Bryan Hansel Photography » Workshops and Classes

Fall Photography Workshop on Lake Superior

Bryan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:10:09 +0000

During the last week of September, Lake Superior’s north shore explodes into vibrant colors. The maples turn bright red and the birch and aspen turn vibrant yellow. During this Lake Superior photography workshop, we’ll explore the north shore, photograph the fall color and make photos that you’ll proudly hang on your walls.

Photography workshops need to accomplish four things:

Teach you how to use your camera better.
Teach you how to see and capture photos better.
Visit beautiful locations that I’ve explored before so you can get the best shots.
They must be fun.

By combining these aspects, this Fall photography workshop (limited to 12 people) sets up a fun hands-on learning experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Minnesota. For this workshop, we’ll set up our base in Grand Marais and adventure out to nearby locations. We’ll visit scenic overlooks in the Lutsen area to photograph the maples, we’ll head up the Gunflint Trail to photograph the birch and aspen, and we’ll visit other remote and scenic locations. Along the way, you will learn new techniques, improve on old ones and make great photos.

Day 1 (Wednesday): Sunrise to sunset (optional: sunrise)

The photography workshop officially begins at noon with a slideshow and lecture about camera control, composition and the recommended filters. For participants arriving Tuesday night, an optional sunrise session on Lake Superior is available and highly recommended. After the slideshow, we’ll head out to photograph the area while practicing using polarizers and neutral density filters.

Day 2 (Thursday): Sunrise to sunset

We start with a sunrise on Lake Superior near Grand Marais. I demonstrate the use of split ND grad filters. I have several demo filters for you to try, but I suggest that you purchase these filters if you don’t already own them. Learn more about split ND grad filters in my December Newsletter. Then we’ll visit nearby streams to photograph intimate landscapes. We end the day after sunset.

Day 2 (Thursday Night):

Thursday is also our optional night session. After sunset, we’ll meet up and learn to shoot star trails and paint the night with flashlights and other tools. I’ll also bring out a tent, so you can make the classic northwoods night camping shot. Grand Portage photographer Travis Novitsky will join us for the evening session. Travis is a fantastic photographer and his night photography is legendary. Even though the night session is optional, I suspect that everyone will want to come to learn night photography from Travis.

Day 3 (Friday): Morning to sunset

We spend the day in the Lutsen area after photographing Cascade River State Park, and then heading down to several scenic overlooks. We’ll end the day after sunset. For those of you that want to catch some sleep after last night’s night shoot, you can sleep in and meet up at noon for the rest of the day.

Day 4 (Saturday): Sunrise to sunset

This is our Gunflint Trail day. We start the day with a sunrise session on Lake Superior, we head up the Gunflint Trail to photograph the fall color reflecting in scenic lakes and from an easy to reach overlook. We’ll skip the sunset to meet up in the classroom for a demonstration of Adobe Lightroom for photo organization and post-processing. Adobe Lightroom is one tool that no photographer should be without, because it does everything we need. For this demonstration, a laptop with Lightroom is recommended, but you can follow along without it. After you head back to your hotel for the evening, you should select five photos you took during the workshop to share with the class on Sunday.

Day 5 (Sunday): Sunrise to noon with an afternoon feedback session

We start on Lake Superior for the sunrise and after breakfast, we meet up for an image review in the classroom. You’ll share your five images with the classroom. For those that have signed up for the full five days, I will do a one-on-one image review and feedback session during the afternoon and evening. These will be scheduled for 20 minutes and those that have to travel furthest to get home go first.

Fall Color Photography Workshop on Lake Superior Cost

The cost of the workshop is $749 per person for the instruction fee for the five days. Food, lodging and transportation is separate and up to you to book. Weekends in the fall fill up early, so book your hotel soon. About a month before the workshop, you’ll receive the participant packet with a suggestion of clothing and photography gear.

Price: $749 per person
Dates: September 26 to 30, 2012
Max: 12 people

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Lodging Partner

I’m hosting this photography workshop with Aspen Lodge in Grand Marais, MN. Aspen Lodge is on the east side of Grand Marais across the street from one of my favorite restaurants, My Sister’s Place. Aspen Lodge offers views of Artist’s Point, the East Bay and the Coast Guard Station. It has a giant whirlpool spa, a sauna and a pool. It’s within walking distance of downtown.

Call 800-247-6020 to make your room reservations.

Fall Color Pictures From Fall 2011

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Gales of November Lake Superior Photography Workshop

Bryan — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:38:41 +0000

November is the stormiest month on Lake Superior, and the month with the best chance of capturing this inland ocean showing off its explosive nature. During this Lake Superior Photography Workshop I lead you on a learning experience to some of the most beautiful out-of-the-way locations for making great storm and lake images. Workshop time is divided between the classroom – learning about metering, manual camera controls, lighting, composition – and the field. Evenings are spent peer reviewing the day’s images. Although there will be some classroom time, expect to spend most of this workshop in the field. On Saturday, we stay in the field from sunrise to sunset with a break for breakfast.

Lake Superior Workshop participants should expect some hiking to reach the best photography locations. Required equipment includes a digital camera with manual camera settings (a DSLR recommended), a sturdy tripod, memory cards, your camera’s manual, extra batteries and battery chargers. A laptop and a way to download images to your laptop and then to a thumb drive allows you to share during the peer review. I highly recommend a polarizer and ND grad filters.

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior’s shore serves as the homebase for the photo workshop. Lutsen offers rooms that range from rustic old school lodge rooms to plush high-end townhomes. Personally, I love their cabins. There are two restaurants on the property which makes it easy to find food during the workshop. I suggest buying one of their box lunches for Saturday, because we’ll eat lunch in the field.

Dates:

November 9 to 11, 2012

Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More Info: Lutsen Resort

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Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop on Lake Superior

Bryan — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:40:01 +0000

In April, the winter’s snowpack 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 at Lutsen Resort 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.

When: April 20-22, 2012, TBD 2013
Where: Lutsen Resort, Minnesota
Workshop Fee: $250/person
Lodging From: $99/night
Dining: Meals will be available in our Lakeside Dining Room and Poplar River Pub
For Reservations: Call 218-663-7212 or 1-800-2LUTSEN (258-8736)
Questions? Email: bryan@bryanhansel.com
More info: Lutsen Resort

Weekend Activity Descriptions

This Lake Superior photography workshop combines classroom time with field-work and a final 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, APRIL 20
Meet at 7PM for introductions and a classroom presentation that presents techniques for successfully capturing waterfalls.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
The day starts early with a morning session on the Lake Superior shoreline photographing the sunrise. Then we will break for breakfast which is available at Lutsen Resort’s Main Lodge or on your own. We’ll assemble after breakfast and then head back out into the field for a full-day adventure. Box lunches may be ordered at the front desk for an additional fee. We’ll come back to the resort for dinner before heading out for the sunset.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22
We assemble before sunrise in the Main Lodge lobby to head out for a sunrise photography session and stay in the field until mid-morning. Breakfast will be available at the main lodge or on your own. After breakfast we meet up for image review. The workshop ends at 1PM.

Required Photography Equipment

Camera: A SLR-style digital camera or a point and shoot that allows you to manually set your shutter speed and aperture is highly recommended. A variety of lenses ranging from 18mm to 200mm. Most of the time, you’ll use something in the 18mm to 70mm range, but the other focal lengths are useful.

Filters: A polarizing filter (example) and vari-ND filter (example high-end: Singh-Ray Vari-ND, example entry-level: Opteka Variable Neutral Density) are highly recommended. Two and three step ND grads with a holder and rings for your lenses are optional (See this newsletter for more info about NDs).

Other Suggested Equipment: Bring a tripod, your camera’s manual, a USB thumb drive and a laptop computer.

We’ll send out a full equipment list a month before the workshop.

Example Photos From Last Year’s Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop

Last year’s Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop on Lake Superior surprised us with a late-season snowfall. Combined with the runoff, it made unique photos.

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Lake Superior Winter Photography Workshop 2012

Bryan — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:14:07 +0000

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 conditions for award winning 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.

When: February, 10 to 12, 2012 (full)
Added session!: February 24 to 26, 2012 (still space left) – Call 218-348-7864 or email me at bryan@bryanhansel.com to register.
Workshop Fee: $250/person
Lodging From: $99/night
Dining: Meals will be available in our Lakeside Dining Room and Poplar River Pub
For Reservations: Call 218-663-7212 or 1-800-2LUTSEN (258-8736)
More Info
Winter Photography Workshop Package

Winter Photography Workshop Activity Descriptions

Like my other photography workshops this winter photography workshop in the Lutsen and Grand Marais area combines classroom time with plenty of field-work time and a final review. You’ll learn photography techniques for landscapes, how to stay warm in February temperatures, and how to keep your camera running in the cold. There’s plenty of time for one-on-one instruction with the small group size.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Meet at 7PM for introductions and two classroom presentations. The first discusses how to stay warm. The second presentation focuses on keeping your camera gear running in the cold temperatures.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
The day starts early with a morning session on the Lake Superior shoreline photographing the sunrise. Then we will break for breakfast which is available at the main lodge or on your own. We’ll assemble after breakfast for a brief classroom session and then head back out into the field for a full-day adventure. Box lunches may be ordered at the front desk. Depending on the weather, we may hike deep into a canyon of a North Shore river to photograph frozen waterfalls, or we may visit multiple locations warming up in the van before we venture out. After sunset, we will break for dinner. After dinner you may use the classroom to sort through the day’s pictures. Bryan will be around until 9PM to answer questions and give feedback.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
We assemble before sunrise in the Main Lodge lobby to head out for a sunrise photography session. A late breakfast will be available at the main lodge or on your own. After breakfast we’ll have a slide show. The workshop ends at 1PM.

Required Photography Equipment

Camera: A SLR style digital camera or a point and shoot that allows you to manually set your shutter speed and aperture is highly recommended, but other cameras will also work.

Filters: A polarizing filter is highly recommended. Two and Three Step ND Grads with Holder and rings for your lenses. Learn more about filters for this workshop.

Other Suggested Equipment: Bring a tripod, your camera’s manual, and a laptop computer. Call for recommendations.

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Individual and Small Group Lake Superior Photography Workshops

Bryan — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:07:26 +0000

The Lake Superior shoreline along Minnesota’s north shore and the Boundary Waters are among the most scenic locations in North America for landscape photography. The granite and basalt cliffs offer natural leading lines and interesting jagged breaks and cracks that work well for picture’s foregrounds. The Sawtooth Mountains work as great backgrounds. The lake is almost always on the move, so you can capture interesting waves. It’s a great place to take Lake Superior Photography Workshops or get individual photography instruction. I offer both.

I think photography workshops need to accomplish a few things:

You need to learn how to use your camera better.
You need to learn how to see and capture photos better.
They need to take place in beautiful locations.
They must be fun.

By combining those four aspects, I set up a learning experience that helps you capture stunning photos during the photo class. When you leave, you’ll have the knowledge to do it on your own. During my individual and small group Lake Superior Photography Workshops, I tailor the lesson plans to you. If you need to learn about depth-of-field to get everything in focus or to blur the background or how to make waterfalls look silky or how to freeze the motion of a wave, the workshop will teach you those things. If you don’t understand white balance, ISO, file sizes, camera buttons, then by the time the workshop is over you will. I also help you see photos while along the jaw-dropping Lake Superior shoreline, and then I teach you techniques to translate those scenes into a stunning photo. Plus, I keep everything fun!

For locations, I offer Grand Marais Photography Workshops, Lake Superior Photography Workshops, Boundary Waters Photography Workshops, and workshops in the Lutsen and Tofte area. Other areas are possible.

Lake Superior Photography Workshops Price:

1 person: $225 half-day / $375 full-day
2 people: $280 half-day / $480 full-day ($140/$240 per person)
3 people: $330 half-day / $585 full-day ($110/$195 per person)
4 people: $380 half-day / $660 full-day ($95/$165 per person)

Time:

Half-day: We meet before the sunrise and shoot until 11am, or meet for a four to five hour session mid-day or before sunset.
Full-day: We meet before the sunrise and shoot until sunset. During the long summer days, we’ll take a break mid-day to eat lunch and relax. Total lesson time runs between eight and nine hours.

Required down-payment: 50% of the total cost of the program. These down payments are non-refundable but may be transfered.
Questions? Email me at: bryan@bryanhansel.com

Reserve Now:

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Fall Photography Workshop

Bryan — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:39:38 +0000

During late September, the hills and shoreline surrounding Lake Superior turn a mix of fiery red and yellow. The combination of the dramatic shoreline and moody fall weather makes the north shore the best photography destination in Minnesota. During the fall photography workshop, we’ll visit the best locations to capture fall colors, visit a maple syrup factory and drive roads that will literally take your breath away. During the workshop, you’ll learn compositional techniques, how to use several filters and how to control your camera to capture stunning fall photos

The fall photography workshop consists of classroom time, field time and a slide show review. If the northern lights come out, a possibility in fall, we’ll head out for a late night photography season. Most of the time is spent in the field going to the best places for fall color. I’ll spend the days before the workshop scouting all the locations to ensure that you see areas at peak color. We head out for the sunrise and stay out until sunset on the longest day. Some participants choose to sleep in and skip the sunrise season.

Combine this workshop with a weekend stay for an extended vacation to the northshore during the best time of year for it. If you want to extend your photography instruction, I’m available after the workshop for individual lessons or small group lessons.

Lutsen Resort offers a variety of lodging options from a rustic stay in their historic lodge to upscale townhomes, cabins and condos. Two restaurants serve food on site. And two covered bridges that pass over the Poplar River offer especially scenic options for photography right at the resort. Box lunches are available.

Date: September 28 to 30, 2011
Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More Info: Fall Color Photography Workshop

Fall Color Images From the Area

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Waterfall Workshop Recap

Bryan — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:58:02 +0000

Nine photographers joined me for a Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop this last weekend. In a busy schedule we photographed many of the major falls along the north shore of Lake Superior during a oddly cold and blizzard like spring storm. During the workshop, we experienced weather down to 19F and up to 40F. It snowed 6 inches. The wind blew northeast down Lake Superior, which drove 8 to 10 feet waves into the Minnesota shoreline.

After the first day of shooting, the group met for an image review. Everyone got impressive images! Although, I didn’t shoot as much as I would normally shoot when out on my own, because I was helping out the other photographers, I did manage to get a few pictures. The above picture is my favorite on the Caribou River.

In all, we photographed the High Falls of the Pigeon River, Flute Reed River, Fall River, Cascade River, Temperance River and Caribou River. The waterfalls ranged from the biggest (and wettest from the spray) in Minnesota to a few smaller ones. In three days, we put in about 25 hours of photography, image review and lessons. I’m still tired.

Thanks, Anne, Becky, Jeff, Jill, Keith, Mica, Micheal, Megan and Tom, for coming. Your images looked great!

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Community Education Photography Courses

Bryan — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:57:52 +0000

The Secrets of Sunrise and Sunset Photography Course

When: March 8
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Minimum: 3 students
Price: $30
Register: Call 387-2000

The most beautiful light for photography occurs during sunrise and sunset, but because the sun is so low in the sky it creates a large contrast between the sky and ground that makes it hard to capture the image. During the class, we’ll discuss tools and techniques that you can use to make great sunset pictures and overcome the contrast. We’ll also cover what makes a great landscape photo and how to add those elements to your photos.

Waterfall and Moving Water Photography Seminar

When: April 12
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Minimum: 3 students
Maximum: 12
Price: $30
Register: Call 387-2000

With the coming snow melt and the spring storms, the waterfalls will soon start ragging. Learn to capture moving water and how to control the mood your photo portrays. The class covers stopping action to capture a waterfall’s fury and blurring water to look like silk and portray a soothing experience. Bring your camera, a tripod if you have one and your camera’s manual.

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Winter Photography Workshop on Lake Superior Recap

Bryan — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:42:02 +0000

This last weekend I taught a Winter Photography Workshop on Lake Superior. We spent time photographing the Lake Superior shoreline and hiking deep into frozen river canyons to get photos of some of the best destinations on the northshore. During the course, I worked with students on ND grad usage, how aperture works to control depth of field and how to control shutter speed to stop and blur action. We also spent time learning compositional techniques. The destinations included Cascade River State Park, the Cross River, Paradise Beach, the Devil Track River canyon and the Kadunce River canyon. The group was a fun group that made the workshop even more enjoyable — one of the most memorable workshops for me.

During my workshops, we spend a couple of hours looking at shots from the day. Although, I don’t usually take many photos during the workshops, because I’m helping the participants, I did manage to snap a few good shots that show off the areas. Here are my favorites.

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Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop

Bryan — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 21:48:29 +0000

In April when winter’s snowpack melts, it rushes down Lake Superior’s tributaries and over the numerous waterfalls. The waterfalls thunder, the narrow canyons fill and the ground shakes from the excess water. No other time of year allows for the dynamic photography of waterfalls along Lake Superior. Although we won’t visit the well-known and over-photographed Gooseberry Falls, we will visit dozens of waterfalls that rival it.

When: April 20-22, 2012
Where: Lutsen Resort, Minnesota
Workshop Fee: $250/person
Lodging From: $99/night
Dining: Meals will be available in our Lakeside Dining Room and Poplar River Pub
For Reservations: Call 218-663-7212 or 1-800-2LUTSEN (258-8736)
Questions? Email: bryan@bryanhansel.com
More info: Lutsen Resort

Weekend Activity Descriptions

This workshop combines classroom time with plenty of field-work time and a final 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, APRIL 20
Meet at 7PM for introductions and a classroom presentation that presents techniques for capturing waterfalls in several different ways.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21
The day starts early with a morning session on the Lake Superior shoreline photographing the sunrise. Then we will break for breakfast which is available at the main lodge or on your own. We’ll assemble after breakfast and then head back out into the field for a full-day adventure. Box lunches may be ordered at the front desk. We’ll come back to the resort for dinner before heading out for the sunset.

Required Photography Equipment

Camera: A SLR style digital camera or a point and shoot that allows you to manually set your shutter speed and aperture is highly recommended, but other cameras will also work.

Filters: A polarizing filter and vari-ND filter are highly recommended. Two and three step ND grads with a holder and rings for your lenses are optional.

Other Suggested Equipment: Bring a tripod, your camera’s manual, and a laptop computer. Call for recommendations.

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