Sunrise Photography Experience at Whidbey Highland Farm
Aug
8
to Oct 1

Sunrise Photography Experience at Whidbey Highland Farm

  • Whidbey Highland Farm (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Sunrise Photography Workshop at Whidbey Highland Farm

There's something magical about the moments before sunrise. The world is quiet, the air is cool, and every minute brings new colors, changing light, and fresh opportunities to create meaningful photographs.

Join fine art photographer Amber Braxton for a guided sunrise photography experience at beautiful Whidbey Highland Farm. Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone, you'll learn how to slow down, observe the landscape, and photograph the changing light with confidence.

This workshop is designed for photographers of all experience levels and focuses on creativity, observation, and enjoying the beauty of the morning.

Multiple dates available!

Perfect for:

  • Beginners wanting to learn their camera

  • Hobby photographers

  • Nature lovers

  • Travelers

  • Anyone looking for a peaceful and inspiring morning outdoors

Photography Ticket (Adult) - Whidbey Highland Farm
$25.00

Start your day surrounded by the beauty of Whidbey Island at Whidbey Highland Farm.

Join fine art photographer Amber Braxton for a guided photography experience designed to help you slow down, connect with nature, and learn to see light in a whole new way. Together we'll wander the scenic grounds of Whidbey Highland Farm, discovering beautiful compositions while learning practical photography techniques along the way.

What’s included:

  • Guided instruction throughout the morning

  • Hands-on photography exercises

  • Individual feedback and creative guidance

  • A peaceful and inspiring experience at Whidbey Highland Farm

The event is 1.5-2 hours. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before the event. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes (that may get wet), and bring any equipment you wish to bring. (No Drones)

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Whidbey Island Autumn Photography Retreat
Oct
16
to Oct 18

Whidbey Island Autumn Photography Retreat

  • State Route 20 Coupeville, WA United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Whidbey Island Autumn Fine Art Photography Retreat

October 16–18, 2026

Create. Slow Down. See Differently.

This intimate weekend is designed to help photographers reconnect with creativity through storytelling, autumn landscapes, hands-on art, and meaningful conversations. Guests will leave with not only beautiful photographs, but three finished works of art: a fine art print, a handcrafted cyanotype, and a visual photo story.

Friday • October 16

3:00–5:00 PM

Guest Arrival & Check-In

  • Receive welcome package

  • Settle into accommodations

  • Explore the property

  • Meet fellow photographers

5:00–7:00 PM

Golden Hour at Fort Casey

Photograph:

  • Historic structures

  • Driftwood

  • Puget Sound

  • Moody skies

  • Autumn grasses

7:00 PM

Harvest Soup Dinner & Fireside Social

A relaxed evening of introductions, storytelling, and getting inspired for the weekend ahead.

Saturday • October 17

7:00–9:00 AM

Sunrise at a Local Pumpkin Patch

Focus on:

  • Morning light

  • Seasonal storytelling

  • Details & textures

  • Environmental portraits (optional)

9:00–10:30 AM

Coffee & Farm Breakfast

10:30 AM–12:30 PM

Cyanotype Workshop

Learn the history of cyanotypes before creating your own botanical prints using collected leaves, grasses, ferns, and flowers.

12:30–2:00 PM

Delivered Lunch & Creative Conversation

A relaxed lunch with discussion about developing a personal artistic style.

2:00–4:00 PM

Mushroom Foraging & Macro Photography Walk

Explore Whidbey's incredible fall forests while learning:

  • Macro composition

  • Focus stacking

  • Working with natural light

  • Ethical foraging practices

  • Finding overlooked subjects

4:00–5:00 PM

Rest & Recharge

Coffee, tea, editing, reading, or simply enjoying the property.

5:00–7:00 PM

Sunset at Ebey's Landing

A slower-paced outing focused on:

  • Light

  • Shape

  • Mood

  • Storytelling

7:30 PM

Delivered Dinner

Sunday • October 18

7:00–8:00 AM

Sunrise Observation Session

Spend the first 15 minutes simply observing without cameras before creating photographs with fresh intention.

8:00–10:00 AM

Breakfast

10:00–11:00 AM

Storytelling Through Images

Participants select five photographs from the weekend and learn how sequencing, pacing, and editing can transform individual images into a cohesive visual narrative.

11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Final Gallery & Farewell

Each participant shares:

  • Their favorite photograph

  • Their cyanotype

  • Their five-image visual story

Celebrate the weekend together before checkout.

Every guest leaves with:

🎞️ A Fine Art Photograph — edited and ready to print.

🌿 An Original Cyanotype Print — handcrafted during the workshop.

📖 A Five-Image Visual Story — a curated series that tells a meaningful story from the weekend.

 

Pricing

Option 1: All-Inclusive Retreat

  • 2 nights lodging

  • All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast

  • Welcome package

  • Cyanotype workshop and supplies

  • All photography instruction

  • Transportation during group outings

  • Editing sessions

  • Printed retreat guide

  • Three finished art projects

Price

$995 per person

 

Photography Pass (No Lodging)

  • Every workshop

  • Every outing

  • Cyanotype class

  • Lunches

  • Dinner Saturday

  • Friday dinner

  • Coffee

  • Welcome gift

Guests arrange their own lodging and transportation to the retreat house.

Price

$495 per person

 

Saturday Creative Day

$295

Includes:

  • Pumpkin Patch Sunrise

  • Breakfast

  • Cyanotype Workshop

  • Lunch

  • Mushroom Walk

  • Sunset Shoot

 

Optional Individual Experiences

These are great for local Whidbey residents who can't commit to the full weekend.

Experience

Sunrise Photography $75

Fort Casey Sunset $75

Ebey's Landing Sunset $75

Mushroom Macro Walk $95

Cyanotype Workshop $150

Storytelling Through Images $95

Reservation & Payment

To reserve your place in the retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration.

  • All-Inclusive Retreat: $250 deposit

  • Artist Pass (No Lodging): $150 deposit

The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the retreat.

To make the retreat more accessible, we also offer a three-payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost over several months while securing your spot.

Because this is an intimate retreat with limited availability, deposits are non-refundable and your space is reserved only after your deposit has been received.

Autumn Photography Retreat on Whidbey Island Autumn Photography Retreat on Whidbey Island Autumn Photography Retreat on Whidbey Island Autumn Photography Retreat on Whidbey Island Autumn Photography Retreat on Whidbey Island
Autumn Photography Retreat on Whidbey Island
from $1.00

Option 1: All-Inclusive Retreat

  • 2 nights lodging

  • All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast

  • Welcome package

  • Cyanotype workshop and supplies

  • All photography instruction

  • Transportation during group outings

  • Editing sessions

  • Printed retreat guide

  • Three finished art projects

$995 per person

Photography Pass (No Lodging)

  • Every workshop

  • Every outing

  • Cyanotype class

  • Lunches

  • Dinner Saturday

  • Friday dinner

  • Coffee

  • Welcome gift

Guests arrange their own lodging and transportation to the retreat house.

$495 per person

Saturday Creative Day

Includes:

  • Pumpkin Patch Sunrise

  • Breakfast

  • Cyanotype Workshop

  • Lunch

  • Mushroom Walk

  • Sunset Shoot

$295 per person

Optional Individual Experiences

These are great for local Whidbey residents who can't commit to the full weekend.

Experience

Sunrise Photography $75

Fort Casey Sunset $75

Ebey's Landing Sunset $75

Mushroom Macro Walk $95

Cyanotype Workshop $150

Storytelling Through Images $95

Reservation & Payment

To reserve your place in the retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration.

  • All-Inclusive Retreat: $250 deposit

  • Artist Pass (No Lodging): $150 deposit

The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the retreat.

To make the retreat more accessible, we also offer a three-payment plan, allowing you to spread the cost over several months while securing your spot.

NOTE: for the "optional individual experiences” please book for $1 and you will then be contacted to confirm which experiences you choose to sign up for. An additional invoice will be sent then.

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2026 Virtual Photography Conference
Nov
6
to Nov 8

2026 Virtual Photography Conference

2026 Virtual Photography Conference

November 6-8th

The 2026 Virtual Photography Conference is a weekend dedicated to creativity, growth, and purposeful artistry.

Whether you're just picking up your first camera or you've been photographing for years, this conference was created to inspire you, challenge you, and connect you with a community of photographers who believe that images can tell meaningful stories.

Over three days we'll explore both the art and the craft of photography through live educational sessions, interactive discussions, creative challenges, and opportunities to meet and learn from skilled photographers.

Throughout the weekend you'll experience:

  • Live educational classes taught by photographers with diverse specialties

  • Technical demonstrations and editing sessions

  • Discussions focused on creativity and artistic vision

  • Interactive panel conversations with industry professionals

  • Creative exercises you can participate in from home

  • Community networking and social gatherings

  • Behind-the-image presentations where photographers share the stories behind their favorite work

  • Q&A opportunities with instructors

Every session is designed to help you leave inspired, equipped, and excited to continue creating.

Weekend Theme

Creativity • Growth • Purposeful Artistry

Photography is more than pressing a shutter. It's learning to notice. To slow down. To tell stories. To see beauty that others overlook.

This conference celebrates both technical excellence and artistic expression, encouraging photographers to grow not only in skill but also in confidence, curiosity, and creative voice.

Conference Schedule

Friday • November 6

Welcome Social

Kick off the weekend by meeting fellow photographers.

Enjoy fun icebreaker activities, photography trivia, giveaways, and a chance to get to know the instructors before classes begin.

A relaxed evening focused on community and connection.

Saturday • November 7

Full Day of Creating

Spend the day immersed in photography through live presentations, demonstrations, and discussions.

Topics include:

  • Creative vision and finding your artistic voice

  • Composition and visual storytelling

  • Nature and landscape photography

  • Wildlife photography

  • Editing workflows

  • Night photography and light painting

  • Building stronger images through thoughtful observation

Throughout the day you'll also participate in:

  • Interactive Q&A sessions

  • Creative activities

  • Community discussions

Evening Panel

Building Your Audience as an Artist

Learn how photographers have grown engaged communities through storytelling, social media, networking, consistency, and meaningful connections. Discover practical ways to expand your reach while staying true to your creative vision.

Sunday • November 8

Half-Day of Education

Continue learning through additional live sessions designed to leave you inspired long after the conference ends.

Interactive Panel

AI and the Future of Photography

An open discussion exploring how artificial intelligence is changing photography and art while examining creativity, ethics, workflow, authenticity, and where human artists continue to bring irreplaceable value.

Closing Celebration

We'll wrap up the weekend by celebrating what we've learned, sharing favorite moments, announcing prize winners, and encouraging everyone to continue growing together long after the conference concludes.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is designed for photographers of every experience level.

Whether you photograph with:

  • A smartphone

  • Mirrorless camera

  • DSLR

  • Film camera

...or you're simply passionate about visual storytelling, you'll find sessions that help you grow.

Beginners will build confidence.

Intermediate photographers will strengthen their skills.

Experienced photographers will discover fresh perspectives, creative inspiration, and meaningful conversations.

More Than a Conference

This isn't simply a weekend of watching presentations.

It's an opportunity to become part of a welcoming community of photographers who encourage one another to keep exploring, experimenting, and creating with intention.

We can't wait to create alongside you.

Over three days we'll explore both the art and the craft of photography through live educational sessions, interactive discussions, creative challenges, and opportunities to meet and learn from skilled photographers.

2026 Virtual Photography Conference Ticket 2026 Virtual Photography Conference Ticket 2026 Virtual Photography Conference Ticket 2026 Virtual Photography Conference Ticket
2026 Virtual Photography Conference Ticket
from $79.00

Over three days we'll explore both the art and the craft of photography through live educational sessions, interactive discussions, creative challenges, and opportunities to meet and learn from skilled photographers.

Dates: November 6-8, 2026

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Nature Observation and Photography Walk (For Kids)
Jun
24
10:00 AM10:00

Nature Observation and Photography Walk (For Kids)

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:

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

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Tide Pool and Photography Workshop
May
16
8:30 AM08:30

Tide Pool and Photography Workshop

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

Amber Braxton will lead the photography workshop

I am a photography and since moving to Washington from my land locked state I grew up in, I became obsessed with marine life and tide pooling! I enjoy marrying my passion for photography, nature, teaching and the ocean and I am really excited to be hosting this workshop with Lisa! I have ten years of experience as a photographer, both in portraits and nature, and I am currently chasing my passion in teaching and creating community.

Lisa Amantche will lead the tide pool workshop

I'm photographer and beach naturalist, Lisa Amantche. Originally from Mississippi, I've spent my life moving around America and absorbing all forms of naturalist joy I can find along the way. During nearly two decades of living in the Seattle area, I volunteered on beaches through Seattle Aquarium and Beach Watchers (Snohomish County) to educate others about the incredible wildlife and ecosystems that call the Salish Sea home. For now I'm a desert dweller, but I relish being able to come back "home" to meet you and to say hello again to some of my most beloved marine life friends. Looking forward to getting messy together as we hopefully create art that sparks joy!

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:


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My Top 5 Photoshop Tools that Enhance Photo Editing
May
2
6:00 PM18:00

My Top 5 Photoshop Tools that Enhance Photo Editing

  • 3040 273rd Avenue Northeast Redmond, WA, 98053 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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!

My Top 5 Photoshop Tools - Virtual Class My Top 5 Photoshop Tools - Virtual Class
My Top 5 Photoshop Tools - Virtual Class
$10.00

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!

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Photo walk: Northwest Railway Museum
Dec
6
11:00 AM11:00

Photo walk: Northwest Railway Museum

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

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