Learn how to photograph the Milky Way during a Lake Superior Night Photography Workshop in northern Minnesota. Cook County is one of the darkest areas east of a line that runs from North Dakota to Texas. It offers some of the darkest skies in the world. According to the Dark Sky Finder, a small section of the county reaches Bortle Level 1, which is the darkest the sky can get on earth. Most of the county is shown as a level 2 or 3 by the Dark Sky Finder. Combine the dark sky with the stunning Lake Superior landscape, and it makes for one of the premiere photography destinations in the world.
Dates: Not currently scheduled. You can see the list of current photo workshops here.
This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.
Check out my current photo workshop schedule.
Teaching Topics
This night photography workshop concentrates on the following teaching topics:
- Predicting where the Milky Way will be
- The changing positions and angles of the Milky Way
- Finding the galactic core
- Planning photo shoots based on the Milky Way and the moon and twilight
- Finding dark skies
- Computer programs and smartphone applications for planning photo shoots
- Camera settings for night photography
- The 600 rule vs. 500 rule vs. 400 rule
- How to focus at night
- Composition for effective night photos
- Adding people to your shots the right way
- Using Adobe Lightroom to process your Milky Way photos
This workshop includes a FREE copy of my Adobe Lightroom Night Sky Presets. I use these presets to process my own Milky Way photos.
Note: If we have clouds, we will still be outside learning low-level lighting techniques for the landscape to enhance your Milky Way foregrounds. If we have a thunderstorm, we will attempt to capture lightning.
Itinerary
The schedule is tentative and may change based on conditions. This is a field workshop with the majority of the time spent in the field capturing images. There is one planning classroom session. You will be able to work on your images during the day and if you have any concerns or problems I’ll be available for an hour before each scheduled class to discuss. But plan on being in the field for most of the workshop. Image review will be completed via the Internet after the workshop.
Day 1: 7pm to 2am depending on conditions
The night sky photography workshop officially begins with a slideshow and lecture covering some of the teaching topics. After the slideshow, we’ll head out to photograph the night sky and make sure that everyone understands how to make an image. We will spend the night photographing the night sky.
I’ll also demonstrate how to process Milky Way images using Lightroom and my night sky presets. I designed the presets so that you can fine tune your images and maximize the potential in 30 seconds or less. You’ll receive a free copy of the presets and the presets manual.
Day 2: start at sunset
We will meet at sunset and photograph the sunset and blue hour and then stay out until 2am depending on the conditions.
Day 3: Optional
We start early and photograph sunset. After that, we’ll head out to photograph the Milky Way. When you pay your final payment, you’ll have the option to add an extra night to your workshop for an additional fee.
Additional Information
Maximum number of participants: 10
Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras
What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Classroom time. Fun!
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Grand Marais, MN and photography locations. Carpooling may be required. Lodging. Meals.
Lodging partner: Aspen Lodge in Grand Marais, MN is the lodging partner for this workshop. It is on the east side of Grand Marais across the street from a popular restaurant, My Sister’s Place. Aspen Lodge offers views of Artist’s Point, the East Bay and the Coast Guard Station. It has a giant whirlpool spa, a sauna and a pool. It’s within walking distance of downtown. The conference room and lobby is on the second floor. Call 800-247-6020 to make your room reservations.
Getting to Grand Marais, MN: 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. Thunderbay has a small airport. Car rentals are available at the airports.
Weather: The average temps are 44°F for lows and 62°F for highs.
Equipment list: You will receive a full equipment list and 50+ page participant package after registration. 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.