Minnesota North Shore

[dave.englund]

Taking my annual Fall North Shore trip this weekend (hopefully, there will still

be good color and the rain will let up). I plan to spend some concerted time and

effort photographing the Gooseberry Falls and Splitrock Lighthouse area, and

will also get up to Grand Marais.<br /><br />

 

Since most of my effort will go into Gooseberry and Splitrock, anybody know of

some unique vantage points for these areas? <br /><br />

 

I do already have a few snap shots from prior trips in my SmugMug gallery <a

href="http://dbe.smugmug.com/gallery/2117094/1/109690821"><u>here</u></a>.

[manishraichur]

Hi

 

I always visit the north shore 2 or 3 times a year.Its spectacular out there.I am also planning to head out there this weekend.According to the website fall colors are still at 75-100%.

 

Try taking a trail down to Splitrock.Its beautiful out there.

In Grand Marias..Artists point is good..sunsets are great.

 

you can view some of my north shore pictures on www.manishraichur.com

 

 

Manish

[pj_vesterback]

I was just down at Split Rock a couple of weeks ago. The water level was so low that you can walk to the island in the bay. When I'm down again in a couple of weekends, I'm planning on walking out to the island. For me that's a unique vantage point. Might try it again in November when they light the light.

[del_gray]

Nice shots Dave. I also love the North Shore, having spent many summers there in college days. I actually think that you have done a great job with your compositions and vantage points, and what would help your shots the most would be more dramatic light. Good candidates for that would be either some atmospheric conditions (storms, fog ...) or to be on location as the sun rises over Lake Superior and first light hits the shore. It's a whole new world up there at sunrise. I'd go back to some of these same places where you especially like the shot and shoot it again in new light.

 

As far as unique vantage points go, do you rock climb? Tying off half way down Palisade Head or Shovel Point (is that still open for climbing?) will get you some perspectives that you don't see too often! You could also rent a canoe (lots of outfitters along the way, including the Sawbill Trail as well as Grand Marais) and use it to get out from the shore a little. You'll need a fast shutter speed in the boat, of course, but you'll also get access to little islands dotted along the shore where you could stop and shoot. Have a great trip.

[dave.englund]

Thanks Del. I agree on time of day and light. I paid much more attention to that during my "Road to Yellowstone" trip (<a href="http://dbe.smugmug.com/gallery/3291037/1/184805062"><u>SmugMug</u></a>/<a href="http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=739650"><u>Photo.net</u></a>) this past June. Some vacation! I was regularly getting up before 4 AM. Ha! But there's just something that drives us, isn't there;-)<br><br>

 

My last couple of trips up north I've focused (pardon the pun) mostly on Grand Marais. It's such a cool place. But I really do want to pay more attention this time to Splitrock and Gooseberry falls. I'm definitely going to go after those narly trees at Gooseberry again, only this time with a 30D and L lenses;-)<br><br>

 

Patrick, I'll keep an eye on that water level. I think it'd be great to get out on that island for a lighthouse shot! Maybe I'll take Del's idea and rent a canoe just to get out there.<br><br>

 

I enjoyed your images Manish! Who knows, maybe we'll bump into each other. I'll be the old heavy set dude hunched over a tripod;-)<br><br>

 

Blessings all!

[david_daniel]

When you guys talk about the North Shore, exactly where are you talking about? near what

towns? I'm going to Minneapolis later for a week, and will have 4-5 free days to shoot.

[dave.englund]

David, when we speak of the "North Shore" we are talking about a stretch of Hwy 61 from Duluth Minnesota to Grand Portage Minnesota (or, to the Canadian border, Grand Portage is actually just a few miles south) that runs along Lake Superior. This area of Minnesota is really very unique compared to the rest of the state - it's more like a coastal experience.<br /><br />

 

If you're staying in Minneapolis there are still many places worth exporing in terms of nature and landscape photography. Others will offer ideas as well, but I'd try exploring the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers in south Minneapolis. Here's a good jumping off point in terms of exploring Minnesota - <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html"><u>http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html</u></a>.