The first weekend of October typically offers the best peak fall color near Grand Marais. During the Fall on Lake Superior Photography Workshop, we’ll explore the vibrant yellows of the aspen and birch, the reds of sumac and mountain ash, and if the maples leaves are still on the trees, we’ll explore areas of maples. Depending on where the best color explodes, we may spend time in the maples near Lutsen and Tofte or the birch forests near Grand Marais.
Wherever we are expect a fun hands-on learning experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Minnesota. From our base in Grand Marais, we’ll explore Lake Superior’s shore and the lakes of Superior National Forest. Along the way, you will learn new techniques, improve on old ones and make great photos.
Dates: Not currently scheduled. You can see the list of current photo workshops here.
Cost: $499 ($250 nonrefundable deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before the workshop.)
Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota
This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.
Check out my current photo workshop schedule.
Itinerary
This Lake Superior photography workshop combines classroom time with field-work and a final review. There’s plenty of time for one-on-one instruction with the small group size.
Day 1: Sunrise to sunset (optional: sunrise)
The day starts with sunrise on Lake Superior. After sunrise, we’ll grab breakfast and then meet in the classroom for presentations. Depending on the number of questions, we may break for lunch and come back to the classroom for a short afternoon session. The lectures will cover working methods for landscape photography, composition for landscape and the recommended filters. After the slideshow, we’ll head out to photograph the fall color. At sunset, we will photograph a scene over Lake Superior while practicing using neutral density filters.
Day 2: Sunrise to sunset
We will spend the day in the field visiting locations that have the best fall color. If the maples are at peak, we will spend time in the Lutsen and Tofte area. If the aspen are peak we will spend time up the Gunflint Trail or near Lake Superior. Expect to be in the field from sunrise to sunset with a break for breakfast. We will eat lunch in the field either at a cafe or you can pack your own lunch.
Day 3: Sunrise to 1pm
We start on Lake Superior for the sunrise and after breakfast, we meet up for an image review in the classroom. You’ll share your five images with the classroom and receive honest and supportive feedback and tips on how to process the images.
Additional Information
Maximum number of participants: 10
Experience Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras.
Activity level: This workshop may involve hikes up to 2 or 3 miles depending on the fall color. Trails will generally be easy to moderate but may have short difficult sections. You should be moderately fit to participate in this workshop. Sunrise or sunset may involve walking to or out of the location in the dark. If you have any questions about your ability to keep up with the group, please, call me at 218-370-8351 to discuss.
What’s included in the workshop fee: Instruction fee and guiding.
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation. Carpooling is required. We will use an application to help coordinate carpools before the workshop. Lodging. Meals. Trip insurance. Park entrance fees.
Lodging partner: After you register, I’ll send you information on how you can register for the room block. The hotel is in Grand Marais, MN
Getting there: Grand Marais, Minnesota is 110 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota on Highway 61. Duluth boasts a small international airport. It’s 260 miles north of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has an international airport that also acts as a regional hub. Grand Marais is 128 kilometers south of Thunder Bay, Ontario on Highway 61. Thunder Bay has a small airport. Car rentals are available at the airports.
Weather: The average temps for 37°F for lows and 52°F for highs. Below freezing temps are not unusual at sunrise.
Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a full equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.
Filters: While filters are not necessary, I recommend a Singh-Ray LB Neutral Polarizer and a Singh-Ray 3-stop Reverse ND grad. I have a limited number of demo filter kits available. More information is in the participant package. You get a discount when buying direct from Singh-Ray and using the code “hansel10”.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.
