Joel and Sheen look forward to sharing the inspiring winter landscape with you in their upcoming Winter Wonders of the Upper Peninsula photography workshop. Our full day adventures capture iconic lighthouses, sunrises and sunsets, ice formations and caves along with night sky photography. If the Aurora Borealis is anywhere in sight, it’s an a-list photo subject (there’s no guarantee for a sighting but if it happens we’ll capture it)!
Considerations, tips and techniques are readily shared to support you in achieving your photography and artistry vision.
Our workshop is primarily in the wintry field. However, we are reserving indoor time to share post processing techniques using Lightroom and Photoshop. (Image credit: Joel Marotti, Sheen Watkins)
Our workshop is designed for all levels of photographers. Whether new to photography or experienced, our goal is to help you leave with memory cards filled with diverse images from the amazing landscape and area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
We meet and start on Thursday in Mackinaw City to capture amazing evening and sunrise views in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Then it’s venturing upward to the Marquette area to photograph an area filled with diverse beauty. mee
Dates: January 23 – 26, 2025; Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – Sunday 1:00 p.m.
Workshop Cost: $995
- Skill level: all levels from beginner (with basic working knowledge of your camera) to expert levels welcome in our interactive, dynamic workshop
- Fitness & Activity: Each participant determines their own fitness level. Our locations require hiking through snow and in areas with slippery and very treacherous conditions. Temps vary in the winter season from cold to bitter cold with the possibility of high winds (sub zero). Foot spikes are required to shoot on and around ice. Hiking times vary depending on weather and trail conditions. Photographers need to wear attire for extreme winter conditions. If you need ice spikes, hand warmers, links see links below.
Limited to: 10 photographers (1 – 2 instructors: Sheen Watkins & Joel Marotti) based on number of attendees
Base Locations: We’ll start Thursday in Mackinaw City and depart Friday morning after sunrise for Marquette, Michigan.
Camera gear: camera, your preferred lenses for landscapes. For our night skies and ice caves, we suggest wide to extra wide lenses (14mm – 24mm range with wide apertures of 1.8 – 2.8). There are also plenty of opportunities to use short and mid-range telephoto lenses throughout the workshop. Back up batteries are recommended as cold weather possibly depletes charges faster than normal conditions.
Accommodations, transportation, tolls and meals are NOT included in cost of workshop. The Holiday Inn Express in Mackinaw City for Thursday night and Superior Stay Hotel near downtown Marquette is suggested for Friday and Saturday nights. Details to follow.
If you have questions or need additional information: Send an email to sheensnaturephotography@gmail.com. A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to hold your spot(s) with the balance due December 15, 2024. In the event the workshop is cancelled, your deposits are refunded less any processing fees.
Joel Marotti
From dark and moody, to experimenting with new techniques, Joel's unique imagery happens in both the field and in post processing. This adventurous spirit translates to scroll stoppers across social media, the web and publications.
Joel thrives in sharing his expertise and insights with photographers of all skill levels. His passion for mentorship is evident in his patience to helping others achieve their unique photography goals.
He is a multi-year photo Ambassador for Michigan State Parks
Sheen Watkins
An avid explorer, she ventures into diverse terrains, be it the hushed serenity of an icy winter landscape or the radiant glow of the longest days of the year. Her camera is not just a tool but an extension of her artistic vision, always ready to capture the essence of the moment.
With an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding passion for photography, Sheen Watkins enjoys inspiring and connecting with photographers.
She is a multi-year photo Ambassador for Michigan State Parks.
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