Join Helen E. Grose on a 2-day adventure around Muskoka to visit and photograph a few of the region's 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.​​
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Monday, October 5, 2026
The plan is to visit waterfalls on the north east edge of Muskoka bordering on Algonquin Park
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8 a.m. - Meet at Walmart in Huntsville, then drive to the first location
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8:30 - 12 noon - Morning waterfall session
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12 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch Break
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1:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Afternoon waterfall session
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Tuesday, October 6, 2026
The plan is to visit waterfalls in north west Muskoka (Rosseau)
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8 a.m. - Meet at our first waterfall of the day (directions & GPS coordinates will be provided after registration)
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8 a.m. - 12 noon - Morning waterfall session
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12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch Break
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1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Afternoon waterfall session
Workshop Cost: $499+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, the locations, and the times we spend at each spot may change due to weather & water levels; therefore, these times are approximate and subject to change.
Who This Workshop Is For
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Beginner through advanced photographers who:
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Want more confidence photographing moving water, specifically an opportunity to experiment with different settings from creating a smooth, silky effect to freezing the motion
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Have circular polarizer (CPL) and/or neutral density (ND) filters and need help understanding when & how to use them
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Want to better understand the components of the Exposure Triangle (aperture, shutter speed & ISO) so they can get off Auto mode and take more control - photographing moving water is great for visual learners!
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Want guided instruction while still having the space to explore their own creative approach
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Want to refine their skills or work on composition and artistic style
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Enjoy the company of like-minded souls & the safety of exploring waterfalls as a small group
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Nature lovers who enjoy learning in beautiful places and are drawn to fall colour, moody forests, and the rhythm of waterfalls
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All ages & skill levels welcome!
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What You'll Learn
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How to work a scene thoughtfully to plan your composition -- from wider scenes to intimate details
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How to use shutter speed, aperture & ISO to achieve your desired results
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How to use your filters to assist you in achieving the look you want
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How to problem-solve in the field with changing light and water levels
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You'll also come away with an improved knowledge of some of the area's gems, and maybe even new photography friends!
**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 2km round-trip 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. It is your responsibility to know your limits and pace yourself accordingly. Insurance for your camera equipment is highly recommended.
What's included?
Photography instruction and guiding to waterfalls. 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 Huntsville to reduce travel time.
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Transportation & fuel -- carpooling is encouraged
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Meals & hydration -- we take a break for lunch both days. On the first day, we'll be close to Dwight, so we'll visit a local establishment that offers a tasty selection of deli-style lunch options. On the second day, we'll be in a more remote location, so you'll need to bring a packed lunch or snacks to get you through the 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. Please check your schedule to be sure you're able to participate. In the event you need to cancel, you may sell your space to someone else.
A note about weather: This workshop will be held rain or shine! Please come prepared for any possible weather. Additionally, Mother Nature will determine how much - if any - autumn colours we'll see.
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" is done online. 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 (this helps protect your lens from rain, as well as mist from the waterfalls
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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 to help cut the glare on the water & make surrounding vegetation pop
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Neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light let into your lens so you can create smooth silky water in brighter light
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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) **very important as long exposures use more battery power**
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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 tailgate coffee/tea/hot chocolate at lunch on the second day
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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