Coastal Compositions
Cannon Beach Bootcamp
May 9-11, 2025 — Only 6 Spots Available!
Join me in the Pacific Northwest gem Cannon Beach for a weekend of coastal photography and instruction. We’ll make images of the iconic Haystack Rock and various angles surrounding it, and since this bootcamp is focused on improving your composition skills and teaching you The Art of Seeing, we will also explore less common ways of capturing the magnificent beauty of this stretch of the PNW coast!
My goal is for this weekend to set you up to become a more confident & creative photographer and take your photos from meh to meaningful! So join me!
Workshop Highlights
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So Many Bucket-List Fall Photography Locations
There are few places in the world that are more spectacular than Colorado during peak fall color season.
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Learn A New Approach To Landscape Photography
This is not your average workshop! I won’t just shuttle you around. Instead, I’ll teach you The Art of Seeing.
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A Private Jeep Tour To The Crystal Mill
You’ll photograph one of Colorado’s most timeless and iconic sites — the Crystal Mill near the town of Marble.
What You’ll Learn…
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THE -ART- OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The one thing you need to focus on if you want to take more meaningful photos.
It always leaves me baffled that most workshop instructors won't teach this — when it makes all the difference between a good photo and a great one. Hint: It has nothing to do with your camera.
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CONFIDENTLY USE YOUR CAMERA
The techniques you need — and don’t need — to create compelling compositions.
You’ll leave this workshop feeling more confident to achieve proper exposure even in the most challenging light conditions, get tack-sharp focus, and you’ll know when to use (& when not to use) filters, long exposures, and other tools.
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CREATE MORE UNIQUE IMAGES
The surefire way to finding your own style as a landscape photographer.
With these easy-to-implement strategies, you’ll jumpstart developing your own vision and style as a photographer before ever pressing the shutter button on your camera — even if you’re just starting out.
I Reimagined The Workshop Experience.
Here’s what makes my workshops different than the other guys.
You’ll be more comfortable.
During this workshop, we’ll stay at the beautiful Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs in Ouray. And unlike on most other photo workshops out there, there is no sharing rooms with your fellow photographers just so the instructor can make an extra buck. All my workshops include comfortable, single occupancy, private-room accommodations. Trust me: After a day of adventuring and learning, you’ll want that undisturbed rest!
Oh, and unlike most other workshops, your tuition also includes accommodation the night before & after the workshop. It’s just the most practical thing for you, and I hate hidden fees as much as you!
You won’t be on your own when you’re back home.
Unlike most photo tour operators out there, I won’t leave you hanging once you get on the plane again. Long after you’re back home, I’ll continue to help you become a better, more confident nature photographer — with available follow-up calls, post-processing advice, image reviews, an invitation to my private Facebook group, and so much more. All at no extra cost.
Your Instructor.
Cannon Beach is my favorite place in the Pacific Northwest. Its rugged, laid-back beauty speaks directly to my wild soul — and I never leave here without having witnessed and captured some kind of natural magic. Cannon Beach is just special.
With the famous Haystack Rock being such a singular, dominant focus, Cannon Beach is also the perfect place to teach you how I go about creating gallery-quality nature photographs by looking for a unique touch to an oft-photographed crowd-favorite, finding creative compositions that evoke a sense of awe and emotion.
That’s what I will focus on during this Coastal Compositions Bootcamp, and I hope you will join me so we can get you on the path to taking your photos from meh to meaningful!
Happy Students Make Me Happy!
Mark, previous Colorado Photography Workshop student
“I really appreciated Lars personal attention to my images and how he worked with me on the minute details of my photographs. I had a good amount of knowledge already, but Lars was still able to give me advice on what to work on so I can continue to grow my abilities.”
Save Your Seat Today!
Save Your Seat Today!
THE INVESTMENT: $1895
The Dates
May 9-11, 2025
Physical Difficulty
Only minimal hiking required. Most locations are accessible with just a short beach walk.
What’s Included
— Three days of hands-on instruction by an award-winning fine art photographer — Access to the most stunning coastal locations around Cannon Beach — Single-occupancy hotel accommodations — Local transportation — Continued support on your photo journey long after the workshop ends —
What’s Not Included
— Camera Equipment — Your Flights — Travel Insurance (recommended!) — Airport Transport — All Food & Alcoholic Drinks —
Save Your Seat Today!
Save Your Seat Today!
The Workshop Itinerary.
Here’s how this weekend bootcamp in beautiful Cannon Beach is going to go down…
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We’ll meet at our hotel — the charming Inn at Haystack Rock right in the heart of Cannon Beach — at noon.
After a brief welcome, overview of the bootcamp agenda and safety briefing, we’ll check into our private, single-occupancy rooms and get ready to head out — we don’t have any time to waste!
We’ll familiarize ourselves with the location, and then we’ll photograph the sunset, looking for unique and compelling compositions.
After dark, weather-permitting, there’ll be an opportunity to continue the fun with some astrophotography instruction for those who are interested.
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Today is a full day of shooting the magnificent coastline surrounding Cannon Beach from every angle.
We’ll rise before the sun for a sunrise photo session, then we’ll take a little break for some breakfast, followed by some opportunities for image reviews and more photography.
Late in the afternoon, we’ll head to a beautiful overlook to photograph the sunset.
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It’s our last day together. We’ll rise once again before the sun does, so we can photograph the first light falling onto this heavenly stretch of coast. After our morning session, we’ll head back to the hotel as it is time to check out.
For those who want to stick around for another few hours, I’ll be available for more image reviews and answers to some last-minute questions.
And even though the bootcamp has officially concluded at this point, if you are from the area or staying an extra night, I’ll be around to photograph one final sunset with you tonight before I make my way back to Seattle!
Also… (and this is important…)
You'll have peace of mind that you are on a workshop with a fully licensed, bonded, insured and experienced photography tour operator with Wilderness First Responder & CPR training. That **should** of course be common sense, but you’d be surprised how many photographers out there offering workshops skip the paperwork and — by doing so — leave you vulnerable if things go awry. I don’t cut corners.
BONUS: When you save your spot today, you’ll get a FREE 90-minute Zoom photo consultation with me before the workshop even starts (a $149 value!)
Don’t miss out on this special weekend photo trip!
I keep my groups of only 6 students per workshop intentionally smaller than most other instructors because I want to focus on your individual needs & goals.
But that means this opportunity will fill up fast!
Is This Workshop Right For You?
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This workshop is for you if...
… you want to take your photos from meh to meaningful.
… you’re a beginner, hobbyist or professional photographer. Creativity is a journey, and every ambitious landscape photographer will walk away with valuable lessons from this workshop, no matter your current experience level.
… you’ve tried other ways to learn The Art of Seeing. You’ve watched the YouTube videos and read the books — but you didn’t find the secret ingredient to truly meaningful images. You’ll find it on this workshop.
… you’re collaborative, kind and curious to learn new ways of doing things. The best workshops are those when all members of this small group arrive in Cannon Beach with an open mind and an open heart, ready to share an amazing experience with a handful of kindred spirits. That’s when magic happens.
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This workshop is not for you if...
… you're only trying to figure out how to use the buttons on your camera. This workshop experience will go far beyond how to use a camera to photograph nature. On this workshop, I will help you explore why you want to use a camera — and then use that awareness to create truly unique images.
… you’re looking for a relaxing vacation. These workshops are taxing — in all the best ways. I’ll do my best to carve out time to rest — but our time together during these bootcamps is short, and I want you to get the best out of it! Most photography sessions will happen around sunrise and sunset when the light is most beautiful. That makes for long days. It’s simply part of what it takes to create nature images that amaze.
… you’re exclusively a portrait, street or commercial photographer. This experience is for landscape photographers. But: I absolutely do welcome photographers from other disciplines who want to dip their toe in the wonderful waters of nature photography!
Save your spot today before this bucket-list photo trip fills up!
Will you continue to jealously scroll Instagram to see amazing images…
…or are you ready to learn how to create your own?
BOOK YOUR CANNON BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE NOW!
✺ Frequently Asked Questions ✺
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3 days intensive in-the-field teaching by a renowned, award-winning photographic artist
Small group size for lots of one-on-one time
Private accommodation included
Light snacks & soft drinks
Transportation in an adventure-ready van for easy, quick access to locations
Opportunities for image reviews and instant feedback
Access to Cannon Beach’s stunning coastline
Night photography instruction for those interested
Learn how to create more personally expressive imagery, even in places that have been photographed 100s of times before
Advanced techniques such as focus stacking, HDR, panorama stitching and Intentional Camera Movement
Peace of mind that you are on a workshop run by a fully licensed, bonded, insured and experienced photography tour operator (this should be common sense, but many photographers out there offering workshops skip the paperwork and leave you vulnerable if things go awry)
Your chance to improve your photography doesn’t stop when the workshop ends (ADD MONETARY VALUE):
Lifetime access to private Lars Gesing Image Academy Facebook group — your chance to stay in touch and continue learning with peers
60-minute follow-up call with Lars two weeks after the workshop concludes to go over thoughts and problems you had once you started post-processing your images
Weekly photography tips via email from Lars
$200 off your next workshop tuition
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- Camera Equipment
- All flights
- Airport Transportation
- Travel Insurance (trip cancellation / interruption insurance, emergency medical insurance and rescue coverage are not required but strongly recommended)
- Food & Alcoholic Drinks -
(A full checklist will be emailed to you a month before the workshop)
Recommended Camera Gear
DSLR or mirrorless camera
A variety of lenses ranging from wide angle (16-35mm), mid-range (24-105mm) to telephoto (100-400mm), and a lens for astrophotography. Bring what you can carry!
Sturdy tripod & ballhead
A remote shutter release
Circular polarizer and ND filters
Lens cloths
Extra batteries & memory cards (more than you think you need!)
Cleaning supplies for your camera (including a rocket blower)
A laptop with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Rain protection for your camera gear & backpack
Drone, if desired to use
Your camera manual (digital file so you don’t have to carry it!)
Notebook & pen
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I know from experience that large group settings tend to be overwhelming. That's why I am intentionally keeping groups small, even if larger groups would mean more profits for me. I want to be able to focus on your unique goals, on your individual struggles with the camera, on your photographs. That kind of care and attention is non-negotiable. Hence, there’s a strict cap of six participants per workshop. But: A small group means this bootcamp will fully book quickly. So don’t delay!
Please note that there is a minimum of 4 participants required in order for the workshop to commence as planned — otherwise the workshop will be canceled and the fee will be refunded to you, in which case you are responsible for any potential travel costs incurred at that point. That is why I strongly recommend (but don’t require) you get travel insurance.
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Your workshop booking is non-refundable but fully transferable. That means if you can't attend for any reason, you can transfer your booking to a photographer friend. But let's face it: You're not going to let this opportunity slip through your fingers, right?!
However: To protect yourself for any eventualities, please note that I strongly recommend (but do not require) you obtain travel insurance!
Here's the fine print of my cancellation policy — I know you don't want any surprises:
“Participant understands that the Price will not be refunded, credited or pro-rated. It is Participant’s responsibility to ensure that Participant is present for the duration of the Workshop. Participant may transfer their Workshop registration to another individual only with Gesing’s prior written consent, and consent to transfer is not guaranteed. Any transfer must be completed no fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the start date of the Workshop, and Participant is responsible for the logistics of any transfer.
In the event that Gesing must change Workshop details, Gesing will make a reasonable effort to provide timely notice of such changes to Participant, but Gesing will not provide refunds.
Each Workshop has a minimum number of participants as stated in its description. In the event that a particular Workshop is less than 50% booked 30 days prior to the Workshop date, Gesing reserves the right to cancel the Workshop.
In the event that Gesing cancels the Workshop, Gesing will timely provide a refund to Participant of the Price paid by Participant; Participant may choose whether to receive a refund or a credit towards a future Workshop. Gesing is not responsible for damages incurred by Participant in reliance on this Agreement.”
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You need to be at least 18 years of age in order to participate.
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All skill levels are welcome, including beginners! The only prerequisite is that you have an interest in landscape photography, have a camera and are willing to learn a new way to approach the art of photography.
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The best airport to fly into for the Cannon Beach bootcamp is Portland International Airport. Please note that you’ll be responsible for airport transport to and from Cannon Beach.
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We will stay at the Inn at Haystack Rock in the heart of charming Cannon Beach. You do not need to call the hotel to book your room! I have reserved a block of single-occupancy rooms, and I will let the hotel know that you will be taking one of them. The cost of the hotel accommodation for Friday and Saturday nights is included in your non-refundable workshop tuition. Please know that the hotel may require a credit card at the time of check-in for incidentals — which will be your sole responsibility to pay for.
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Absolutely! I’d love to have you. Please just know that all instruction will be provided in English (with a slight German accent!) — so a basic level of knowledge of the English language is required for the successful participation in my workshops. Please also know that all travel arrangements, including but not limited to international airfare, the appropriate paperwork and any potential required visas, are your sole responsibility to obtain.
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All my workshop accommodations are single occupancy with a single king or queen bed — so yes, technically you could choose to bring your significant other, child or friend, as long as you can share a room & a bed. Please note though that space in our adventure vehicle is limited and we intentionally keep our groups very small for a collaborative workshop environment that focuses on your unique needs as a photographer — therefore we cannot accommodate plus ones during any of our in-the-field or classroom sessions. Your travel companion would need to be okay with spending a lot of alone time — or join us as a full-time member of the group, in which case a separate (paid) reservation would become necessary. To get the most out of this experience, I strongly recommend you dedicate yourself fully to this experience and eliminate potential conflicts of interest or distractions arising from bringing along someone else.
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The physical rating for this workshop is moderate. Most of the locations we will photograph at are accessible via beach walks or short hikes. So bad knees, bad backs, and other ailments won’t stop you from joining us (although participation always remains your judgment call, and we do not assume any risk!). Read our full assumption of risk policy here:
“Participant acknowledges that participation in the Workshop involves physical activities, and Participant also understands that participation in the Workshop poses potential risks of bodily injury, including serious bodily injury, or death, as well as potential personal property damage or loss. Participant affirms that there are no health-related reasons or problems which preclude Participant’s participation in the Workshop. Participant affirms that if Participant believes their participation in any part of the Workshop is unsafe, Participant will immediately discontinue their participation in the Workshop.
Participant fully understands that the Workshop involve risk which may be caused in whole or in part by Participant’s own actions or inactions; the actions or inactions of other individuals; the presence of animals and/or wildlife; weather conditions, and other conditions that are beyond the control of Gesing. Participant also fully understands and acknowledges that there may be other risks arising from or associated with the Workshop either not known to Gesing or Participant or not readily foreseeable at this time and Participant fully accepts and assumes all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages that Participant may incur as a result of Participant’s participation in the Workshop.”