Gold Rush Highway Photo Workshop 2020
By: Lynn Radeka
Please join us for our 2020 California Gold Rush Highway photography workshop! Lynn Radeka and Ron Gaut will be hosting this new photographic workshop, open to all photographers, traditional and digital, of any experience level. Not only one of America's true historical locations, the Gold Rush Highway (California's Hwy 49) is exciting, colorful and extremely photogenic. Step back in time to see these amazing towns built in the mid-1800's as a result of gold being discovered in California. Along the entire scenic route, skirting the western foothills of the high Sierra mountains, many original buildings, lovingly preserved and restored, are still standing. Dine in restaurants that served gold miners during their heyday and sleep in colorful wild west hotels that have kept their original gold country charm.
Our workshop begins in historic Placerville, a booming gold rush town in the middle of Hwy 49. Traveling south we visit Plymouth and Dry Town, then the historic Sutter Creek with it's old western buildings, photogenic signs, shops and restaurants. Founded by John Sutter, one of the original discoverers of gold in 1848, this historic town enjoyed the fruits of the gold rush and quickly grew because of the large deposits of placer gold nearby. Continuing south we visit the larger and very picturesque town of Jackson, then after some twisty forested road the small and quirky town of Mokelumne Hill with it's streets and buildings showing the signs of frequent earthquake activity.
Further south the next photogenic gold rush town is Angels Camp with it's many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Laundry is displayed hanging on ropes across the main street as a tradition of commemorating the past.
The next stop is Columbia State Historic Park. This is one of the best preserved historic towns in the American West. We will very likely spend at least a half day here.
Further south we photograph the historic towns of Sonora and Jamestown. Then it's on to Chinese Camp, with it's tiny but very photogenic Main Street and side streets. Old brick buildings, carefully preserved with their iron-clad doors, are still standing. Depending on time, participants may wish to go even further south to the small historic mining town of Coulterville with it's historic Main Street. Beyond that lies Hornitos, a very small town with a ghost town feel nestled among the oak tree covered hills where Ansel Adams made several photographs.
Please check back frequently for updates to our itinerary and feel free to email Lynn Radeka if you have suggestions on potential locations. Contact Lynn Radeka