Workshops & Tours

New! Summer Safaris - Bugs and Blooms

Description | Cost | Lodging | Registration

View our photographs from this location

New! Summer Safaris - Bugs and Blooms

Six-Participant Workshop for Advanced Photographers

Tahquamenon Watershed, Niagara Escarpment and Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Newberry, Michigan

June 7 - 12, 2009

Summer Safaris Workshop Description

This special advanced workshop is open to photographers who are interested in photographing the variety of subjects found in northern Michigan. This special workshop is limited to six participants. Participants need to have built up a full photographic system and have the tools to photograph a diverse selection of subjects. The primary emphasis will be on close-up subjects and landscape photography. This time of year the area's vegetation is lush and teeming with insect life.

During the week we will seek out some rare and protected species of plants. Many of these unique species only grow within the area's limestone regions that make up the Niagara Escarpment. We will teach and adhere to strict ethical guidelines to avoid trampling sensitive habitats and harming individual plants as we seek out such orchid species as yellow lady's-slipper, pink lady's-slipper, Arethusa, and possibly others. Many species of ferns occur in this area. This time of year they should be in fresh condition and at their best for photography. In addition, there should be an abundance of bunchberry, fringed polygala and wild iris in bloom.

After photographing plants in the natural light of early morning, we can expect to spend some time toward the middle of each day photographing insects, using either modern TTL flash or natural light, depending on the conditions. If you don't already have this capability, we can help you put together a simple flash system designed for photographing free-roaming insects (not birds). All of our insect photography will be geared toward teaching you how to photograph wild, unrestrained insects in their natural habitat. If you are not interested in participating in this type of activity we urge you to consider taking one of our other workshops.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge, with its lack of agriculture and urbanization, is a sanctuary for butterflies and dragonflies in addition to the larger wildlife with which it is usually associated. This workshop is timed to coincide with significant summer hatches of many fascinating insects. Among the many dragonflies we can expect to see are common white-tailed skimmers and chalk-fronted corporals, possibly by the thousand. Butterflies that should be out include Canadian tiger swallowtails, northern pearl-crescents, little wood-satyrs, white admirals and silver-bordered fritillaries. We may also see one of the big silk moths such as Polyphemus, Luna, and Cecropia moths.

Because of the extensive daylight hours at this northern latitude at this time of year, we will not attempt to photograph every sunrise and sunset. We can still expect long days in the field as we focus our energies on plant, insect and landscape subjects.

With a limit of just six participants and with both Rod and Marlene guiding you in the field, personalized instruction is a hallmark of this workshop. We will carpool in two vehicles, with Rod and Marlene each traveling with three participants. 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 and interests.

This workshop will benefit users of either film or digital systems. There will be some discussion of digital workflow during the course of the week, but the main emphasis of the workshop is on the field process of nature photography. Whether you use a film-based or digital system, Rod and Marlene will help you get the best image quality possible with your equipment.

Cost

The cost of the Advanced Workshop is $995 per person. This includes the cost of tuition and any necessary permits. The cost also includes a complete set of workshop notes. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, film processing (optional), and transportation to the workshop location.

A second high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is a must to reach some of our backcountry destinations. If you are willing to use your vehicle during the tour, please let us know. If we do not have a participant bring a four-wheel drive vehicle, participants will be required to subsidize the rental of additional four-wheel drive vehicle in addition to splitting the cost of fuel for the tour. (Costs have ranged from $65 to $125 p/p in the past.)

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.

Lodging Rates and Accommodations

Excellent accommodations for the workshop are available at the Comfort Inn in Newberry for is $65 per night plus tax (single/double). Participants are responsible for making their own motel reservations in Newberry. We will provide more information after you sign up. Please be prepared to pay for all hotel accommodations upon checking in.

Registration Information

Cost: $995 per person. A deposit of $250 is required with registration. The balance of $745 is required 90 days prior to the beginning of the tour. If you cancel less than 90 days prior, a refund is issued only if we are able to fill your space. ALL cancellations incur a $50 processing fee. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, and transportation costs.

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.

Other 2009 Workshops

Utah Wild (April 26 - May 2, 2009)
Utah Mild (May 3 - 9, 2009) - Full (Waiting List)
New! Summer Safaris - Bugs and Blooms (June 7 - 12, 2009)
Old Growth Forest, Foggy Landscapes, Close-ups and Waterfowl (August 2 - 8, 2009)
Foggy Bogs and Dewy Insects - Tahquamenon Watershed (August 16 - 22, 2009)
We Love the Badlands! (August 30 - September 5, 2009) - Just Added!
We Love the Badlands! (September 6 - 12, 2009) - Full (Waiting List)
Ultimate Autumn Forests and Lake Superior Shoreline (September 27 - October 3, 2009) - Full (Waiting List)

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Bunchberry 1-Day Seminars Locations & Dates Program Details Workshops & Tours Detailed Overview Locations & Dates Program Content Client Testimonials		Workshops & Tours New! Summer Safaris - Bugs and Blooms Description \| Cost \| Lodging \| Registration View our photographs from this location New! Summer Safaris - Bugs and Blooms Six-Participant Workshop for Advanced Photographers Tahquamenon Watershed, Niagara Escarpment and Seney National Wildlife Refuge Newberry, Michigan June 7 - 12, 2009 Summer Safaris Workshop Description This special advanced workshop is open to photographers who are interested in photographing the variety of subjects found in northern Michigan. This special workshop is limited to six participants. Participants need to have built up a full photographic system and have the tools to photograph a diverse selection of subjects. The primary emphasis will be on close-up subjects and landscape photography. This time of year the area's vegetation is lush and teeming with insect life. During the week we will seek out some rare and protected species of plants. Many of these unique species only grow within the area's limestone regions that make up the Niagara Escarpment. We will teach and adhere to strict ethical guidelines to avoid trampling sensitive habitats and harming individual plants as we seek out such orchid species as yellow lady's-slipper, pink lady's-slipper, Arethusa, and possibly others. Many species of ferns occur in this area. This time of year they should be in fresh condition and at their best for photography. In addition, there should be an abundance of bunchberry, fringed polygala and wild iris in bloom. After photographing plants in the natural light of early morning, we can expect to spend some time toward the middle of each day photographing insects, using either modern TTL flash or natural light, depending on the conditions. If you don't already have this capability, we can help you put together a simple flash system designed for photographing free-roaming insects (not birds). All of our insect photography will be geared toward teaching you how to photograph wild, unrestrained insects in their natural habitat. If you are not interested in participating in this type of activity we urge you to consider taking one of our other workshops. Seney National Wildlife Refuge, with its lack of agriculture and urbanization, is a sanctuary for butterflies and dragonflies in addition to the larger wildlife with which it is usually associated. This workshop is timed to coincide with significant summer hatches of many fascinating insects. Among the many dragonflies we can expect to see are common white-tailed skimmers and chalk-fronted corporals, possibly by the thousand. Butterflies that should be out include Canadian tiger swallowtails, northern pearl-crescents, little wood-satyrs, white admirals and silver-bordered fritillaries. We may also see one of the big silk moths such as Polyphemus, Luna, and Cecropia moths. Because of the extensive daylight hours at this northern latitude at this time of year, we will not attempt to photograph every sunrise and sunset. We can still expect long days in the field as we focus our energies on plant, insect and landscape subjects. With a limit of just six participants and with both Rod and Marlene guiding you in the field, personalized instruction is a hallmark of this workshop. We will carpool in two vehicles, with Rod and Marlene each traveling with three participants. 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 and interests. This workshop will benefit users of either film or digital systems. There will be some discussion of digital workflow during the course of the week, but the main emphasis of the workshop is on the field process of nature photography. 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] Cost The cost of the Advanced Workshop is $995 per person. This includes the cost of tuition and any necessary permits. The cost also includes a complete set of workshop notes. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, film processing (optional), and transportation to the workshop location. A second high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is a must to reach some of our backcountry destinations. If you are willing to use your vehicle during the tour, please let us know. If we do not have a participant bring a four-wheel drive vehicle, participants will be required to subsidize the rental of additional four-wheel drive vehicle in addition to splitting the cost of fuel for the tour. (Costs have ranged from $65 to $125 p/p in the past.) 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 Excellent accommodations for the workshop are available at the Comfort Inn in Newberry for is $65 per night plus tax (single/double). Participants are responsible for making their own motel reservations in Newberry. We will provide more information after you sign up. Please be prepared to pay for all hotel accommodations upon checking in. [return to top] Registration Information Cost: $995 per person. A deposit of $250 is required with registration. The balance of $745 is required 90 days prior to the beginning of the tour. If you cancel less than 90 days prior, a refund is issued only if we are able to fill your space. ALL cancellations incur a $50 processing fee. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, and transportation costs. 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. [return to top] Other 2009 Workshops Utah Wild (April 26 - May 2, 2009) Utah Mild (May 3 - 9, 2009) - Full (Waiting List) New! Summer Safaris - Bugs and Blooms (June 7 - 12, 2009) Old Growth Forest, Foggy Landscapes, Close-ups and Waterfowl (August 2 - 8, 2009) Foggy Bogs and Dewy Insects - Tahquamenon Watershed (August 16 - 22, 2009) We Love the Badlands! (August 30 - September 5, 2009) - Just Added! We Love the Badlands! (September 6 - 12, 2009) - Full (Waiting List) Ultimate Autumn Forests and Lake Superior Shoreline (September 27 - October 3, 2009) - Full (Waiting List)