Lake Superior Photography Workshop for Women | October 4-7, 2026

Last Updated: November 2025

Your camera is not too old. You are not too rusty. This is your turn to capture Lake Superior’s dramatic light in a 4-day women-only photography retreat.

Quick Overview:

  • Dates: October 4-7, 2026

  • Location: Rock Island Lodge, Wawa, Ontario

  • Instructors: 2 professional photographers (Cobi Sharpe and Ariel Estulin)

  • Group Size: Maximum 10 women

  • Skill Level: Beginner to advanced, rusty photographers welcome

  • Workshop Fee: $1295 CAD workshop only (includes 2 professional landscape photographers) | Accommodation & meals fee are separate.

    • It is recommended that you book your photography workshop spot with us first, and then contact Rock Island Lodge for accommodations. When they fill up, they’ll direct you to the other accommodation options only 5 minutes away.

BOOK YOUR SPOT WITH SPARK
women's photography workshops Ontario, Lake Superior photography retreat, photography workshop

This Is Your Moment. Lake Superior Is Waiting.

You used to love photography. Before the kids, the promotions, the endless carousel of everyone else's needs. Your camera has been gathering dust in the hall closet for years, and when you finally pulled it out last weekend, manual mode felt foreign. You wondered if you were too far behind to start again.

Here's a truth we want to tell you: You're not behind. You're ready to pick it up again.

In October 2026, resist the voice that says your creative time isn't essential. Join us on Lake Superior's rugged shoreline for 4 days of a women’s photography workshop that treats your camera like what it really is: your pathway to freedom.

Women’s Photography Workshop Lake Superior October 2026

What Makes This Workshop Different?

This is not a conventional landscape photography workshop. This is a creative reclamation retreat for midlife women who used to love photography before life took over.

What You Get:

  1. Learn manual mode with 2 expert instructors (not just one)

  2. Small group instruction (maximum 10 participants)

  3. Women-only learning environment (with a male instructor who gets it, and has seen and understands the intimidation from a co-ed group)

  4. Photography as a wellbeing practice and presence training

  5. Skills for solo travel photography adventures

Workshop Focus Areas:

  • Manual mode confidence for any outdoor lighting condition

  • Composition techniques for powerful landscape images

  • Long exposure photography on Lake Superior

  • Camera settings for autumn colour and dramatic skies

Key Takeaway: In 4 days, you will go from "I used to photograph" to "I am a photographer" with unshakeable confidence in manual mode.

🌟 Rated 5 Stars on Google Reviews

A scenic view of a forested shoreline with green trees on rocky terrain, waves crashing on the beach, and a mountainous background.
Waves crashing on the shore with sandy beach and grass in the foreground.
A weathered piece of driftwood standing upright on a sandy beach with small rocks, with a body of water and green forested hills in the background under cloudy skies.
Rocky shoreline with waves crashing onto the beach and distant islands in the background.
Close-up of sea waves gently washing onto sandy beach
A beach with a sandy shore and driftwood, next to a body of water, with a lush green forest covering a mountain in the background under a cloudy sky.
A rushing waterfall flowing over dark, rugged rocks.
A cascading mountain stream flowing over rocks surrounded by green trees in a forest.
Close-up of a purple flower with multiple buds on a thin green stem, set against a blurred green background.
Sunset over the ocean seen from a sandy beach with waves, a piece of driftwood on the sand, and a colorful sky with pink and purple clouds.
A view of a large body of water, likely a lake or ocean, surrounded by lush green trees and rocky hills, with distant mountains in the background.
A bird standing on sandy beach next to a large piece of driftwood, with rocks and water in the background.
A night sky with a crescent moon above an ocean horizon at sunset or sunrise, with hues of orange and purple in the sky.
A peaceful beach scene with sandy shore, rocks, and clear blue water, surrounded by green trees and rocky cliffs under a partly cloudy sky.
A rocky shoreline with tide pools, overlooking the ocean under a clear blue sky.
A foggy forest scene with tall pine trees disappearing into the mist.

Who This Photography Retreat Is For

Is This Workshop Right for Me?

This Lake Superior photography workshop is designed for women who:

  1. Used to love photography but life took over (kids, career, aging parents)

  2. Feel rusty with manual mode and worry they are too far behind

  3. Have a camera gathering dust and wonder if it is too old

  4. See stunning landscape photos on Instagram and feel jealousy mixed with longing

  5. Travel with partners who rush point-A-to-point-B while they want to stop for photos

  6. Are empty nesters, recently retired, or newly promoted with time opening up

  7. Want solo photography adventure skills, in addition to community connection

  8. Need permission to prioritize creative time as non-negotiable

You Are Ready If:

  • You can turn your camera on and know where the shutter button is

  • You want to rebuild manual mode skills from the foundation

  • You are willing to invest 4 days in your creative reclamation

Key Takeaway: Some participants are rusty photographers who have not shot manual mode in 10+ years. Some are active photographers looking for adventures just like you. You are not behind. You are exactly who this retreat is designed for.

BOOK YOUR SPOT WITH A DEPOSIT

What You’ll Learn in 4 Days

Manual Mode Photography Skills

Exposure Triangle Mastery:

  1. Aperture control for depth of field

  2. Shutter speed for motion and long exposure

  3. ISO management for low-light conditions

  4. Reading Lake Superior's constantly shifting light

  5. Balancing exposure in high-contrast scenes

Composition Techniques:

  1. Rule of thirds and leading lines

  2. Foreground interest in landscape photography

  3. Framing with natural elements

  4. Working with Lake Superior's dramatic coastline

  5. Creating depth in two-dimensional images

Photography as a Wellbeing Practice

Presence and Mindfulness Training:

  • Manual mode as mandatory slowness (clears mental fog)

  • Intentional observation over digital scrolling

  • Dopamine detox through creative practice

  • Nature's restorative power on nervous system regulation

  • Photography as resistance against hustle culture

Solo Travel Photography Preparation

Independence Skills:

  1. Safety considerations for solo photography adventures

  2. Gear essentials and packing for travel

  3. Confidence to stop the car and take the shot without permission

  4. Building autonomous creative practice beyond the workshop

Key Takeaway: These skills last a lifetime, not just 4 days. You will leave ready for solo photography adventures anywhere you want to go.

Your Photography Instructors: Cobi Sharpe and Ariel Estulin

Why two instructors matter:

With 2 professional photographers and a maximum of 10 participants, you receive personalized attention at your exact skill level.

Benefits of Two Instructors:

  1. One instructor demonstrates on location while the other provides individual coaching

  2. Double the expertise and double the feedback

  3. You are never waiting, never lost, never wondering if you are doing it right

  4. Different teaching styles and perspectives on same techniques

  5. Real-time problem-solving for your specific camera and challenges

In partnership with Nature Canada’s Women For Nature initiative

Women for Nature is a collective of influential Canadian women united by a shared vision: to inspire change through their passion for nature and to pass on these values to others. A small portion of your proceeds will be donated to this initiative.
Cobi Sharpe, professional photography teacher, instructor, workshop leader

Cobi Sharpe is an ambassador for Women for Nature, and an award-winning professional landscape photographer with a diploma with honours in digital photography and imaging, knows first-hand how important it is to reclaim creative time. In the throws of motherhood, Cobi is just starting to pick her camera up again and start taking time for photography adventures and bringing other women along for the ride. Her natural teaching ability is patient, ego-free with an expertise in manual mode fundamentals and composition. As a photo educator, her goal is for students to always feel supported to ask questions so there are no barriers to learning how they can connect more deeply with themselves and nature using their camera as a tool.

What Students Say:
"Cobi is a triple threat: a great teacher, a great photographer, and a great human being. As a teacher of teachers for 30 years, I know good teaching when I see it." - Lori

Ariel Estulin, professional landscape photographer

Ariel Estulin a father, and an award-winning landscape photographer, who travels the world seeking out beauty in those wild and remote places on Earth that still remain untouched by civilization where nature commands ultimate attention. As a photo educator, his goal is for students to come away with not just better photographs, but a better understanding of photography, better compositions, and most importantly, a skill set they now have and can use on future adventures.

What Students Say:
”These workshops are invaluable in growth as a photographer in the creative aspects and technical. Active and respectful sharing of knowledge and experience by Ariel. I have done 2 workshops with him; I am already planning for next year!”

Long exposure photograph of rugged rocky coastline with waves crashing against the rocks, misty water flowing around the rocks, and distant snow-capped mountains in the background under a blue sky.
Clear water with visible rocks at the bottom, surrounded by forested rocky cliffs under a bright sky.
Sunset over a lake with dark clouds, reflecting orange and yellow hues on the water, with rocky shoreline and silhouetted trees in the background.
A landscape at sunset with a cloudy sky, a forested hillside, and a body of water in the foreground.
Sunset over the ocean with a silhouette of a cliff on the right and a mostly clear sky transitioning from deep blue at the top to warm orange near the horizon.
A rocky coastal scene with large smooth stones in the foreground, calm water reflecting the rocks, steep cliffs with sparse trees on top to the right, and an ocean horizon in the background under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of multiple tree trunks surrounded by dense green foliage and small purple flowers.
Sunset over a sandy beach with footprints, calm water, and a forested shoreline under a partly cloudy sky.
A rocky shoreline with large gray rocks and dense green forest of pine trees in the background reflected on calm water.
Rocky shoreline with evergreen trees under a cloudy sky at sunset
A rocky beach at dusk with a forested shoreline on the left, dark clouds overhead, and the calm ocean reflecting the muted sky.
A rocky beach with a wooded cliffside on the left and calm water extending to the horizon with a faint landmass in the distance during dusk.

Lake Superior Workshop Schedule and Itinerary

What to Expect Each Day - a loose itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, October 4, 2026

  • 4:30 PM: Arrival and check-in at Rock Island Lodge (or other accommodation close-by)

  • 5:00 PM: Appetizers and informal meet-and-greet

  • 6:00 PM: Dinner (relax, you are here, the doing is done)

  • 7:30 PM: Evening orientation (goals, gear check, workshop overview)

  • Overnight at lodge or nearby accommodations

Day 2: Monday, October 5, 2026 (

  • 6:00 AM: Sunrise shoot on Lake Superior shoreline

  • 8:30 AM: Breakfast at lodge

  • 10:00 AM: On location photo shoot

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch (in-house or packed for extended shooting)

  • 2:00 PM: Composition training on location

  • 4:30 PM: Dinner

  • 6:00 PM: Sunset/blue hour shoot

  • 8:00 PM: Image review and feedback session (or night sky photography)

  • 8:30 PM: Optional night sky photography (conditions permitting)

Day 3: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

  • 6:00 AM: Sunrise shoot - different location

  • 8:30 AM: Breakfast

  • 10:00 AM: Long exposure workshop on Superior's coastline (lens filters needed)

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch

  • 2:00 PM: On location photo shoot

  • 4:30 PM: Dinner

  • 6:00 PM: Sunset/blue hour shoot

  • 8:00 PM: Final image review and celebration

  • 8:30 PM: Optional night sky photography (conditions permitting)

Day 4: Tuesday, October 7, 2026

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast

  • 8:30 AM: Final questions and post-workshop planning

  • 10:00 AM: Mid-morning departure

Why October on Lake Superior?

Seasonal Advantages:

  1. Autumn colour against ancient granite cliffs

  2. Dramatic light shifts hour by hour

  3. Moody fog banks and clear skies (often same day)

  4. Fewer crowds than summer months

  5. Comfortable temperatures for outdoor shooting (0-15°C / 32-59°F)

Key Takeaway: October provides stop-you-in-your-tracks landscapes that force presence and restore creative souls.

Photography Workshop Accommodations and Pricing

How Much Does This Workshop Cost?

Workshop Pricing: $1295 CAD per person (instruction from 2 professional photographers)

Accommodation Pricing Range: $1,480 (private room) to $1,880 (double occupancy) CAD per person. Accommodations with Rock Island Lodge include meals, and exclusive use of Rock Island Lodge workshop space.

On-Site Accommodations at Rock Island Lodge (limited availability)

There’s limited space at the lodge (5 rooms). Those that register first will have the first chance to book those accommodations. Once the lodge is full, participant’s can stay at a nearby motel but still meet daily at Rock Island Lodge for meals and workshop space. You will need to pay for meals/site space $480 with Rock Island Lodge if you’ve book accommodations elsewhere.

Off-Site Accommodations (5-Minute Drive)

Nearby Motel Options:

  1. Mystic Isle Motel (Premium: largest rooms, Lake Superior views)

  2. Highfalls Motel & Cabins (Mid-range option)

  3. White Fang Motel (Budget-friendly option)

What Is Included in Every Option?

Includes:

  1. 4 days of hands-on photography instruction

  2. Expert teaching from 2 professional photographers (Cobi Sharpe and Ariel Estulin)

  3. Exclusive use of Rock Island Lodge workshop space

  4. Small group instruction (maximum 10 participants)

  5. On-location shoots at Lake Superior's best landscapes

  6. Evening image review sessions with professional feedback

  7. Women-only psychological safety

Not Included:

  1. Transportation to and from Wawa, Ontario

  2. Personal gear (camera, lenses, tripod - gear list will be provided after registration)

  3. Alcohol (available for purchase)

  4. On or off-site accommodation costs

  5. All meals (Day 1 dinner through Day 4 breakfast)

Key Takeaway: Choose the accommodation that fits your comfort level and budget. Every option provides the same expert instruction and transformative experience.

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Complete Value of Your Photography Investment

What Are You Really Getting?

Total Value: $4,250+

Your Investment: $2,060 to $2,813 CAD

Value Breakdown

1. Technical Mastery with Two Expert Instructors ($1,500+ value)

  • 4 days hands-on manual mode instruction

  • Two professional photographers (double the expertise and feedback)

  • Personalized coaching at your exact skill level

  • Exposure triangle mastery for any lighting condition

  • Long exposure techniques for silky water and dramatic skies

  • Composition training that transforms how you see

  • Professional image reviews from two perspectives

2. Premium Location Access ($400+ value)

  • Exclusive guided access to Lake Superior's best photography locations

  • Scouting expertise you would spend years learning on your own

  • October timing for autumn colour and dramatic light

  • Permission-based access to Rock Island Lodge property and shoreline

3. All Meals Included ($300+ value)

  • Day 1 dinner through Day 4 breakfast

  • Dietary restrictions accommodated

  • Zero meal planning stress equals more creative time

4. Exclusive Workshop Space ($200+ value)

  • Private use of Rock Island Lodge for image reviews

  • No public distractions or interruptions

  • Dedicated workspace for editing sessions

  • Comfortable gathering space for evening instruction

  • Women-only psychological safety built in

5. Community That Becomes Your Backbone (Priceless)

  • Lifelong connections with women who understand creative time is non-negotiable

  • Facebook group for continued support

  • Accountability partners for your next solo photography adventure

  • Your people, finally

6. Solo Adventure Preparation ($300+ value)

  • Safety considerations for solo photography adventures

  • Gear essentials and packing guidance

  • Confidence to stop the car and take the shot anywhere you go

  • Skills that last a lifetime, not just 4 days

7. Post-Retreat Support ($150+ value)

  • Continued access to instructors for questions

  • Online community for sharing work and encouragement

What You Cannot Put a Price On

  • The moment you realize you are not rusty, you are ready

  • The morning you nail the exposure on Superior's golden hour light and think "I did that"

  • The confidence to book your first solo photography adventure without doubt or permission

  • The creative identity you reclaimed, not someday but now

Key Takeaway: This is not an expense. This is an investment in reclaiming the creative identity you set aside for everyone else.

💰 TOTAL VALUE: $4,250+

💳 YOUR INVESTMENT:

$2,060 to $2,813 CAD depending on accommodation choice

(That's $1295 for expert instruction from TWO professional photographers + photography mastery that builds solo creative independence, and exclusive workshop space)

✨ But Here's What You Can't Put a Price On:

The moment you realize you're not rusty—you're ready.

The morning you nail the exposure on Superior's golden hour light and think: I did that.

The confidence to book your first solo photography adventure without doubt, without waiting, without permission.

The creative identity you reclaimed—not someday, but now.

That's what you're really investing in.

BOOK NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my camera too old for this photography workshop?

No. If your camera has manual mode (and most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras from the past 20 years do), it works beautifully. We've had participants shoot stunning work with 15-year-old Canon Rebels and Nikon D70s. Your camera isn't the limitation—your confidence is. We rebuild that foundation together.

What if I'm really rusty? I haven't shot manual mode in 10+ years.

Perfect. You're exactly who this retreat is designed for. We start with exposure triangle fundamentals and rebuild your skills step-by-step. No shame. No rushing. Just patient, empowering instruction that meets you where you are. By Day 3, you'll be shooting confidently in any lighting condition.

Will I slow everyone down?

Absolutely not. With only 10 participants maximum and two instructors, we work at the pace that serves the group. This isn't a race. Superior's landscapes aren't going anywhere. We honor the creative process—which means stopping for the light, experimenting with composition, and taking the time to get the shot right.

What skill level is this workshop designed for?

Beginner to intermediate photographers who want to master manual mode and build confidence for solo photography adventures. If you can turn your camera on and know where the shutter button is, you're ready. We'll teach you the rest.

Can I justify spending this on myself?

Let's reframe: This isn't an expense. It's an investment in reclaiming the creative identity you set aside for everyone else. You've spent decades prioritizing others. This is your turn. Four days that build skills for a lifetime of solo photography adventures—and restore the part of you that's been waiting patiently for permission. You don't need permission. You need this.

What if I've forgotten everything about photography?

We assume you're starting fresh. Exposure triangle, composition rules, focusing techniques—we cover it all from the foundation up. If you remember some concepts, great. If not, we've got you. No prior knowledge assumed.

What's the weather like in October? What should I pack?

October on Lake Superior is dramatic and unpredictable—expect temperatures ranging from 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F), possible rain, fog, snow, and brilliant sunshine all in one day. Layering is essential. Full packing list (clothing + gear) provided after registration.

I'm traveling solo. Will I feel awkward?

Most participants travel solo. This is a women-only space designed for connection and psychological safety. You'll find your people—women who understand that creative time is essential, not indulgent. Community becomes your backbone, but we honor your desire for autonomous practice.

What's your cancellation/payment policy?

Spark's cancellation policy here. Review the cancellation policy with your accommodations host. You could also consider purchasing travel insurance.

How do I book accommodations?

For on-site Rock Island Lodge or beach accommodations, contact Rock Island Lodge directly to secure your room/tent after registering. For off-site motels, book directly with the motel and select "Meals & Workshop Space Only" during registration.

I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate?

Yes. Rock Island Lodge's cook will work with your dietary needs. Please note restrictions during registration.

Do I need a tripod?

Yes. You will need one for long exposure work and low-light shooting.

Can my partner/friend come if they don't photograph?

This retreat is designed as a women-only photography learning experience. Non-participating partners are welcome to book their own nearby accommodation and explore Wawa independently, but cannot attend workshop sessions or meals at the lodge.

What if I need to share a room but I'm traveling solo?

Contact Rock Island Lodge. They'll do their best to connect solo travellers interested in sharing accommodations to reduce costs.

RECLAIM YOUR CREATIVE IDENTITY - Register for Lake Superior

Workshop Reviews and Testimonials

What Past Participants Say

Lori - Former Teacher (30 Years Teaching Experience)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"THANK YOU, Cobi.  I have been to several (4 I think) workshops, and while the leader knew about their camera, they didn’t know how to teach, or to help me use mine. You were a triple threat: A GREAT TEACHER (as a student of teaching and a teacher of teachers for 30 years, I know good teaching when I see it), A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER, and, A GREAT HUMAN BEING.”"

Kathy M. - Workshop Participant

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Excellent time spent at the Wye Marsh Workshop on Nov 8/25. I never photographed birds before and it was fun using the telephoto to seek out, track and locate them! I have lots to learn but what makes this such a positive outing is the information and support I received.. I recommend Cobi Sparks as she is a natural teacher-very informative and very engaged trying to give the best help throughout the day!!!"

Anonymous Workshop Participant

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Cobi's workshops are always well paced, with lots of space for questions, practice, and reflection on how the learning is going. Cobi checks in often with participants and ensures everyone feels supported and learning at their own pace.

The combination of workbook exercises, practical application, and outdoor excursions in beautiful settings like Algonquin Park is highly valued. I appreciate the opportunity to immediately put new skills into practice."

This Is The Creative Reclamation You’ve Been Waiting For

The world says hustle. We say resist.

You've done everything for everyone else. You've put your creative dreams on hold for promotions, kids' soccer tournaments, aging parents, your partner's point-A-to-point-B hiking pace. Your camera has been gathering dust while you scrolled other photographers' stunning work at night, feeling that pang.

Here's what we know: You're not too rusty. Your camera isn't too old. You haven't missed your window.

This is your window.

Lake Superior's October light—moody, dramatic, jaw-dropping—doesn't care about your hustle. Superior's ancient granite cliffs and explosive autumn colour demand you slow down. Manual mode forces presence. Nature restores what years of steamrolled creative time have stolen.

In 4 days, you'll go from "I used to photograph" to "I am a photographer"—confidently, on your terms.

You'll understand manual mode so completely that solo photography adventures become your reality, not your someday dream. You'll find women who become your backbone (because creative reclamation is easier when you're not alone). You'll reclaim your camera as what it really is: your pathway to freedom.

This isn't just a workshop. It's resistance.

Resist the voice that says your creative time isn't essential.
Resist waiting for a turn that never comes.
Resist putting yourself last.

Lake Superior is waiting. Your turn is now.