3rd Annual Women's Week*end* in Algonquin Photography Workshop
Time & Location
About the Event
**IMPORTANT** Please read to the bottom to ensure you understand what is and is not included in this workshop.
This workshop is designed exclusively for women of all ages and skill levels who are interested in nature and wildlife photography. It’s a chance to spend some time together in nature in a fun and relaxed environment, learning tips and techniques to improve your photography.
The Mad Musher Restaurant in Whitney (just east of Algonquin's East Gate) will be our home-base for the workshop. They have reserved their back room upstairs to give us the space and privacy needed to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing information and being immersed in learning. The workshop will consist of some classroom learning to start, in-field instruction, and "back of camera" critique, and, of course, lots of time exploring Algonquin Park with our cameras. We'll be photographing both landscapes and wildlife.
Workshop Dates:
Wednesday, August 26 - Friday, August 28, 2020
What’s included?
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – nature, landscapes & wildlife* photography instruction & guiding in and around Algonquin Provincial Park by professional photographer, Helen E. Grose
First Day – dinner at The Mad Musher
Second Day – coffee/tea before sunrise & brown bag breakfast, lunch, dinner at The Mad Musher
Third Day – coffee/tea before sunrise, then home-style brunch mid-late morning at The Mad Musher
Park permits will be provided for use while on the workshop.
What's not included:
You are responsible for your own accommodation, transportation (carpooling is required for our outings in the park), gas, photography gear, appropriate clothing, snacks, drinks (and alcoholic drinks at meal times) and anything required for your personal comfort.
A full list of suggested gear and personal items will be provided with a loose itinerary after your deposit has been received.
All participants will be required to sign a waiver, which includes a non-disclosure agreement.
Cost:
$695 + HST per person
Payment Policy:
A 50% non-refundable payment is due at the time of booking to secure your space in the workshop, with the balance due June 27, 2020 (60 days prior). If you are booking within 60 days of the start of the workshop, the full workshop fee is due at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy:
Please be sure you check your schedule prior to booking, as your initial payment of 50% is non-refundable. In the event you pay in full prior to the cancellation deadline (61 days or more prior to the workshop), you will be refunded 50% less transaction fees. Cancellations 60 days or less prior to the workshop are non-refundable.
What can you expect during the workshop?
We'll start the workshop with a bit of in-class learning -- approximately 2-3 hours -- in the private back room of The Mad Musher Restaurant. We'll cover some photography basics (it never hurts to brush up!), as well as settings specific to landscapes and wildlife. There are also a few more advanced areas I cover, as I believe they're important components often overlooked, yet critical to your success. And, we'll cover the workshop rules, safety & ethics. After that, we head into the park with our cameras.
You can also expect:
~ A fair amount of driving - it takes about an hour to get from one end of the park to the other.
~ Long days - leaving 30-60 minutes before sunrise and likely eating dinner after sunset.
~ Eating breakfast on the go, and dinner at The Mad Musher Restaurant.
~ Photographing the sunrise, sunset, landscapes & wildlife - whatever Mother Nature presents! We plan for landscape opportunities and "hope" for wildlife, hitting some wildlife hot spots and doing a bit of animal tracking.
~ A short afternoon break (free-time to rest, refresh, review, or explore on your own).
~ Potentially hiking anywhere from 5-10km/day on flat, well-worn trails with some obstacles (roots, rocks etc.).
~ In-field instruction and back-of-camera critique.
~ A great group of like-minded people who will probably become fast friends!
~ A mix of photography skill levels.
~ Amazing food.
~ Adventure rain, snow, or shine!
Please note: while I recommend bringing a telephoto lens for wildlife opportunities, you do not need to have one to enjoy this workshop. Also, you will not need to carry all your gear everywhere we go. I include recommendations for how to pack in the suggested gear list provided to participants.
Accommodation Options:
You are responsible for booking your own accommodations and ensuring you know when and where you check-in and check-out. You may wish to inquire about early check-in or late check-out to accommodate the workshop schedule. I'd recommend you stay in or close to Whitney, as that is our "home base" and where we'll have all our meals. If you have a cottage in the area, are camping, or would prefer to stay on the west side of the park, we can arrange to meet up on-location for sunrise. Just remember to factor in travel time. From the west gate to the east gate of Algonquin Park along Hwy 60, it is roughly an hour's drive. Please note: as everyone has different budgets and expectations, I do not recommend places to stay. The following list has been provided for your convenience and contains some options to explore on both sides of the park. Please click on an option to visit its website and learn more about what it offers, including availability.
Options in Whitney (east of Algonquin Park):
The Mad Musher Restaurant & Riverside Rooms
Algonquin Rolling Rapids Motel
Options west of Algonquin Park:
Wolf Den Nature Retreat (Oxtongue Lake)
Blue Spruce Resort (Dwight)
Spring Lake Resort (Dwight)
Camping in Algonquin Park:
Mew Lake Campground