Lake Superior Nights: Night Sky Photography Workshop

Lake Superior Nights: Night Sky Photography Workshop

The North Shore of Minnesota boasts some of the darkest skies in the world. On clear nights, the stars shine brilliantly thanks to minimal light pollution, making the Milky Way an exceptional subject to photograph during the new moon. Paired with the sights and sounds of Lake Superior, the result is a truly unforgettable setting for night photography.

Over the course of three nights and four days, we’ll focus on capturing the night sky while building the skills needed to confidently photograph and process astrophotography images.

Workshop Details

Dates: September 9–12

Our evenings will be spent under the stars, with a primary focus on Milky Way photography. Instruction will cover focusing in the dark, operating your camera at night, camera settings, using star trackers, planning your shots, and creative composition.

During the day, we’ll host guided editing and processing sessions and explore nearby Minnesota State Parks to photograph classic North Shore landscapes.

Suggested Equipment

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Wide-angle lens (must reach f/3; f/2.8 or faster preferred)
• Tripod
• Laptop with editing software
  (Instructors will use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop)
• Clothing: Dress according to the forecast. The Lake Superior shoreline can be cooler than inland temperatures at night.

Topics Covered

• Night photography camera settings
• Composition fundamentals
• Scouting locations
• How to locate and photograph the Milky Way
• Understanding the varying positions of the Milky Way
• Focusing at night
• Low-level lighting techniques

In the event of cloud cover, we will practice low-level landscape lighting to enhance Milky Way foregrounds. If thunderstorms occur, we may attempt lightning photography when conditions are safe.

Experience Level

All experience levels are welcome. This workshop is designed for participants using a digital camera.

Physical Requirements

Participants should be comfortable hiking along the Lake Superior shoreline, which includes large, loose boulders and uneven terrain. You should be steady on your feet and able to carry your gear while hiking up to one mile during both day and night sessions.

What’s Included

• Small-group editing sessions
• Indoor conference room space for image processing

What's Not Included

• Meals
• Transportation to the North Shore and field sessions
• Lodging

Registration Details

• Maximum participants: 15
• Cost: $1,000 per person
• A $400 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration
• Final payment is due 60 days prior to the workshop

Failure to pay the remaining balance by the deadline will result in forfeiture of the deposit.

Lodging

Our workshop will be based at the Black Beach Inn in Silver Bay. A block of rooms has been reserved for participants. To secure the group rate and make your reservation, please call 218-226-4300 and let them know you are with the Lake Superior Nights group.

Instructors

Hayes Scriven Photography Bio:

Hayes Scriven is a North Shore Photographer. He has been capturing Lake Superior’s beauty since 2019. As a self-taught photographer, he quickly found his niche in landscapes and astrophotography. One of his defining characteristics is his mastery of astrophotography, capturing the celestial dance above the pristine North Shore landscapes. His awe-inspiring images of the Milky Way, and the Northern Lights have garnered attention for their otherworldly beauty. His work has been published in many regional magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Nicholas J. Narog Photography Bio:

Nicholas Narog is a Minnesota-based landscape and night sky photographer driven by exploration and adventure. Much of his work is rooted along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, where long nights, changing weather, and remote locations are part of the experience. His passion for dark skies and dramatic landscapes has taken him well beyond home, exploring wild and remote places in search of unforgettable moments. That same hands-on, real-world approach carries into his photography workshops, where he emphasizes field experience, practical techniques, and confidence in outdoor shooting environments. His work has been featured in publications and recognized through awards, reflecting a deep respect for both the craft and the adventure behind every image.

Nathan Klok Photography Bio:

Nathan is an award-winning landscape, cityscape, and deep space photographer based out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. He has been involved with photography for over 20 years. Nathan ’s love of photography began at a young age during his time spent traveling the world with his family spanning multiple continents. You can find Nathan’s award-winning photography published in books, magazines, billboards, websites, stadiums, and prints in houses nationwide.