Each section of the Adirondack Park is distinctively different, harboring its own scenic wonders. The Saranac lakes region is carpeted with lush forests sprinkled with island studded lakes and ponds, flowing waters and tamarack bogs. the mix of deciduous trees and evergreens creates tapestries of bold color; yellows, oranges and reds are mixed with aquamarine, tangerine, cherry, peach — some of the richest autumn scenery in the Adirondack Park. The colors also create impressionistic paintings on the waters. With the changing of the seasons, fog rises from the waters most mornings, softening the colors to beautiful pastels. The possibilities for creative photography here are unbounded.
Mark Bowie, Adirondack Life contributor and author of three photography books on the Adirondacks, has worked extensively in this area. He'll be joined by Chris Murray, also an Adirondack Life contributor and passionate teacher. They’ll be your guides, and the emphasis will be on shooting, shooting, shooting! You will typically shoot for several hours around sunrise and sunset each day, and other times as favorable lighting conditions present themselves. You'll even photograph the moody blues of twilight and the magnificent Adirondack night sky. Field lessons will include tips and techniques on:
· reading and shooting the light
· photographing autumn forests, waterways and reflections
· fine tuning compositions
· determining proper exposure in a variety of conditions
· varying shutter speed for creative effect
· achieving critical focus
· working with your range of lenses, from wide angle to telephoto
· shooting color and tonal palettes for creative effect
· using Live View to compose and focus
· using the LCD screen and histogram to refine compositions, check exposures and confirm focus
Mark and Chris will also give indoor instructional sessions on:
· the Art of Seeing Creatively
· artistic opportunities unique to autumn
· optimizing images in Lightroom and Photoshop
· blending multiple exposures of the same scene as panoramas and HDR’s, and using layer masks and focus stacking
We will also have image review sessions of participants’ work shot during the event.
Join Mark & Chris as they help elevate your fall photography beyond the commonplace to artistic excellence!
Camera Skills Needed
All skill levels are welcome.
Users of all types of cameras may attend. However, digital SLR and mirrorless cameras are preferred for their ability to provide immediate feedback and instant access to the images. Without one, you will not be able to take full advantage of the indoor sessions in this workshop.
Description of skill levels - click here
Computer Skills Needed
A basic understanding of digital workflow and some working knowledge of Lightroom, Photoshop or other image-editing program will be helpful.
Other Considerations
Locations visited during the workshop are easily accessible and most do not require strenuous hiking or climbing. Optional hikes involving moderate inclines to small peaks may be offered. Only those in good physical shape and able to ascend and descend moderate slopes should attempt. As with all outdoor pursuits, some risk is inherent; all participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop.
Group Size
12 participants max.
Registration Fees
$1150. See details below for a description of what is included. A deposit of $250 required at time of registration. Deadline for early registration discount is August 1st Click here for information on any other discounts that may be available.
Details
Dates and Times
The workshop begins Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 at 2:00 pm and ends Sunday, October 5th, 2025 at noon.
Where to Meet
Participants will gather at the Best Western, located at 487 Lake Flower Ave, Saranac Lake.
Lodging
Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee. The Best Western will be our base for this event. The hotel is holding a block of rooms for us at the discounted rate of $129/night, so be sure to mention that you will be taking part in the Adirondack Photography Institute workshop. We recommend making your reservations soon after registering for the workshop. Call the Best Western at (518) 891-1970 for reservations, or reserve online.
Meals
Meals are the responsibility of the participant and their cost is not included in the registration fee. Mark and Chris will organize and provide advice on nearby meal options.
Getting to the Event
The two nearest airports are Albany International Airport (ALB) and the Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK). Rental cars are available at both locations.
Transportation During the Event
Participants’ vehicles will be used for transportation during field trips. We are adamant about carpooling as much as possible to minimize the number of vehicles needed for any given field trip, as well as to lessen our impact on easily damaged roads and trails. Note that the instructor is not allowed to provide transportation for participants during the event.
Mark Bowie – mbowiephoto@gmail.com. 413-442-9125
Chris Murray – chris@chrismurrayphotography.com. 315-416-8038