Workshops & Tours

Autumn is a special time in northern Michigan. Cooling temperatures and decreasing daylight bring forth the spectacular annual transformation of the area's lush deciduous forests. The cool greens of summer quickly give way to a rainbow of warm colors: fluorescent orange, neon yellow and vibrant crimson.

We begin this special autumn tour in the town of Newberry. This strategic location in Michigan's east-central Upper Peninsula puts us within easy reach of thousands of acres of state and federal public land. The colorful beech/maple forests of Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Hiawatha National Forest and Lake Superior State Forest will be a major focus of the tour. We'll spend a few days at Seney National Wildlife Refuge photographing a diverse landscape that includes both deciduous and coniferous forests and an extensive wetland system of picturesque ponds and marshes.

We'll spend some time exploring the rural countryside surrounding Rod and Marlene's hometown of McMillan, seeking out scenes of quaint old farms and stately roadside maples. We've been able to gain access to privately owned properties where 100-year old barns add a dynamic architectural component to the autumn landscape.

Our second home base is the sleepy little hamlet of Grand Marais, situated where the vast deciduous forests of Michigan's north-central Upper Peninsula meet Lake Superior. Grand Marais is also the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a 43 mile long, 3 mile wide stretch with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Great Lakes region. Here we'll view the picturesque Grand Sable Banks rising majestically above Lake Superior. We'll take leisurely hikes along expansive driftwood-strewn cobblestone beaches and we may take a field trip to visit delicately beautiful Chapel Falls.

In addition to deciduous forests, we'll explore other exciting habitats--from expansive tamarack-dotted peatlands carpeted with golden grasses to northern coniferous forests where mature stands of white and red pine tower over a colorful understory of young maples. This mingling of bright fall foliage with the deep dark greens provides a patchwork of color from which to seek out great compositions. We may also have the privilege of viewing a spectacular autumn storm out over Lake Superior, with beams of sunlight penetrating through dark gray clouds, and whitecaps gleaming brightly against dark green water.

In addition to immense Lake Superior, smaller bodies of water abound. In the still of morning, the forests ringing the area's many small lakes and ponds cast Monet-like autumn reflections upon the water's smooth surface, giving us a great opportunity to study the subtle effects of changing light. We'll seek out small, hidden streams that harbor many photographic opportunities, including an abundance of colorful fallen leaves.

We may discover a variety of striking mushrooms, from the bright yellow Amanita to the tiny but beautiful vermilion Hygrophorus. Other possible subjects include frosted wild blueberries growing amongst bracken ferns, and communities of British soldier, pixie cup and goblet lichens.

Autumn weather in northern Michigan varies considerably. We could encounter balmy, summer-like days with cool, frosty nights, or it could be sweater or jacket weather most of the time. We could also have rain, or even an early snowfall. This tour is timed to coincide with the average earliest and latest date of peak fall color. Of course, the timing of peak color, like the weather, is impossible to predict precisely. Therefore, it would not be uncommon to see leaf-fall at this time of year as well.

Participants must be advanced photographers who should arrive with a clear understanding of photographic fundamentals and a thorough knowledge of their camera system as it relates to their photographic goals. The emphasis will be on enhancing your creativity and photographic vision through extensive fieldwork. While we will try to spend most of our time together in the field (weather permitting) Rod will critique images during inclement weather.

This unique tour format begins with a brief introduction/orientation meeting on the evening of Sunday, October 3 and ends after an afternoon field trip on Tuesday, October 12.

If you're not sure if this advanced tour is right for you, please contact us. We've had many requests for this type of extended offering for advanced photographers, so we recommend registering soon! Please consider taking your photography to a higher level by taking our advanced autumn tour.

The timing of fall color is unpredictable. The tour's dates were chosen because they coincide with the typical beginning of fall color through leaf-fall. This is based on Rod's 25 years of photographing and conducting workshops in this area. However, since the timing of fall color is unpredictable, we can extend no guarantee regarding foliage conditions.

This tour requires the capability of walking for a few 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.

High clearance four-wheel drive vehicles are 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 enough participants bringing their own four-wheel drive vehicles, some participants will be required to subsidize the rental of additional four-wheel drive vehicles (Costs have ranged from $50 to $100 p/p in the past.)

Excellent accommodations are available at the Comfort Inn in Newberry for $55 per night plus tax (single or double). Comfortable accommodations are available at the Voyageurs Motel in Grand Marais for $70 per night including tax (single or double). Both locations have a limited selection of restaurants and places to shop. Participants are responsible for making their own motel reservations. We will provide more information after you sign up.

$1295 per person (includes instruction, slide critique (inclement weather) and handouts.) To reserve a space, please send a deposit of $250. The balance of $1045 is due 90 days before the workshop 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: $1295 per person. Your deposit of $250 is required with registration. The balance of $1045 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.

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

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

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