Lake Superior Winter Photography Workshop

Deep blue ice, golden light, and dramatic skies make Lake Superior in winter a photographer’s dream, and a cold, demanding place to shoot. Spend three days in Grand Marais learning to stay warm, keep your camera running, and compose strong images, so you leave with photos you’re proud to print.

Dates: January 29-31, 2027

Location: Grand Marais, MN

Cost: $599

In January, Lake Superior’s shores freeze into otherworldly ice formations that you can’t see the rest of the year. Pack ice is pushed up onto the shore where it hummocks into twisted mountains of blue ice plates, and the sun rises and sets over the big lake’s open water. The sun casts low and golden light all day.

Most photographers never see it, because winter makes photography hard. Cameras can fog up and batteries die. Your hands can go numb, and it’s tough to compose a good photograph when you’re cold and the ice looks nothing like the landscapes you’re used to.

I live in Grand Marais and have photographed this shoreline all winter for over two decades. During this winter Lake Superior photography workshop, I’ll teach you to work in these conditions the way I’d have wanted someone to teach me if it were my first time. You’ll learn how to stay warm, keep your gear running, and compose effective winter photos. Once you’re out making images, the cold tends to fade into the background. I’ll also make sure you’re in the right places at the right time for the conditions, so you can spend your time photographing and head home with work you’re proud of.

Dates: January 29-31, 2027

Cost: $599 total. Nonrefundable deposit of $300 is due at signup. The remainder is due 90 days before the workshop.

Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota

This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.

What you’ll learn

A camera setup that keeps working in the cold and stays safe from moisture
A clear idea of what to wear, and how to keep your hands warm enough to shoot
A way of composing a scene using simplicity, flow, and relationships
A workflow you can repeat, and filter techniques for sunrise and sunset
Simple editing techniques to bring flow into your images

How the weekend works

You’ll learn in the classroom and then put it into practice in the field, with an image review at the end. Day one starts with class at 10am and ends with sunset on the lake. Day two has sunrise, a morning class, a river canyon, and sunset. Day three has one more sunrise and a review of your photos from 9 to 11am. Groups are capped at 10, so you get real one-on-one time. An optional night photography session is available for an additional fee (minimum of three participants required).

It’s cold (the average low is 10°F). You’ll need to walk on icy surfaces with crampons or cleats, which are required, and Saturday includes about 3 miles of snowshoeing. All skill levels are welcome. After you register, I’ll send an equipment list and a participant package so you know exactly what to bring.

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: 10

Level: This workshop is for all levels of photographers and works best for photographers using digital cameras.

Activity level: Expect 3 miles of snowshoeing on Saturday. For sunrises and sunsets, you’ll need to be able to walk on icy surfaces using crampons or cleats.

What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Conference room for classroom time. Fun!

What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Grand Marais and photography locations. Carpooling is highly recommended. Lodging. Meals except for breakfast which is provided by the lodge.

Lodging partner: The lodging partner is within walking distance of downtown Grand Marais. After you register, you’ll receive information about booking your room in the room block. You’ll need to make your room registration separately from the workshop fee.

Workshop Dates: January 29-31, 2027

Check-in date: Jan 28

Checkout date: Jan 31

Getting to Grand Marais: 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 are 10°F for lows and 28°F for highs. The records are -34°F and 58°F. Count on snow on the ground and ice.

Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.