Southern IL Fall Colors 2024 Oct 24th-27th

Join Keith for his  13th year hosting this fabulous workshop. Happening during the best time of the year, you see nature showing its best color explosions. This 2 1/2 day workshop will show you the magnificent beauty of Southern Illinois dressed in the rich colors of fall. Price includes instruction, lodging Thursday night thru Saturday Night, and lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. This is a fantastic offering to explore and fill your portfolio with brilliant images. 

It is a rain or shine workshop that will take you to very scenic areas. All of these locations have been prescreened to allow for the teaching of techniques while maximizing the seasons and weather while building your knowledge base of photography.

Some sites are on private property and coordination has already been made on participants' behalf to best utilize the time and offer everyone the best opportunity to take awesome pictures while you learn. Several locations are not on any tourism maps or nature guides, offering you a special treat you will not find on your own. Because of the size of the area and distances from major urban areas, you’ll rarely run into other individuals in the same places as you are photographing. In other words, you are not waiting for “tourists” to get out of your shots, or other such interferences.  Capped at 10, this group is small so instruction is frequent, and rarely will you have to take turns taking the one point of interest photo at each location. It’s a small almost intimate setting. This workshop is geared toward total novices to professional photographers. No one is out of place.

The actual start time of the workshop is Friday morning as we prepare for a magnificent sunrise shoot if the forecast allows. However, the cabins are available from 5 PM Thursday, for meet-n-greet, camaraderie, and photographic "trade secrets” around the fire pit.  Of course, we'll enjoy the traditional smores while we enjoy the fire pit. Our cabins are really two and three-bedroom full-service homes with washers and dryers as well as all the amenities found in nice hotels like towels and toiletries. Even hair dryers. We fill the space in a "hostel" format meaning there is a better than average chance you will have a roommate. Not to worry, though, we aren't in the cabins very often. Too much to do outside. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?    and maybe,  who shouldn't?  (yikes)

Anyone who is comfortable outside and doesn’t mind getting a little dirty, a little damp, mind some intermittent vigorous walking and a slight possibility of some rock climbing (only if you want to). If you love the community of photography and can talk or engage in photography for 2 ½ -3 days… This is for you! You’ll rarely go “off-trail” but only a few trails are groomed. In most cases, the trails are a bit rugged with roots sticking up or hidden under fallen leaves. Some locations may not be suitable for mobility-challenged individuals. If you normally walk with a walking aid (cane, walker, etc.) this trip is NOT for you. Besides the higher probability of you getting injured, you would be holding back the group and while they will be polite about it, it is not fair to the group. There are several "staircases" cut into rocks and even an actual long wooden staircase. Please call or e-mail to get a further explanation if you are unsure of your ability. You do not have to be a triathlete to handle the hiking but it's moderate to challenging for some. Although we do not hike this far at any given stop, if you can routinely handle a  2-3 mile walk then you should have the stamina to handle what this workshop will present you with. If you are mobile but like to use walking poles for traction,  this will be just fine for you. 

This workshop is designed to accommodate all levels of photographic experience. Total beginners to full-time professionals have taken and enjoyed this trip. It is important, however, that participants be familiar with their equipment and its operation as best as possible. Bring your manual if you are not sure. Your host used to own a camera store and is very familiar with many cameras however recent changes in technology have added a new layer of unfamiliarity with certain brands. This workshop will emphasize practical applications and techniques for all cameras. Composition, layout, and HDR,  After registration, e-mails will be sent out providing many details, and information about equipment recommendations.

Registrants are provided with much more information however if you are on the fence and have questions please call or e-mail.