The water level in Lake Superior is at a historic low, about two feet below normal. While this creates problems for shipping and shoreline property owners, it presents nature photographers fresh opportunities to investigate newly exposed sandstone beds and cobblestone beaches. The lower lake level also makes it safer to explore newly accessible segments of shoreline and will allow us to photograph the beach from new angles.

This six participant tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is designed for our past workshop participants who have requested a tour that provides a back country experience yet still offers the comforts of a hotel in the evening. Pictured Rocks is primarily a day-hiking and backpacking park, and this tour lets us experience the park to its full potential for photography. By limiting the tour to six people, we will feel free to access more remote sections that we wouldn't be comfortable taking a larger group into.

Towering above Lake Superior are the most prominent of the lakeshore's geographic features, the multicolored sandstone cliffs for which the lakeshore is named. Mineral stains give color to the famous cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Red and orange colors are iron, black is manganese, white is limonite, and green provides evidence of copper deposits. These spectacular cliffs reach to a height of 200 feet above the lake and extend more than 12 of the 42 miles of shoreline within the National Lakeshore boundaries.

Because the shoreline has an east to west orientation, it has often been difficult in the past to obtain the best lighting for photography. The lower lake level expands the zone from which we can safely position ourselves and our camera gear to create images that wouldn't normally be possible.

We'll take some of the popular hikes, such as the hike from Miner's beach to Mosquito Beach, and take a number of hikes from Chapel Basin, where there will be abundant opportunities for close-up photography.

All hikes range from 1-mile to 9 miles round trip. Participants need to be in reasonably good physical condition for hikes of this length, while carrying their camera gear, lunch, and water. We won't hike in heavy rain (at least not on purpose), but could venture out in a light rain. Some slight elevation change is involved, including the portion of the hike to Mosquito beach known as "Heart Attack Hill". Rod will advise participants before each field trip on what gear is necessary, so you won't be needlessly overloaded.

We plan to visit Mosquito Falls and Rock River Falls, two back country falls that should be at their maximum flow with spring run-off.

In addition to miles of undeveloped shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has 71,397 acres of forest. During the tour we'll also be photographing the emerging spring vegetation. Depending on the timing of Spring in 2008, we could find the forest floor carpeted with early wildflowers, such as Dutchman's-breeches, bloodroot, and squirrel-corn. If spring is early in arriving, three species of trilliums could be in bloom. Ferns, which are a photogenic subject at all stages of development, should be emerging from the forest floor.

While hiking is the focus of the tour, we will have instructional programs scheduled during the week during periods when the weather is less than ideal for photography. These programs will emphasize time-honored photographic field techniques along with instruction in digital capture and workflow. Both digital and film users will benefit from these programs. There will also be one or two critique sessions.

This tour requires the capability of walking for a several miles on trails - all while carrying camera equipment. All hikes are within the capabilities of an average person in good health. If you have health concerns contact our office so we can discuss the compatibility of the tour with your level of fitness.

Excellent accommodations are available at the AmericInn in Munising for $49 per night plus tax (single). Participants are responsible for making their own motel reservations. We will provide more information after you sign up.

$995 per person (includes instruction, slide critiques, and handouts. To reserve a space, please send a deposit of $250. The balance of $745 is due 90 days before the tour begins. If you cancel with less than 90 days notice, we will issue a refund only if we are able to fill your space. All cancellations incur a $50 processing fee.

Cost: $995 per person. Your deposit of $250 is required with registration. The balance of $745 is due 90 days prior to the first day of the session. 90 days advance notice is required for a refund of deposit. Cancel with less than a 90-day notice and you will receive a refund only if we are able to fill your space. All cancellations incur a $50 processing fee. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, film processing and transportation.

Lodging: $49 plus tax, per night (single occupancy). Make payment to motel at check-in.

Reservations: Early reservations are recommended.

You can register online using Paypal by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below.

You can also register by downloading and completing a registration form and mailing with payment to:

Rod Planck Photography
PO Box 100
McMillan, MI 49853

By Phone: Call (906) 293-3339. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. EST. We accept credit cards (for deposits only), or we'll hold your space for 7 days, while awaiting your check.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore & Environs (May 4-10)
• Old Growth Forest, Swans and Insects (August 3 - 9 & August 10-16)
• Foggy Bogs and Dewy Insects - Tahquamenon Watershed (August 17 - 23)
• Autumn Grasslands and Badlands National Park (September 7 - 13)
• Tahquamenon Watershed and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (September 30 - October 10)