Capture sunrise and sunset along the ever-changing shore of Lake Superior. We’ll photograph superior coastlines, quiet harbors, forests, and waterfalls across the Bayfield Peninsula, building skills as we move through its most compelling landscapes.
Dates: May 28-31, 2026
Location: Washburn, WI
Cost: $749
Capture the Beauty of Lake Superior in Spring
Spring arrives late in the Northwoods, but when it does, it transforms the landscape into something special. This Lake Superior photography workshop is based in the Bayfield and Washburn area along Wisconsin’s scenic South Shore, where sandy coastlines, quiet harbors, forests, and waterfalls come alive with spring beauty.
We’ll photograph sunrise and sunset along the ever-changing shore of Lake Superior, and capture sweeping seascapes, sandy beaches at sunset, and early morning harbor scenes with the Apostle Islands on the horizon. Midday sessions focus on spring wildflowers like bloodroot and spring beauties, along with waterfalls framed by fresh green growth. Along the way, you’ll also photograph fishing tugs, sailboats, and the historic urbanscapes of these working port towns.
This hands-on workshop blends field instruction, guided shoots, and individual feedback, helping you build confidence and practical skills in seascape, landscape, and nature photography.
Kick off your summer with a photography adventure in one of Wisconsin’s most scenic regions.
Dates: May 28-31, 2026
Price: $749 ($375 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration. Final payment is due 90 days before the workshop)
Location: Washburn, Wisconsin
If you enjoy coastal photography, you might also be interested in the Shadows of November Photography Workshop.
What You Will Learn
This spring photography workshop combines technical instruction, artistic development, and personalized feedback in a supportive, small-group setting.
Topics include:
- Mastering Filters – Use polarizers, neutral density (ND), and graduated filters to capture motion, manage reflections, and handle tricky lighting.
- Exposure & Focus Techniques – Learn how to expose for highlights, focus for depth, and work in dynamic lighting typical of coastal and woodland scenes.
- Seascape & Landscape Composition – Apply additive and subtractive composition methods to simplify complex scenes and create balanced, compelling images.
- Reading and Working With Light – Photograph in various lighting conditions—from soft morning light to bold sunset skies and overcast midday scenes.
- Post-Processing Essentials – Learn editing workflows in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop that enhance your photos without overprocessing.
- Visual Storytelling – Develop photo essays and image sequences that tell the story of the landscape and your personal experience of place.
You’ll also receive one-on-one guidance tailored to your skill level and goals, whether that’s mastering manual settings, building a cohesive portfolio, or refining your artistic vision.
Want to explore more while you’re here? Learn more about the Bayfield area and make the most of your time along Lake Superior’s South Shore.
Itinerary (Flexible)
We balance hands-on fieldwork with classroom instruction to maximize learning while photographing the Bayfield Peninsula at sunrise, sunset, and throughout the day. Itinerary will remain flexible to take advantage of the conditions.
Sunrise: ~5:16 a.m.
Sunset: ~8:46 p.m.
Thursday
- Optional sunrise shoot.
- Classroom session: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Lunch break.
- Afternoon to sunset: fieldwork with a dinner break.
Friday
- Early morning sunrise shoot.
- Breakfast after the morning session.
- Classroom session: 9:00 a.m.–noon (editing and review).
- Lunch break.
- Afternoon to sunset: fieldwork with a dinner break.
Saturday
- Full-day fieldwork: sunrise through sunset.
- Expect a moderately strenuous 3-mile hike to a waterfall.
- Breaks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (likely at local restaurants but we may eat in the field).
Sunday
- Final sunrise shoot followed by breakfast.
- Classroom image review: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Workshop ends at 11:00 a.m.
Additional Information
Workshop type:
This is a Wisconsin photography workshop with a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on field sessions, and image review. It follows the same structure as our Minnesota photography workshops. Learn more about workshop types.
Maximum number of participants: 10
Level: All levels are welcome. This workshop is best suited for photographers using digital cameras.
Activity level: Most shooting locations are easy to moderate, with some hikes up to 3 miles round trip. Some sections may feel more challenging, but participants can always opt to stay closer to the vehicles and photograph nearby. If you have any questions about hiking, feel free to call me.
What’s included in the workshop fee: Quality small group and one-on-one instruction. Conference room for classroom time. Hands-on learning and fun!
What’s not included in the workshop fee: Transportation to Washburn and photography locations (carpooling recommended). Lodging. Meals and drinks. Park permits. Any additional personal expenses.
Lodging partner:
Our lodging partner is in Washburn, WI. After registration, you’ll receive instructions to book your room in the group room block. Room registration is not included in the workshop fee.
Workshop Dates: May 28-31, 2026
- Check-in date: May 27
- Check-out date: May 31
Getting there:
Bayfield/Washburn is about 80 miles east of Duluth, MN, which has a regional international airport. It is 224 miles northeast of Minneapolis, MN, home to a major international airport, and 450 miles from Chicago, IL, which also has a major airport.
Weather:
Average temperatures in late May are 38°F lows and 61°F highs. Bring layers and weather-appropriate clothing.
Equipment list:
After registration, you will receive a participant package with a suggested equipment list, photography techniques, and other useful workshop information.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please, review the Registration and Cancellation Policies link before registering. These policies are firm with no exceptions.
About Your Instructor
Bryan Hansel is a professional landscape photographer and educator who has lived near Lake Superior for over 20 years. He has sea kayaked the entire length of the U.S. shoreline on Lake Superior, including extensive time in the Apostle Islands and Bayfield Peninsula. His workshops focus on practical, field-based instruction and helping photographers understand light, conditions, and place.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bayfield Peninsula Photography Workshop
You will spend four days photographing the stunning landscapes of the Bayfield Peninsula along Lake Superior. Expect hands-on guidance, personalized feedback, and local insight to help you capture sunrise, sunset, forests, waterfalls, and seascapes. Instruction is field- and classroom-based.
This workshop emphasizes seascape, landscape, and nature photography. You will practice working with light and composition while capturing Lake Superior’s changing shoreline, harbors, spring wildflowers, and woodland waterfalls. Sunrise and sunset sessions offer the most dramatic lighting for your images.
No. Photographers of all levels are welcome. Instruction is tailored to your skill level in the field, so you can focus on improving at your own pace.
Most shooting locations are near parking areas. Some sessions include short hikes up to 2–3 miles round trip on moderate terrain. If you prefer not to hike, there are excellent photo opportunities close to vehicles.
A digital camera, sturdy tripod, wide-angle and standard zoom lenses, and filters (polarizer, ND, graduated ND) are recommended. After registration, you will receive a full equipment list covering additional lenses, clothing, and optional items for comfort and creativity.
Spring arrives gradually along Lake Superior. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to low 60s °F, with cool mornings and evenings. Bring layers and waterproof outerwear to stay comfortable near the lakeshore.
Transportation is not provided. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and between locations. Carpooling required to reduce traffic.
After registration, you will receive information about the recommended hotel and room blocks in Bayfield and Washburn. You are responsible for reserving your own accommodations directly with the hotels.
Absolutely. The Bayfield area offers more than we can see during the photo workshop. Here are a few suggestions:
For guided sea kayaking, Lost Creek Adventures in Cornucopia offers half‑day and full‑day tours of the Apostle Islands sea caves. Chequamegon‑Nicolet National Forest near Ashland has many trails. A highlight is the St. Peter’s Dome National Natural Area. With views from the top and a beautiful waterfall. A visit to downtown Ashland and the nearby Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center makes great side trip. On Madeline Island, Big Bay State Park offers sandstone cliffs along four miles of Lake Superior shoreline. A short ferry ride from Bayfield provides easy access.
A guided workshop allows you to benefit from Bryan’s extensive experience along Lake Superior and the Bayfield Peninsula. You receive instruction, personalized feedback, and guidance on the best locations, lighting, and timing, ensuring you make the most of the region’s spectacular landscapes.