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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Amanda Hansmeyer spoke about "Capturing a Moment."
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Editor Konnie LeMay during the Friday evening reception.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Photographers, staff and workshop attendees mingle at the Friday evening reception.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
The Friday evening reception featured hors d'oeuvres and good company at the Lake Superior Magazine offices in Duluth.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
The Friday evening reception, October 5, 2012.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Konnie LeMay's opening remarks.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Shawn Malone during her presentation on photographing the northern lights.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Shawn Malone talks with a workshop attendee while Amanda Hansmeyer sets up for her presentation.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Speaker Amanda Hansmeyer and Lake Superior Magazine's Paul Hayden.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Amanda Hansmeyer spoke about "Capturing a Moment."
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Amanda Hansmeyer, capturing moments during a presentation.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Paul Sundberg demonstrates his moose call.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
After taking in a morning of presentations, attendees enjoyed a soup-and-sandwich lunch.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Photography coach Mike Mikulich's work.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
Konnie LeMay and Paul Hayden of Lake Superior Magazine talk about getting photographs published.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Lake Superior Magazine publisher Paul Hayden coaching a group.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Amanda Hansmeyer leads a group during the photo critiques on Saturday afternoon.
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Phil Bencomo/Lake Superior Magazine
Dennis O'Hara coaching a group of photographers.
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Bob Berg/Lake Superior Magazine
David Ballard coaching a group of photographers.
It was a full house for Lake Superior Magazine’s first ever Photography Weekend.
Nearly 70 participants passionate about photography, from around the region and as far away as Nebraska, Kansas and Kentucky, joined with eight top-notch regional photographers for informational talks and photo coaching.
The three main speakers focused on finding and photographing the northern lights, on creating visual stories with photos at events and gatherings and on getting the best wildlife photographs.
The weekend started with an informal Friday night reception at the offices of Lake Superior Magazine in Duluth, where participants and the photo coaches could nibble hors d’oeuvres, sip a beverage and chat about photography.
On Saturday, after a short introduction by magazine Editor Konnie LeMay and greetings from Barb Swenson of the presenting sponsor Odyssey Resorts and Rob Karwath of North Coast Communications, one of the weekend organizers, the day was filled with information about how to get better photographs.
Outside the meeting area, keynote speaker Shawn Malone and photo coach Mike Mikulich displayed their images for sale while Odyssey Resorts, North Coast Communications, US Bank, which was also a sponsor of the weekend, and Lake Superior Magazine had informational materials available.
The photo sessions started with Shawn Malone of Lake Superior Photo in Marquette, Michigan. The keynote speaker sprinkled scientific details about the how of northern lights along with her advice for taking those images. Among her tips – when you see an arc among the northern lights, that’s the time to stick around because an explosion of lights may follow.
Amanda Hansmeyer, a Duluth photojournalist and owner of Shutter Stories, showed her images from events such as Grandma’s Marathon and from family gatherings such as weddings and special occasions, like one child’s first day of school. Among her tips were how to make those around you feel comfortable while you take photos.
The third morning speaker was photographer Paul Sundberg, well known for his wildlife images. Besides presenting details on camera settings and giving advice on where to find wildlife, Paul also demonstrated his love-sick cow moose call – guaranteed to attract a bull moose during the right season.
After a soup-and-sandwich lunch buffet break, the afternoon started with a short panel discussion by Lake Superior Magazine Publisher Paul Hayden and Editor Konnie LeMay about how to get photos published. Then the afternoon broke into small-group coaching sessions where professional regional photographers led reviews of participants’ images.
The day ended with some participants traveling to Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages for a beer-and-barbecue tasting event, while others gathered at Grandma’s Restaurant.
On Sunday participants were encouraged to take their newly learned photo skills to events or activities around the area, such as a photo-geocaching trek organized by Odyssey Resorts, the migration spotting at Hawk Ridge in Duluth, or a road trip to the Apple Festival in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
After the success of the first event, Lake Superior Magazine will host a 2013 Photo Weekend, too. Register online today, or call 888-BIG LAKE (888-244-5253).