Since 2006, I’ve been leading landscape photography workshops, and night sky photo workshops across Minnesota, the Midwest, and some of America’s most iconic national parks. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master your camera or an advanced photographer looking to be put into the best places at the best time when the conditions are right, these small-group workshops are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.
All levels and people are welcome. Groups are small, usually ranging from 8 to 10 participants. I also offer 1:1, private small group instruction, and workshops for photography clubs. If you have any questions email me at bryan@bryanhansel.com.
Check out what past workshop attendees have to say.
2026 Photo Workshops Schedule
Waiting lists are available for sold out workshops. Sign up at the link to the workshop. I get between two and three cancellations per workshop, so get on that list. When I get a cancellation, I email the list letting everyone know there’s a spot available.
| Date | 2026 Photography Workshops | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 19–21 | North Shore of Lake Superior Wildflower – Sold out. Join the waitlist | Grand Marais, MN |
| Jul 12–16 | Northern Night Sky – Sold out. Wait list available. | Grand Marais, MN |
| Aug 9–13 | Night Sky of the Gunflint – Sold out. Wait list available. | Grand Marais, MN |
| Sep 30–Oct 4 | Lake Superior Fall Color – Sold out. Wait list available. | Grand Marais, MN |
| Oct 7–11 | Badlands and Black Hills – Sold out. Wait list available. | Wall and Custer, SD |
| Nov 6–8 | Shadows of November – Sold out. Wait list available. | Grand Marais, MN |
| Dec 2–6 | Death Valley National Park – Sold out. Wait list available. | Death Valley, CA |
Pay your final payments: Final Payments
2026 Online Photography Workshops
Online photography workshops include multiple virtual classroom sessions. They’re a convenient way to dive deep into a subject without traveling to Grand Marais or a national park.
| Date | Online Photo Workshops |
|---|---|
| 2026: Nov 9, 11, 16, 18 | Online Lightroom Class – Spots available |
This is the best learning experience I’ve had in years!
Judy from Winnipeg, MB
2027 Photography Workshop Schedule
Waiting lists are available for sold out workshops.
| Date | 2027 Photography Workshops | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 29–31 | Winter on Lake Superior – Spots available | Grand Marais, MN |
| Apr 19–23 | Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains – Only 1 spot left | Gatlinburg, TN |
| Apr 30–May 2 | Waterfalls of the North Shore – Half Full | Grand Marais, MN |
| May 6-8 | Milky Way Panos – Sold out. Join the waitlist | Grand Marais, MN |
| Jun 16–20 | Flowers, Waterfalls & the Full Moon – Sold out. Join the waitlist | Grand Marais, MN |
| Jul 6–10 | Northern Night Skies – Sold out. Join the waitlist | Grand Marais, MN |
| Aug 1–5 | Night Skies of the Gunflint Trail – Sold out. Join the waitlist | Grand Marais, MN |
| Sep 29–Oct 3 | Lake Superior Fall Color – Spots available | Grand Marais, MN |
| Nov 5–7 | Gales of November – Spots available | Grand Marais, MN |
| Dec 1–5 | Early Winter in Badlands – Sold out. Join the waitlist | Wall, SD |
Pay your final payments here: Final Payments
Private Photography Workshops
Private and Small Group Workshops
Photograph rugged cliffs, crashing waves, waterfalls, boreal forest, the night sky, and the Sawtooth Mountains on Minnesota’s North Shore. These private and small group workshops are designed to help you create powerful landscape and nightscape images in some of the most scenic locations in North America.
| Date | 1:1 Private and Small Group Workshops | Location |
|---|---|---|
| By request | 1:1 and Private Group Photo Workshops | Grand Marais, MN |
| By request | 1:1 AND Private Group Astrophotography Workshops | Grand Marais, MN |
| By request | Club & Camera Club Landscape Photo Workshops | Grand Marais, MN |
Photography club? Contact me to talk about workshops or presentations for your club.
Portfolio Reviews and Online Image Reviews
My online image review sessions offer constructive, personalized guidance to help you improve your photography.
| Date | Portfolio and Online Image Reviews |
|---|---|
| By request | Online Portfolio Reviews |
| By request | Online Image Reviews |
By the way, I hope you hear this all the time, but your workshop changed my life. Thank you for that!
Jeremy from Bayfield, WI
Photography Workshops and Courses with Bryan Hansel
Since 2006, I’ve been leading landscape photography workshops, and night sky photo workshops across Minnesota, the Midwest, and some of America’s most iconic national parks. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master your camera or an advanced photographer chasing light, these small-group workshops are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.
Each photography workshop blends instruction, hands-on learning in beautiful locations, and a supportive environment where questions are encouraged. My in-person workshops take place in scenic destinations like the North Shore of Lake Superior, Bayfield Peninsula, Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, and Death Valley. Online photo classes make it easy to learn from anywhere.
Workshops are fun, flexible, and focused on giving you real-world skills to improve your photography. If you’re ready to build your portfolio and shoot with more confidence, explore the schedule below.
All levels and people are welcome. Groups are small, usually ranging from 8 to 10 participants. I also offer 1:1 and private small group instruction. If you have any questions email me at bryan@bryanhansel.com.
Check out what past workshop attendees have to say.
Photo Workshop Types
Minnesota photography Workshops
These workshops blend classroom time, outdoor field time, and an image review session during the workshop dates.
Destination Photo Workshops
These immersive workshops focus entirely on fieldwork and experiential learning to help you get the best photos in some of America’s most stunning locations. The goal is to build your skills in real-world shooting conditions by spending your time practicing and using your photography knowledge, equipment and skills while making the most of the light and landscapes we encounter. You’ll receive in-field feedback as I check in with you or when you flag me down.
Schedules are often packed with shooting opportunities and allow minimal downtime to take advantage of the conditions as they occur. Some workshops may include short breaks, but you shouldn’t count on much free time. See each workshop’s tentative itinerary for specific details.
Destination workshops are best suited for photographers who’ve attended one of my Minnesota workshops or have equivalent experience. Pre-recorded presentation videos are available before the trip, but they’re optional.
Online Photography Workshops
These include multiple virtual classroom sessions and, depending on the topic, may include up to two weeks of at-home practice between meetings. They’re a convenient way to dive deep into a subject without traveling to Grand Marais or a national park.
Private and Small Group – Grand Marais Area
These custom, outdoor-only sessions are tailored to your skill level and learning goals. They’re a great way to focus on exactly what you want to improve.
Photography Club Photo Workshops
Club workshops are designed specifically for your photography club. You bring your club, and I’ll set up the hotel, conference room, and provide classroom presentations and guiding.
Permits & Authorization
I hold all the proper permits. I’m an authorized permittee of the National Park Service and hold a Special Use Permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Get My Newsletter
Subscribe to More or Less About the Photo to get photography lessons I’ve learned that you can apply to your photography, and tips to help you improve. I publish every other week. Photography has enriched my life, and I hope that I can enrich yours.
After you enter your email, you’ll receive a follow up email from Substack. You will need to verify your address. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam folder.
Bryan is an expert teacher who knows how to meet you where you are and help you grow from there. I am grateful for his teaching and guidance.
Lindsey from Duluth, MN