Midwest Location Workshops

Ephemeral Spring Color

May 7-10, 2009

Hidden among the hills of Southeast Minnesota are some of the least known yet most exotic displays of spring wildflowers found anywhere in the world. Every few years the Whitewater, Zumbro, Cannon and other rivers of southeast Minnesota flood; when the flood waters recede they leave rich deposits of loamy black soil. These deposits create perfect conditions for spring ephemeral wildflowers. For a brief time in the spring thousands of these flowers carpet the valley floors and offer us a most colorful photographic subject.

This workshop will take you to spectacular locations. We will instruct you on macro and close-up digital photographic techniques to capture intimate details and colorful abstract floral images. Field demonstrations will show you how to create image composition, perfect exposure, and creatively use depth of field. One on one field tutoring combined with positive yet honest classroom critiques will make this workshop experience an enjoyable learning adventure.

Our approach to photography is founded upon an intimate yet practical study of photographic technology, and the natural world. Our teaching philosophy is based upon the belief that learning through fieldwork is the most thorough and enjoyable process of learning. Our goal during this workshop is to blend these two approaches in a combination of technical lectures, critiques, and field exercises. The result will increase your understanding and enjoyment of photography, the creative process, and the natural world.

Cost: $1295.00 (Payment schedule on request.)

Maximum 12 participants. Cost is for 4 day field trip and Classroom sessions, including some meals, and lodging. Lodging is based upon double occupancy, single option if available is extra. Costs do not include: transportation, event admission fees (if any), and out of pocket expenses. If you are flying in from out of state contact us prior to your reservations, we will work with you to help you arrange your flights, any hotel accommodations needed prior to or post workshop.

For more information call (218) 834-0756, or email john@coldsnap.com

Before signing up for a workshop please read our Cancellation Policy.

Teddy Roosevelt Roadtrip!

Due to a scheduling conflict this workshop is on hold.

Look for it to be rescheduled in 2010!

Experience the Wild West as it once was! This workshop offers the beauty of the rugged North Dakota Badlands coupled with the diversity of wildlife only found on the American Western Prairie. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park and surrounding area is home to: bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, bighorn sheep, wild horses, prairie dogs, coyotes, bobcat, and more. We have scheduled this workshop for optimal color in this prairie setting. Find out why Teddy Roosevelt came back to North Dakota year after year; in fact he said that his experiences in North Dakota allowed him to become President of the US.

Our workshop begins in Williston North Dakota, near the North Unit of the Park. Once you are to Williston we take care of almost everything; transportation, accommodations, meals, and guided tours. During morning and evening photography tours we will search out bison, elk, prairie dogs, mule deer, wild horses and whatever else we can find. Set against the colorful hills of the Little Missouri River Valley you are sure to come away with some of the most breath-taking images of your lifetime.

During the workshop there will be instructional sessions on image capture, digital raw conversion, field shoot instruction, and review of images made during the workshop.

Price includes; accommodations based upon double occupancy, transportation from and back to Williston North Dakota, meals, guided tours, and photographic instruction.

Price does not include: transportation to and from Williston North Dakota, admission fees (if any) to spontaneous events or facilities not normally part of the planned itinerary.

Getting There:

You can get to Williston North Dakota by train, plane or automobile. Amtrak service to Williston from St. Paul Minnesota costs about $145 for coach or $390 for a sleeper. Service from St. Paul departs at aprox 11:15pm and arrives Williston at aprox 11:07am. Return trip departs Williston at aprox 7:09pm and arrives St. Paul at aprox 7:05am. For details on Amtrak schedules and fees go to: www.amtrak.com and search the Empire Builder route. Williston North Dakota has an International Airport for airline service, check with your travel agent for flight information. We will work with you to pick you up and drop you off at either the Williston airport or train station.

For more information call us at (218) 834-0756 or email: john@coldsnap.com.