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Explore The Expansive Palouse

A photography adventure of light and land with David Julian

June 22-26, 2026

The Palouse is Eastern Washington’s most scenic centerpiece,
often referred to as "The Tuscany of North America".

Join me on a fully guided adventure through the Palouse. With its painterly light, rolling fields, and cinematic skies, the Palouse is a wonderland for photographers seeking inspiration and learning to create stunning images of rural beauty.

My five-day guided workshop blends my 23 years of expert instruction and curated access to remote and rarely-photographed locations, including a famous farm, a 19th-century settler's church, and a private Victorian home filled with stories and vintage relics of early Americana. 

This year, I've also arranged for exclusive tripod time inside an abandoned vintage hospital filled with equipment and untold stories.

Each moment at each location is an opportunity to transform what you see and feel into truly frameable art. Whether you're capturing expansive landscapes at golden hour or motion blur for expressive effect, you'll receive daily one-on-one guidance to refine your composition, sharpen your technical skills, and elevate your creative voice.  I offer image reviews and also demonstrate how I refine my RAWs in Lightroom.

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Trip Dates

June 22-26, 2025
 

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Group Size

3 to 8 participants

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Physical Requirements

Easy: No hiking

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​Gear, Clothing, Etc.

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"I've just returned from a fabulous Palouse workshop with David, and would highly recommend his workshops to any passionate photographer. His attention to detail always got us to the best spots on time, and he guided us on how to get amazing shots.I particularly liked the variety of places we visited. I returned home with many favorite photographs. We all really had a really fun time!” — Tim R, WA

"This was my third guided Palouse workshop, and by far the best for the buck. Dave was super organized, helpful, and easy to learn from. He even checked each person’s setup and settings as we waited for that unforgettable owl-filled sunrise.”  Patty M, Eureka CA

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Absolutely stunning landscapes!
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Instructional topics include:
  • NEW in 2026: Photograph an abandoned hospital for an eerie, moody experience (tripods allowed).

  • NEW in 2026: Capture a private historic home filled with Palouse artifacts (tripods allowed).

  • "How I'd Shoot This Subject" field demos + individual guidance at orientation and on location.

  • Beyond the Postcard: Learn the techniques to best capture what you see and feel.

  • Composition & Framing: Find the most compelling shots in vast landscapes.

  • Master Light: Techniques for dawn, golden hour, sunset, and blue hour.

  • Creative Camera Work: In-camera motion, layered exposures, panos, shallow DOF, and dramatic POVs.

  • Smartphone Photography: Apps & techniques to greatly expand your creativity.

  • HDR in Lightroom: Auto-bracketing RAW captures to balance highlights & shadows.

  • Lightroom & Silver Efex Pro: Expert processing, B&W conversion, and noise reduction.

  • PLUS: More serendipitous ops as time and weather allow!

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Locations we have access to shoot*
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  • Steptoe Butte, famous for the sweeping elevated views that the Palouse is famous for

  • Kamiak Butte, a secondary lower view for stacking hill layers tightly into undulating stripes

  • A private historic home filled with historic and decorative artifacts (tripods allowed).

  • A legendary third-generation farmer, his vast view farmlands and huge harvesting equipment

  • Early American rural hilltop church and settler's cemetery

  • A abandoned hospital (two hours to explore, tripods allowed)

  • Lone Trees standing proudly amidst crop fields

  • Barns of several different styles, from faded reds to sun-silvered grays

  • Stately steel grain elevators and grain silos

  • Beautiful rusty vintage trucks, cars, and agricultural vehicles

  • Early American farmhouse surrounded by spacious fields

  • Old storefronts, mural'd walls, and other photogenic artifacts

  • Countless miles of rolling hills

  • A Wind Farm at Sunset (weather and time dependent)

  • Assorted wildlife and wildflowers (we have seen several Moose with calves)

  • Many other stops for serendipitous discoveries and anything that excites our eyes.
     

        *We fit in as much as we possibly can!

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FAQs:  Experience  | Physical Req's  | Inclusions  | Transportation  | Lodging  | What to Bring

Included:

  • Pre-trip group meeting via Zoom in early June (date/time TBA via Email once enrollment closes.)

  • Orientation meeting and field techniques presentation at the hotel​ once we arrive.

  • ​Full breakfasts at the hotel each morning, or bagged morning snacks for our sunrise adventures​

  • Daily workshop transportation in a new air-conditioned passenger van if we have over 6 people.

  • Professional 1-on-1 photography guidance at your own level of experience or group size.​

  • Professional Lightroom developing workflow and tips​

  • Cold bottled water is available throughout the workshop​

  • A fun, positive, and memorable learning environment​ where new friends are made

Not Included:

  • Transportation to the Palouse workshop or host motel. (participants needing airport transfer should call me well in advance)

  • ​Accommodations. Participants should book one of our discounted rooms as described in the registration section below.

  • ​​Meals, drinks, gratuities, hotel incidentals or personal expenses

  • ​​New camera instruction. Please bring a camera you are familiar with, and bring the manual for your reference.

  • ​​Individual photography critiques after the workshop are available via Zoom on a fee basis after the workshop.

  • Only those registered can join us on daily excursions, but family is welcome to dine with us by prior arrangement. 

How much experience is needed?

This workshop is for adults, and is geared towards advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographers. You should know how to set your camera for both Auto and Manual modes, and how to use a tripod. Inquire if unsure. Non-photographers are welcome too! If you don’t own a camera, I'll guide you on how to make excellent photographs using your smart phone. Here are some examples.

 

Physical requirements:

Participants must be able to handle some dry heat, and get in and out of a multi-seat van without mechanical assistance. This tour is mostly drive-up access or within 50 yards of our subjects, and hiking beyond that is optional. Those with hay fever or pollen allergies and adverse responses to heat should bring sufficient supplements. Bring Bonine, Ginger, and maybe a wrist-pressure bracelet if prone to road nausea.
 

Transportation during workshop:
When we have more than six, I rent a comfy air-conditioned passenger van to limit our carbon footprint, and to simplify our logistics. If flying in, land in Pullman (town where we stay), or Spokane, 90mins north. If we coordinate before airfare purchase, I can pick people up in Pullman, and sometimes Spokane if you land early enough. It is best to arrive early in case of delays, as late arrivals may delay our first evening outing. If driving, please call me at 206.364.9077 once you get your ETA. I can also give you ideas for stops along the way!

Lodging: We reside this year in Colfax or Pullman, (TBD). in a higher-end motel that includes buffet breakfasts, an outdoor patio, pool, and more to come home to. We start each morning from this location, and eat other meals out as a group to share stories of our travel and learning adventures. All dietary preferences can be accommodated in the variety of restaurants we visit in Colfax and Pullman along the way. Families with kids are welcome to stay at the Motel where there is a pool and lots to do in town or parks while we head out daily.

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Please read this completely as there are some new details.

1. CONTACT ME: Use the form below to see if I have openings. Please state the method you will use to send your Deposit. Include your full name and cell phone number, as I may need to reach you. Also, be sure to add if you will be sharing a room or needing a single.

2. REGISTER: Send $1000 to register and hold your space in the workshop. You can save time by paying the full price at one payment.
See more about tuition and payment below.

3. WAIVER: Download and sign this required Liability Waiver. Return it by email to become fully registered. Please email me with any questions.(You are not fully registered until I have your Waiver Form via Email or postal mail.).

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4. BOOK ROOM: Once you pay your workshop deposit, you can book your room at Best Western Wheatland Inn using our discounted rate (link to come) or by calling ‭the motel, asking for “Explore the Palouse.” Check-in time at the motel is usually 3 p.m. Call them well ahead if you will be arriving sooner to see if your room can be ready. You can also add extra nights at that rate.

 

5. ZOOM: (Early June: TBA) Fully registered participants first meet via ZOOM to discuss the workshop logistics and handle questions.

6. MEET: Then, on June 22nd we meet promptly at 4pm in the motel lobby for a greeting and required orientation. Have your camera kit, tripod and layers with you at that time, as following our orientation, we grab an early dinner and head north to the butte to explore!

[ Please call Dave if arriving after 3 at the motel. Phone# is in all emails from Dave. ]

 

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$2100:  Complete workshop as described above.  ($1000 for Deposit;  $1100 for Balance invoiced later)

                 This workshop usually fills, so it is advised to reserve ASAP with your Deposit to hold your spot.
                 
Student EDU deal: If you are a one of my current or recent UW students, contact me for my EDU Palouse tuition.

 

Please read these instructions, choosing one payment method for both the Deposit and the Balance:
 

Zelle or Venmo, use QR codes or my accont names below.  Use "Palouse 2026" as the payment memo. Simple!

Paypal  Use buttons below, or your Paypal app.
• Choose "Friends & Family" as payment type to avoid a seller's fee I must then request from you.

• Credit Card payments include the 3.5% credit card fee charged to me.

• If your account uses your Paypal balance or your bank account to fund purchases, I'll refund your 3.5% transaction fee. 


Check:  Email me for the address. You are registered once your check clears. No fee.. unless of course your check bounces!  :-o

NEW! Got a friend who wants to join us?
Send them this contact form, and both of you will earn a $100 rebate after they register and complete payments

NEXT: Use this form to inquire about availability, adding payment choice, and room choice.
Add anything else you like. We will reply ASAP. It can take a bit longer if traveling.
I am interested in: Required

Thanks for inquiring!

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PLEASE READ: We all want to bring everything we think we might need, but the more gear, the more decisions while shooting, which impedes creative flow and timing. Please pack compactly for fast and easy van load/unloading as we hit several locations per day. Whatever camera you bring will be fine so long as you know how it functions. I can often help with unfamiliar settings, but bring the manual as a searchable PDF on your phone just in case. Go Light and your creativity will flow in the Palouse!

Daily gear:
  • Lightweight clothing for hot sunny conditions; and warm layers for Sunrise, such as wind pants, gloves, insulated jacket and a winter hat.

  • Hiking shoes or sneakers with extra socks, a windbreaker or light weight rain jacket if rain is predicted.

  • Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sun hat or cap, and a bandana for wiping camera or hands.

  • Snack bars, spill-proof water bottle, and if needed, Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent with Picardin® work best.

  • Headlamp or powerful LED flashlight for nights. For those doing any night photography, a RED LED headlamp or penlight is best.

Photo gear:
  • One or two camera bodies that you already know how to use. Bring the manual just in case.

  • Wide angle prime, such as 24mm (FF), or a do-all travel-zoom lens like a 24-105mm.

  • Medium prime, or a do-all travel-zoom lens.

  • Telephoto zoom lens or a Prime focal length of at least 200mm. Longer Tele Zooms are helpful, especially if used with a Gimbal.

  • You can optionally rent gear at Glazer's Camera (Seattle) or at Lensrentals.com. Always add the insurance!

  • Polarizing filter(s) to fit your lenses.

  • Consider a Neutral Density ND 6 or 10 filter for special blurred motion effects in bright light.

  • I use K&F anti-static UV filters for every lens, so I never clean lens elements with dusty grit.

  • I use these awesome LensPens and lens cloths frequently. Get a few as they eventually get dusty.

  • I have switched to 64 and 128gb Prograde Gold SD cards. They write faster in my cameras than most other brands.

  • Extra batteries and charger. Charge all batteries before you depart home.

  • Consider these Optech Rain Sleeves in case we get a shower during a great shoot.

  • Fit all in one photo pack or other bag. Add a large COLOR name tag or fabric tag to identify your stuff easily in the big gear pile.

  • Tape your name on your tripod and camera bag. Airline luggage will not fit in our daily van touring.

  • I label ALL my photo gear and SD cards using this label maker for water-resistant labels on any color tape you choose. 

  • Download the offline Google Map for the Palouse Region, as cell service / GPS is often spotty there.

  • Consider this fast-charging USB Mini PowerBank for recharging any phone or camera battery using a USB cable.

  • DRONES abusing private property rights have caused serious issues with other photo groups. I have a well-earned reputation to protect, so my guests cannot fly a drone during the workshop. Beyond the workshop, you can fly over public property only at your own risk.
    Note that Steptoe Butte is a remote cam-surveilled no-fly zone.

        Safety and Reputation is a priority: To respect the people of the Palouse, we stay off private property unless we have permission.

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