Announcing: The Muskoka Winter Waterfall Spectacular Photographic Workshop

oin Andrew McLachlan in Ontario’s Muskoka District on January 3, 4, & 5 2020 for one full day and two half days of in-depth photographic exploration of the finest waterfalls in the region. Embrace the beauty of Muskoka this winter and learn the skills of landscape photography amid a winter wonderland of snow clad, iconic white pines and the intricate ice formations that adorn the waterfalls and rivers.

This workshop will require the ability to walk approximately 1 kilometre over uneven, snow-covered terrain. I do recommend the use of crampons on this workshop for the added safety they provide against slip and fall incidents if conditions should be icy.

I recommend that participants book their accommodations with the Sleep Inn in Bracebridge as they serve a continental breakfast. Please contact me prior to booking rooms for instructions on special rate.

This event will run, rain, snow, or sun.

Maximum number of participants is 10.

Itinerary:

Friday January 3:

• Meet at 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Sleep Inn, Bracebridge and carpool to photo session at area waterfall

• Dinner (on your own)

• Optional night photography session at Bracebridge Falls as it is lit with flood lights

Saturday January 4:

• Meet in the parking lot of the Sleep Inn, Bracebridge at 7:00 a.m. and carpool to waterfalls for photo sessions

• Stop for lunch (on your own) at approximately 1:00 p.m.

• Visit additional waterfalls for photo sessions

• Dinner at local restaurant at 7:00 p.m.

• Get some rested for early start on Sunday

Sunday January 5:

• Meet in the parking lot of the Sleep Inn, Bracebridge at 7:00 a.m. and carpool to waterfalls for photo sessions

• Stop for lunch (on your own) 1:00 p.m.

• Depart for home

What’s Included:

• In-depth photographic instruction during each photo sessions with LCD review

• Saturday dinner at nearby restaurant

What’s Not Included:

• Accommodations (numerous options available… I will be staying at the Sleep Inn)

• Transportation (car pooling of participants is encouraged)

• Friday night dinner

• Breakfast (The Sleep Inn serves a continental breakfast)

• Alcoholic Beverages

Workshop Fee:

335.00 CDN plus taxes

Payment can be made via email transfer or by cheque.

To reserve your spot in the Muskoka Winter Waterfall Spectacular please contact me by clicking here to arrange payment.

Cancellation Policy:

No Refunds.

Check your schedule carefully prior to booking.

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Report: Muskoka Autumn Colour Spectacular Photographic Workshop

Daybreak in the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Ontario

On Wednesday October 9 the 2nd Annual Muskoka Autumn Colour Spectacular Photographic Workshop wrapped up. We had a fantastic group of participants and were blessed with some wonderful conditions to photograph in.

Brooks Falls on the Magnetawan River, Almaguin Highlands, Ontario

Our first stop was at Brooks Falls on the Magnetawan River in Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands. We were blessed with beautiful autumn foliage and a good amount of flow in the river inspite of the dry conditions we have experienced this past summer.

Hogs Trough on the Oxtongue River, Ontario

Next on our list of locations was the Oxtongue River. Upon arrival bright sunny conditions plagued us, but a quick rain shower approached to create the best conditions possible for us, both above Hogs Trough and below.

Oxtongue River, Ontario

A quick stop at Ragged Falls further upstream was a little less than desired as this section of the river was running quite low, but autumn color reflecting in the river’s details provided some very nice opportunities, which can be seen below.

Oxtongue River Details, Ragged Falls Provincial Park, Ontario

The second day of the workshop was spent exploring the opportunities around the Bracebridge area, which were plentiful and saw us discovering some really amazing reflections along Potts Creek.

Potts Creek, Bracebridge, Ontario

On our final morning we may our way to the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve and were greeted by a stunning morning. The cool night air provided the temperatures for mist to rise from Highland Pond and as the first rays of the sun broke over the tree tops the photographic possibilities were endless. What a way to end the workshop 🙂

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Ontario

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Ontario

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Ontario

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Ontario

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve, Ontario

Announcing: Costa Rica Rainforest Photo Tour 2020

Join Andrew McLachlan and Jim Piggott in the rainforest of Costa Rica for an incredible opportunity to photograph a plethora of birdlife against beautiful poster-like backgrounds. We will also have opportunities to photograph several species of reptiles and amphibians. Our base camp in a remote rainforest eco-lodge will allow ample time for bird photography, macro sessions with reptiles and amphibians, as well as a river cruise for Herons, Kingfishers, and Caimans. These daily excursions and shooting schedules will be assessed each day and determined based on the current or expected conditions. As a result, there is no formal itinerary for this event. We will take advantage of the conditions to ensure the best possible results during our two half days and four full days of photography. We will also break out into smaller groups for specific sessions to ensure maximum shooting time. We will be doing a lot of photography during this tour and it would be highly recommended to travel with a minimum of two (3 is better) 1 TB external hard drives to back-up each day’s imagery. During the photo tour you may very well created upwards of 20,000 images!

Our photo sessions will include a jungle tour to familiarize yourself with the grounds, one session in a King Vulture photo blind, one hummingbird session with 3 to 4 different species, and a macro session for reptiles and amphibians. There is also an optional multi flash bat photography session available at an additional cost of $30 US (you must provide your own flashes). Throughout each day there will be ample time to photograph the multitude of birdlife that frequently visit the feeding stations around the lodge. For folks that may like a bit of quiet time to themselves the lodge provides canoes at nearby lagoons, if a quiet paddle is to your liking.

The maximum number of participants for this photo tour is 10

All photos on the workshop card were photographed by Jim Piggott during two previous trips.

This photo tour will run from May 16, 2020 to May 23, 2020. Participants will need to arrive in San Jose on May 15, 2020 and be ready depart for the lodge at 8:00 a.m. on May 16, 2020 from the Hampton Inn in San Jose. We recommend that participants book a single night accommodation on May 15 and again on May 23 at the Hampton Inn in San Jose.

Please do note that we have included an early bird special for those registrants that choose to book early. This special will expire at midnight on October 9, 2019.

It is highly recommended that participants purchase trip cancellation insurance as well as medical insurance. You may also want to visit a travel clinic to ensure you are up to date on any vaccinations you may require.

This tour will appeal to participants that have a good understanding of their camera system and will require a minimal amount of assistance in the field. In-the-field image critiques and composition suggestions will be provided during all photo shoots. Mealtime provides a great opportunity to discuss many photographic topics from image processing to your favorite shot of the day.

A detailed description of birdlife that can be seen at the eco-lodge can be sent to participants that may be interested in viewing the potential opportunities.

Photo Tour Fee:

$2250 US Early Bird Special (add $250 US for Single Supplement)

$2500 US (add $250 US for Single Supplement)

Please contact me by clicking here to register for this tour.

Participants will be paired with same sex participants for double occupancy unless you specifically state otherwise or if it is not doable based on the numbers that register.

A non-refundable retainer of $1000 US is due upon registration. A signed waiver of liability must accompany your payment at the time of registration. This will be emailed to interested participants that indicate a desire to register.

Balance owing must be paid by February 1, 2020 otherwise you risk losing your spot to participants on the ‘wait list.’

Once final payment has been made a no refund policy is effect.

What’s Included:

• 7 nights accommodation
• All meals at the eco-lodge (dinner on May 16th through to lunch on May 23rd)
• Transportation to and from eco-lodge
• 2 half day photo sessions
• 6 full day photo sessions
• In-the-field image critique

What’s Not Included:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Snacks
• Insect Repellent
• Flights to and from San Jose
• Hotel accommodation on May 15th and May 23rd
• After visiting tropical rainforest environments myself I do encourage folks to bring along packets of powdered electrolytes (2 for each day) that can be dissolved in a glass of water to replenish what is lost during the heat and humidity of the day.

 

Announcing: Ohio State Reformatory 2020

Join Sherry Butts and Andrew McLachlan at the Ohio State Reformatory on Saturday, April 18, 2020 for an exclusive photo tour from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Originally built in 1834 the reformatory’s hauntingly beautiful architecture housed many famous and infamous criminals. It is also the same location where the Morgan Freeman film “The Shawshank Redemption” was filmed.

The Ohio State Reformatory doors open to the public at 11:00 a.m., however, this exclusive photo tour will allow you the opportunity of early access at 7:00 a.m. That equates to 4 full hours of exploring the prison prior to the doors opening to the public. What a fantastic opportunity! We have also arranged the use of tripods inside the prison at no additional fee. Participants are welcome to remain on site until closing time at 4:00 p.m.

Maximum number of participants is 16

What’s Included:

• Meet & Greet with OSR briefing on Friday April 17, 2020 (location TBD)

• Entrance fee to Ohio State Reformatory

• Photographic instruction

• On site LCD image review

What’s Not Included:

• Transportation to and from Ohio State Reformatory

• Overnight accommodation for out of town participants

• Meals

Workshop Fee:

$295.00 CDN plus taxes

Payment can be made via email transfer or by cheque made payable to Andrew McLachlan

To reserve your spot in the Ohio State Reformatory Photo Tour please contact me by clicking here

Cancellation Policy:

91 days prior to workshop full refund less a $50 administration fee

90 days prior to workshop No Refund.

Highly Honored Achievement: The Nature’s Best Photography 2019 Windland Smith Rice International Awards

I am pleased to announce that today’s image of newly formed ice crystals photographed on the shore of Ontario’s Georgian Bay last winter has been awarded a Highly Honored designation in the Nature’s Best Photography 2019 Windland Smith Rice International Awards.

This prestigious competition received nearly 25,000 images from photographers in 63 countries. Approximately 1,200 photos made it into the semi-final round of judging to isolate the 123 finalists. The complete collection of awarded images will be published in the 2019 Fall/Winter Special Awards Edition of Nature’s Best Photography magazine. The Category Winners and numerous Highly Honored images will also appear in the Awards exhibition to be displayed at the Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

Just Released: Focus on Frogs – An Illustrated Guide to Great Photography

My long anticipated eBook on frog photography has just been released by Birds As Art Books and is available for purchase by clicking here. This extensive resource is 246 pages in length and is illustrated with approximately 250 photographs.

Product Description by Arthur Morris from the BAA On-line Store:

As you can clearly see while checking out Andrew’s amazing frog and toad images in the blog post here, you will realize that his work might well appear with the credit line reading Andrew McLachlan/FROGS AS ART. That Andrew has worked long and very hard at his craft is quite evident. That Andrew has mastered the use of the gear needed for macro photography is quite evident. That Andrew has perfected the use of electronic flash for both daytime and night-time frog photography is quite evident. That Andrew is creative and has a great eye for image design and color is quite evident. That Andrew has an understanding of how important backgrounds are in nature photography is quite evident. And that Andrew has developed all the skills needed to create outstanding images of frogs and toads – both captive and in their natural habitats, is also quite evident. In short, Andrew is the Frog Whisperer.

Focus on Frogs is a comprehensive guide to photographing frogs and toads. In the wild; in the tropics; in home-made terrariums; and at set-ups. Andrew covers it all: camera systems, bodies, and lenses (of all focal lengths!), the use of polarizers and graduated ND filters, how to dress for frog photography, the essentials accessories that will save you time and money, the use of flash, keeping you and your gear safe, in-the-field tips and techniques, finding the best perspective, Photoshop tips and techniques, frog conservation concerns, all aspects of froggy habitats, getting the right exposure, frog biology and behavior, creating attractive set-ups, over-under frog photography, and artistic renderings. The book ends with a spectacular Webfoot Gallery to inspire you.

 

 

Announcing The Creative Florals Photographic Workshop

Join Andrew McLachlan and Henrik Christiansen on Saturday, November 23^rd at the private studio of Opulence Wedding Design located near Thornton, Ontario for a Creative Florals Photographic Workshop that will inspire you to explore your creative vision and create floral masterpiece imagery.

This workshop will be divided into two segments. The first part of the day will be spent photographing a variety of flowers with multiple set-ups from black backgrounds to white backgrounds, focus stacking, floating blossoms, and macro details. The second part of the day will be devoted to post processing. This is where we will work with making selections, blend focus stacked images, apply matting, adding/making texture overlays, and applying creative filter effects.

This workshop is open to a maximum of 10 participants.

The duration of the workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be a half hour break for lunch (not provided).

All workshop participants will receive a USB Flash Drive with workshop notes as well as a selection of texture overlays for future use.

Workshop Fee:

The fee for this all-day workshop is $195.00 + HST

To register for this event or to inquire with any questions you may have please contact me by clicking here. Payment can be made by email transfer or by cheque made payable to Andrew McLachlan.

Cancellation Policy:

Notice greater than 60 days a refund less a $75 administration fee will apply.

Notice of 60 days or less no refund.