I'm looking for a good photo workshop to go to this year. No particular time in mind, but I'm looking for something that's more about creativity and composition than the technical or commercial stuff. Also something within say 500 miles of Chicago for a fairly easy drive, so the coasts are out. Flying is a hassle and I've done enough of it lately. I also don't want to add to the expense - a lot of great workshops are out there in the $2k range, but that's out of the question for me. Looking for more like the $500 range. Camping is fine, and probably preferred.

I need to get some inspiration and I think this will do it. I took one in '01 that's along these lines and may take a different workshop with the same guy (http://www.laynekennedy.com/workshop.html) but wanted to see what else is out there.

This one (http://mentorseries.americanphotomag.com/custom/trek.asp?article_id=0&intTrekID=149&type=future&section_id=21) looks kind of interesting. Anybody know about the Mentor Series?

Wow, I was looking at the Minnesota based one. I hadn't even realized that these types of things existed. Looks like a ton of fun!

I was on the sea kayaking trip and it was really a great time. I don't think I can do that one this year but would if I could. Lake Superior can get pretty nasty some times, but that time of year is usually pretty calm. This one is in Wisconsin and if you're thinking about it you might try sea kayaking first before you commit to a week of it.

I've been to the North House Folk School before in Grand Marais as well, but not for this class. They've got a really nice facility and there's tons of stuff to shoot around there. I emailed Layne about this one to see if there's any more info on it yet.

I like the idea of heading up to Grand Marais.

How do you manage kayaking with all your camera gear? How much did you bring and how did you keep it protected? Did you bring a tripod? I've camped many times before, but that was before I was into photography.

Steve,

I just received an email notice from B&H about some workshops given by National Geographic in a few places - including Chicago. The first one says it's geared to beginners/amateurs in digital photography. I think it's only one day - but it looks awesome (if one can afford it). I thought I'd just pass it on to you.

http://www.santafeworkshops.com/Traveler/digital.cfm

Another one - looks even better - not sure it's in your geographical perimeters.

http://www.santafeworkshops.com/Traveler/photo.cfm

Liz

I'm looking for a good photo workshop to go to this year. No particular time in mind, but I'm looking for something that's more about creativity and composition than the technical or commercial stuff. Also something within say 500 miles of Chicago for a fairly easy drive, so the coasts are out. Flying is a hassle and I've done enough of it lately. I also don't want to add to the expense - a lot of great workshops are out there in the $2k range, but that's out of the question for me. Looking for more like the $500 range. Camping is fine, and probably preferred.

I need to get some inspiration and I think this will do it. I took one in '01 that's along these lines and may take a different workshop with the same guy (http://www.laynekennedy.com/workshop.html) but wanted to see what else is out there.

This one (http://mentorseries.americanphotomag.com/custom/trek.asp?article_id=0&intTrekID=149&type=future&section_id=21) looks kind of interesting. Anybody know about the Mentor Series?

How do you manage kayaking with all your camera gear?
There's an art to packing a kayak. I have been on several kayak camping trips with a friend who's a photographer, and I think by now we have it figured out (mostly...). We use sea kayaks and mine is about 17'6" and 21" wide. Packed correctly, it can handle a couple of weeks worth of stuff including camera gear. Main problem is that the hatches are only about 9" round on mine, so a lot of small bags are the only way to do it (versus a couple of big ones). Pack like a backpacker and you'll be in good shape.

I use a Gitzo 1228 which fits just fine but I have to remove the head first. I've usually brought film gear and my Coolpix, but I sold my film cameras last year so I'm not sure what I'll do this year - maybe just use the Coolpix, maybe bring the DSLR. Waterproof bags are important, but so are waterproof hatches on the kayak.

Kayaking in a place like Lake Superior can bring all sorts of challenges - I've seen it go from calm and winds of about 5 knots to 3-4' waves (eye level and more) and 40 knot winds in less than an hour. Had closer to 6' waves (twice the height of eye level) on a relatively calm day coming back from the Slate Islands in Ontario (also Lake Superior). It can get dangerous, and don't do it without a group and some instruction. Layne's kayaking trip in the Apostle Islands will provide all that stuff, but like anything else, the longer you do it the better you get at it. You don't need to be in marathon-runner shape, but being in decent shape and comfortable around water is important. We can talk more off line about it if you want - PM me.

Liz, thanks - I got that email too, haven't had a chance to look into it yet but Santa Fe workshops tend to be a bit pricey...