HIGHLIGHTS
One of the “Seven Wonders of Oregon” Crater Lake is one of the most iconic landscapes in Oregon and we are teaming up with Wanderlust Tours to create an epic overnight naturalist and photo guided experience! We will set up camp at Diamond Lake, then hit up Crater Lake for sunset and stay for some stars. Then head back to Diamond Lake to camp and potentially more night photography, then get up early for sunrise. We will then head back over to Crater Lake for a moderate hike and more photography, then back to Bend for an optional post shoot recap in Adobe Lightroom.
Workshop includes:
2 Days/1 Night
Transportation to and from Bend, Oregon, and to shoots and excursions
1 night stay at Diamond Lake Campground
Access into Crater Lake National Park
Appetizers, 1 Dinner and 1 Breakfast
Wanderlust Naturalist Guided Experience
Several Photo Excursions
All the memories to capture
Post Excursion Lightroom recap
Optional Add-Ons:
Camp Gear
Workshop is capped at 12 people to ensure personalized instruction and individualized attention.
Space is limited so be sure to sign up today!
Tour Price: $699 / person
Workshop DETAILS
Tour Length: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate. We will have opportunity to do some hiking in the area.
Itinerary:
Day 1- We will meet at the at Wanderlust 2:00pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026 where we will pack up get situated and discuss the plan for the trip then head out to Diamond Lake and set up camp. We’ll have some dinner as we do so and then take off for a guided hike and sunset at Crater Lake. We’ll wait it out until the stars grace our presence and then head back to camp for some rest.
Day 2- In the am, we’ll get up for sunrise at Diamond Lake, make some delicious breakfast, pack up camp and head back to Crater Lake for some morning light and another guided hike. Around 10am we’ll head back to Bend and meet up for a Lightroom recap.
Guides: This special excursion will not only be lead by Toni Toreno the founder of Bend Photo Tours, but also with a expert naturalist guide from Wanderlust. This combination experience will help you get the most out of your photography experience no matter what your level, as well as learn about the history of Crater Lake as you capture it.
Weather Conditions: Although Central Oregon is notorious for "300 day of sunshine a year" there are days where the weather is less than optimal. In most cases we will still have the expedition, but may change the specific shoot locations if possible. Note that we cannot offer refunds due to weather unless we cannot go out at all, but will reschedule the expedition. Also keep in mind that inclement weather often results in some of the most dramatic and stunning photos! Just make sure you dress and prepare accordingly.
Food/Water: We will provide 1 dinner, 1 breakfast and a couple snacks. Sunday once we are back you will have the option to meet up for lunch in Bend on your own with the light room recap. Water will be supplied at the camp site, but please bring your own container to fill.
What to Wear: You should check the weather forecast prior to the date of the workshop. August is notoriously warm, but can cool down A LOT at night, so bring layers for camping. If it’s going to be hot, wear light-colored clothing and a hat. If the temperatures are cold, bring some warm layers and long pants. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen. If it’s very cold and or windy, don’t forget a jacket, warm hat and some gloves, especially for shooting at night. If rain is in the forecast, bring a rain jacket. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear due to the uneven terrain and we could do some hiking. Bug spray also comes in handy.
Restroom Facilities: There will be facilities at our camp as well as at some of our stops.
Cell Phones: Be sure to bring your cell phone along, though service my be spotty in areas
Group Size: 4-12 max
Camera Gear: A wide angle zoom lens is the most useful for night photos to get the most of the sky in the shot (equivalent 16-35mm on a full-frame camera or 10-22mm on a crop sensor). In addition, the lower the aperture the better! At least a F2.8, but F1.2-1.8 is always nice to have as well for night photography. A mid-range lens can also come in handy or if you don’t have a wide angle (24-70mm on full frame or 18-55mm on crop sensor). If you want to try and get in some tight shots of wildlife or the crater, I would also recommend a zoom lens (70-200mm works for most things, but feel free to bring what you have). Tripods are a must since we are shooting long exposures at night. You will also need a camera that has a "manual" setting or a way to you can control the aperture, shutter speed and ISO independently. Don’t forget extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies. Also bring your laptop for the post excursion Lightroom Recap.
Additional Gear: Camping gear can be rented through Wanderlust if needed, otherwise be sure to pack a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, headlamp, and camp chair if you need. In addition bring all personal toiletries, clothing for 2 days, jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, etc. Please consolidate your gear as much as possible.
If you need to rent gear for your trip we encourage you to use Focal Point Photography
Cancellation/Re-Scheduling: Please see our Terms and Conditions.
