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:
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.