This is an opportunity to work on figurative images in a smaller group setting, in various river, creek and pond settings as well as in other natural environments. Learn to work collaboratively with models (all ‘real people’- artists and friends rather than ‘professional’ models) to put intimacy and genuine emotional connection in your photography. Go past the easy route of putting ‘pretty’ people in ‘pretty’ locations leading to pretty but boring photos. Instead, with Doug and Jenna’s help,  we work towards making photos that delve deeper into the human psyche and spirit.

We start our workshop Wednesday night with a get together to share previously-made photos and get to get to know each other better. Thursday morning we get to work making photos with our models.

This workshop is in collaboration with Jenna Erickson, founder and owner of Open Air Places, and artist, painter and photographer that specializes in self-portraits in the natural environment. She can be found at Jenna Erickson or on Instagram.

WORKSHOP LOCATIONS: (both owned and operated by Doug)
Samsara Ridge, 7 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI and just over a one hour drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. This will be our primary location, Samsara Ridge is 44 acres of hills, forests, and fields with a deep swimming hole in the shallow, rocky, spring-fed Wolf Creek. There is also a pond, with one side forested and the other side open. It has a dock and a raft, with canoes and kayaks. There are forests and fields and a high ridge on top looking out over the St Croix River Valley into Minnesota. It is also very close to the St Croix River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River.
Trade River Retreat Center is 20 miles north of St Croix Falls, WI. The heavily wooded property is on the banks of the Trade River, a small sand bottomed river with a swift current, great for making photos in the water.

CLASS LIMIT: Only 8 Students!

DATES: Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20
Starts Wednesday evening September 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday September 17 – Saturday September 19, 8:30 am ­– 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 20, 8:30 am ­– noon

MEALS:
Wednesday evening: hors d’oeuvres provided. Plan to eat a light dinner first!
Thursday – Sunday: light breakfast provided, lunchtime sandwich bar with soup & salad, dinner is on your own
Saturday night: campfire cookout dinner!

LODGING OPTIONS:
Not provided or included in cost of workshop.
Lodging options include:
   – Grantsburg Inn is located on Hwy 70 in Grantsburg, WI
  – Holiday Inn on Hwy 8 in St Croix Falls, WI.
  – Also several nearby Airbnb locations
  – Commuting from the Twin Cities also possible (but not recommended as staying away from home will create a more retreat-like experience)

COST: $1,200 plus $250 model fee: Total $1,450 (does not include lodging)

REGISTER: via Open Air Places

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS

After reflecting on our discussions and conversations with participants and models, I'll be better prepared to make a photograph that reflects the spirit of the subject and not just a stock or "pretty" photo.
 -Dale Nelson, Minneapolis, MN

I am so grateful…for all you taught me….my work is changed, and I see so differently. 
- Donna Whyte, Cooperstowm, NY 

This was my first experience working with models (other than my friends) and wow! They truly set the bar high, the quality of the students in the workshop was very encouraging - very professional, interesting and diverse styles.
The learning curve was incredible. Doug, your teaching style and workshop format is perfect! 
-Martha Driessen, Minneapolis, MN