I only added the upper Midwest part of the title because you'll want to bring all your gear to this event, if you are admitted, so driving will certainly be easier.
Here's the deal: I'm a founding member of an event in its 5th year. It is absolutely unique in format, and there are two openings available. The event is called Retreat on the Rocks. It takes place on the shore of Lake Superior, always coinciding with the annual, 1-day only lighting of Split Rock Lighthouse. That time frame always surrounds November 10th. The only thing we have as a "given" on the schedule is shooting the lighthouse for the 90 minutes that it's lit up, on Nov. 10th.
What is it? It's a gathering of 6-8 photographers for 3-4 days, who live together in a luxury home, shoot photos together at any and all hours of the day, traveling each day up and down the coastline of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border; we visit, teach each other, learn from each other, and just generally geek out on photography. Why is this so unique? Because there are no instructors. No students, no schedule, no rules. It defies explanation, but if you love photography, have a solid skill set, and relish the idea of immersing yourself in the medium, I can tell you there is nothing like this experience.
The event was founded and is coordinated by Dennis Zerwas, Jr. In our core group, we have wedding shooters, two portrait guys, an architectural shooter, sports, landscape, a travel guy, all of it. Each year we try to add 1-2 new bodies to the mix. Male or female, does not matter. You will be expected to be sociable and bring something to the table. Knowledge, conversation, passion, experiences, ideas...all are welcomed and expected.
This is a photographic free-for-all, and we have an absolute blast. If you think this is for you, respond here and I'll get you in touch with Dennis. Cost is about $500. Food is a shared effort, as is cooking. We form a community for those few days. Dates are 11/9- 11/13. You can leave whenever you need to, arrival is the evening of the 9th of November.
Comments
Sounds amazing...wish I was a photographer :0(
I will add that even though the fall colors are way past their prime in November in northern MN, and the landscape is often gray and bleak, there are still unlimited opportunities to get some great images for the work you'll show at art fairs. Getting new work for one's collection is the icing on the cake at this event.