The upper Bruce Peninsula is famous for its diversity of plant life with 44 orchid species, 3 dozen fern species and nearly a thousand other plant species, including rare species such as the Lakeside Daisy (endemic to region). Although not all of these will be out during the tour, our timing coincides with one of the peak blooming periods for numerous species, including thousands of Yellow Lady Slipper orchids. 

Ethan lived on the Bruce Peninsula for 9 years, photographing wildflowers extensively and has developed an intimate knowledge of the natural ecology of the area. He'll be taking you to the best spots, armed with up-to-date information on exactly what is blooming and where. These are the same species and locations where many of Ethan's best and most published wildflower photos have been taken. In addition to the flowers, be prepared for spectacular shoreline scenery in Bruce Peninsula National Park and a high diversity of birds and wildlife. Instructional emphasis will be on expert technique and practical tips for successfully photographing wildflowers. 

This tour follows a photographer's schedule, which means being out at the best spots for sunrise and sunset, when the wind is low and conditions are ideal for shooting wildflowers. Be prepared to rise early, rest mid-day and hike moderate distances. Days will end with superb meals at restaurants overlooking Georgian Bay! 

Join quickly to ensure a spot! 

NOTE: This tour emphasizes wildflower-friendly photo techniques only. We will take all precautions to prevent impacts to flowers or their immediate surroundings. 

Dates

June 6-7, 2009
There will be a meet & greet, plus introductory slide show with wine & cheese on the evening of Friday, June 5. This is a chance to see  photos of the wildflowers we'll see over the weekend and discuss some key tips to photograph them! 

Location:

Photographing the wildflower hotspots of the scenic northern Bruce Peninsula, including Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Group Size:

A maximum of 8 participants ensures personalized attention and provides you with the highest quality experience.

Accommodations 

Accommodations at the Adventure the Bruce Inn. This is the newest hotel in Tobermory and walking distance to the scenic harbour. Wireless high-speed internet is free in all rooms.

Meals  
Breakfast and lunches on Saturday (June 6) and Sunday (June 7) are included in the tour fee. Breakfast is continental at the motel. Lunches will be in Tobermory restaurants. An endless supply of snacks and drinks will be available in the field. Dinners are paid for by participants. 

Transportation:

Transportation to and from Tobermory is the responsibility of participants. The nearest major airport is Toronto, with many car rental options. During the tour, we will carpool in private vehicles. Distances are all fairly short.

Price & Registration

$795 CDN price per person (based on single occupancy) includes: 

• 2 days instruction with Ethan plus slide show on Friday night 
• informal critiques and digital editing tips during the evenings
• hotel accommodations for the nights of Friday (June 5) and Saturday (June 6.)  
• breakfast and lunch on Saturday (June 6) and Sunday (June 7) [dinners are paid for by participants] 
• entrance fees to parks and local visitor centre

Price is in Canadian dollars and includes all taxes. 

If joining as a pair or couple willing to share a room, a discount applies for double occupancy (please inquire if this is your case).

To register for this workshop:

• Please contact by email (info@ethanmeleg.com) to check availability. 

• A deposit of $400 CDN  (non-refundable) is required to reserve your spot. Please send to address below. 

• The balance ($395 CDN) is due by May 1. At that point, the full amount is non-refundable. 

• If your balance cheque is not received on or before May 1, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. If able to fill your spot,  you lose only your deposit.

• Please make payments by check or money order to: Ethan Meleg, 21298 Harbour Road, Wheatley, Ontario, Canada  N0P 2P0

What Gear do you Need?

• Camera: A 35mm-style SLR camera (either film or digital). Point & Shooters are welcome to join too, but 
• Lens: Either a macro lens (100-200mm range suggested) OR a medium telephoto (e. 70-200mm or 100-300mm range) plus extension tubes. Wide-angle or standard lens for different perspectives, or nearby landscapes. 
• A sturdy tripod and head (ball-head suggested) 
• A reflector to bounce light on the flowers. Ethan uses the 5-in-1 types. If you don't want to buy one, tinfoil is an affordable substitute. 
• Cable release.
• Lots of digital memory or film.
• Digital shooters should bring a laptop for editing and digital photo prep during the evening. Ethan will have his available to download and burn DVDs of your images, if you don't have one. 

If purchasing photo gear before the tour, please contact Ethan for suggestions.

Clothing/Weather

Weather can be variable on the Bruce Peninsula, so be prepared. Early mornings and evenings may be cool. Pack comfortable hiking gear, sturdy hiking boots, a water/wind proof shell (ie. Gore-Tex), rain pants and fleece. We will photograph rain or shine. Some of the best wildflower photos are taken on dreary days!

Bring a head net, bug spray and full-body clothing in case of black flies or mosquitoes. [they are unpredictable, there may be some, or there may be none - that's nature!]

Bruce Peninsula Wildflower Info

“A Guide to the Orchids of Bruce and Grey Counties" by the Owen Sound Field Naturalist's Club
"A Guide to the Ferns of Bruce and Grey Counties" by the Owen Sound Field Naturalist's Club
Order info at: www.osfn.ca

Contact For More Info or to Reserve  

info@ethanmeleg.com