November is the stormiest month on Lake Superior, and the month with the best chance of capturing this inland ocean showing off its explosive nature. During this Lake Superior Photography Workshop I lead you on a learning experience to some of the most beautiful out-of-the-way locations for making great storm and lake images. Workshop time is divided between the classroom and the field. Although there will be some classroom time, expect to spend most of this workshop in the field. On Saturday, we stay in the field from sunrise to sunset with a break for breakfast.
Dates: November 7 to 9, 2025
Cost: $499 (A nonrefundable deposit of $250 is due at registration. The remainder 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 or email me to be added to a waiting list.
Itinerary
This Lake Superior photography workshop combines classroom time with field-work and a final review. You’ll learn photography techniques for capturing Lake Superior when its potential for explosiveness is unmatched. There’s plenty of time for one-on-one instruction with the small group size. While there are no guarantees that Lake Superior will be fully stormy, we will still concentrate on photographing the lake. We may detour to area waterfalls should the lake be calm.
FRIDAY
For those arriving Thursday night, there’s an optional sunrise on Lake Superior. Classroom time starts at 10am and the day ends on Lake Superior shooting sunset.
SATURDAY
The day starts early with a morning session on the Lake Superior shoreline photographing the sunrise. Then we break for breakfast. We’ll assemble after breakfast and then head back out into the field for a full-day adventure. We’ll come back to the Grand Marais for dinner before heading out for the sunset.
SUNDAY
We assemble before sunrise in the lobby to head out for a sunrise photography session and stay in the field until mid-morning. Breakfast is available in the lobby or on your own. After breakfast we meet up for image review. Before the review, you’ll submit up to five images that you’d like feedback on. The workshop ends at 1PM.
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: Short hikes of up to one mile on easy to moderate terrain. Some of the beaches have uneven surfaces.
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 25°F for lows and 39°F for highs. You should expect colder temps in the mountains. Below freezing temps are not unusual.
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. Singh-Ray’s Mor-slo filters are also fun to use to blur the water. The 5-stop Mor-slo is my favorite. 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.
