UNDER THE MILKY WAY, THE LAKE CHANGES EVERYTHING.
When the sun disappears behind Lake Superior, the landscape transforms.
Join photographers Ken Wiele and Ted Stevens for an unforgettable nighttime photography workshop along the shores of the Big Lake, where twilight, water, stars, and movement collide in one of the most visually stunning environments in the Midwest.
Designed for photographers of all experience levels, Superior at Night explores the techniques and creative possibilities of photographing Lake Superior after dark. Participants will learn practical camera settings and workflows for phones, DSLR cameras, and mirrorless systems while experimenting with long exposures, low-light photography, and atmospheric nighttime compositions.
Throughout the evening, Ken and Ted will guide participants through techniques for:
- Photographing the Milky Way and night skies
- Creating dramatic star trails (weather permitting)
- Capturing the movement and energy of water after dark
- Using Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to create abstract and expressive images
Working with exposure, focus, and composition in low-light conditions
More than a technical workshop, the evening invites participants to experience Lake Superior as photographers: a place of shifting light, immense scale, silence, texture, and wonder.
DIRECTIONS
From Ironwood, travel east on US-2 to Powderhorn Road. Turn left onto Powderhorn Road and continue approximately 3 miles to County Road 513. Turn left onto CR-513 and continue approximately 11 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.
From Wakefield, travel west on US-2 to Powderhorn Road. Turn right onto Powderhorn Road and continue approximately 3 miles to County Road 513. Turn left onto CR-513 and continue approximately 11 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area.
Closest town: Bessemer, Michigan (approximately 15 miles south)
ABOUT PATHWAYS IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Following a successful debut in 2025, Pathways in Photography returns with an expanded series of free workshops designed for everyone from casual iPhone photographers to experienced artists working with professional camera systems. Led by members of Emberlight’s acclaimed photography team, these immersive sessions invite participants to sharpen both their technical skills and creative instincts while exploring the landscapes, people, and night skies of the Northwoods.
TEACHERS
MORE ART TO DISCOVER
In addition to Emberlight Photographers, which has become one of the festival’s signature events, we are pleased to expand our photography offerings this summer.
Pathways in Photography offers free classes with members of our Photography Team in three distinct techniques: Nature Photography Walk (June 27), Beyond the Snapshot (June 27), and Superior at Night (July 15). Click • Capture • Create (July 29) is also back this summer, bringing audiences “behind the lens” with stories and anecdotes from our photographers, hosted by Ken Wiele.
