Nature's Kennel
McMillan, Michigan (Eastern Upper Peninsula)
Sled Dog Adventures
906-748-0513 info@natureskennel.com
Winter Photography Workshop--Night Sky/Aurora Photography and Dog Sledding Adventure
2026 Dates to Be Announced Soon!
Join Award-Winning Upper Peninsula Photographer, Shawn Malone, and Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures Owner, Tasha Stielstra, for a photo excursion like no other!
Tour is limited to 12 participants. Call or text 906-748-0513, or email info@natureskennel.com to make a reservation.
This is a winter experience like no other! Shawn and Tasha have collaborated on this trip for over ten years and it's one of our most popular excursions. Our all inclusive photography workshop includes lodging and (most) meals at Chamberlin’s Old Forest Inn, a half-day dog sledding adventure at Nature’s Kennel (where in addition to photographing the team, you will also learn to drive your own dog team), photography at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a guided trip to the ice formations near Pictured Rocks, and personalized photography instruction throughout the entire trip.
Photography Instructor
Shawn Malone
Shawn Malone is an award winning visual artist, photographer, and owner of Lake Superior Photo in Marquette, Michigan. Shawn will help you develop your photography skills in many different environments as you experience the fast moving action of sled dogs, the serene nature of Tahquamenon Falls, and the majestic frozen waterfalls and ice caves in the Pictures Rocks area of Munising, MI. Shawn is famous for her amazing aurora photos and she will share some of her secrets to night sky photography.
Night Sky Photography
Aurora/Milky Way
This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as advanced and intermediate photographers. While we cannot guarantee aurora activity or clear skies, we often get some incredible night sky photos. Shawn will provide detailed instructions on night sky photography.
Because there are so many makes and models of cameras, participants should have a basic understanding of their particular camera and how to adjust their manual controls, including ISO, aperture and shutter speed. There will be instruction that covers the understanding of the "whens" and "whys" of these adjustment parameters.
Dog Sledding
Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Adventures
We will spend one day at Nature's Kennel Sled Dog Adventures, owned by co-leader Tasha Stielstra. The dog sledding portion of the trip will include the opportunity to photograph sled dogs in action and also the opportunity to drive your own dog team. You will receive all the instruction necessary to take over the runners and experience the peacefulness and serenity of winter as you glide over the trails. If you prefer, you may choose to ride in a sled that is driven by a guide instead of driving your own team. Please let Tasha know your preference for riding or driving when making your reservation.
Photography Excursions
Tahquamenon Falls State Park & Munising Area
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of Michigan's most popular state parks but in the winter we often have the park to ourselves. The ice formations, snow and ice make for stunning photographs. We will visit both the Upper and Lower Falls and Shawn will go over tips for photographing the largest waterfall in the Midwest. If you have not seen this waterfall in the winter, you are in for a treat! We will spend a couple of hours at the falls before having dinner at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery. The following day, we will explore the Pictured Rocks area of Munising. The hiking for this day is mildly strenuous and includes visits to several area waterfalls where you will need to carry your camera gear. We provide ice cleats for hiking into the waterfalls.
What's Included
Cost: $1980 per person.
Four nights of lodging at the Lake Effect Inn located in Curtis. You will have full breakfasts, lunches and dinners provided as noted in the itinerary. Transportation is on your own to each location. However, we will help to make carpooling arrangements for our trips to Nature’s Kennel, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and Munising. All gratuities and meals included.
Trip Itinerary:
Day 1/Arrival
2 pm - Check in to the Lake Effect Inn, room assignments will be given at check in.
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3 pm - Get to know your camera and photography seminar. Shawn Malone will introduce you to Lake Superior Photography and her background with photography in the Upper Peninsula. She will also discuss several topics that will be covered throughout the week. Bring your camera and your questions. Topics covered will include:
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composing the shots--steps for getting great shots
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what is aperture, speed, and ISO
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using your camera--metering for the correct exposure
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motion and photography, adjusting shutter for sharp motion photos
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understanding depth of field, histograms and white balance
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dark sky night photography
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maximizing your chances of photographing the Aurora Borealis
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how to capture startrail photos
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tools for capturing the Milky Way
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effective use of light painting in night sky photos
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pre planning and preparation of your night sky photos for creative compositions
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a basic understanding of post production techniques and software
6 pm - Dinner and Dog Sledding Program at the Lake Effect Inn. Following dinner, Tasha will introduce you to Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures. We will go over any last minute changes to the itinerary or additional trip details.
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Day 2
8 am - Breakfast at the Lake Effect Inn
9 am - Departure for Nature’s Kennel
9-noon - Dog Sledding Photography at Nature’s Kennel.
Shawn will guide you though the best techniques to use for photographing winter action photos. You will have the opportunity to photograph a sled dog team and dogs. We will take a break for lunch before doing some afternoon hands-on dog sledding.
1-3 pm Dog Sledding at Nature’s Kennel
You will have the opportunity to drive your own team or take a ride in the dog sled. The trip includes a 10 mile dog sled adventure through the Upper Peninsula wilderness.
6 pm - Dinner at the Tally Ho BBQ
8 pm - Evening photography seminar with Shawn and night sky photography (depending on the visibility).
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Day 3
8 am - Breakfast at the Lake Effect Inn
8-9;30 am - Photo techniques with Shawn
10 am - Departure to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for photography instruction at the upper falls.
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1 pm--Lunch at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub (lunch on your own)
2 pm, hike to lower Tahquamenon Falls (optional) and finish photography at Tahquamenon Falls State Park
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3 pm - Return to the Lake Effect Inn
6:30 pm - dinner at the Lake Effect Inn
8 pm - evening photography seminar and night sky photography.
Day 4
8 am - Breakfast at the Lake Effect Inn
9 am - Departure to Munising/Lake Superior for ice formation and waterfall photography
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1 pm--Lunch at Driftwood Deli, Munising (lunch on your own)
Afternoon - Explore a few sights in Munising including Munising Falls and Wagner Falls for more winter photo opportunities or early return to Chamberlin's for photo editing session.
6 pm -dinner the Shipwreck in Curtis
9 pm - Night sky photography (depending on the visibility).
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Day 5/Depature
9 am - Breakfast and the morning may be spent editing and working on any additional photo techniques with Shawn. Departure on your own, before 11 am.
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Required Camera Gear:
-DSLR camera with wide angle and telephoto capabilities
-telephoto lens for zooming in on subjects (optional)
-cable release (especially necessary for night photography)
-headlamp (especially necessary for night photography)
-tripod
-laptop with photo editing software (necessary if you would like to contribute to the photo review session)
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**Please feel free to contact Shawn if you have any questions about camera gear. mqtphoto@aol.com
Suggested Winter Gear:
Fleece gloves, warm mittens, neck warmer or scarf (something to cover your neck/face), winter boots (provided through Nature’s Kennel if needed), snowpants/windpants, winter jacket, handwarmers (these work great to keep batteries warm as well as your hands and feet for dog sledding!), and YakTrax or similar “snow grippers” to slip on over your boots for walking on ice/slippery trail.
Payment: A 50% deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance of the trip is due on February 1st. A refund will not be issued if cancellation is made after February 2nd. Payment may be made via all major credit cards or personal check.
Cancellation policy: In the unlikely event that the trip is canceled due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances with Lake Superior Photo/Shawn Malone or Nature’s Kennel/Tasha Stielstra, you will receive your full deposit back. If participant(s) request a cancellation, the deposit will be refunded if request is made before February 1st.
Reservations: To make your reservation, please contact Tasha Stielstra of Nature’s Kennel at 906-748-0513 or info@natureskennel.com. Please note this trip is limited to 10 participants. This trip has filled to capacity in the past, and if this is the case, there will be a waiting list.
Contact information:
Lake Superior Photo, Shawn Malone, 906-228-FOTO, mqtphoto@aol.com www.LakeSuperiorPhoto.com
Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Adventures, Tasha Stielstra, 906-748-0513 info@natureskennel.com www.natureskennel.com
Lake Effect Inn, https://www.lakeeffectinn.com/
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=428&type=SPRK