Women Only Salish Sea & San Juan Islands Wildlife Photography Workshop 2027

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Puffins, Whales & Islands: A Women Only Salish Sea Wildlife Photography Workshop

Tufted puffins, orcas and humpbacks, ancient fossils and island wildflowers, photographed from a small boat in a supportive group of just 5 women.

[DATES], 2027  |  4 Days  |  Only 5 Spots

Three private boat charters with the Salish Sea School included

Sold out? Email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.

Welcome to the Salish Sea

Wildlife, islands and light, right here in Washington

Most people don't know Washington has puffins. Just off Whidbey Island, Smith Island is home to one of the last tufted puffin colonies in the Salish Sea, surrounded by Washington's largest kelp bed, harbor seals, Steller sea lions and a busy crowd of seabirds. A little farther out, Bigg's orcas and humpback whales hunt and feed through the San Juan Islands.

Join me for a women only workshop, four days based in Anacortes. We will spend three half-days on the water aboard the Salish Sea School's 22-foot research vessel, an open boat built for wildlife watching and photography, with expert naturalists on board. Between boat days we will walk island shores for 75-million-year-old fossils, sandstone formations, wildflowers and sweeping views.

A Supportive Space Just for Women

This workshop is intentionally limited to a small group of women to create an atmosphere that is 100% low-key, friendly and totally encouraging.

• No pressure, all fun. Feel completely comfortable asking any question, big or small. The best learning happens when you feel relaxed and supported.
• Built-in community. Connect with fellow passionate women photographers. You will leave with new skills and a supportive network that cheers you on long after the workshop is over.
• Focus on creativity. We will dive deep into technique in a safe, judgment-free zone, so you can explore your own artistic vision with confidence.

Small Boat, Big Experience

With only 5 women on board, everyone has room to move, a clear view and real one-on-one coaching.

• Up close and low to the water. The open bow and stern of a small boat give you eye-level angles that big tour boats can't.
• Expert naturalists on board. The Salish Sea School is a nonprofit marine education group. Their crew knows the puffin colony and the whales, and part of your fee supports their student scholarships.
• Learn to shoot from a moving boat. Settings, focus modes, timing and composition for wildlife that won't sit still, on a deck that doesn't either.
• Low key and encouraging. Like all my workshops, this is friendly, supportive and full of questions, big or small.

[Testimonial quotes from past students]

Dates

4 Days: [DATES], 2027

Important note: Wind, tides and wildlife decide our best days on the water. If sea conditions make a boat day unsafe, we will swap it with our land day. The itinerary below is a plan, not a promise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Land Day

• Meet in the afternoon in Anacortes for introductions and a chat about your goals.
• Camera settings for wildlife and boat photography, gear check.
• Deception Pass: the bridge, Rosario Head and tidepools.
• Sunset over Rosario Strait at Washington Park.

Day 2: Puffin Day

• Boat charter (about 4 hours) from Skyline Marina, under the Deception Pass Bridge.
• Smith and Minor Islands: tufted puffins, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, harbor seals and Steller sea lions in the kelp beds.
• Afternoon image review and editing.

Day 3: Whales & Wildlife

• Morning session on whale behavior and how to anticipate the shot.
• Boat charter (3–4 hours) searching for orcas, humpbacks, minke whales and porpoises.
• Shore stop for wildflowers or island views when conditions allow.
• Evening editing session.

Day 4: Islands & Fossils

• Boat charter (about 4 hours) north through the San Juan Islands to Sucia Island.
• Fossil Bay's ancient fossils, honeycomb sandstone and mushroom rocks, plus island landscapes.
• Final image review and farewell.

What's Included

• Three private boat charters (3–4 hours each) with the Salish Sea School captain and naturalist.
• Guided photography sessions on the water and on land.
• Hands-on coaching and teaching: wildlife and boat photography, composition, macro and landscapes.
• Post-processing instruction and image critique (if you choose to participate) during the workshop and afterward via Zoom.

What's Not Included

• Lodging. You book your own room in Anacortes; I will send suggestions after you register.
• Transportation to and from Anacortes, and to our land-day locations.
• Food and drink. We'll have a pre-workshop Zoom call to make a plan!
• Photography gear.
• Washington Discover Pass for state park parking.
• Travel and camera equipment insurance (highly recommended).

What to Bring

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto zoom (100–400mm, 150–600mm or similar) plus a wide-angle or standard lens. A second body is helpful.
• A macro or close-up option for fossils and wildflowers (optional).
• A rain cover for your camera, lens cloths and a dry bag.
• Extra batteries, a charger and multiple memory cards.
• Warm layers, a waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes. It is always colder on the water!
• A tripod for the land day and sunsets (tripods are not used on the boat).
• A laptop for processing images.

A full gear list will be sent to you after you register.

Physical Ability & Skill Level

Skill level: All women are welcome! This workshop suits beginning to advanced women photographers who love wildlife and want to learn to photograph it from the water.

Physical ability: You will need to step on and off a small boat from a dock or beach and stand or move around the deck while it moves. Shore walks are on uneven, rocky beaches and short trails. If you are prone to seasickness, plan to bring a remedy you trust.

Wildlife note: Wildlife is never guaranteed. Smith Island is a National Wildlife Refuge and closed to landing, so all puffin photography is from the boat at a respectful distance. We follow Be Whale Wise viewing guidelines.

What to Expect

Before the workshop, we will meet on a Zoom call so you can get to know the group, ask questions and plan meals.

Our boat days run about 3–4 hours, usually in the morning when winds are lighter. Afternoons are for image review, editing and rest, and evenings for sunset when the light is good.

Payment & Due Dates

• A $[DEPOSIT] non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. The $[BALANCE] balance is due by [BALANCE DUE DATE] (90 days before the workshop).
• Prefer to be done with it? You can pay in full when you register.
• If the balance is not received within 4 weeks of the due date, your spot may be released to someone on the waiting list.

Cancellation Policy

• Deposit: Non-refundable. If I can fill your spot, your deposit will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee. You may also transfer your deposit one time to another 2027 Lisa Mize Photography workshop, or to a friend who takes your place.
• Balance: Payments toward the balance (including a pay-in-full payment, less the deposit) are fully refundable if you cancel before [BALANCE DUE DATE]. On or after that date they are non-refundable unless I can fill your spot, in which case they will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee.
• If I cancel: If I must cancel for emergencies, unsafe sea or weather conditions, charter unavailability or low enrollment, all workshop payments are refunded in full. I'm not responsible for airfare, lodging or other travel costs.

Safety & Insurance

I am bonded and insured while leading workshops, and our boat captain has the final say on routes, landings and conditions. All participants sign a participation agreement and release of liability at registration. Travel insurance and insurance for your camera gear are highly recommended.

Price: $[PRICE]

Per person. Your price includes three private boat charters with the Salish Sea School, instruction and guiding. A $[DEPOSIT] deposit reserves your spot and the balance is due [BALANCE DUE DATE], or pay in full when you register. (All prices in US dollars.)

Only 5 spots are available on our small boat. If you are thinking about joining me, don't wait to reserve your spot!

Group Size: 5

Reserve Your Spot

Fill out the form below to register and pay your deposit or pay in full.

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• Confirm with the Salish Sea School that you plus 5 participants fit within the boat's 6-passenger limit.