I offer photography workshops, community education courses and personal instruction in Grand Marais, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. My workshops include classroom time, lots of field time to practice the techniques learned during the classroom and an image review to help you become a better photographer. All my workshops features lots of one-on-one time, and during the classes we visit the best locations in Minnesota for photography.
Minnesota Photography Workshops and Lake Superior Photography Workshops Schedule
Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop
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 20 to 22, 2012
Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More Info: Spring Waterfall Photo Workshop Details.
Fall Photography Workshop
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.
Date: TBD
Cost: $250
More Info: Minnesota Fall Photography Workshop
Gales of November Photography Workshop
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.
Date: November 9 to 11, 2011
Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More info: Gales of November Photography Workshop
Winter Photography Workshop
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, 10 to 12, 2012
Cost: $250
More Info: Winter Photography Workshop details.
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
Individual and Private Photography Workshops
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.
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
Community Education Photography Courses
I offer classes through the Cook County Community Ed. Recent photography courses include a Waterfall and Moving Water Photography Seminar.
Cost: Varies
For more info call: (218) 387-2000

What People Are Saying
“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
“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.”
“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’.”
Previous Lake Superior Photography Workshops and Photography Classes
Up to Speed on Shutter and Aperture Settings: Learn how to use and set manual controls on your camera, which takes your photography to the next level. Without the skills developed in this course, your pictures might never reach their maximum potential. A camera with manual settings is required.
Compositional Skills: When applied, basic compositional skills can work to make your photos more emotionally engaging. These are the skills that every improving photographer needs to master. A good class for the whole family!
Night Photography: Nighttime photography is challenging with enormous rewards. Your friends and family will be mystified by your ability to make images in the dark of night. If the Northern Lights are out, we’ll concentrate on capturing images of them. If not, we’ll spend our time learning how to paint with light. Extra Cost: $15 per person.
On Location: You pick a local location and we’ll head there to photograph it. Before the workshop, I’ll spend time scouting the area and planning a shot list, which we’ll work our way through. At the end of the class, we’ll brainstorm on further images that could be made. Scouting Fee: $100 per location.
Digital Capture: Digital Capture opens up new techniques. It makes photography easier and speeds up learning. This workshop concentrates on learning in-the-field skills specific to digital photography.
Photo Critique – Sorting the Good from the Bad: This unique class gives you the opportunity to have a professional photographer critique some of your images. In addition, we’ll spend an hour shooting, and if you shoot digital, then we’ll take some time critiquing those. A laptop is required.
Winter Photography: The cold temperatures and harsh environment of winter keeps most photographers inside and missing the great photo opportunities that exist only in this short season. Learn how to protect your gear, make sure that it functions, and get outside to enjoy the winter. Snowshoes are required.
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Photography Workshops and Courses
Minnesota Photography Workshops and Lake Superior Photography Workshops Schedule
Spring Waterfall Photography Workshop
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 20 to 22, 2012
Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More Info: Spring Waterfall Photo Workshop Details.
Fall Photography Workshop
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.
Date: TBD
Cost: $250
More Info: Minnesota Fall Photography Workshop
Gales of November Photography Workshop
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.
Date: November 9 to 11, 2011
Cost: $250
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
More info: Gales of November Photography Workshop
Winter Photography Workshop
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, 10 to 12, 2012
Cost: $250
More Info: Winter Photography Workshop details.
To register call Lutsen Resort: (218) 663-7212
Individual and Private Photography Workshops
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.
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
Community Education Photography Courses
I offer classes through the Cook County Community Ed. Recent photography courses include a Waterfall and Moving Water Photography Seminar.
Cost: Varies
For more info call: (218) 387-2000
What People Are Saying
“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
“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.”
“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’.”
Previous Lake Superior Photography Workshops and Photography Classes
Up to Speed on Shutter and Aperture Settings: Learn how to use and set manual controls on your camera, which takes your photography to the next level. Without the skills developed in this course, your pictures might never reach their maximum potential. A camera with manual settings is required.
Compositional Skills: When applied, basic compositional skills can work to make your photos more emotionally engaging. These are the skills that every improving photographer needs to master. A good class for the whole family!
Night Photography: Nighttime photography is challenging with enormous rewards. Your friends and family will be mystified by your ability to make images in the dark of night. If the Northern Lights are out, we’ll concentrate on capturing images of them. If not, we’ll spend our time learning how to paint with light. Extra Cost: $15 per person.
On Location: You pick a local location and we’ll head there to photograph it. Before the workshop, I’ll spend time scouting the area and planning a shot list, which we’ll work our way through. At the end of the class, we’ll brainstorm on further images that could be made. Scouting Fee: $100 per location.
Digital Capture: Digital Capture opens up new techniques. It makes photography easier and speeds up learning. This workshop concentrates on learning in-the-field skills specific to digital photography.
Photo Critique – Sorting the Good from the Bad: This unique class gives you the opportunity to have a professional photographer critique some of your images. In addition, we’ll spend an hour shooting, and if you shoot digital, then we’ll take some time critiquing those. A laptop is required.
Winter Photography: The cold temperatures and harsh environment of winter keeps most photographers inside and missing the great photo opportunities that exist only in this short season. Learn how to protect your gear, make sure that it functions, and get outside to enjoy the winter. Snowshoes are required.
Share and Enjoy