Photography Workshops and Photography Courses

Photography workshop students take pictures during a Minnesota photography course.I offer Lake Superior photography workshops, photography courses and one-on-one and small group photography instruction in Grand Marais, Minnesota and Lutsen, Minnesota.

My workshops combine classroom time, field time at the most stunning locations in Minnesota and an image review. Using this combination, I teach you how to master your camera, how to see and how to capture better photos. The small group size (limited to 10 to 12 people) ensures that you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time. If you want more one-on-one time, I offer personal and small group workshops for you and your friends. I also make sure that my workshops are fun, because learning should be fun.

Find this year’s workshops below, and if you have other questions email me at bryan@bryanhansel.com. I personally answer every email I receive.

Minnesota Photography Workshops and Lake Superior Photography Workshops Schedule

2013 Photography Workshops

2014 Photography Workshops

  • February 7 to 9, 2014 — Lake Superior Winter Photography Workshop
  • April 18 to 20, 2014 — Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop
  • June 27 to 29, 2014 — Lake Superior Kayak Photography Workshop
  • September 24 to 28, 2014 – North Shore Fall Photography Workshop  - 5 day
  • October 3 to 5, 2014 – Fall Photography Workshop – 2.5 days
  • October 17 to 19, 2014 — Great Smoky Mountain National Park Fall Photography Workshop
  • November 7 to 9, 2014 — Gales of November Photography Workshop

Photography Workshop Descriptions

Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop

One of several waterfalls at Stairway Portage in the BWCA near the Gunflint Trail. BWCA, Minnesota.
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.

Dates: April 19 to 21, 2013
Cost: $250
To register call me: (218) 370-8351
More Info: Spring Waterfall Photo Workshop Details.

Lake Superior Kayak Photography Workshop

The sun sets of Lake Superior on a kayak campsite near Grand Marais, MN.
Many locations on Lake Superior are difficult to get to and out of the way. For this  photography workshop, we’ll explore the shoreline by sea kayak and photograph the remote Pigeon Bay. This includes a night shoot of a campsite. If you don’t know how to kayak, it includes a lesson.

Dates: July 19 to 21, 2013
Cost: $350
To register call me: (218) 370-8351
More Info: Lake Superior Kayak Photography Workshop

Fall Photography Workshop

Honeymoon Bluff overlooks Hungry Jack Lake. The birch in yellow fall color brighten up the boreal forest.
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 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.

Dates: September 26 to 30, 2012, September 25 to 29, 2013
Cost: $749
More Info: Minnesota Fall Photography Workshop

To register call me: (218) 370-8351

Gales of November Photography Workshop

Waves wash against the Grand Marais, MN Lighthouse.
November is the stormiest month on Lake Superior. It’s the month with the best chance of capturing this inland ocean showing off its explosive nature. 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.

Dates: November 9 to 11, 2012. 2013: November 8 to 10, 2013
Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More info: Gales of November Photography Workshop

Winter Photography Workshop

The sunrise over Lake Superior in Cook County.
In the winter, the combination of all day golden-hour light, sea fog, ice and open water make Lake Superior’s shoreline and tributaries the premier winter photo destination in the Midwest. The best month to photograph the area is February, because the sun sets and rises over Lake Superior and the rivers are solid ice which allows for exploration. During the workshop, we hike up the frozen river valley’s during the day and spend time on the shore at sunrise and sunset. You also learn how to keep your camera running in the cold. This one always fills up quickly, so we often add a second session.

Dates: February, 8 to 10, 2013 (full), February 22 to 24, 2013
Cost: $250
More Info: Winter Photography Workshop details.
To register call me: (218) 370-8351

Individual and Private Photography Workshops

The sun rise lights clouds over Lake Superior and Artist's Point. Grand Marais, MN.
I offer personal Minnesota photography workshops and Lake Superior photography workshops targeting your learning needs. The workshops are hands-on in the field. We’ll visit a location and spend time on subjects that you need help with. I’ll teach you my approach to photography and by the end of the workshop, you’ll have the skills that will improve your photography. Select a half-day or a full-day workshop.

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 eleven.
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.Weekend: Contact me for special full weekend workshops for four or more people.

Required down-payment: 50% of the total cost of the program. These down payments are non-refundable but may be transfered.
Contact: bryan@bryanhansel.com
More info: One-on-one photography workshops and small ground photography workshops

What People Are Saying

“I expected this to be a VERY good workshop and it exceeded my expectations. I’m more than pleased; it was worth every penny. Thanks again for a great weekend.” – Linda

“Thanks for a great experience!”

“Bryan Hansel’s instructional style and hands-on approach to teaching photography was very refreshing. We thoroughly enjoyed the on-site experience Bryan provided with his knowledge of memorable spots on the north shore including waterfalls, and left with fond memories and photos.” – Michel Pleau, Mindscape Imagery

“Very informative and fun, adjusted to the group & challenge of the weather extremes. They love what they do and shared their enthusiasm. We would do this again.”

“We do classes ourselves, plus Pat plans a lot of events and training programs – we know there is upfront time and behind the scenes “stuff” – it worked!” -Tony&Pat Peroutky, www.ourcreatviegallery.com

photography workshop students“Bryan Hansel’s photo workshop – Wow! This was such a pleasant surprise. He was so welcoming, friendly, informative … just wonderful.”

“Bryan you taught us well, we enjoyed being with the group we had. It was a blast, when it ended it was almost like something was missing. Hope to be back around these parts again soon.”

“Loved the class! You are an awesome teacher. Can’t wait to come for another workshop.”

photographer on Lake Superior“We just got back home to Winnipeg [400 plus miles away]. The class was definitely worth the drive.”
“Definitely met my expectations and exceeded. Learned a lot of great techniques. Thanks for the patience with us.”

“Safety seemed to be top priority which is good to see. The instructor was very good at answering any questions we had and learned a great deal.”

“Personal touch on individual questions and all needs answered. No questions felt ‘stupid’.”

Loved the workshop! I have no suggestions to make it better. – Carla, Edina, MN

The workshop exceeded my expectations. Much more feedback and hands on help then other workshops I attended. – Scott, Minneapolis, MN

photographer on winter photography workshopEvery Minnesota photographer should do this to see what our state has to offer. – Dan, St. Paul, MN

Bryan’s expert technical skills and knowledge of photography made for a great weekend. – Todd, Shakopee, MN

Bryan is awesome. He is well experience and taught me lots of new techniques for landscape photography – Kumar, St. Louis Park, MN

It was amazing from all aspects. It had everything; answers to my queries, unknown beautiful locations, technical tips. – Sourov, Kolkata, India

Good balance between instruction at group and individual level. Also, instruction was good mix between beginner instruction and more advanced tips and tricks. – Steve, Minneapolis, MN

The workshop was just what I needed as an advanced amateur. The best part was the individual attention we all were given. – Chris, St. Paul, MN