images at the historic Pike Place Market, get a new angle on the iconic Space Needle, and shoot cityscapes and harbor views on Bainbridge Island. This workshop is led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor and is designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.

Day 1 — Thursday: Seattle

Settle into our waterfront hotel or stay in accommodations of your choice. Gather tonight at a restaurant in town for a welcome dinner and orientation.
Optional Accommodations: Seattle Marriott Waterfront
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Day 2 — Friday: Pike Place Market/Pioneer Square

Start the day in the classroom with an instructive talk by our National Geographic photographer. Our first assignment this afternoon takes us into the colorful bustle of Pike Place Market, the oldest running farmers' market in the country. Dazzling with neon signs and piled with colorful produce, freshly caught fish, steaming baked goods, and a host of handicrafts and quirky creations, the market is a feast for a photographer. Work on portraits, street scenes, and food shots, and capture the essence of this vital Seattle fixture. Then photograph the stately 19th-century brick buildings of Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic center. End the day with an edit-and-critique session.
Optional Accommodations: Seattle Marriott Waterfront

Day 3 — Saturday: Olympic Sculpture Park/Capitol Hill

Head out on a morning photo shoot at the Olympic Sculpture Park, where zigzagging paths, sculptures by Calder and other artists, lush gardens, and the city skyline create a collage of interesting angles and colors—all overlooking the Puget Sound. Then hit the streets of downtown to get a unique perspective on the Space Needle, and photograph city life against a backdrop of diverse architectural styles. Following an edit-and-critique session this afternoon, go on assignment in the eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Catch Frisbee players in action or street musicians busking; focus on picturesque storefronts or shoot the sweeping views of the city from Volunteer Park. Tonight, we’ll present our best images to the group and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Accommodations: Seattle Marriott Waterfront
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Day 4 — Sunday: Bainbridge Island/Home

Ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island this morning, capturing images of the Seattle skyline along the way. Explore quaint streets lined with galleries and cafés with your camera in hand before returning to the city for a final classroom session and workshop wrap-up.