Early summer on the North Shore is a study in contrasts—wildflowers at your feet, waterfalls in motion, and the full moon rising slowly over Lake Superior.
Dates: June 16–20, 2027
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Cost: $999
Experience the North Shore at one of its most beautiful times of year—when wildflowers bloom, waterfalls run strong, and the full moon rises over Lake Superior.
This five-day photography workshop combines macro flower photography, waterfall photography, and full moon landscape photography into one unforgettable experience.
A Unique North Shore Photography Experience
June is a special time along the North Shore. Early summer wildflowers—especially lupine—begin to bloom, waterfalls are still flowing strong from spring runoff, and the long days stretch into soft, glowing evenings.
During this workshop, you’ll slow down and focus on the small details of the landscape through macro photography, then shift your perspective to capture larger scenes, such as waterfalls in motion and the full moon rising over Lake Superior.
We’ll photograph flowers in the field during the day, explore waterfalls along the North Shore, and head out in the evening to capture the full moon as it rises near the Grand Marais lighthouse.
This workshop is designed to help you grow as a photographer while fully experiencing this incredible place.
Dates: June 16–20, 2027
Price: $999 ($500 nonrefundable deposit due on registration. Final payment is due 90 days before the workshop)
Location: Grand Marais, Minnesota
This event is in cooperation with and under a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger District.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the workshop, you’ll build skills in both field techniques and post-processing.
Macro & Flower Photography
- Working with magnification and depth of field
- Focus stacking techniques
- Using diffusers and reflectors to control light
- Background selection and composition
Waterfall Photography
- Controlling motion with shutter speed
- Composing dynamic waterfall scenes
- Using filters and tripods effectively
Full Moon Photography
- Planning and timing moonrise
- Aligning the moon with foreground elements
- Exposure settings for detailed moon images
Shooting Opportunities
You’ll have multiple opportunities to photograph a variety of subjects:
- Early summer wildflowers, including lupine
- North Shore waterfalls at a high flow
- The full moon rising over the Grand Marais lighthouse
- Optional early morning sessions for moonset
We’ll adjust locations and timing based on weather and conditions to give you the best possible opportunities.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is ideal for photographers who:
- Want to improve their macro or nature photography skills
- Are interested in learning full moon photography
- Enjoy small group instruction and hands-on learning
A basic understanding of your camera is recommended. Familiarity with Lightroom Classic is helpful but not required.
Itinerary
Each day includes a mix of field sessions and classroom instruction, with time dedicated to flowers, waterfalls, and full moon photography.
- Day 1 (starts at 10am): Introduction, macro and waterfall photography instruction, and afternoon flower session. Optional sunset session.
- Day 2 (starts at 10am): Morning flower photography, afternoon waterfall session, classroom presentation on how to capture the rising full moon, and evening full moon shoot.
- Day 3: Field sessions (flowers and/or waterfalls), and editing demonstrations. Evening full moon shoot.
- Day 4: Optional early morning moonset session, flower or waterfall session, continued field work, and group image review.
- Day 5: Final field session, and workshop wrap-up.
The exact schedule will shift based on weather, light, and conditions to give you the best possible photographic opportunities. We will take breaks for breakfast and dinner. Lunches may be taken in the field.
Editing & Image Review
We’ll dedicate time to post-processing so you can bring your images to life. Having a basic understanding of Lightroom Classic will be helpful. Considering taking my online Lightroom Course.
You’ll learn:
- Editing workflows in Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Enhancing both macro and landscape images
- Focus stacking using Helicon Focus and/or Photoshop
You’ll also receive personalized feedback during group image review sessions.
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 up to 3-mile round trips on moderate terrain. Some days may have a total of 5 miles of hiking. Sometimes participants decide to skip hikes and photograph closer to the cars. This is okay. If you have questions, please, phone me.
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 and drinks. Park permits.
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: June 16-20, 2027
Check-in date: June 15
Check-out date: June 20
Getting there: 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 44°F for lows and 62°F for highs.
Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more.
Equipment notes:
For this course, you will need two types of lenses: one for macro photography and one for capturing the full moon.
- A macro lens with a focal length between 90mm and 105mm is ideal for getting close to small subjects and revealing their details. If you don’t own a macro lens, you can use extension tubes with a regular lens of similar focal length. This is a cheaper way to experiment with macro photography and see if you enjoy it.
- For photographing the full moon, you will need a telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm. The longer the focal length, the bigger the moon will appear in your frame. You can also use a 150-600mm lens if you have one or rent one for this course.
- For waterfall, I’d recommend purchasing a polarizing filter or a waterfall polarizer. More detail is in the participant package.
- It can be buggy in June. I recommend buying an Original Bug Shirt. At a minimum, consider a headnet.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.
Questions You Might Have
A dedicated macro lens (90–105mm) is ideal, but not required. You can also use extension tubes with a standard lens to achieve close focusing. This workshop is a great opportunity to explore macro photography, even if you’re just getting started. Quality extension tubes range in price from $50 to $100 for a set. They are good way to get started.
That’s completely fine. You’ll learn how to plan, expose, and compose full moon images, including how to align the moon with foreground elements like the Grand Marais lighthouse.
We plan multiple opportunities to photograph the full moon during the workshop. While weather always plays a role, having several attempts greatly increases the chances of capturing the shot.
Expect up to about 3 miles of hiking per day, often on uneven terrain typical of the North Shore. We move at a relaxed pace and focus on photography along the way.
Yes. This workshop is suitable for photographers of all levels. You should be comfortable using your camera, but you don’t need prior experience with macro or moon photography.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera is recommended. You’ll want full control over exposure settings for both macro and moon photography.
Yes, a tripod is essential. It’s especially important for macro photography, waterfall long exposures, and capturing sharp images of the full moon.
Ideally:
* A macro lens (90–105mm) or similar setup
* A telephoto lens (at least 200mm, longer is better for moon photography)
* A mid-range zoom (24-120mm or similar) for waterfall photography
Yes. The workshop includes classroom sessions covering macro techniques, full moon planning, and editing workflows using Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.
We adapt to conditions. Overcast skies are actually excellent for flower photography, and waterfalls often look their best in softer light. We also adjust timing and locations to maximize opportunities. Bad weather often creates amazing photos.
A basic familiarity with Lightroom Classic is helpful but not required. You’ll learn editing techniques during the workshop, including focus stacking and enhancing your images.
After registering, you’ll receive details about our lodging partner in Grand Marais, located within walking distance of downtown.