Crater Lake National Park
Overnight Photography Workshop and TOur
In partnership with Bend Photo Tours
Saturday, August 8 - Sunday, August 9th, 2026
All photos courtesy of Bend Photo Tours & Toni Toreno
ABOUT
Adventure: Capture Oregon’s only National Park with this scenic Photography Workshop in collaboration with Bend Photo Tours. This overnight excursion will have us camped along the edge of Diamond Lake with remarkable views of Mt. Thielsen and other Oregon peaks. While the campsite is serene, the real treasure lies just south - Crater Lake National Park. Alongside some inspiring hikes, Toni Toreno of Bend Photo Tours will help you fully capture the beauty of Crater Lake at sunset as well as during the heart of night, with the stars shining brightly on the moonless evening.
After a restful sleep at camp, those that can’t resist a good sunrise are invited to join Toni as she seeks a misty morning with streaks of orange and purple glistening across the sky. Next, the allure of coffee and baked goods will entice you back to camp before prepping for our final departure. Not only does this workshop share the best photography techniques for getting the most from your landscape photos, but also includes a Naturalist Guide to share the intricacies of the beauty we’re capturing!
Naturalist Guided Experience: Many don’t know this, but Oregon is the 3rd most volcanically active state behind Hawaii and Alaska! The Cascade Mountains, Oregon’s backbone, and the surrounding lakes, rivers, glaciers, valleys and everything in-between, are all deeply shaped by Oregon’s volcanic history and there is no better example than Crater Lake and Mt. Mazama. While Toni helps you get the absolute most out of your camera, Wanderlust’s award-winning Naturalist Guides will impart in you a deep sense of connection to the landscape. Along the journey, you will learn about Mt Mazama’s eruptive history, how the deepest, purest lake in the US came to be, and much more!
As an extra bonus of celestial magic, the Perseids Meteor Shower will be nearing its peak!!
details
$725 per person
Tour Dates: August 8-9, 2026
Depart: From Bend at 3:00pm on Saturday, Aug. 8th
Return: To Bend Sunday, Aug. 9th around 12:00 - 1:00pm
Transportation: Departing from our office
TOUR INCLUDES:
Professional Photographer: Toni Toreno, with Bend Photo Tours, an extremely talented photographer and expert teacher
Wanderlust Tours Guide: Professional Naturalist Guide & award-winning interpretation
Meals: Saturday: Dinner, desert | Sunday: Breakfast
Click here to see Dinner options
Camping Gear: Group gear, such as stoves, water filtration, etc.
Transportation and National Park entrance fee
PLEASE BRING
Personal Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
Rentals for these items from Wanderlust Tours is available at an additional cost - please inquire when booking
Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (if needed)
Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes, socks, etc.
Clothing in Layers: Warm layers for variable weather
Miscellaneous Gear: Water bottle, day back, camera equipment, camp chair, snacks
**A detailed packing list will be provided prior to the trip
Tour Minimums:
The minimum total guest requirement for this tour is 4 people. We very much expect that minimum to be met but in the event we do not, we will reach out 2 weeks prior to the event if the minimum has not been met.
Weather, Visibility & Cancellation Policy: All tours run rain or shine. Cancellations prior to two weeks are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. Cancellations within two weeks are subject to full tour cost. You can find more details regarding our cancellation policy here.
Weather: We are fortunate to be on the dry side of the Cascades, getting over 300 days of clear skies and sunshine per year. With that said, this tour will run regardless of rain or inclement weather. You can learn more about our weather policy here.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1
We will depart from the Wanderlust office at 3:00pm for our overnight excursion of Crater Lake National Park. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to load your camping and photography gear.
We'll arrive at Thielsen View Campground, located just outside of the North entrance of Crater Lake, set up camp, and enjoy a picnic-style dinner. We will then head to Crater Lake’s stunning rim where we will revel in some inspiring hikes, breathtaking vistas, and sunset photo opportunities!
After the sun has set on Mighty Mt. Mazama, we will enjoy hot cocoa and desert from Sparrow Bakery before training our eye and our lenses on the stars and constellations above!
Throughout the day’s journey, Toni will provide expert instruction and tips to help you get the most out of your photos while your Wanderlust Guide will highlight Crater Lake’s expansive history and unique geography!
Day 2
For the early birds and those that can’t resist a good photo opportunity, wake up with the sunrise to capture early morning photos as the sun’s rays send shades of orange and pink through the sky! Sunrise is at 6:00am - to capture the pre-sunrise glow, we recommend being up and ready by 5:30am! Toni and your Wanderlust guide will lead you on a short, photography centric walk around Diamond Lake while you capture sunrise photos.
Next, the allure of coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit will have us ready for a beautiful lake side breakfast! After breakfast, we will have some additional time to explore around Diamond Lake, take more photos, or take a refreshing dip before breaking down camp and making our return journey to Bend.
Photography
Photo Ability: We cater to all levels of photography experience on this tour.
While Toni is an expert photographer, she is not necessarily versed in the unique functionality of all cameras. It is imperative that you have a basic idea of camera functionality and that you know how to work the functions on your camera (how to adjust the light meter, focal points, aperture, shutter speed and ISO are some key elements). That way we can focus our time on ideal settings, and compositions.
Camera Gear
Lens: A wide angle zoom lens is the most useful for night photos to get the most of the sky in the shot (equivalent 16-35 on a full-frame camera or 10-22mm on a crop sensor). 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).
Aperture: The lower the aperture the better! At least a F2.8, but F1.8-1.2 is always nice to have as well for night photography.
Tripods: They 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.
Extras: Don’t forget extra batteries, memory cards, power banks, and cleaning supplies.
Miscellaneous: Where we are camping will be a short drive from most of the photography and hiking locations. We recommend bringing a day pack that can carry your camera gear, extra layers, water, snacks, sunscreen, etc.
** Please note, this photography workshop is geared toward digital cameras (DSLR, Mirrorless, etc.) not film cameras.
About Your Instructor
Toni Toreno is the owner, photographer and wanderlust spirit behind Bend Photo Tours. She is a published photographer, business guru and Bend enthusiast. Her love for photography has taken her on journeys around the world, capturing photos from all 7 continents, 54 countries and 38 states, and she now calls Bend, Oregon home. Toni shares a love for the artistic side of photography and thoroughly enjoys sharing her photographic knowledge.
When not out shooting, Toni also works as a business consultant focused on marketing and overall business strategy with local and national businesses. In her free time, she is usually hiking up and/or skiing down a mountain...often with a camera in hand.
Toni's photos can be found at tstopgallery.com and follow her adventures on Instagram @tonitstop
