Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful areas around. It's so nice that two states get to share it! Photographically this area has some of our favorite locations on the West Coast. Whether it's Lake Tahoe itself, or one of the nearby mountains, lakes, rivers, or waterfalls, there's truly something for everyone! One of the things that makes this area so unique is a lot of the areas we photograph aren't very far to walk. It's truly a workshop that looks out of this world without having to walk out of this world to get there.

During our workshop the goal is to work with you on whatever it is that you feel you need to improve. For beginners, we will work on learning to shoot in manual, and how different settings change the look of an image. For our more seasoned shooters we work on composition and the use of filters to balance a scene, and more! Everyone loves to learn how to take their images to another level, so we'll spend part of our day processing your images. We'll show you how to take GOOD images and make them GREAT images!

Wherever you are in your photographic journey, we'll help get you to the right place in the right light! If you feel like you know it all but just want a fun weekend out shooting some spectacular locations with like minded individuals...then this is a great place for that too! Our goal is to visit some of the iconic locations in the area as well as a few locations off the beaten path. If the light is amazing, who knows what surprises nature might throw our way! Within a short drive for most of northern california this is a perfect weekend get away workshop for everyone!

Friday - Orientation will be at 8pm in the lobby of our designated hotel. We will make every effort to set up a discounted block of rooms for our students. More information will come to you at sign-up.

Saturday - We'll shoot sunrise and morning sessions around the lake, followed by an afternoon break, and some late afternoon and sunset shooting

Sunday - Sunrise shoot, followed by a break and post-processing session. We will shoot sunset that evening, and class will be concluded following the sunset shoot.

While lodging is not included in the workshop fee, the Aperture Academy does its best to set up a discounted block of rooms for enrolled students in our recommended hotel or location for all our workshops.

Please check with us before booking your lodging reservations. Upon sign-up, you will be emailed any current information on recommended lodging for this workshop.

Traveling: Students and instructor(s) will drive individually during the course of the workshop unless you've made arrangements to carpool with others.

Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.

Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.

Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.

In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy receive hands-on instruction designed for their individual skill levels, which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post-processing techniques.

Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

Brian Rueb has been photographing for the better part of 21 years. Combining a degree in photography and a degree in art, he has worked the two together to create powerful and dynamic landscape images. His love and passion for photography is evident in each and every image he shoots. In addition to his passion for art,Brian has a passion for education and has spent almost 21 years teaching art and photography in the public high school system. During that time he has developed an art and photography program that has seen numerous students win awards and go on to major in the profession. His goal is not only to be great himself, but to instill that knowledge and passion into his students.

In addition to being an internationally recognized photographer, Brian also writes for several websites sharing his interesting often comical adventures into the wilderness in search of new images, and has released a book depicting his two month adventure around the country of Iceland titled Me, Myself, and Iceland. Brian is a volunteer in Lassen Volcanic National Park and working on a five year project compiling images for a book on the park and its changes throughout the seasons.

Rueb's work has appeared in numerous magazines including Shutterbug and Photographers Forum. His work has won numerous awards and merit at the Local, State, National, and International levels.

Brian currently resides in Northern California with his wife, two boys, and two dogs.

The workshop fee is $995. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:

• 100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater
• No refund within 150 days or less of the start date
• Seats are transferrable

The workshop/tour price includes:

• Professional photography instruction.
• Post-processing session

The workshop/tour price DOES NOT include:

• Transportation
• Food
• Alcoholic beverages
• Instructor gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Lodging

Please note: In response to COVID-19, Instructors and students will drive individually during the course of the workshop. More information will be provided at sign-up

• Lake Tahoe Landscapes - 4/22/23
• Lake Tahoe Landscapes - 10/2/22
• Lake Tahoe Landscapes - 9/22/12