Elk Lake Fall Photography Workshop with Photographer Carl Heilman

Elk Lake Lodge / High Peaks Fall Photography Workshop / Tour

Five Day Fall Nature Photography Workshop / Tour
Sept. 29 - Oct 3, 2025
Held at the Elk Lake Lodge, North River, New York

Cost $895 ($795 before April 31, 2025)(plus lodging - lodging fee includes meals)
PLEASE CONTACT US FIRST for LODGING at the Elk Lake Lodge, they are holding rooms for participants (please register at least 30 days prior to the workshop date to be sure of lodging availablility)

The High Peaks from an island on Elk Lake

Elk Lake, lying at the base of the eastern High Peaks, has some of the most spectacular lake shore scenery in the eastern US. The views around Elk Lake offer an endless variety of moods for photographic compositions. The view from Elk Lake Lodge, situated on the south shore of the lake, looks across the water to Blake, Colvin, Nippletop and the Dix Range. The various inlets and numerous islands can be easily reached by the lodge's kayaks, canoes and rowboats. In addition to exploring the lake, there are many trails on the Elk Lake Preserve that lead to streams, waterways, and small nearby mountains, offering a wonderful diversity for photographing in all types of weather moods and lighting.

During the workshop we will cover most all aspects of landscape and nature photography, including wide angle, macro, telephoto, and panoramic photography, and will discuss various creative techniques and the digital workflow - from RAW shooting techniques and HDR enhancement to cataloging and processing image files. The low student to instructor ratio allows time for interaction with each student to address individual questions and concerns.

The numerous photo options found on the Elk Lake Preserve, range from wonderful lakeshore panoramas to spectacular mountain vistas and details at the edge of crystal clear ponds and rivers. We'll do some kayaking, and walking to reach photo locations, with very little driving needed to get to destinations.

Fall colors on the mountains around Elk Lake

Photographer, Carl Heilman, has been photographing the Adirondack High Peaks since the mid 1970's and has been working with digital image files since 1997, and DSLR cameras since 2007. He has written 3 books on nature photography techniques, Contemporary Landscape Photography, The Landscape Photography Field Guide, and 101 Top Tips for Digital Landscape Photography. Join Carl for an intensive 4 day workshop, photographing in one of the most spectacular locations in the Adirondacks. Experiment with various techniques and equipment, and enjoy interacting with fellow participants through critique sessions, informal discussions, and photo shoots. While the workshop is for photographers of all levels you can learn much more if you have an understanding of basic camera techniques.

Elk Lake Agenda

Monday

- 4 - 9 PM - Introduction, get acquainted, dinner, show n' tell, Q&A, PowerPoint, photo shoot

Tuesday to Thursday

- pre-dawn / morning photo shoot / breakfast / discussion / instruction / Q and A / photo critique
- noon - 2 PM - lunch break
- afternoon photography / dinner / evening photography / night photography (on a clear night)

Friday

- pre-dawn to 10 AM photo shoot
- 10 AM - 12 PM - Wrap-up / photo critique / discussion / Q and A
- lunch - the workshop ends after lunch (about 1 - 2 PM)

Note - Morning start time and evening ending time will be determined by the weather conditions and the sunrise / sunset times during the workshop (approx 6:45 AM sunrise, 6:45 PM sunset).

This workshop is rated EASY / MODERATE and is for beginner to advanced photographers. Most of the photography shoots will be on the lake or close to the road, but if weather works out, we'll also hike up a small mountain for views over Clear Pond and the surrounding mountains. (3 miles round trip and an elevation gain of about 800 feet) Please be prepared with proper gear for hiking. We will carpool to access the Clear Pond photo locations.

A maximum of 8 participants, allows plenty of opportunities for individual interaction during and between the photo shoots .

The workshop fee includes all instruction and handouts - but does not include lodging. PLEASE CONTACT US FIRST for Elk Lake Lodge workshop lodging - they are holding single rooms aside for workshop participants and spouses or friends. Note the lodging fee includes all meals at the lodge.

The daily schedule will depend on the weather conditions each day, but will include a morning shoot, plus time for discussion, Q and A, and image critique, and then an afternoon / evening shoot. We'll mostly be working around meals at the lodge, but might be out on the trail for a morning shoot with a packed breakfast.

We look forward to photographing and working with you at the Elk Lake Preserve.
Please contact us with any questions!

PHOTO ALBUMS From Previous Elk Lake Workshops
- October 2012
- August 2013
- September 2014
- September 2015
- September 2017
- September 2018
- September 2019
- September 2021
- September 2022