Dates: October 1 to 5, 2025
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Cost: $899
During the first weekend of October, Lake Superior’s north shore has exploded into vibrant colors. The birch and aspen turn vibrant yellow, the sumac and mountain ash turn red and sometimes the maple colors are still around. During this Lake Superior fall photography workshop, we’ll explore the north shore, photograph the fall color and make photos that you’ll proudly hang on your walls.
This Fall on Lake Superior photography workshop sets up a fun hands-on learning experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Minnesota. We’ll set up our base in Grand Marais and adventure out to nearby locations. We’ll visit scenic overlooks around the area. Based on the fall color, we may explore the Lutsen, Gunflint or Lake Superior areas. Along the way, you will learn new techniques, improve on old ones and make great photos.
This Minnesota photo workshop combines classroom instruction, image feedback, and field time at some of the most stunning fall locations in the country.
Dates: October 1 to 5, 2025
Price: $899 ($450 nonrefundable deposit due on registration. 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.
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.
Sunrise: ~7:00am
Sunset: ~6:35pm
Day 1: 10am to sunset
The photography workshop officially begins at 10am with a slideshow and lecture about camera control, composition and the recommended filters. After the slideshow, we will break for a hour-long lunch. After lunch, we’ll head out to photograph the fall color while practicing using polarizers and neutral density filters. We will be in the field until sunset.
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 and an indoor classroom session on photo editing using Adobe Lightroom Classic. We will eat lunch in the field either at a cafe or you can pack your own lunch.
Day 3: Sunrise to sunset
We will spend the day in the field visiting areas that have the best fall color. This will likely be on the Arrowhead Trail with an early sunrise on one of the best overlooks on the north shore. If so, we will stop for breakfast and one of the best caramel rolls on the shore. After breakfast, we will have an short indoor classroom for image review. You’ll share up to three images via email for supportive and honest feedback.
Day 4: Sunrise to mid-afternoon
Sunrise will be near Grand Marais, which will allow us to grab breakfast in town. Then after lunch we will head back out into the field until mid-afternoon. You will have the evening to yourself to process images and prepare for the image review. You can also choose to shoot sunset with me if you don’t feel like you need the evening to process images and relax.
Day 5: Sunrise until the image review is over
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. The workshop is over after the image review. It will be 1pm at the latest.
Potential Night Photography
With the Solar Cycle moving towards the solar maximum, there’s a greater potential for northern lights. This time of year is also good for night photography. If the conditions are right, we may photograph the night sky on one night. If it happens, we would be out from 9 to midnight. This is included in the workshop fee.
“I have taken three fall workshops with Bryan. This past one was the five day one, and it was the best of all for me. The locations were great and the weather was what we wanted. Bryan helped me in the field and classroom to understand the why behind our approach for the whole week. I learned a ton and brought home some good shots.”
― Dan from Sun Prairie, WI
When is Peak Fall Color on the North Shore?
Fall color on the north shore happens in two stages. The maples peak red, orange and yellow first. Then about a week later, the birch and aspen along Lake Superior peak to yellow. The aspen and birch on the Gunflint Trail usually peak sometime between the two. The maple peak is generally what attracts the most people to the area, because when at peak it’s literally breathtaking. But, the aspen peak lasts longer and is more dependable.
Since 2003, the earliest that I’ve seen Oberg Mountain peak is September 18th (in 2004), and the latest I’ve seen peak on Oberg Mountain is October 1st (in 2015). Generally, Oberg peaks around the 26th to 28th. Oberg is the indicator for the area. If it’s going, the maples will be peak throughout the area and the birch and aspen will be closing in on peak on the Gunflint and peak the following weekend. The birch and aspen along the lake will just be starting. I’ve run this workshop for nine years and we’ve found color on every year. The hardest year was 2015, because fall colors were running one to two weeks late across the entire state. On the majority, we’ve had peak color. Typically, the last weekend in September is peak maple and the first weekend in October is peak aspen and birch.
Additional Information
Maximum number of participants: 10
Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras.
Activity level: Expect up to 3-mile round trips on moderate terrain. Some days may have a total of 5 miles of hiking. Most of the hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty. Some of the potential hikes may have sections that some would consider harder, but based on the standard difficulty ratings they are easy to moderate. Sometimes participants decide to skip some of the hikes and photograph closer to the cars. This is okay. If you have questions, please, phone me.
What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Conference room for classroom time. Fun!
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Grand Marais and photography locations. Carpooling is highly recommended. Lodging. Meals and drinks. Park permits.
Lodging partner: The lodging partner is within walking distance of downtown Grand Marais. After you register, you’ll receive information about booking your room in the room block. You’ll need to make your room registration separately from the workshop fee.
Workshop Dates: October 1 to 5, 2025
Check-in date: October 1
Check-out date: October 6
Getting to Grand Marais: 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 are 52°F for lows and 37°F for highs for the month of October.
Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.