Wishing everybody a safe and prosperous year!
Happy New Year!
All the best,
Andrew
Posted in Animals, Birds, Birds of Prey, ontario, Photo Tour, Wildlife, Winter, workshops, tagged 2021, andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, Birds, birds of prey, happy new year, ontario nature photographer on January 1, 2021| Leave a Comment »
Wishing everybody a safe and prosperous year!
Happy New Year!
All the best,
Andrew
Posted in Animals, Birds, Caribbean, Cayman Brac, Impressions in Nature, Landscapes, Macro, Macro Photography, Oceans, ontario, parry sound, Photo Gear, Photo Tour, Wetlands, Wildlife, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, autumn colour, cayman brac, insects, lake superior, landscape photography, macro photography, ontario, ontario nature photographer, ontario nature photography, top 20 2020 on December 31, 2020| 4 Comments »
2020 has certainly been a challenging year for so many people throughout the world.
The past year really limited many of my photographic adventures from cancelling workshops to being locked down at home. Fortunately I was able to make my way to Cayman Brac for two weeks in late February. The world shut down shortly after my return in March. During the summer months I concentrated my efforts on extreme macro photography around my rural home, often not even having to leave my property. By the time autumn came around I was able to continue with my Muskoka Autumn Colour Spectacular Workshop and Lake Superior Wild & Scenic Photography Workshop. As a result my top 20 images for 2020 have been selected from my Cayman Brac trip, insect photography at home, autumn colour, and the Lake Superior coast.
I hope you enjoy viewing this selection of imagery.
Here’s to a better year in 2021!
Posted in Animals, Aquatic Wildlife, Birds, Caribbean, Cayman Brac, Fish, Landscapes, Oceans, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, Underwater Photography, Wildlife, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, brid photography, brown booby, cayman brac, cayman islands, frogs, iguana, landscape photography, landscapes, ocean, oceans, ontario photographer, sister island rock iguana, underwater photography, wildlife photography on March 10, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Brown Booby in Flight
I returned on March 4th from a two week stay on the remote Caribbean island of Cayman Brac. It was by far a very productive trip with a multitude of great images captured. As usual the nesting Brown Booby birds put an an awesome show from nesting activities to in flight opportunities.
Sunrise and sunsets were a little trickier to be had this year due to heavy clouds out on the horizon, but nonetheless perseverance paid off. Virtually all of my sunrise and sunset imagery was created using stacked ND and reverse grad filters. The ND filters coupled with the reverse grads allowed me to slow the shutter speed down sufficiently to allow the incoming ocean waves to blur out nice and soft. My choice of filters for these scenes were the Singh-Ray Filters 3-Stop ND Filter, Mor-Slo 5-stop ND FIlter, and the 3_stop Reverse Graduated ND Filter
During my snorkel excursions my Nikon D500 and Nikkor 18-35mm lens inside an Ewa Marine Housing proved perfect for many of the ocean fishes encountered. I had great success with Octopus, Spotted Scorpionfish and many other often difficult to photograph while snorkeling species. I will do a full blog post on the underwater success I had in the near future.
I was also quite ecstatic with finding a very co-operative, female Sister Islands Rock Iguana. These iguanas are sadly critically endangered now, but efforts are underway to lend a helping hand, which entails eradicating invasive Green Iguanas.
As you scroll down through the images you will see a host of wonderful opportunities that were to be found during this trip. Stay tuned for announcements for the 2021 trip very soon.
Daybreak on Cayman Brac
Spotted Scorpionfish
Sister Island Rock Iguana
Daybreak on Cayman Brac
Brown Booby Preening
West Indian Whistling Ducks
Brown Booby Family
Yellow Stingray
Sunrise at Pollard Bay, Cayman Brac
Octopus
Green Heron
Willet
White-spotted File Fish
Cuban Tree Frog (invasive on Cayman Brac)
Posted in Landscapes, Muskoka, ontario, Photo Gear, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, autumn colour, landscape photography, muskoka, Photo Tour, photography, photography workshop on February 11, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Join Andrew McLachlan in Ontario’s Muskoka District on October 5th, 6th, & 7th 2020 for 2 ½ days of in-depth photographic exploration of the finest waterfalls, rivers, forests and wetlands of the region. Embrace the beauty of Muskoka and learn the skills of landscape photography amid the palette of autumn.
Maximum number of participants is 8.
Why worry about dealing with unrelenting crowds in Algonquin Provincial Park when you can enjoy photographing fall colour in Ontario’s Muskoka District without crowds and with better scenery!
Do note that there will be some walking involved on woodland trails over uneven ground. The longest walk will be roughly 1 kilometre in length. Please do not hesitate to inquire should you have any concerns regarding physical limitations that may affect your ability to attend this event. Most of the locations selected are within very close proximity to where we will park our vehicles.
New for all landscape workshop participants is the availability to use the same Singh Ray Filters that I personally use, in-the-field, to explore my creative vision. Find out first-hand why I trust Singh Ray Filters to capture the scene in one frame without the need to spend hours at the computer blending multiple images.
Monday, October 5th:
• Meet in the parking lot of Brooks Falls (Huntsville area) at 7:00 a.m. for waterfall photo session
• Stop for lunch at 1:00 p.m.
• Oxtongue Rapids & Ragged Falls (Huntsville area) photo session
• Dinner at local restaurant at 7:00 p.m.
• Get some rested for early start on Tuesday
Tuesday, October 6th:
• Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Sleep Inn Bracebridge and carpool to waterfall for photo sessions
• Stop for lunch at 1:00 p.m.
• Additional waterfall / river sessions
• Sunset photo session – weather permitting
• Complimentary dinner at local restaurant
Wednesday, October 7th:
• Meet at 6:00 a.m. at Sleep Inn Bracebridge and carpool to Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Reserve for sunrise and morning photo session
• Depart for home 12:00 p.m.
• In-depth photographic instruction during each photo session with LCD review
• Use of various Singh Ray Filters to explore and capture your creative vision
• Complimentary dinner at nearby restaurant on Tuesday October 6th
• Accommodations (I will be staying at the Sleep Inn in Bracebridge – they serve a continental style breakfast)
• Transportation
• Car pooling of participants is encouraged to arrive at each location
• Breakfasts, lunches, and Monday night dinner
• Alcoholic Beverages
$350.00 CDN plus taxes
Payment can be made via email transfer or by cheque.
To reserve your spot in the Muskoka Autumn Colour Spectacular please contact me by clicking here to arrange payment.
Please do not delay in booking your accommodations as hotels / motels in the area will fill up quickly.
61 Days or greater – full refund less $75 administration fee
60 Days or less – No Refunds
Posted in Announcements, Landscapes, ontario, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, workshops, tagged algonquin, algonquin provincial park, andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, lake travers, lake traverse, ontario, ontario photography, ontario photography workshop, Photo Tour, photo workshop, photography workshop, september, workshop on January 27, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Join Andrew McLachlan for an exclusive, weekend workshop deep in the heart of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park on scenic Lake Traverse for an opportunity to create stunning imagery from this remote, pristine landscape. This event will be held on September 25, 26, & 27, 2020. Lake Traverse is situated in a remote area of the park and is rich in both history and scenery. To reach this remote destination in Algonquin Provincial Park you must enter the park at the Sand Lake Gate. In the early 1900’s lumber baron J.R. Booth established a private lodge – The Booth Turtle Club on the shores of Lake Traverse. Today remnants of this lodge can be found in the woodlands such as impressive stone fireplaces and a rusted old wreck decaying in the forest. The timing of this event will allow for misty sunrises over Lake Traverse and assuming weather conditions co-operate we are in one of the best locations in all of Ontario to photograph the night sky and possibly the aurora borealis. Furthermore, we are situated a short walking distance from picturesque waterfalls on the Petawawa River.
Our accommodations for this event will be at the Algonquin Radio Observatory, located on the shores of Lake Traverse. The Algonquin Radio Observatory is closed to the public and inaccessible. However, exclusive access has been granted to our workshop group for this event. A tour of the immense satellite has been arranged during the mid-day hours on Saturday, when lighting for photography is generally at its worst. Also available to participants is the use of canoes and kayaks during the mid-day hours to explore the lake on your own.
The Algonquin Radio Observatory (ARO) is Canada’s national radio observatory featuring Canada’s premiere Earth station facility. ARO is a division of space technology company Thoth Technology Inc.
Completed and commissioned in the 1965, ARO’s 46m antenna is the largest antenna in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The observatory is situated on a 100 acre wild and breathtakingly beautiful site in the North of Algonquin Provincial Park on Lake Traverse, deep inside the park. The observatory hosts a suite of state-of-the-art scientific equipment including its own atomic clock and still operates with a state-of-the-art technical capability.
ARO is the official ground station for Northern Light, Canada’s mission to Mars.
Meet & Greet Dinner at 6:00 p.m. follow by photographic presentation and a nightscape photo session (assuming weather conditions co-operate)
Morning Photo Session (6am – 10am followed by breakfast, tour of satellite, Petawawa River Session, Rusty Old Wreck Session, Evening Photo Session, Nightscape Session (assuming weather conditions co-operate)
Morning photo session (6am – 10am) followed by breakfast. Checkout is at 11:00 a.m. however, participants are permitted to explore other areas of the park at their leisure for the remainder of the day.
Do Note: Each location we will be photographing at is a short walking distance from our home base at the Algonquin Radio Observatory.
• In-depth landscape photography instruction by yours truly
• Vast selection of Singh Ray Filters to try out
• Lodging at Algonquin Radio Observatory (included with payment to lodge)
• Friday – dinner (included with payment to lodge)
• Saturday – breakfast, lunch, & dinner (included with payment to lodge)
• Sunday – breakfast (included with payment to lodge)
• Transportation to the Algonquin Radio Observatory
• A 3 day, daily vehicle permit fee must be purchased at the Sand Lake Gate to enter the park. This vehicle permit will allow participants to remain in the park until 10:00 pm on Sunday.
• Snacks
• Alcoholic Beverages
Important note: The fees for this year’s event are broken down into two stages. One to Andrew McLachlan for the workshop and the other payment direct to the lodge for meals and accommodation.
The workshop fee is $350 + HST. Payable by cheque or e-mail transfer. In order to register for this workshop payment of this fee is due now.
By July 1, 2020 the accommodation and meal fee must be paid directly to the Algonquin Radio Observatory by email transfer. Details will be provided to registrants at the time of booking. The fees for meals and accommodation are as follows:
Double occupancy = $285 + HST per person
Single Occupancy = $325+HST per person
Waiver of Liability forms will be signed by registrants at the meet and greet dinner on Friday September 25th.
To reserve your spot in this exclusive workshop please contact me by clicking here.
Prior to July 1, 2020 workshop fee refunded less $75 administration fee.
As of July 1, 2020 no refunds
Posted in Landscapes, Muskoka, ontario, Photo Gear, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, Winter, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, canada, cottage country, landscape photography, muskoka, muskoka lakelands, muskoka landscape, nature photography, ontario, ontario photographer, Photo Tour, photo workshop, waterfall, winter on January 5, 2020| 1 Comment »
The 3rd Annual Muskoka Winter Waterfall Spectacular Photographic Workshop wrapped up today. This year we were blessed with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark with no wind whatsoever. It was quite lovely to be able to photograph without the constant need for gloves to keep fingertips warm. We also had mostly overcast conditions which is the best light of all for photographing the woodland waterfalls we were visiting. A relatively shallow bed of snow also made for mostly easy walking along the trails, although the mild weather did create a few sections where we had to be careful of slip and fall due to icy sections. Nonetheless, we succeeded in completing our visits without incident. I always recommend to folks to bring along crampons for added traction along trails that may have icy sections.
Below is a selection of imagery created at each of our stops on this one-of-a-kind workshop in Ontario’s Muskoka region. I used a variety of lenses from my trusty Laowa 12mm Zero D lens, to my Nikkor 28-300mm lens, and also my Nikkor 200-500mm lens, which is very useful for reaching out into rivers to capture icy details on exposed rocks and such. My filter choices for the vast majority of all my winter photography are those created by Singh Ray Filters and my go to filter choices are neutral polarizers and neutral density filters.
Folks that may be interested in attending the 4th Annual Muskoka Winter Waterfall Spectacular Workshop or any other events that I have or will announce this year can contact me by clicking here to be added to my workshop contact list 🙂
Potts Creek in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Skeleton Falls Details in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Skeleton Falls in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Rosseau River in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Potts Creek Details in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Little High Falls in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Rosseau River in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Skeleton Falls in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Rosseau River Details in Winter, Muskoka, Ontario
Posted in Announcements, Landscapes, ontario, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, canada, killarney, ontario, Photo Tour, photography, photography retreat, photography workshop, workshop, workshops on November 20, 2019| Leave a Comment »
Join award winning photographer Andrew McLachlan in Killarney, Ontario May 4th, 5th & 6th 2020 for 2 ½ days of in-depth photographic exploration. This early spring workshop will avoid black fly season. During this workshop we will visit some of the finest landscapes along the Georgian Bay coast as well as iconic vistas within Killarney Provincial Park. You will be walking among the magnificent landscapes that once inspired the legendary Group of Seven, creating your own masterpieces. Marvel at the pink granite outcrops along Georgian Bay and the ancient white quartzite ridges of the La Cloche Mountain Range, while exploring the ‘crown jewel’ of the Ontario park system in Killarney Provincial Park.
The Killarney Wild & Scenic Photography Retreat will require the ability to walk along trails with uneven terrain that are rated as easy to moderate trails. Please do not hesitate to inquire should you have any concerns regarding your abilities.
Our photography retreats are geared towards creating dramatic imagery throughout the entire day, to provide you with extensive opportunities for photographic instruction. For folks that arrive in the Killarney area on the afternoon of Sunday May 2nd there will be the added bonus of a Sunday evening photo shoot near the town of Killarney.
I will be staying at The Sportsman Inn and do recommend that participants book their own accommodations here as well. However, you are welcome to explore other options for accommodations in Killarney, which may include AirBnBs or camping in Killarney Provincial Park.
I am also pleased to announce that Singh Ray Filters have graciously provided me with filters to use as teaching tools for registrants attending my photography retreats.
• Sunrise photo session
• Breakfast (on your own)
• Mid-morning photo shoot
• Lunch (on your own)
• Afternoon & Sunset photo sessions
• Dinner (on your own)
• Sunrise photo session
• Breakfast (on your own)
• Mid-morning photo shoot
• Lunch (on your own)
• Afternoon & Sunset photo sessions
• Dinner (on your own)
• morning photo session
• breakfast (on your own)
• participants depart for home at 11:00 a.m.
• In-depth photographic instruction during each of the photo sessions with LCD review
• Image review and casual Lightroom / Photoshop sessions on Monday and Tuesday evening
• Transportation (car pooling of participants is encouraged)
• Accommodations and meals
• Daily passes for entry into Killarney Provincial Park (unnecessary if you have the annual park pass)
• Snacks such as protein bars are excellent choices while out photographing.
• Alcoholic Beverages
$325 CDN plus taxes
To reserve your spot in the Killarney Wild & Scenic Photography Retreat payment in full is due now.
Please contact me by clicking here to register for this event
91 days prior to the workshop date 50% of workshop fee is refunded.
90 days prior to the workshop date or less no refunds.
Posted in Landscapes, ontario, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, lake superior, lake superior wild and scenic photography retreat, landscape photography, ontario, photo retreat, Photo Tour, photographic workshops, photography retreat, wawa, workshop, workshops on November 19, 2019| Leave a Comment »
Join award winning photographer Andrew McLachlan for the 3rd Annual Lake Superior Wild & Scenic Photography Retreat. This intensive, photographic event on Lake Superior will be held at the Rock Island Lodge, which is situated on seven stunning acres of Lake Superior shoreline near Wawa, Ontario. Capture the true essence of Lake Superior while walking in the footsteps of the Group of Seven as we explore the most impressive scenery Ontario has to offer.
The Lake Superior Wild & Scenic Photography Retreat will provide participants with 3 full days and 2 half days of photography! Please note that each photographic destination selected for this event is accessed by short, easy walking trails. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to register.
Dates: October 14 – October 18th, 2020.
The maximum number of participants is 10.
Often referred to as Canada’s inland sea, Lake Superior offers the most dramatic scenery available for the landscape photographer in Ontario. Being well-travelled along this coast I will ensure that you are in the right location at the right time, receive in-depth photographic instruction, and are inspired to capture breathtaking imagery. We will focus our efforts on landscape photography at sunrise and sunset, mid-day photography, as well as starry nightscapes (weather permitting). Mid-day photo sessions to specific locations will based on the current weather conditions that each day provides. There will also be time set aside after dinner for image review and Photoshop / Lightroom image optimization. The dates for this retreat were chosen as they coincide with the onset of Lake Superior’s stormy season, which often means rough seas and waves crashing into the rugged coast.
Here is a testimonial from 2019 participant Scott Powers:
“I had a great time on the 2019 Lake Superior Wild & Scenic Photography Retreat with Andrew McLachlan. The 3 ½ days flew by with endless opportunities to shoot different and exciting landscapes that are so near to home, and yet so foreign to many of us. Lake Superior is truly spectacular scenery.
My goal was to learn more about photographing landscapes and my expectations were exceeded. Andrew’s easy-going nature and extensive knowledge helped me to improve my understanding and knowledge in just about every area. So many things that I “sort of knew”, just fell into place with repeated activities throughout the week.
If you are an amateur who wants to improve, or if you are just looking for an opportunity to hang out with a great group of like-minded people, I highly recommend Andrew’s tour”
New for 2020: the fee for accommodations and meals will be paid directly to Naturally Superior Adventures / Rock Island Lodge by June 1, 2020. Accommodation is limited at Rock Island Lodge; therefore, lodge rooms will be assigned to those that register for the retreat first. Once the Rock Island Lodge maximum has been met additional participants will be placed at the High Falls Motel & Cabins. The High Falls Motel is located about five minutes away from Rock Island Lodge and is where I stay during the retreat.
Itinerary:
October 14th:
October 15th – 17th:
October 18th:
What’s Included:
What’s Not Included:
Workshop Fee:
$700.00 CDN plus taxes is due now to register for this event.
Payment may be made by email transfer or by cheque made payable to Andrew McLachlan.
Please contact me by clicking here to register for this event.
Accommodations & Meals:
This payment is to be made directly to Naturally Superior Adventures / Rock Island Lodge. Details to be provided upon registration.
$527.36 CDN plus taxes per person based on double occupancy due no later than June 1, 2020
$767.36 CDN plus taxes per person based on single occupancy due no later than June 1, 2020
Rock Island Lodge waiver of liability and dietary requirement forms are to be completed at time of making final payment.
Cancellation Policy:
91 days prior to the workshop date 50% refund on workshop fee.
90 days prior to the workshop date or less no refunds.
Please note: if we are able to fill cancellations from a wait list of potential participants a full refund will be given.
Posted in Landscapes, ontario, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, lake superior, landscape photography, Photo Tour, photography workshop, pukaskwa national park, sunrise, sunset, winter on November 15, 2019| 2 Comments »
Sunset on Lake Superior, Wawa, Ontario
From October 23rd to November 3rd I was in Ontario’s far north on the shore of Lake Superior teaching two back to back landscape photography workshops. Lake Superior with a doubt provides landscape photographers with the most scenic vistas in Ontario. It is very easy to see what the area caught the eye of the Group of Seven. During this year’s trip we were blessed with inclement weather which saw large waves rolling into the rugged coast, providing us with some very dramatic imagery. We were even rewarded with an early dusting of snow one morning which added further interest to the already impressive landscape.
In between the two workshops I had two half days and two full days off so I decided to venture further north to the area around Marathon, Ontario to explore one of my most favourite parks in Ontario – Pukaskwa National Park. I was also able to locate a specific waterfall along Mink Creek that I had tried to find on numerous previous trips.
Today’s post features a selection of imagery from both landscape photography workshops and my two solo days further afield. I am hard at work putting the finishing touches on the 2020 Lake Superior event and will announce it in the near future. To be added to the contact list please do reach out to me by clicking here.
Daybreak on Lake Superior, Wawa, Ontario
Approaching Storm on Lake Superior, Wawa, Ontario
Lake Superior, Wawa, Ontario
Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
Mink Falls, Marathon, Ontario
Agawa Bay, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
Agawa Rock, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario
Early Snow on Lake Superior, Wawa, Ontario
Lake Superior at Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
Lake Superior at Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
Lake Superior at Pukaskwa National Park, Ontario
In-Camera Birch Forest Blur, Ontario
Sandy Beach on Lake Superior, Wawa, Ontario
Catfish Creek, Ontario
Posted in Landscapes, Muskoka, ontario, Photo Tour, Uncategorized, workshops, tagged andrew mclachlan, andrew mclachlan photography, muskoka, Photo Tour, photography workshop, snow, waterfalls, winter, winter wonderland on October 15, 2019| 1 Comment »
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.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• In-depth photographic instruction during each photo sessions with LCD review
• Saturday dinner at nearby restaurant
• 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
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.
No Refunds.
Check your schedule carefully prior to booking.