In April, the winter’s snow pack melts off of the Minnesota highland surrounding Lake Superior and rushes down narrow canyons and over hundreds of waterfalls. The waterfalls thunder, the ground shakes and it feels like life reborn. No other time of the year allow for the dynamic photography of waterfalls along Lake Superior like spring does. Join me for a Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop on Lake Superior. During the workshop, we’ll visit many dramatic waterfalls along the north shore, photograph the sunrise over Lake Superior and you’ll learn how to capture stunning images and improve your photography.

Dates: May 2 to 4, 2025

Cost: $499 (A $250 non-refundable deposit required at registration. The remainder of $249 is due 90 days before the workshop by February 1, 2025.)

Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota

This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from  U.S.  Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.

Teaching Topics

Because photography is a changing art form and because I often change my approach to photography, my topics and slideshows change every year. So, if you’re repeating this workshop or others, you’ll see differences in the slideshows, topics and teaching approaches. For this Lake Superior photography workshop, the topic are:

Understanding filter usage

How to photograph waterfalls

The emotional impact of differing shutter speeds

The theory behind composition, compositional elements and techniques

Balance and image flow

Exposure and using the histogram in the field to maximize digital data captured

Photo Workshop Itinerary

This Lake Superior photography workshop combines classroom time with field work and a final image review. You’ll learn photography techniques for capturing waterfalls. There’s plenty of time for one-on-one instruction with the small group size.

Friday: 10am for introductions and a classroom presentation that presents techniques for successfully capturing north shore waterfalls. After the classroom, we will go into the field to practice techniques and shoot several waterfalls.

Saturday: The day starts early with a morning session on the Lake Superior shoreline photographing the sunrise. Then we break for breakfast often as a group. We’ll assemble after breakfast and then head back out into the field for a full-day adventure photographing waterfalls. Where we go depends on water levels and the lighting. I’ll put us on the best waterfalls at the best times in the right light to capture them. We’ll come back to the Grand Marais before dinner. Sunset is on your own.

Sunday: We assemble before sunrise in the lobby to head out for a sunrise photography session and stay in the field until mid-morning. The goal is to photograph a “secret” waterfall that past workshops said was one of their favorite waterfalls. This is one of those waterfalls that very few people know about. We break for breakfast often as a group. At 9am, we meet up for in the classroom for an image review. The workshop ends at 11am. There’s an optional add-on Night Photography Session on Sunday night.

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 3 miles of hiking on moderate ground on Saturday. April on the north shore can include icy or snowy trails. I’ll update you about the conditions when I send out my pre-workshop email.

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 except for breakfast which is provided by the lodge.

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.

Check-in date: May 1

Check-out date: May 4

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 30°F for lows and 46°F for highs. There may be snow and ice on trails.

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.