Workshops & Tours

This special advanced workshop is open to photographers who have built up a full photographic system and have the tools to photograph a diverse selection of subjects. In previous years this type of workshop has generated rave reviews. The mobility of a smaller group size offered unparallel photographic opportunities and a "friends out having fun in the field" atmosphere.

Each workshop is limited to six participants interested in photographing a variety of subjects. Close-up (natural light and flash), early morning and late afternoon landscape and wildlife photography will all be explored over the course of the week. This workshop also offers time-honored photographic field techniques along with instruction in digital capture and workflow.

The small town of Germfask, located in the east-central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, serves as our base. Germfask is the gateway to Seney National Wildlife Refuge, a 95,000 acre expanse of beautiful wooded and wetland scenery teeming with wildlife.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge is the site of a recent successful reintroduction program of the magnificent Trumpeter Swan. A previous program brought back the Canada Goose, which is now a ubiquitous sight at the refuge. Many other northern bird species nest here or stop over on migration. Because Common Loons also find that the refuge is a perfect place to nest and raise their young you can anticipate seeing these beautiful birds on a daily basis. In addition to avian species, the area protects unique eco-systems including old growth forests which feature floors that are carpeted in thick layers of moss and lichens. A variety of beautiful mushrooms also spring forth from these "medieval" looking forests.

Rod has discovered many other places with photographic potential on nearby state-owned land. Using his keen eye for composition and his extensive knowledge of local natural history, Rod will take you to picturesque meadows, wetlands, and forests to photograph everything from dew-covered dragonflies in the still of morning to stunning sunsets over northern wetlands. This workshop also coincides with the time of year that monarch butterflies begin to amass for their migration south.

During this workshop we plan to designate several outings (during mid-day) to use flash for photographing diurnal insects such as grasshoppers, butterflies, dragonflies and tiger beetles. By learning how to make natural looking flash images you'll be expanding your photographic repertoire and opportunities while in the field. Flash techniques will be covered during classroom and in the field instruction.

If you don't already have this capability, we can help you put together a simple flash system designed for photographing free-roaming insects (not birds). If you are not interested in participating in this type of activity we urge you to consider taking one of our other workshops.

With a limit of just six participants and with both Rod and Marlene teaching you in the field, personalized instruction is a hallmark of these workshops. You could also use this as a great opportunity to get together with a group of friends - we can customize the workshop to fit your needs.

We will carpool in two vehicles, with Rod and Marlene each traveling with three participants. This will give us greater flexibility and mobility when photographing such subjects as waterfowl at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

To complement our field sessions, we will have mid-day programs on advanced metering techniques and advanced composition. These workshops will benefit users of both film and digital systems. While this workshop emphasizes time-honored photographic field techniques it will also feature instruction in digital capture and workflow. Whether you use a film-based or digital system, Rod and Marlene will help you get the best image quality possible with your equipment.

Advanced workshop tuition of $995 per person includes a complete set of workshop notes. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, film processing and transportation.

Payment: A deposit of $250 is required to reserve a space. The balance of $745 is due 90 days prior to the first day of the workshop. A 90 day advance notice is required for all cancellations. If you need to cancel with less than a 90 day notice your deposit/tuition will be refunded only if we are able to fill your space. All cancellations incur a $50 processing fee.

When we receive your deposit, we will send you a detailed confirmation letter outlining check-in time, suitable photographic equipment and recommended clothing, along with a map and directions. Prior to the workshop, we will provide a directory of participants to facilitate joint travel plans.

High clearance four-wheel drive vehicles are a must to reach some of our backcountry destinations. If we do not have enough participants bringing their own four-wheel drive vehicles, some participants will be required to subsidize the rental of additional four-wheel drive vehicles in addition to splitting the cost of fuel for the tour. (Costs have ranged from $65 to $125 p/p in the past.)

Modest but clean accommodations are available at the Jolly Motel in Germfask, Michigan. The rooms offer clean, air-conditioned comfort. Our group rate for lodging is approximately $45 per night, plus tax (single occupancy) during the workshop. The rate for double occupancy is approximately $55 per night plus tax. Those who wish to arrive early or stay after the workshop may do so with advance reservations. Inquire at the Jolly Roger Motel prior to making travel plans.

Cost: $995 per person. Tuition includes a complete set of handouts. A deposit of $250 is required with registration. The balance of $745 is required 90 days prior to the first day of the workshop. 90 days advance notice is required for a refund of deposit. Cancel with less than a 90 day notice and you will receive a refund only if we are able to fill your space. All cancellations incur a $50 processing fee. Participants are responsible for lodging, meals, film processing and transportation.

Reservations: Early reservations are recommended.

If you prefer to register online, you can do so using using Paypal or credit card by clicking the "Add to Cart" button below. You do not need a Paypal account to pay by credit card.

You can also register by downloading and completing a registration form and mailing with payment to:

Rod Planck Photography
PO Box 100
McMillan, MI 49853

By Phone: Call (906) 293-3339. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. EST. For reservations made by phone, we accept credit cards (for deposits only), or we'll hold your space for 7 days, while awaiting your check.

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