In February, Lake Superior starts to freeze. Thick sheets of pack ice get pushed up onto the shore making a maze of blue ice to walk through. This ice also makes an interesting subject to photograph — the deep blue of the ice contrasts with the splash of color during the sunrise and sunset, which occurs out over the lake each day. Combine the unique shore ice with all-day-long, golden-hour light, sea fog and open water, and you have the perfect conditions for winter photography.

Join me on Lake Superior for one of my Winter Photography Workshops and capture stunning images of the big lake in a season when most people stay away.

Dates: January 31, 2025 to February 2, 2025

Cost: $499 total. Nonrefundable deposit of $250 is due at signup. 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  U.S.  Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.

What You Will Learn

This workshop includes classroom sessions, field session where you can put into practice concepts learned during the classroom sessions, and an image review. Topics for the workshop include composition, camera control, keeping your camera functioning in the cold, and the image review also includes information on editing.

• How to keep your camera gear functioning during winter, and how to keep it safe from moisture.
• What to wear to stay warm and how to keep your hands warm
• The theories of composition and composition techniques using simplicity, flow, and relationships
• Working methods for landscape photography
• Filter usage for capturing sunrise and sunset photos
• Simple editing techniques to develop flow into your images

Itinerary

The itinerary is subject to change and will vary based on which workshop you attend.

Day 1: Classroom starts at 10am. After class, we’ll shoot sunset.

Day 2: Sunrise and sunset on Lake Superior. Break for breakfast and a hour long classroom session. Explore a river canyon.

Day 3: Sunrise on Lake Superior. Breakfast and checkout. Image review from 9am to 11am.

Optional night photography session available for an additional fee (minimum of three participants required).

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 snowshoeing on Saturday. For sunrises and sunsets, you’ll need to be able to walk on icy surfaces using crampons or cleats.

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.

Workshop Dates: January 31, 2025 to February 2, 2025

Check-in date: Jan 30

Check-out date: Feb 2

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 10°F for lows and 28°F for highs. The records are -34°F and 58°F. Count on snow on the ground and ice.

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.