Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) is offering a nature photography class with photographer Dave Tipton on our protected properties on Saturday, October 18.
Join photographer Dave Tipton for a hands-on nature photography class focused on building strong foundational skills and visual awareness in the field. The class will be held on two of BMLT’s conservation easements in the beautiful upper Touchet River Valley near Dayton, Washington. Whether you’re new to photography or looking to sharpen your approach, Dave will guide you through the essentials of exposure—ISO, shutter speed, and f-stop—along with practical instruction on basic composition, framing, and the use of leading lines to strengthen your images.
Participants will also explore the difference between shooting in RAW vs JPEG, and practice the art of seeing before you shoot—learning to pause, observe, and compose with purpose. Most of the day will be spent outdoors, applying concepts directly as you photograph in natural light.
Expect a day of discovery, practice, and inspiration guided by someone who believes good photographs begin with how you see, not just what you shoot.
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Dave Tipton is a seasoned photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature. Growing up in Western Montana, his work has taken him from Canada to Belize, with significant time spent in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, particularly focusing on National Parks. His work has been featured in National Geographic and Outdoor Photography Magazine and his portfolio also includes photography for the Super Bowl, The Black Eyed Peas, Hugh Jackman, and more. After moving to Waitsburg, Washington, in 2021, Tipton continued to explore and photograph the rolling hills of local farmland and in 2024 he opened the “Portraits of Nature” Gallery in Waitsburg. For more information or to view his work, visit his website at www.bigskyphotography.net.
Special thanks to Dave Tipton for instructing this class and the property owners providing access to these sites.
Trip Details:
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Whether you’re new to photography or looking to sharpen your approach, Dave will guide you through the essentials:
📷 Exposure—ISO, Shutter Speed, and F-Stop
📷 Practical instruction on basic composition, framing, and the use of leading lines to strengthen your images.
📷 The difference between shooting in RAW vs JPEG.
📷 The art of seeing before you shoot—learning to pause, observe, and compose with purpose.
Most of the day will be spent outdoors, applying concepts directly as you photograph in natural light.
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Unique guided photography class on two of BMLT’s conservation properties.
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We will meet on the conserved property, which is a short drive from Dayton, WA. Specific directions will be provided upon registration.
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Saturday, October 18
9:00 am - 9:15 am: Arrive at Property
9:15 am - 10:45 am: Guided Nature Photography Class
10:45 am - 11:00 am: Return to Parking Area
There will not be public restroom facilities on site. Please stop in Dayton prior to the visit as it will be your last chance to use a restroom.
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Who should join?
Open to ages 16+ up with parent or legal guardian.
Experience Level:
Involves walking and standing for extended periods of time over uneven ground.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced photography skillsets welcome.
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✅ Your digital or film camera and any gear you like to use
✅ Tripod (optional but helpful)
✅ Warm clothing and rain gear if wet weather predicted (layers recommended)
✅ Long pants (property areas include brush)
✅ Sturdy water-resistant footwear such as hiking or muck boots
✅ Water
✅ Gloves/Hand warmers (optional but helpful)
✅ Snacks (optional)
✅ Pack to carry camera, water, snacks, etc.
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Phone service is spotty in and around the property. Please get in touch with us ASAP prior to the event and download directions to the property prior to departure.
Space is limited, please register soon. Registration closes on October 16th, 2025.
We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
For more information about this event, please get in touch with the volunteer coordinating this event, Emily Slusser at emilymslusser@gmail.com.
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Please email Amanda “Marti” Martino and Emily Slusser if you have questions at marti@bmlt.org and emilymslusser@gmail.com.
Learning on the Land events are generously supported by the Port of Walla Walla. This event is also generously supported by photographer Dave Tipton.
Special thanks to the land owners of our conserved properties hosting this event.
