Mt Tamalpais in Fall

Mount Tamalpais in Fall: Golden Hills & Coastal Light

Sunday, October 5 · 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Limited to 5 participants

Fall is a season of transformation on Mount Tamalpais. The hills glow with golden grasses, the forests deepen in color, and the coastal fog rolls through the valleys, painting everything in soft, shifting light. This workshop is your chance to explore the mountain’s rich textures and long shadows during one of the most photogenic times of year.

Designed for photographers of all levels, this small-group workshop offers hands-on instruction as we move from shaded forest trails to open ridgelines, ending with golden hour and sunset over the Pacific.

What to Expect

📍 Meeting Point: Start at my studio in Petaluma (carpooling available), or meet us in Fairfax

Our Journey Begins at Alpine Dam

We’ll begin the afternoon at Alpine Dam, where calm reflections and weathered stone offer opportunities for moody forest images and creative compositions. We’ll go over exposure, lighting, and composition techniques to prepare for the rest of the day.

Redwoods, Fog, and Fall Light

As we make our way up toward Bolinas Ridge, we’ll stop to photograph:

🍂 Mossy oak groves and redwood stands bathed in low, directional light

🌫 Fog drifting through valleys, adding mood and atmosphere

🌾 Grasses and dry wildflowers catching the sun’s golden glow

If conditions are right, we’ll position ourselves for the “islands in the sky” effect—ridge peaks rising above a blanket of coastal fog.

Sunset & Twilight Over the Coast

We’ll finish the day with golden hour and sunset along Bolinas Ridge or another vista point, where the warm light and long shadows bring the hills to life. Expect sweeping views of Bolinas Lagoon, the Pacific Ocean, and maybe even San Francisco gleaming in the distance.

📍 Bonus: After the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed map of all photo stops so you can revisit them on your own.

Why You Should Join

✔ Small group (max 5 participants) = personalized guidance

✔ Diverse photo subjects: forests, hills, fog, ridgelines, and ocean vistas

✔ Perfect for all levels—from beginner to advanced

✔ One of the best seasons for capturing the drama of light and landscape on Mt. Tam

Workshop Details

📅 Date: Sunday, October 5

⏰ Time: 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM

💰 Cost: $150

👟 Fitness Level: Easy to moderate – most locations are close to parking with short walks

🚗 Transportation: Optional carpooling from Petaluma

🚻 Bathrooms available every 1–2 hours

☕ Midday snack break included (please bring your own)

Included:

✅ Expert instruction tailored to your gear and experience level

✅ Map of our photo stops (delivered after the workshop)

✅ Optional carpool coordination

What’s Not Included:
❌ Snacks (bring your own for energy!)
❌ Transportation (aside from carpooling options)

Capture the shifting light and golden stillness of Mount Tamalpais in early fall—when the land glows, the fog rolls in, and every moment feels like a painting.

🔗 Reserve your spot today—only 5 spots available!

🎟️ Sign up at least a week in advance and get a 10% Early Bird discount.