Lake Effect Photographic Adventures Presents:
Matthiessen State Park Fall Colors DayShoot
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Matthiessen State Park, LaSalle County, Illinois
DayShoot with Hank Erdmann & Chris Aquino

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Join Hank & Chris at Matthiessen State Park for a Fall Colors DayShoot. You’ll photograph Matthiessen Lake’s shorelines, the bridge over the canyon, and we’ll go down in the canyon itself. Fall colors, the creek and reflections, the sandstone canyon walls and waterfalls will be our targets. We may also get to nearby Starved Rock if conditions require moving. Actual locations will depend on local conditions at the time of the event which will be pre-scouted.

We will start the day at 11:00 am at the Matthiessen’s main parking lot. Directions to the site are provided below. We’ll spend the early afternoon photographing in the canyon and at places like the Devil’s Paint Box. There are a number of stairs to walk down (and later UP!) to get to the canyon. At about 1:30 or 2 pm, we’ll take a break. Bring a lunch or snack to eat. About 2:30 or 3pm we’ll drive to the parking lot at the north end of the park near Lake Matthiessen and photograph the shoreline and colors, the bridge and the waterfall and canyon. The event ends at the time of the last usable light which likely will be just before sunset at this location. Meals or transportation is not included in the DayShoot.

The DayShoot will start with a discussion and demonstration on how to use your histogram on a digital camera, for those who are not comfortable with or have not used this feature. Please check your camera manuals (also please have them with you) for how to bring this feature up on your display screen. Afterwards, through demonstrations and one-on-one help with participants your instructors will help you with your photography and answer the questions you have about photography and any given image you might be working at making. Participants are free to work with either or both instructor for help with their style of images. If the light is very direct and harsh early we’ll move closer and closer to or subjects using a variety of techniques to soften the light if it gets harsh. If we have soft overcast light, we’ll be able to photograph bigger scenes for a longer time but we will demonstrate and discuss needed techniques for all lighting situations.

Most of the trails at these preserves are not level and there are many steps into and out of the canyons. Walking up and down the steps can be strenuous. This tour will require about a mile or two of walking total for the day. The trails themselves are mostly level but there are steep areas and the steps. Good footwear is important, sneakers won’t suffice, especially since there may be areas that are wet. We highly recommend hiking boots or hiking shoes, that have been coated with water proofing the day before. If the strenuous hiking may be a problem for you, please consider another event. The creek is usually quite low in fall but if it rains prior to the event, places that cross the creek can require waterproof hiking boots to get across. Please choose your foot wear accordingly. Also, temps can range from the 70’s to the 20’s in October, check the weather just ahead of the event and dress accordingly.

What to expect photographically: At this time of year, we will have fall colors. Historically this is the prime time, but peak colors vary in quality and timing from year to year. Exactly what mix or concentration of color depends on what’s prospering this year, and rainfall, temperatures, but mostly fall color is dependant on length of daylight. Sunset at this time of year should be right around 6:00 in the evening. The light in the canyon will likely become unusable before that..

Meals and transportation are not included in the event. The event fee is $85.00. The participant limit for this event is 12.

 

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