CONNECTING WITH THE GROUP OF SEVEN
The splendor of this region was no secret to Canada’s Group of Seven. In the 1950’s AY Jackson was co-owner of a cabin on Sandy Beach, and was often seen painting the coastal landscape around Michipicoten. With the resurgence of interest in Canada’s premier landscape artists, more than a half a dozen iconic AY Jackson Lake Superior landscapes from the Michipicoten area have been rediscovered.
PRIME LOCATION
Naturally Superior Adventure’s Rock Island Lodge rests on a rock point where the mouth of the Michipicoten River merges with Lake Superior. Flanked by sand beaches, and with no choice but to be intimate with the mercurial moods of Lake Superior, the lodge is about as close to the action as we can get. Shoot right from the living room window if you want!
Spring is a magical time when Lake Superior tributaries roar clear and strong and forests are lush and green. Coastal hiking trails, long sand beaches and waterfalls, hidden and accessible, unfold at the doorstep. Stick to land or take to the water in a canoe or kayak for a different perspective on the land and waterscapes. Driftwood, wildflowers and the intricate details of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence and boreal forests provide sustenance for photographic growth.
SAMPLE COURSE AGENDA:
Thursday
Meet for dinner at 6:00 pm
Orientation and introductory slide show by James Smedley
Friday
Breakfast
Seminar – Introduction to the elements of photography
Lunch
Photography fieldwork. Options include waterfalls, beaches, driftwood or trails
Dinner
Review of images
Optional sunset shooting session
Saturday
Breakfast
Photography fieldwork; option for canoe/kayak or voyageur canoe outing on the Michipicoten River
Lunch
Photography fieldwork
Dinner
Review of images
Sunday
Breakfast
Photography fieldwork
Lunch
Departure
ALL PARTICIPANTS NEED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING:
- Camera gear and manual
- Tripod
- Laptop and memory card or external storage
- Layered clothing – seasonal temperatures vary from swimsuit weather to fleece and windbreaker
- Bug repellent – possibility of black fly and mosquitoes when shooting inland
- Any other photographic equipment you normally use
- Sturdy footwear – we’ll likely spend some time scrambling on rocks, beaches, etc.
A great group of creative photographers converged upon Naturally Superior Adventures for several days of shooting and learning along the coast of Superior and inland.Once again it was my sincere pleasure to enjoy the excellent food, great weather and, most of all, the talented participants from near and far.
James Smedley is an award-winning Ontario photographer whose work is represented by stock agencies like Getty, Firstlight and Windigo. His images appear regularly in international advertising campaigns and in books, magazines and newspapers world-wide. Clients include Ontario Tourism, Ontario Parks and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.