​Flexible and advanced learning: This workshop focuses on making expressive nature photos. We'll discuss in great detail both theory and practical application, and together we'll take these concepts from the classroom to the field. We'll also discuss digital darkroom techniques for optimizing your nature photos. My goal is to ensure that the photographic opportunities are intense and rewarding, the critique sessions constructive, and the overall experience friendly and enjoyable. 

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Workshop location: The workshop is based in Tofte, Minnesota, along Lake Superior's famous North Shore.

 

​Physical requirements: We will be doing some light hiking on this workshop. Also, we will be exploring Lake Superior's rocky coastline, where good balance is essential. People who are in poor shape or who have mobility issues might find this workshop challenging. You don't have to be an athlete for this workshop, but if you have physical limitations, please contact me before registering so we can discuss whether this workshop is appropriate for you.

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Skill level: Photographers of all skill levels will benefit from this workshop, but if you are new to photography, you might want to learn basic skills elsewhere before signing up for this class. You don't have to be an advanced photographer to take this workshop, but we're going to be focusing on the artistic aspects of visual design, so participants are expected to have a working knowledge of their camera and other photographic equipment.

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General schedule: Please note that each day’s schedule might vary according to which locations we visit that day, how long we shoot, and what the weather conditions are like (if the weather is conducive to photography on a particular day, we might stay in the field longer, and if not, we might emphasize classroom work that day instead). Flexibility is key to successful nature photography, so expect that plans might change. 

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Day 1: Participants arrive in the afternoon and check in at the hotel. We meet in the afternoon for an initial "meet and greet" event (time and place to be determined prior to the workshop start). I will give an opening presentation, provide an overview of the workshop activities, and answer questions. After, we'll head out for a quick evening shoot.

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Days 2-4: Be prepared for three full days of intense workshop activities! We will go out to photograph sunrise every morning, spending 2-4 hours in the field. We'll keep shooting so long as conditions are good for photography; otherwise, we will schedule some time in the classroom. Classroom activities will include presentations about composition techniques, digital darkroom processing, and daily critique sessions. In the late afternoon, we head back into the field for our sunset photography session. 

 

Day 5: After one last sunrise shoot (weather permitting), we conclude the workshop in time for everyone to check out of the hotel. 

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Lodging: Lodging is included in the workshop price. I have a block of rooms reserved in Tofte; details will be provided after registration. 

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Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to, from, and during the workshop. The closest major airport is in Duluth, MN, which is less than two hours away by car. 

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Payment policy: The workshop fee is for instruction and lodging only. All other expenses, including transportation and meals are the responsibility of the participant. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot on this workshop. The remainder will be collected 90 days prior to the workshop start.

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If you cancel within 90 days before the start date, a partial or full refund of the workshop tuition might be available as long as we are able to find a replacement (minus a non-refundable $500 administration fee). We try to be flexible about emergency cancellations; just contact us and we’ll do our best to work it out!