Join us for an in-depth nature observation walk and learn how to photographing various subjects with either a camera or a cell phone.

This event is specifically for children attending with Kirsten Homan. If your child is not part of this group, feel free to message me to set up a private lesson.

The details of the event are below. Each parent is required to fill out the form below in order to secure your spot for the class. After your form is submitted, Amber will contact you via email with a liability contract and an invoice. These both need to be completed to then further secure your spot.

Details:

• Date: June 24th, 2026

• Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

• Location: Meadowbrook Farm (1711 Boalch Ave NW, North Bend, WA 98045)

• Cost: $30/Per child (adults attend for free)

Guidelines

What to bring

• Camera or phone

• Water

• Snacks (if needed)

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots

Our class rules

1. Stay with the group

2. Respect wildlife and each other (We may encounter elk and other wildlife. Never chase, touch, or feed animals. We will keep a safe distance.

3. Leave no trace (Stay on designated trails in protected areas, do not pick flowers, pack out all trash)

4. Be kind and respectful

5. Have fun

Join us for a magical morning of discovery along the shoreline in Edmonds as photographer Amber Braxton and marine enthusiast Lisa Amantche guide you through an unforgettable tide pool and photography adventure. Together, we will explore the fascinating world of marine life while learning about ethical tide pooling practices, how to respectfully observe delicate ecosystems, and how to identify some of the incredible creatures we encounter along the way.

Whether you are a beginner photographer, a nature lover, or simply curious about the hidden life along the coast, this workshop will also include hands-on guidance for photographing tide pool subjects in creative and beautiful ways. From textures and tiny details to reflections, patterns, and storytelling images, you will leave with both a deeper appreciation for the shoreline and new photography skills to use in future nature adventures.

Photography Course

The photography portion of the workshop will focus on helping participants see the shoreline in new and creative ways, whether they are using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, point-and-shoot, or phone camera.

Topics covered during the photography instruction may include:

• Basic camera and phone camera settings

• How to work with natural light and reflections near water

• Using marine life as a photography subject in respectful and ethical ways

• Creative approaches to macro photography for small details like sea stars, anemones, shells, textures, and barnacles

• Using tide pools and marine life as foreground elements within wider landscape images

• Composition techniques such as leading lines, framing, negative space, layering, color contrast, and storytelling

• Tips for photographing movement, water, reflections, and underwater subjects

• How to safely and ethically photograph wildlife without disturbing it

• Ways to create unique images that go beyond simple “snapshot” photography

Tide Pool Exploration

The tide pooling portion of the workshop will focus on helping participants better understand and appreciate the incredible marine ecosystems found along the Edmonds shoreline. We will arrive a few hours before the lowest tide measurement so participants can observe marine life as it is gradually uncovered by the receding water, allowing for more opportunities to spot active creatures and changing shoreline conditions.

During this portion of the event, participants may observe and learn about a variety of marine life, including sea slugs, moon snails, sea stars, anemones, clams, harbor seals, crabs, shorebirds, and many other species commonly found in Puget Sound tide pools and shoreline habitats.

Meet Your Instructors

Things to Bring

Recommended equipment for the workshop may include:

• Camera, phone camera, or other device for taking photos

• Fully charged batteries and extra batteries if possible

• Extra memory cards or phone storage space

• Waterproof phone case or dry bag

• Polarizing filter to help reduce glare on water surfaces

• Lens wipes or microfiber cloths for water spray and fingerprints

• Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes that can get wet

• Warm layers or a waterproof jacket, as shoreline weather can change quickly

• Comfortable clothing that can handle splashes, sand, and mud

• Drinking water

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Small backpack or crossbody bag for carrying gear

• Knee pads, gardening pad, or small towel if participants plan to kneel for low-angle photography

• Gloves if the weather is cooler in the morning

• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes

• Tide app or downloaded tide chart on phone

• Optional macro lens attachment for phone cameras

• Optional zoom lens for photographing seals, birds, or wildlife from a respectful distance

• Optional small reflector or waterproof LED light for creative close-up photography

Tripods are optional, but because the sand can be soft and unstable, they can be difficult to use effectively in this environment. Most participants may find it easier to shoot handheld for this particular workshop.

Booking

For the safety of all participants, a signed liability waiver will be required upon booking. Tide pooling environments can include uneven rocks, slippery surfaces, shifting sand, changing weather conditions, and exposure to water, so participants should be aware of the natural risks associated with exploring shoreline habitats.

The waiver will also include an agreement to follow ethical tide pooling practices, remain with the group when appropriate, respect wildlife and habitats, and follow all safety instructions provided during the workshop. Registration will not be considered complete until the waiver has been signed.

Lunch Afterwards

After the shoreline portion of the workshop, participants will be invited to continue the experience together at Anthony's Beach Cafe for additional conversation, connection, and community building

Ticket Options

Tide Pooling + Photography Workshop — $65
This ticket includes the full guided tide pooling and photography experience from 8:30am–12:00pm in Edmonds with Amber and Lisa. Participants will receive marine life education, ethical tide pooling instruction, photography guidance for cameras and phones, hands-on assistance in the field, and the opportunity to explore multiple shoreline environments. We will also meet 1 week later (virtually) to share our experiences and any photos that you want to highlight from your workshop!

Workshop + Lunch Gathering — $95
This ticket includes everything in the tide pooling and photography workshop, plus an optional lunch and discussion gathering afterward at Anthony's Beach Cafe. This additional time allows participants to continue conversations about marine life and photography, ask questions, share favorite images from the day, and connect with other attendees in a relaxed setting.

Book Here:

Join me in this event that explores the top 5 tools that I use in Photoshop that bring my photo editing to the next level! There will be a live demonstration of each skill as well as a discussion into how to bring out the most of these simple photoshop routines!

This will be a virtual meeting lasting around 2 hours and there will be plenty of opportunities for questions!

Can’t attend the event? Want the recording of the class? Send $7 to @amberbraxtonfineart on Venmo and the video will be shared with you for you to reference!

Come join me for a fun photo walk where we observe vintage trains with amazing textures and colors in Snoqualmie!

Join me at marveling in vintage rail cars that provide an excellent subject for all photography types, but macro in particular!

Click here : Eventbrite Link to Event

Event is free, but if you want to ride the train and head to the museum in North Bend, you will need to purchase those tickets separately with the railway.

Link: Train Museum Website