Would you like to join us in one of our Ricketts Glen photography workshops next fall?
Ricketts Glen offers some of the most fascinating landscapes to photograph not only in Pennsylvania but in the entire U.S-East Coast. With more than 20 waterfalls and countless creeks, the photo opportunities at Ricketts Glen are endless. Add to that the beauty of the fall colors, and you’ll have an unforgettable photographic experience.
Besides plenty of woodlands, wildlife, and trails, the real photographic gem that we’ll be shooting during our Ricketts Glen photography workshop is the “Falls Trail system”. This area features a series of wild waterfalls of all heights, shapes, and volume cascading through an ancient old-growth forest.
Join us in our Ricketts Glen photography tour and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience shooting one of themost magical forests in the entire country while taking your waterfalls and forest photography to the next level!
Ricketts Glen State Park Photography Workshop Highlights
Day workshops during the peak of the fall colors (October 14,15, 2022)
Group size: 5 people with 1 instructor
Main topics: Woodlands, waterfalls, and fall colors
Main areas: Falls Trail system at Ricketts Glen State Park
Photography techniques: Long exposure, Lens filters, Composition
2022 Ricketts Glen Photography Workshops
Although the itinerary of our Ricketts Glen photography workshops is the same during the three days (October 14th or 15th), you can also join us for two consecutive days since there are plenty of photo opportunities in the Falls trail system.
Ricketts Glen Photography Tour – Morning
Our Ricketts Glen photography workshop starts at 7 am at the Lake Rose Trailhead Parking.
There are more than 8 waterfalls in the first section of the trail and 11 in the second, so we will focus on capturing those that are most interesting from a photographic point of view.
It is important to start this activity early; if there are no clouds, after 10:00 am the light is usually too harsh to photograph some of the waterfalls.
Approximate duration of the morning session: 4 hours
Ricketts Glen Photography Workshop – Afternoon
Once we finish the first session, we’ll take a break for lunch at the RT 118 parking/picnic area.
Approximate duration of the lunch break: 1 hour
Ricketts Glen Photography Workshop – Evening
After the break, we’ll get back to the trail and hike the second section to continue with our shooting. Same as in the morning session, we will be photographing the waterfalls that offer more interesting compositions based on the current light conditions. This is the map of the Ricketts Glen Falls trail system with the main waterfalls that we are photographing during our Ricketts Glen day photo workshop.
*Note: The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen is considered a Moderate trail. The total length is 6.6 miles, and the elevation gain is 1000 feet. In some areas, you might have to descend/ascend muddy/wet rocks. Please consider your physical condition since you could struggle to complete the workshop if you aren’t moderately fit.
Topics covered during our Ricketts Glen photography workshop
Visualization and composition in landscape photography (especially forests and waterfalls)
Best settings to take the highest quality images
Long exposure technique using neutral density filters
Mastering the polarizer in waterfalls & fall photography
Advanced shooting techniques like bracketing/focus stacking
Tips and tricks for photographing waterfalls and fall colors
Post-processing video tutorial of a Ricketts Glen image included with the workshop
Price: USD 350
Payment for the Ricketts Glen workshop is required to secure your spot. There is a 100% free cancelation policy until 2 months before the start of the workshop and a 100% refund if the workshop can’t take place because of COVID-19.
What is included in the price?
Included
Photography instruction in the field as mentioned in the program
Guidance through the entire Ricketts Glen Falls Trail by Joseph James Cole
Full photography assistance during the entire duration of the workshop
*Bonus
Two Post-processing videos with images from Ricketts Glen included with the workshop
Not included in the workshop
Transport
Lodging
Meals
Health/travel insurance
Calls, personal expenses, and any other expense not mentioned in the “included” section
Ricketts Glen Photography Workshop Intructor
Joseph will be your instructor and will help you with your photography throughout the entire workshop. He is a Pennsylvanian and Ricketts Glen is his playground; he has spent years photographing Ricketts throughout the four seasons and is very knowledgeable about the most photogenic spots as well as the techniques to capture the best possible images.
He will show you not only the best techniques, but also how to be more creative with your camera gear so you can learn to see new compositions and perspectives that go unnoticed for most photographers.
Joseph has a background in arts and painting, specializes in landscape and night images, and has a unique vision and style.
Sturdy boots with a good grip are a must for this workshop since we’ll be walking and shooting from many wet rocks and slippery surfaces.
Waders are highly recommended for this workshop to get to the best vantage points for shooting.
The weather is not usually very cold during this time of the year so you don’t need extra warm clothing. In any case, long and comfortable pants and a rain jacket are recommended.
A plastic bag or basic camera rain cover like this is recommended in case it rains.
Take at least a couple of microfiber cleaning cloths like this to protect the lens from the water spray.
Pack some snacks and water to take during the sessions.
Ricketts Glen workshop reviews from our participants
“After my experience on this workshop, Joe was excellent. I couldn’t have asked for a better workshop instructor. He took the time to be with each of us to show us techniques to get better photos of the falls and to insure that we got the shots we wanted. I would recommend him as a Photo instructor to anyone.”
– Don Morret (Pennsylvania) – Ricketts Glen photography workshop 2021
“We had a fantastic day with Dan in Ricketts Glen State Park working on smooth water and swirl technique. Dan is a wonderful guide, patient, funny, and helpful. We learned a lot about shooting waterfalls with lens filters and I grabbed some fantastic shots. I am happy to now call him and Ascen friends.”
Dan helped us set up our waterfall shots and other nature photos at the peak of the fall color at Ricketts Glen. He also knew the park so well and exactly where to stop for those million-dollar shots. I learned so many tips and tricks from him, and my shots look amazing! Well worth the investment.
– Mary Dennehy (New York) – Ricketts Glen photography workshop 2020
“During my Ricketts Glen workshop with Capture the Atlas, Dan was very thorough, explaining in-detail all the best camera settings, lenses, and lens filters. His photographic skills are superb, and I loved his willingness to show all his knowledge. This workshop has been one the best experiences I’ve had since I started doing photography.”
