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

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Muskoka Autumn Colour Spectacular

Join Andrew McLachlan in Ontario’s Muskoka District on October 7th, 8th, & 9th 2019 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 too!

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.

Itinerary:

Monday, October 7th:

• Meet in the parking lot of Brooks Falls (Huntsville area) at 7:00 a.m. for waterfall photo session

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

• Oxtongue Rapids & Ragged Falls (Huntsville area) photo session

• Dinner (on your own) at local restaurant at 7:00 p.m.

• Get some rested for early start on Tuesday

Tuesday, October 8th:

• Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Sleep Inn Bracebridge and carpool to waterfall for photo sessions

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

• Additional waterfall / river sessions

• Sunset photo session – weather permitting

• Complimentary dinner at local restaurant

Wednesday, October 9th:

• 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.

What’s Included:

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

• Dinner at nearby restaurant on Tuesday October 8th

What’s Not Included:

• Accommodations (numerous options available… 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

• Breakfast and lunch

• Alcoholic Beverages

Workshop Fee:

$325.00 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.

A Waiver of Liability will be sent to participants at the time of registering.

Please do not delay in booking your accommodations as hotels / motels in the area will fill up quickly.

Cancellation Policy:

61 Days or greater – full refund less $75 administration fee

60 Days or less – No Refunds

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Exploring the Sydenham River with the Laowa 12mm Zero D Lens

On my drive home from the recently concluded Bruce Peninsula Photography Workshop I made a brief stop at Inglis Falls Conservation Area. It has been many years since I visited this location. I was also a little disappointed as I personally think the area has suffered some decline due to government cutbacks. Nonetheless, I made my way downstream from the falls to scenic sections of the river that I have long wanted to explore with the Laowa 12mm Zero D Lens.

I carefully made my way out onto to a small 2 foot sized rock mid-stream to first, and foremost, get myself away from distracting shoreline elements and to put the viewer into the river. If you are not accustomed to entering a ragging river I do not encourage trying this. I have been doing so for several decades and always take extra precautions when doing so.

Each of these images were photographed with no filtration. I accidentally forgot to grab my polarizing filter for the Laowa 12mm lens before I made my decent into the river gorge. I was on limited time and figured that the overcast conditions and the fast flow of the river would provide sufficient exposures to achieve the amount of  blur I like. I was not mistaken.

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Muskoka Winter Waterfall Spectacular Photographic Workshop

There are still a few spaces open for the upcoming Muskoka Winter Waterfall Spectacular Photographic Workshop in February. Below is the workshop info and itinerary.

Please do visit the workshop page on my website for additional events that may be of interest to you as well 🙂

MUSKOKA WINTER WATERFALL SPECTACULAR

Join award winning photographer Andrew McLachlan in Ontario’s Muskoka District on February 8, 9 & 10, 2019 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 are icy.

I recommend that participants book their accommodations with the Sleep Inn in Bracebridge as they serve a continental breakfast.

Maximum number of participants is 10. (7 spots open)

Itinerary:

Friday February 8:

• Meet at 1:00 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 February 9:

• 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 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 February 10:

• 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 lunch and 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. A Waiver of Liability will be sent to those that are registering. A signed copy of this waiver must be returned to Andrew McLachlan in advance of the workshop.

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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Muskoka’s Winter Waterfall Specatular Photography Workshop

Join Andrew McLachlan in Ontario’s Muskoka District on February 8, 9 & 10, 2019 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 waterfalls and rivers during the winter months.

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 are icy.

I also recommend that participants book their accommodations with the Sleep Inn in Bracebridge as they serve a continental breakfast.

Maximum number of participants is 10.

Itinerary:

Friday February 8:

• Meet at 1:00 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 February 9:

• 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 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 February 10:

• 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 lunch and 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. A Waiver of Liability will be sent to those that are registering. A signed copy of this waiver must be returned to Andrew McLachlan in advance of the workshop.

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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Over the Top at Hilton Falls

As mentioned in my previous post, after photographing the old, rusted out cars and trucks in Rockwood, Ontario I made a brief visit to nearby Hilton Falls on Sixteen Mile Creek. This lovely waterfall is one of the many waterfalls that are found along the Niagara Escarpment and is located in the Hilton Falls Conservation Area.. When photographing waterfalls it is always wise to create images from several different perspectives.  One of the perspectives I am particularly fond of is that which can be created at the crest of the falls, looking over the edge. To photograph the scene above I chose to work from a narrow ledge beside the river at the crest of the falls. I excluded most of the surrounding forest due to the significant leaf fall, opting to include as much of the river’s flow pattern as possible. I did retain enough of the far bank and the brink of the cascade to maintain a sense of place in the resulting image. Hope you like the results 🙂

Please remember to click on the image to see the larger, sharper version.

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Silver Toned Water and Stone

Autumn on the Oxtongue River near Dwight, Ontario

One last post before heading off to Port Antonio, Jamaica for a week and a half of sun, fun, and of course photography too 🙂 I am planning on visiting a couple of lovely waterfalls, a hike in the Blue Mountains, and of course assorted bird life and reptiles as well.

Lately I have been using Nik Software’s Silver Effects II software to convert some of my river / waterfall images captured over the last year or so into B&W photos. Often I am finding that I like the B&W versions just a little bit more than the color one. I guess I will have to try my hand at some tropical B&W images upon my return.

Please remember to click on the images to see the larger, sharper versions and leave a quick note letting me know which is your favorite and why.

Take care folks.

See ya soon!

High Falls on the Muskoka River, Bracebridge, Ontario

Details at Magpie Falls, Wawa, Ontario

Autumn along the Magnetawan River, Emsdale, Ontario

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