North Shore Landscapes: A WACCO Photography Workshop
North Shore Landscapes: A WACCO Photography Workshop
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In late fall and early winter, the North Shore of Lake Superior transforms into a quiet, moody landscape of crashing waves, low-angle light, and misty mornings. Waterfalls still flow strongly from autumn rains, the forests thin out to reveal rocky cliffs, and the lake becomes a palette of steel blues and fiery skies. It’s a time when the shoreline feels wild and untouched and it's perfect for seascapes, long exposures, and quiet forest scenes. Add in golden-hour light that lasts for hours and the comfort of a slower pace, and it’s one of the most rewarding seasons to explore the shore with a camera.
Join me in Grand Marais for this North Shore Landscapes Workshop designed exclusively for WACCO members.
We’ll photograph seascapes, waterfalls, shoreline details, and the wide, wild expanse of Lake Superior while also diving into editing, image reviews, and creative development.
This three-day workshop is designed exclusively for WACCO members and focuses on capturing the unique beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore. We'll cover a variety of subjects:
- Dramatic seascapes of Lake Superior
- Intimate Northwoods landscapes and shoreline details
- Waterfalls and fast-flowing streams
- Sunrise and sunset sessions with emphasis on composition, light, and composition
- How to use ND Grad filters and ND filters plus polarizers
- Guided field outings, group image reviews, and editing sessions
During midday breaks, we’ll gather indoors for image reviews and light editing instruction (Lightroom Classic techniques, and creative processing). These indoor sessions also offer time to connect as a group and review techniques.
What’s Included
- Expert instruction in the field from a North Shore-based professional photographer
- Group image critiques and personalized feedback
- Indoor sessions covering editing workflow, composition refinement, and creative choices
- Access to my participants package to prepare participants
Tentative Itinerary
The North Shore Landscapes photography workshop combines classroom time with field-work and a final review. There’s plenty of time for one-on-one instruction with the small group size. This schedule will adjust as needed.
- Sunrise: 7:34am
- Sunset: 5:56pm
Thursday
Meet and greet at 6:30pm to collect waivers and do introductions.
Friday
- 6am: Meet in the lobby for sunrise
- 9am: Break for breakfast
- 11am-1pm: Classroom
- 1pm-2:30pm: Break for lunch
- 2:30-6:30pm: Afternoon and sunset session
Saturday
- 5:30am or 6am: Meet in the lobby for sunrise
- 9am: Break for breakfast
- 11am-1pm: Classroom about image editing
- 1pm-2:30pm: Break for lunch
- 2:30-6:30pm: Afternoon and sunset session
Sunday
- 5:30am or 6am: Meet in the lobby for sunrise
- 8am: Break for breakfast
- 9-11am: Image review: submit up to 5 images, sRGB, 1200 pixels on the long edge via email
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: 12
Experience Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras.
Activity level: Short hikes of up to one mile on easy to moderate terrain. Some of the beaches have uneven surfaces. Total daily hiking is around three miles.
What’s included in the workshop fee: Instruction fee and guiding.
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation. Carpooling is required. We will use an application to help coordinate carpools before the workshop. Lodging. Meals. Trip insurance. Park entrance fees.
Lodging partner: After you register, I’ll send you information on how you can register for the room block. The hotel is in Grand Marais, MN. The room rate is $95 + tax and fees per night.
Workshop Dates: October 24-26, 2025
Check-in date: October 23
Check-out date: October 26
Getting there: 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 for 37°F for lows and 52°F for highs. You should expect colder temps. Below freezing temps are not unusual.
Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a full equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.
Filters: While filters are not necessary, I recommend a 3-stop Reverse ND Grad, 5-stop or 10-stop ND filter, and a polarizer for this workshop.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.
This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.