Giant Photo Workshops 2012

Book 3 workshops & receive a camera accessory!

Featuring Thunder Bay Professional Photographer Barry Wojciechowski, LPPO/PPOC.
Let Barry refresh or enhance your camera skills with tips and techniques on the how to's of digital photography amongst the inspiring natural wonders of our provincial parks. Nine workshops in all are offered.

Know Your Digital Camera

Thursday, May 24, 2012 Answering a question
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This evening workshop at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park's Visitor Centre is all about you and your digital camera. Barry will highlight all the buttons and knobs on your camera and review their uses. Great as a refresher or for a first-timer. Includes:

  • Getting to know your camera
  • Camera controls and settings
  • Aperture and shutter speed
  • Meet your histogram
  • Basics of photo composition
  • Putting it all together and getting the shot!

Buttons & Knobs - Thurs. May 24/12
Participant Name


Nature Photography – Water

Sat. June 9, 2012
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Capturing water, waterfalls and other moving objects is a challenging technique for photographers. Learn tips to enhance your skills in this area.
  • Camera settings and controls for photographing water scenes and waterfalls
  • White balance and lighting
  • Using the histogram
  • Working with depth of field
  • Uses for a polarizer
  • Capturing moving water - sharp or wispy?
Water in Motion - Sat. June 9/12
Participant Name


Nature Photography - Wildlife

Sat. June 23, 2012
Sleeping Giant Provincial park
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This day-long workshop highlights some of the 'wild' life in the park. Barry will concentrate on showing you what it takes to capture some great nature & wildlife shots. Includes:

  • Camera controls and settings for wildlife photography
  • Getting to know your subject
  • Lighting tips for wildlife
  • Capturing wildlife in motion
  • Planning and patience
Note: A Park entrance fee is payable at the gate. Price varies for day use or camping.
Wildlife Photography June 23/12
Participant Name


Nature Photography - Macros

Sat. July 21, 2012
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn how to focus on the small stuff and capture some stunning images. Workshop includes:

  • Camera controls and settings for macro photography including flowers and bugs!
  • Tips on using depth of field
  • Exposure, lighting and the histogram
  • Composition for close-ups
  • Macro equipment options
Note: A Park entrance fee is payable at the gate. Price varies for day use or camping.

Macro Photography July 21/12
Participant Name


Nature Photography - Landscapes

Sat. August 18, 2012
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lake Superior's geology provides us with so many spectacular landscapes. Learn how to set your camera and your mindset up to capture more of the beauty of the area and the Sleeping Giant in particular. Includes:

  • Camera settings and controls for landscape photography
  • White balance and lighting
  • Using your histogram
  • Working with depth of field
  • Composing landscape images

Note: A Park entrance fee is payable at the gate. Price varies for day use or camping.

Landscape Photography
Participant Name


Photo Safari Hike

Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012
Pigeon River Provincial Park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – on site, meet at Visitor Centre

Join us for this photography walk and talk in the park! Learn and practice techniques for photographing nature, wildlife, landscapes and waterfalls as we hike to High Falls in Pigeon River Provincial Park.

  • Brief intro before hike starts with practice and questions answered along the way.
  • A great one day outing to practice skills learned in past workshops!

Note: Meet at Ontario Travel Tourist Information Centre on Hwy 61 near the Canadian border. A park day use fee is payable at the gate.

Photo Safari Hike Sept 9/12
Participant Name



'Fall Colours' Weekend Workshop

Friday to Sunday, Sept. 28–30, 2012
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
7 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Sunday

Fall is here and Nature's colours should be in full bloom. This weekend workshop affords a great opportunity to immerse yourself in photography. Join Barry to practice and learn how to capture the scenic wonders at Sleeping Giant provincial park. Participants will stay two nights in park lodgings - either in 3 bedroom cabins or the larger conference centre - depending on numbers. Bring your own food or participate in our meal plan (details below).

A sample weekend itinerary can be seen by clicking here.

Topics include:

  • Camera settings and controls for scenics and fall colours.
  • Mastering the histogram
  • Understanding white balance
  • The role of bracketing
  • Techniques for sunrise and sunset photography
  • Intro to night photography and high dynamic range images
Fall Colours Workshop
Participant Name

Shooting at Joe Creek

MEAL PLAN

A meal plan is available for the fall weekend workshop - click here for a suggested menu. A number of the 2011 participants found this option was stress-free and a great way to get more from their weekend of digital learning.

Fall Colours Meal Plan
Meal Plan participant


GETTING HERE

Thinking of coming from outside the area - check out our 'Getting Here' section of the website for links to airlines, rental cars, ground transportation etc.


Workshops Overview

All workshops will begin with an indoor instructional slideshow presentation. Afterwards, time will be spent outside practicing your hands-on photography skills under Barry’s guidance. Various park trails and scenic locations will be used during each workshop. Opportunities for personalized feedback from Barry will be provided.

Shooting the Giant 2011All Workshops - level expands with skill of group

  • Overview of equipment for each subject topic
  • Camera settings and controls
  • The histogram, aperture and shutter speed, ISO
  • Getting the right exposure and bracketing
  • Composition basic or advanced.
  • Tips for photographing each subject topic
  • Other as determined by skill level of the group

Workshops are available on a first come first booked basis and generally intended for participants 14 years of age and older. Register early to avoid disappointment. Class size is limited to ensure feedback for participants.

Comments from past workshops

"I never expected to learn so much and become so comfortable with my camera. I can't wait for the next session."

"Really enjoyed this – Barry is very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable."

"Great job done by Barry in an excellent venue!"

"Enjoyed the locations we shot in, and the support I received in becoming a better photographer

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Full payment is required to confirm booking and is non-refundable unless space can be booked to another party. Transfer to another party is permitted - a $50 administration fee will be charged for the Sept. 28-30, 2012 weekend.

What to bring…

  • Camera gear -- digital camera, memory cards, memory stick, extra batteries & charger, tripod, camera bag, note pad, pencils and especially your camera manual!
  • Laptop computer -- optional for workshops. Do bring your cable hook-ups to enable viewing of images on the big screen!
  • Clothing -- Be prepared for various weather conditions: rain, sun and insect protection. Dress in adjustable layers. Sturdy footwear for hiking around the park is recommended. We will have practical outdoor sessions regardless of the weather, so be prepared.
  • Food -- Pack a lunch, snacks and water for day workshops.Warm beverages will be provided. The Fall weekend workshop includes a welcome reception on Friday evening.
  • Personal vehicle -- for travel to/from and within the park as required to reach park features.

Sleeping Giant, Kakabeka Falls and Pigeon River Provincial Parks

Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park is 20 minutes west of Thunder Bay via Hwys 11/17. Choose to extend your stay by making a campsite reservation at www.OntarioParks.com or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).

Pigeon River Provincial Park is 25 minutes south of Thunder Bay via Hwy 61.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located one hour east of Thunder Bay via Highways 11/17 and 587. For the weekend workshop at Sleeping Giant, you will stay in one of the park's cabins (3 bedrooms in a private room, full kitchen, fireplace, screened in porch) OR in the conference centre (private room). Meals are not included but an optional meal package is available by request. For more information on Sleeping Giant Provincial Park visit www.ontarioparks.com. For information on park cabin rentals call 807-977-2526.

Barry Wojciechowski Photography LPPO, PPOC

Barry Wojciechowski was born in Thunder Bay and is passionate about Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. After years of working and living in the park, Barry has become intimately familiar with the wealth of photo opportunities available at Sleeping Giant and other local parks. Barry's work has been published by government agencies and various magazines including Ontario Parks and Canadian Geographic. In addition to landscape and wildlife photography, Barry takes professional shots for tourism, sporting events, weddings and other commercial projects. Join Barry to learn what it takes to capture that special image on your next Ontario Parks' adventure.


Completed workshops thus far in 2012

Know Your Digital Camera

Sat. Feb. 18, 2012
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
12 noon to 4 p.m.

Our afternoon workshop at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park's Visitor Centre is all about you and your digital camera. Barry will highlight all the buttons and knobs on your camera and review their uses.

  • Getting to know your camera
  • Camera controls and settings
  • Aperture and shutter speed
  • Meet your histogram
  • Basics of photo composition
  • Putting it all together and getting the shot!

Winter Photography

Sat. March 17, 2012
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Camera controls and settings for winter photography
  • White and bright, dealing with the light!
  • Optimizing depth of field
  • Shooting and equipment tips for winter photography