For 4 years in a row, we have had an amazing time in SW Wisconsin. It is such a "target-rich" environment.  The weatherman has thrown a couple of doozies at us like a blizzard and a semi-ice storm that laid down a bunch of snow and heavy drifting. However, we still move on,  because what's a winter workshop without snow? In this coming workshop, we will be photographing more structures such as barns and old churches in their winter uniforms in SW Wisconsin. Some new ones and some repeats by popular demand.

There are many picturesque structures in this area and the terrain is anything but flat so the area around them is beautiful. Hidden in these valleys are barns, churches, a schoolhouse, and of course the famous grist mill with a stone dam that you may have seen on my IG site. All the makings for lovely winter scenes.  Add a few inches of snow, and we have the makings of some lovely images. So regardless of the weather, even falling snow, which does pose a few challenges, we will still venture out and learn how to decide what we like and then how to apply that via the camera. In the past, during snow storms, the feedback was still very positive. 

So a quick description. We will have a long day on Saturday with many stops. We will shoot most of these from the road in from of the property or overlooking the property. Sunday fewer stops but longer time at each stop as we will have access to buildings and property where we can focus more on details, patterns, texture, and even macro.  I know some folks can't do both days and I understand it so this is a one-day or a two-day workshop, your choice. So you will have options to register for day 1, or 2, or both

Itinerary********

The weather may cause us to make a few adjustments, but what's a winter workshop without adjustments? So minor details may be tweaked but I'll communicate all the details to those who register. I cannot guarantee snow either, but we will still have the workshop and take advantage of whatever weather we receive. Please do not assume that a snowy or winter forecast means a cancellation. I have never canceled a workshop for snow, ice, or even a blizzard. So keep that in mind as you register. 

So here's the plan. Saturday the 18th will be the "outside day" but also the day with the most locations.  There is a very high probability we will have better access than just shooting from the road for a few of them as well.  The plan will be to meet at 10:00 AM and  I’ll get that location out to the participants after registration, but it will be in or around Dodgeville, WI. We’ll begin a methodical trek to the various locations making the best use of lighting and sun angle if applicable that day.  Again, weather-dependent,  we'll try to do a sunset shoot and then see what evening options are available for dinner. I will have the dinner plan long before the workshop and share that with the participants. Dinner is not included but it's a fun way to chat, get better acquainted, and hang out with like-minded photographers looking to learn and share while enjoying local libations and boosting the local economy.  It's not required and you can opt out and still join us on the next day.

Sunday

We'll start a little earlier, 8:00 AM. We'll shoot fewer locations but have greater access to these locations including the ability to get inside some of them. These locations are special and not usually open for just anyone to come on the property, let alone hang out and take photos. Besides the obvious shots of the barn and the surrounding area, we'll also focus our attention on macro, and textures photography. Now if none of you have ever been in a barn, you may be surprised how little light is actually in them. If you have a small battery-powered LED panel or another light source, you may want to consider bringing it for some of the texture shots. We'll be looking to wrap up the day around 1:00 PM

Weather

A little bit about the weather.  For those of you who have done winter workshops with me, you'll know I don't cancel them for snowy forecasts, winter storm warnings, or even snowmageddon. Mainly because that's winter life in the upper Midwest. It snows in the winter. The more snow the better for the photos. Now, I'm not going to make reckless decisions, I don't have a death wish. If the weather is challenging enough I may adjust the location list on the day of the event, mainly because we are driving slower for safety purposes so to reach the best stops we may skip a site or two. Chances are you won't even know that unless I tell you during dinner. So plan on going, plan your travel based on the forecast, and pay attention to the forecast 3-4 days ahead of time. Registered participants will receive updates from me based on my observations as well. I will communicate with you and ensure you are informed about any cautions or changes. Safety is paramount. Personal Comfort... well dress properly and the rest will take care of itself. 

Winter Dress

If you have not tried this before, and you are not sure of the best way to prepare, please reach out to me. As a US Marine trained for all-weather survival, I can share many things to make sure you are safe AND comfortable. 

Caravaning:  AKA Car Pooling.  Some of the roads we'll be traveling are secondary roads. Because of this, there is minimal snow removal and in some cases no shoulder to park on.  So to minimize the number of vehicles I will be asking you to carpool once we meet in the morning. So if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and are willing to take 3 or 4 participants please make that known to me somehow.  We'll divvy up the spaces in the vehicles in the morning and come back to your vehicle at the end of the workshop. The fewer vehicles the better. Other than shoulder parking most stops have no parking. 

 Lodging-Details will be shared with participants.