LAKE SUPERIOR WORKSHOP
This annual workshop is geared to photographers who are looking to examine their work and achieve a better understanding of what goes into making a fine art photograph. The workshop is limited to 8 participants and will be comprised of on-location shooting as well as classroom instruction. This allows for plenty of 1:1 instruction from me and my assistant.
Rock Island Lodge, located on the eastern shores of Lake Superior, will be our base for the week. It's situated on a private 17-acre peninsula surrounded by the waters of Superior. During our time together we will capture photos at various locations along the rugged coast of Lake Superior Provincial Park and adjoining areas. While this area is relatively unknown to the photographic community, I have explored it extensively. You will be taken to a couple places that are very much off the beaten path (yet have easy access). Much of my "water" portfolio is comprised of images that I've captured in the areas that we will visit. It's a sublime place – a place you will not want to leave!
Composition takes center stage in this workshop. You won’t be taken to iconic locations where you simply anchor your tripod and snap a few photos without giving any thought to the process. Instead, you’ll be encouraged to slow down and actively search for compelling compositions – without that you have little to build on.
I’ll share the Photoshop techniques I use to create the look and feel of my work, and you’ll have ample time in the classroom to apply those techniques (or your own) to the images you’ve captured. My goal is to help you clarify your vision and refine your personal style. Each participant will receive my 50-page handbook prior to the workshop. It covers a variety of topics of interest to photographers and includes 17 lessons with step-by-step instructions showing how I achieve my style.
Beyond technical instruction, we’ll explore topics that impact us as photographers – standardizing formats, printing options (papers, inks, printers), deciding whether to print your own photos or work with a professional lab. We may discuss various ways to present your finished photographs, approaching galleries, and the importance of an artist statement, etc.
Each participant is asked to bring 10–12 photos that they will present during evening critiques. Ideally, they should be printed and matted (those flying to the workshop can present images on screen). These sessions are one of the most valuable learning tools in a workshop, so we will spend a fair amount of time discussing each participant's work. The information that you gain will be invaluable. The sessions will be done in a relaxed manner, without any pressure.
Whether you’re working toward a professional level or simply want to deepen your practice, you’ll receive focused, personal attention throughout. This workshop is about slowing down, seeing more clearly, and creating work that truly feels like your own.
DETAILS OF THE CANADIAN LOCATION:
Lake Superior Provincial Park is approximately 77 miles long and comprises nearly 400,000 acres, much accessible only by foot. Smooth undulating rock surrounds much of the lake, juxtaposed with steep rugged cliffs. Mountains run throughout the park and reach a height of 1700 feet. Pictographs, dating back to the 17th or 18th century, are found in many areas. The Agawa Rock Pictographs are one of the most famous pictograph sites in Canada. Its iconic pictographs are found on a 15-story cliff along the water's edge. We will visit this site.
Due to its size and location, the park lies in both the eastern forest boreal transition region and the central Canadian shield forest region. Traces of ancient volcanic activity can be seen throughout the park. Molten lava created interesting abstract patterns evident throughout the rock that flows into the crystal clear water of Superior. Rivers race toward the lake, with cascading rapids along the way. We will be capturing images in these locations, all within a relatively short hike from parking areas.
Date: September 7-13, 2025. And, for the first time, a second week, September 14-20, 2025
Location: Rock Island Lodge
Cost: $1150 + the cost of lodging and meal plan
If interested, contact me for a 13-page detailed overview of the workshop (pdf sent to you via email)
Additional days, immediately following the workshop, can be booked with me for private guiding.
CONTACT INFO:
PHONE: 419-308-2168
EMAIL: bellimages@mac.com
TESTIMONIALS:Jan Bell has his own unique, personal, visual language. His art reminds me of a quote from John Maeda: “Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.
Jan truly has a gift for meeting each student at their own level, whether a beginner or a more advanced photographer. I felt as though I had my own personal mentor and I know the other students felt the same. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the critique sessions. Each student brought something unique to the table, which was inspiring. Open, honest opinions were given within a healthy learning environment. I also enjoyed two additional days of one-on-one instruction. I’m glad that he offers that as an add-on. His workshop experience could become addicting.
– Scott K.
The week was both humbling and inspirational. Nothing quite compares to studying with a master photographer to help you refine the eloquence of your visual voice. I believe the mark of a truly great teacher and mentor is to inspire the highest level of critical thinking skills in a student, I found that with Jan Bell. His vision is the reason I came to study and I'm confident you'll find that as well. Looking forward to next year!"
– Joe V.
Jan energized the soul within me in a contemplative manner. The many nuances that he revealed during the workshop are out of this world. His artistic way of looking at the landscape created a bond among all of us who participated in the workshop. I have taken Jan's workshop twice, and will be returning in 2024 to fine tune my photographs and build on my Photoshop skills. Thank you so much.
– Vipul P.
I have taken a lot of workshops, from a lot of well-known photographers. But simply stated, this workshop is the best by far.
– Wayne J.
I have always admired Jan’s work and the opportunity to work with him was incredible. The workshop was held in a beautiful location on the eastern shore of Lake Superior. It incorporated a number of excellent shooting opportunities, along with classroom work and individual instruction. Jan’s approach to the digital work flow made it possible for me to bring out the mood and dynamics of the photos I captured during our week together. This really opened new horizons.
– Jack W.
After retiring as a photojournalist, I was searching for a new direction in my work. While I am still processing much of what I learned, Mr. Bell’s workshop opened my eyes to a new perspective of something I love doing.
Jan keeps his group small which allows for individual attention. He has an innate way of working with experienced photographers, such as myself, as well as those new to the craft. We all departed knowing that we had moved to a new level. I will be returning next year.
– Chris M.
As new photographers we were somewhat nervous, yet sufficiently inspired, to attend our first photography workshop. We had visited Rock Island Lodge the previous year and fell in love with the location.
We found ourselves blanketed in a unique learning environment; one that was a blend of art, technical instruction along with in-depth discussions. Jan taught us to take the time to gain an understanding of our locations so that we might interpret them from our own unique perspective. We look at things very differently now. It was an experience that we were grateful to be a part of, one that we plan on repeating next year.
– Jim and Sue R.
While photographing on location and during classroom work, Jan was roaming amongst us with suggestions for variations on compositions and gently advising each individual. The week was most helpful and I came away with several images that I was pleased with. A highlight for me were the in-depth critiques sessions. They were a cut above any that I have experienced. Thank you, Jan, for a great workshop!
– Sue D.
Is it possible for a photography workshop to do it all – an opportunity to capture images in amazing locations, provide camera composition instruction, explore innovative photoshop techniques and inspire participants toward more creative images? This workshop was an amazing experience and more than fulfilled my expectations. I’ll be back!
– Greg C.
Jan is an attentive instructor and was extremely helpful while shooting on location as well as during classroom time. I learned a great deal, but more importantly, I experienced what it meant to slow down and really think about composition in an absolutely beautiful setting. I am very pleased with the results and came away with images that I have since included in my portfolio.
– Rick B.