Workshop Location Description
Workshop Location Description - Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Environs
This special advanced workshop is open to past participants of Rod Planck's workshops who have built up a full photographic system and have the tools to photograph a diverse selection of subjects.
Each workshop is limited to six participants interested in photographing a variety of subjects. Close-up, early morning and late afternoon landscape, and wildlife photography will all be explored over the course of the week.
The small town of Germfask, located in the east-central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, serves as our base. Germfask is the gateway to Seney National Wildlife Refuge, a 95,000 acre expanse of beautiful wooded and wetland scenery teeming with wildlife.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge is the site of a recent successful reintroduction program of the magnificent Trumpeter Swan. A previous program brought back the Canada Goose, which is now a ubiquitous sight at the refuge. Many other northern bird species nest here or stop over on migration. Because Common Loons also find that the refuge is a perfect place to nest and raise their young. You can anticipate seeing these beautiful birds on a daily basis.
In addition to avian species, the area protects unique eco-systems including old growth forests which feature floors that are carpeted in thick layers of moss and lichens. A variety of beautiful mushrooms also spring forth from these "medieval" looking forests.
Germfask is also close to our own 200-acre property, a site we manage for nature photography. This wooded acreage features many photogenic plants, such as white baneberry, spotted touch-me-not and great lobelia, as well as a variety of mushrooms.
Rod has discovered many other places with photographic potential on nearby state-owned land. Using his keen eye for composition and his extensive knowledge of local natural history, Rod will take you to picturesque meadows, wetlands, and forests to photograph everything from dew-covered dragonflies in the still of morning to stunning sunsets over northern wetlands.
We also expect to see late-blooming summer wildflowers such as asters and a variety of goldenrods.
We may have a designated flash day for photographing diurnal insects such as late summer hatches of butterflies. This will be based on how many people arrive with the proper flash equipment and the interest level. If you have questions about this please call our office.
With a limit of just six participants and with both Rod and Marlene teaching you in the field, personalized instruction is a hallmark of these workshops.
You could also use this as a great opportunity to get together with a group of friends - we can customize the workshop to fit your needs.
We will carpool in two vehicles, with Rod and Marlene each traveling with three participants. This will give us greater flexibility and mobility when photographing such subjects as Trumpeter Swans at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
To complement our field sessions, we will have mid-day programs on advanced metering techniques and advanced composition. We'll also discuss multiple exposure layering techniques - putting 8, 16, 32, or even 64 exposures on one image.
These workshops will benefit users of both film and digital systems. The emphasis is on the field process of nature photography. But, digital workflow will certainly enter into conversations in the field. Whether you use a film-based or digital system, Rod and Marlene will help you get the best image quality possible with your equipment.
[return to top]
Tuition
Advanced workshop tuition of $995 per person includes a complete set of workshop notes. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, film processing and transportation.
Payment: A deposit of $250 is required to reserve a space. The balance of $745 is due 90 days prior to the first day of the workshop. A 90 day advance notice is required for all cancellations. If you need to cancel with less than a 90 day notice your deposit/tuition will be refunded only if we are able to fill your space. All cancellations incur a $50 processing fee.
When we receive your deposit, we will send you a detailed confirmation letter outlining check-in time, suitable photographic equipment and recommended clothing, along with a map and directions. Prior to the workshop, we will provide a directory of participants to facilitate joint travel plans.
[return to top]
Lodging Rates and Accommodations
Modest but clean accommodations are available at the Jolly Motel in Germfask, Michigan. The rooms offer clean, air-conditioned comfort.
Our group rate for lodging is $40 per night, plus tax (single occupancy) during the workshop. The rate for double occupancy is $55 per night. Those who wish to arrive early or stay after the workshop may do so with advance reservations. Inquire at the Jolly Motel prior to making travel plans. Please pay the motel directly at check-in.
[return to top]
Registration Information
Early reservations are recommended. By phone: Call (906) 293-3339. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. For reservations made by phone, we accept credit cards for deposits only, or we'll hold your space for seven days, while awaiting your check.
You can also register online.
[return to top]
|
