Spring June 11–17, 2005
Leaders John Shaw and Joe Van Os
Harvest July 30–August 5, 2005
Leaders Darrell Gulin and Joe Van Os
Fee $1,995 from Spokane, Washington
Deposit $300
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

Nothing else represents the quintessential American landscape more than the family farm, and few places offer more scenic possibilities than the Palouse country that straddles the border of southeastern Washington and northwestern Idaho. Our Palouse Photo Safari is a photographic celebration of this nostalgic slice of Americana.

The deep loess soils of the Palouse form an undulating farmland of indescribable beauty.  Unusual patterns created by plowing and crop rotations offer hours of thought-provoking exploration of realistic and abstract compositions. The region is dotted with classic barns and other farm buildings.
And during June, the vibrant yellows of blooming canola (rape seed) fields are contrasted by the rolling chartreuse hills of wheat, saturating the fields with explosive color. Wildflowers are abundant at this time of year. August is harvest time which is rich in color and texture. Undulating hills of golden wheat contrasted against cobalt skies and striking red barns create eye-popping imagery. During this time working farm machinery as part of the landscape enhances our shooting even more!

From a splendid vantage point on top of Steptoe Butte, we will have a commanding view of miles of beautifully-cultivated landscape. Our group will create images similar to those that can be taken from an aircraft—although we will have the advantage of two feet on the ground, stable tripods and the ability to capture the landscape at its best, in the long low light of sunrise and sunset.

In taking a break from other photographic endeavors, some of our leaders often get together for a photographic “busman’s holiday” in the Palouse. We have been here so often we have virtually every picturesque barn and farmstead in the region mapped out and choreographed to be there at the best light. Join us in June and August to discover the subtle photographic pleasures of the Palouse for yourself!


Day 1
Participants arrive in Spokane, Washington, in time to meet for dinner. (D)

Days 2—6
We drive to Pullman, our centralized hub for these next five full days. Like the Palouse farmers we will be up early. Our shooting locations will change depending upon the time of day, light and weather, and we drive numerous farm roads looking for great photographic situations. The Palouse offers a wide range of inspiring agricultural landscapes. Unlike the flat fields associated with so much of agricultural America, the 4,000-square-mile Palouse is covered with sensational rolling hills, textured fields and a host of beautifully-preserved barns and other farm buildings. We return to Spokane on the evening of Day Six. (BLD)

Day 7
Participants may depart at any time today.


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.