Apostle Islands Kayak and Create Series: Photography with Roo Way
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Join us on a kayak tour and photography workshop in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with acclaimed photographer Roo Way. Experience a series of sea kayaking and hiking day trips, and photography lessons from our Apostle Islands Base Camp. Enjoy delicious food, experience breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior, and listen to waves crash along the shore — an outdoor adventure great for beginning sea kayakers and seasoned paddlers alike.
In this photography workshop, Roo will broaden participants’ understanding of photography as a broadly diverse medium that encompasses documentation, creative expression, and personal storytelling. The group will be exposed (pun intended) to other ways to make photos – from an almost 200-year-old photographic process, cyanotypes, to being playful and inquisitive with your camera. We will explore composition, isolation, and motion; macro nature photography; and nighttime (long exposure) photography.
About Your Host
Roo Way is an accomplished active lifestyle photographer with more than 20 years of experience working with major brands like Nike, Lands’ End, and Yeti. He has taught and mentored photographers of all stripes in both technique and visual storytelling. In his “free” time, he is in love with how nature photography and analog photography encourage the photographer to slow down and engage more deliberately with their subject and craft… and is excited to share both with you.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Bountiful meals prepared together in base camp kitchen
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Arrive at our Apostle Islands Base Camp and get to know your host
Your trip starts in the early afternoon at Wilderness Inquiry’s Base Camp. Get settled into your campsite, participate in a sea kayak orientation, and begin to explore this area’s beautiful hemlock and cedar trees. Return to camp and enjoy a hearty meal cooked camp-side. After dinner, get to know your host, Roo, and learn about his approach to photography in a backcountry setting, the history of photography, as well as photography goals for the trip. We will answer any equipment questions, discuss pro tips & tricks (including composition, depth-of-field, playing with motion), making (not taking) photographs, and start fostering a growth mindset in your practice.
Day 2 – Embark on a paddle tour of the Roman’s Point Sea Caves and make cyanotype photographs
Review paddling skills with your guides and embark on a paddle tour of the Roman’s Point Sea Caves with cameras in hand. Return to base camp for lunch then dive into our first workshop: Making your first cyanotypes with found objects. First we will have a Show & Tell by looking at some photos from the day’s excursion. Next, Roo will lead a talk about photography as visual journaling. Then you’ll learn to mix and coat your own cyanotype papers in the evening.
Day 3 – Paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach and learn visual storytelling
After breakfast, paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach. After lunch, we’ll return to another photography workshop in the afternoon. We’ll take a nature walk, exploring macro photography and visual storytelling. We’ll also make our second round of cyanotypes. If there is interest in exploring analog photography, there can also be some hands-on time with medium and large format cameras. In the evening we’ll go through another Show & Tell, celebrating all the fun images we’re making.
Weather permitting, Roo will lead a nighttime “star trails” long-exposure photography session.
Day 4 – Enjoy one last wander in the woods before saying farewell to your trip mates
After breakfast, hike in the Cedar – Hemlock forest surrounding the base camp or work on finishing up any work on your art journals or cyanotypes before departing after lunch.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
Book This Tour
Where to Next:
