Statistically November is Lake Superior’s stormiest month. While that’s true, massive storms don’t happen all the time. Generally, the skies are gray, the lake is lumpy, but it might not be the explosive. November can be a drab and windy month. That makes it hard to get motivated to get outside and take pictures. This class seeks to change that perspective. You’ll learn moody, long exposure photography. You’ll need a 5-stop, 6-stop or 10-stop ND filter to take this class. A 3-stop reverse can also be handy.

Dates: November 6–8, 2026

Price: $499  (A nonrefundable deposit of $250 is due at registration. 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 Will Learn

This workshop is all about embracing the drama of November on Lake Superior—gray skies, rolling waves, and the quiet power of long exposure photography. You’ll learn to work with the elements rather than fight them, transforming an otherwise drab landscape into something rich, moody, and deeply expressive.

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll learn:

• Long Exposure Techniques: How to use neutral density (ND) filters to smooth water, stretch clouds, and create atmosphere.
• Filter Mastery: Understanding the difference between 3-, 5-, 6-, and 10-stop ND filters, plus how to use split ND grads to balance dramatic skies.
• Creative Composition in Gloomy Conditions: Finding compelling subjects and compositions when color and light are subtle.
• Refined Exposure Control: Techniques for nailing exposure during long shutter speeds and tricky light transitions.
• Field Workflow: Practical tips for shooting in cold, windy, and sometimes wet conditions, including gear handling and setup strategies.
• Post-Processing for Mood: Editing long exposure images to enhance their moody, minimalist feel while preserving detail and tone.
• Image Review & Critique: Constructive feedback on your work to help refine your approach and push your creative edge.

By the end of the weekend, you’ll look at November—and moody weather in general—with a fresh perspective, seeing photographic potential where others see gloom.

Itinerary

This Lake Superior photography workshop combines classroom time with field-work and a final review. You’ll learn photography techniques for using ND filters to create long, moody exposures.

You will need a 5-stop, 6-stop or 10-stop ND filter. I recommend buying one in the 100mm by 100mm size to use with a filter holder. If you currently don’t own one, I have recommendations in the participant package.

The photo workshop will focus on the shooting the Lake Superior shoreline in Cook County, Minnesota.

Sunrise: ~7am, Sunset: ~4:30pm

FRIDAY
Classroom time starts at 9 am and the day ends on Lake Superior shooting sunset. We break for an hour after the classroom for lunch.

SATURDAY
We’ll be in the field from sunrise to sunset with a break at breakfast time. Plan on lunch in the field.

SUNDAY
We start with sunrise, break for breakfast and then do an image review. The workshop ends after the image review. It usually ends between 11am and noon.

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 two miles of hiking each day. Most of our destinations are right on Lake Superior near the parking lots. The shoreline may be rocky or have uneven terrain. The rocks can sometimes be icy, so cleats or crampons are required.

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: November 6–8, 2026

Check-in date: November 5

Check-out date: November 8

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 25°F for lows and 39°F for highs for the month of October.

Equipment list: After registration, you will receive a suggested equipment list and participant package. The package will discuss equipment options, photography techniques and more. On this workshop, cleats or crampons are required.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please, read the Registration and Cancellation Policies at the link. There are no exceptions to the policy.