Join Helen E. Grose on a 2-day adventure around Muskoka to visit and photograph a few of the region's waterfall gems. Spend some time exploring different angles, compositions, and camera settings that will help you achieve dramatically different results. Get to know when to use each, and practice under the guidance of a patient, and knowledgeable teacher at your side.
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WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Monday, September 30, 2024
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7:15 a.m. - Meet at The Home Depot in Bracebridge & drive (each in our own vehicles) to the first waterfall of the day
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7:45 - 11:00 a.m. - First waterfall session
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11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch Break
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1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Second waterfall session
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3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Third waterfall session
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Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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7:15 a.m. - Meet at a pre-determined location then head to the first waterfall of the day
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7:45 - 10:30 a.m. - Fourth waterfall session
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10:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Fifth waterfall session
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1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Lunch Break
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3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Sixth waterfall session
Workshop Cost: $550 +HST
This workshop is limited to 6 participants with a significant amount of time spent at each location to ensure all participants have the chance to ask questions, practice, and fully explore the areas we visit.
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Please note: the number of waterfalls and their exact locations may change due to water levels; therefore, these times are approximate and subject to change.
**IMPORTANT** Please note that all adventures around waterfalls incur a level of risk. You must be sure-footed, and comfortable around fast-moving water, navigating steep slopes, and walking on uneven ground with your camera gear without assistance in order to participate in this workshop. All waterfalls require a short hike (approximately 1km at the longest), with varying degrees of difficulty getting down to the falls. You are responsible for your own safety, and will be required to sign a waiver.
What's included?
Photography instruction and guiding to waterfalls in Muskoka. The number of waterfalls we visit will depend on the weather prior to the workshop. Weather can impact the flow of water, as well as the accessibility of the waterfalls.
What's not included?
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Accommodations -- if required, I'd recommend you stay in Bracebridge to reduce travel time.
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Transportation & fuel
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Meals & hydration -- we take a break for lunch both days. On the first day, we'll be close to Bracebridge, so I recommend ordering take-out from one of our local establishments that offers a unique and tasty selection of meals. On the second day, we will not be close to town or restaurants. I'd highly recommend packing a lunch to bring with you, or picking up something from town in the morning to reduce travel and remain local to the waterfalls we'll be visiting that day. Snacks, water, and a thermos with a warm beverage are also highly recommended.
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Photography gear and personal items required for your comfort
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Payment & Cancellation Policy: Workshop fees are due in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please check your schedule to be sure you're able to participate.
A note about weather: This workshop will be held rain, snow or shine! Please come prepared for any possible weather. Additionally, Mother Nature will determine if we'll be enjoying autumn colours in the trees.
Would love to join, but don't feel confident enough with your camera?
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This workshop is suitable for all levels, as you'll receive individual instruction throughout... but... I fully understand you may want a little boost in confidence with your camera before the workshop. Therefore, I'm offering a special add-on opportunity for a one-on-one session to help familiarize yourself with your camera, and learn more about settings that will help you achieve that smooth, silky cascade, or freeze thundering water. This "crash course" can be done online or in person at Helen's gallery in Muskoka. It is $95 and will give you up to 2 hours with me to answer questions, and help you in the areas you need it.
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This add-on session session is for those who would like some help to gain a bit more confidence with their camera before heading out into the field. Whether you're new to photography, new to photographing waterfalls, or would simply like to understand your camera better & get ideas for composition, this session is for you.
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Recommended Photography Gear:
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DSLR or mirrorless camera(s)
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Wide angle lens (24mm or wider is recommended). Note that you may wish to tuck a longer lens into your bag, as you can achieve some nice results with mid-range telephoto lenses e.g. 70-200mm
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Lens hood
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Tripod **strongly recommended to get the most from this workshop**
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Remote or corded shutter release. In the event you do not have one, learn how to set the self timer.
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Circular polarizer filter
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Neutral density filter
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Rain sleeve / rain protection for your camera
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Microfibre cleaning cloths (at least 2) and lens pen - or whatever you clean your lens with
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Fully charged batteries (spare batteries if you have)
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Formatted (empty) memory cards
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Battery charger
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Comfortable backpack to hold your gear + rain cover if you bag has one
Recommended Personal Items:
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Sturdy shoes you can hike in **required -- waterproof is a plus! Consider carrying waterproof boots to allow you to step into the water for different angles
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Rain wear -- both jacket and pants
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Towel
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Layered clothing, including hat & 2 pairs of gloves
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Reading & driving glasses, as required + microfibre cloths
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Snacks & water -- consider bringing a hot beverage in a thermos, as we could experience cool temperatures. Please bring a travel mug for coffee/tea.
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If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Helen at info@helengrose.ca.
Need some ideas for accommodations for this workshop? Here's a list with some links: https://www.helengrose.ca/accommodations