Seascapes of Lake Superior Photography Workshop
Dates: December 5 to 7, 2025
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Cost: $499
Explore the rugged and dramatic seascapes of Lake Superior’s North Shore during this photography workshop based in the charming town of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Over the course of 3 days, you will have the opportunity to capture the moody waters, basalt shorelines, and windswept seascapes that make this region of Lake Superior so visually compelling.
Led by experienced seascape photographer Bryan Hansel, you will visit a variety of classic shooting locations around Grand Marais. You’ll learn techniques for effectively composing and exposing seascape images, working with natural light and weather conditions, and making the most of the dramatic cloud patterns and ever-changing light over the lake.
This workshop offers classroom time, outdoor field time, and an image review session during the workshop dates.
Cost: $499 (A nonrefundable deposit of $250 is due at registration. The remainder is due 90 days before the workshop.)
This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.
What You Will Learn
This 3-day photography workshop in Grand Marais, Minnesota immerses you in the captivating seascapes of Lake Superior’s North Shore. You’ll visit iconic locations to develop your skills in composing and exposing dynamic coastal scenes.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced photographer, you’ll have an opportunity to return home with a portfolio of stunning seascape images and new techniques for capturing the power and drama of these rugged seascape landscapes.
The workshop will include a blend of field sessions, classroom instruction, and group image review/critique. Topics covered will include:
- Seascape photography fundamentals (composition, exposure, lighting)
- Composition techniques will focus on near/far compositions with strong foregrounds leading to the big lake.
- Techniques for capturing the movement and power of waves
- Working with neutral density filters for long exposures to blur the motion of the water
- Editing and processing workflows for seascape images using Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Processing will focus on darker and moody images assuming we get the conditions.
This workshop is suitable for photographers of all skill levels who are interested in expanding their landscape and seascape photography skills.
The workshop will be based in Grand Marais, MN, providing easy access to some of the most stunning and photogenic sections of the Lake Superior shoreline.
Required Equipment
Participants should bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens, a sturdy tripod, and appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear. A full suggested equipment list is provided after registration.
Because this workshop is focused on photographing seascapes, you’re going to learn to use the same types of filters that I use for seascape photography. I typically use two or three filters for seascape photography, but only two are required for this course.
The required filters include a 100mm by 150mm 3-stop reverse ND Grad (if you typically bracket and combine shots with exposure blending or HDR then you can skip this filter unless you want to learn to use it), a 100mm by 100mm 5-stop or 6-stop ND filter. A polarizer and 10-stop ND filter are optional. Your filter holder will need to be able to hold the Reverse ND Grad, ND filter and polarizer at the same time. The Haida M10 works well for this. After you register, you’ll get access to my participant package which discusses filters further. I have several loaner filter sets available on a first come first serve basis. Purchasing your first filters can seem daunting, and I’m happy to discuss this with you before the workshop.
For safety reasons if the shore is icy, crampons or traction devices are required.
Itinerary
This is the tentative itinerary and subject to change based upon the conditions. I’ll select the specific locations based on the conditions.
Sunrise: ~7:30am, Sunset: ~4:11pm
FRIDAY
Classroom time starts at 9 am and the day ends on Lake Superior shooting sunset. We break for an hour after the classroom for lunch.
SATURDAY
We start in the field photographing sunrise. After a break for breakfast, we will have a classroom session on editing images. The rest of the day is in the field.
SUNDAY
We start with sunrise, break for breakfast and then do an image review. The workshop ends after the image review. It usually ends between 11am and noon.
Additional Information
Workshop type: This is a Minnesota photography workshop. It has classroom time, outdoor field time, and an image review session during the workshop dates. Learn more about workshop types.
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 miles of hiking a day. Most of our destinations are right on Lake Superior near the parking lots. The shoreline is rocky and has uneven terrain. The rocks can be icy, so cleats or crampons are required if there is ice.
What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Conference room for classroom time. Field sessions. My over 20 years of living in the area for figuring out the best locations for the conditions. Fun!
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Grand Marais and photography locations. Carpooling is highly recommended. Park passes. Lodging. Meals. Travel insurance.
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. Lodging costs are not included in the workshop fee.
Workshop Dates: December 5 to 7, 2025
Check-in date: Dec 4
Check-out date: Dec 7
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 19°F for lows and 32°F for highs. There may be ice on the ground. While snow is unlikely, it isn’t unusual.
Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package discusses equipment options, photography techniques and more. If interested, I can provide this before you register.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.