WATERFALLS OF THE FINGER LAKES
May 31 - June 3, 2026
Ithaca, NY
With special emphasis on new shooting locations — a variety of spectacular waterfalls & gorges in New York’s Finger Lakes area!
Includes some relaxation time, sampling regional wines!
Amongst the rolling hills and panoramic vistas of the glacially-carved Finger Lakes tumble some of the most scenic waterfalls in the country. There are over two hundred named falls, including Taughannock Falls, the highest in New York State. The sheer number and diversity of waterfalls makes this region truly special. And the possibilities for creative images are bountiful. Each waterfall has its own character; some drop like bridal veils, others sluice over ledges, and some, like those in famous Watkins Glen, carve dramatic chasms. In springtime lime-green beech leaves frame the cascades and streams. Shooting access is ideal; many are along roadsides, others within a short hike.
API staff instructors Mark Bowie and Chris Murray will be your guides. They are expert waterfall and stream photographers that know the region well. They'll take you to waterfalls both spectacular and sublime, and provide lots of personalized instruction in the field.
After an initial orientation session on Sunday night, we will spend 3 days exploring and photographing waterfalls around Ithaca and Watkins Glen, NY. Possible locations include Fillmore Glen, the Cascadilla and Fall Creek Gorges, Taughannock Falls, and Robert H. Treman State Park. We’ll also visit some beautiful lesser-known falls.
And since we’re in world-class winemaking country, after the photography, we’ll relax with some regional wines.
Field lessons will emphasize compositional and artistic considerations, with tips and techniques on:
• the art of photographing waterfalls and streams
• varying shutter speed for optimal water movement and texture
• shooting long exposures for creative effect
• equipment recommendations and use
• reading and shooting the light
• fine tuning compositions
• creating visual flow, compositional balance and dynamic tension
• achieving critical focus
• using the LCD screen and histogram to refine compositions, check exposures and confirm focus
• using exposure to create mood
• shooting color and tonal palettes for creative effect
• working with your range of lenses
• seeing from different vantage points
• crafting images using patterns, lines and forms
• using filters for artistic long exposures
• multiple exposure blending for expanding exposure latitude and resolution: layer masks, panoramas and HDR’s
• focus stacking to maximize depth of field
During indoor instructional sessions, we’ll cover efficient digital workflow and image optimization in Lightroom, Camera Raw and Photoshop. We'll also have review sessions of participants' images.
Mark and Chris are two of the most approachable professionals working today. Come explore with them as they take your waterfall imagery to new levels. And after your artistic endeavors, relax with a nice glass of wine!
Camera Skills Needed
All skill levels are welcome. Users of all types of cameras may attend. However, digital SLR's and mirrorless cameras are preferred for their ability to provide immediate feedback and instant access to the images. Without one, you will not be able to take full advantage of the indoor sessions in this workshop.
Description of skill levels - click here.
Computer Skills Needed
A basic understanding of digital workflow and some working knowledge of Lightroom, Photoshop or other RAW processing software will be helpful. A laptop computer with a program to store and view images is highly recommended. Mark and Chris are glad to answer your image processing questions.
Other Considerations
Though locations visited during this workshop are readily accessible, some short hiking is required. Participants MUST be in good physical shape and able to climb and descend moderate inclines. They should wear sturdy boots and use caution on slippery and rocky slopes.
As with all outdoor pursuits, some risk is inherent; all participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the workshop.
Group Size
12 participants maximum
Registration Fees
$1099 tuition only.
A deposit of $250 is required at registration. Early registration discount ends March 31st. Click here for information on discounts that may be available.
Details
Dates and Times
The workshop begins Sunday May 31st at 5pm and ends Wednesday June 3rd at noon.
Where to Meet
Participants will gather in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express at 371 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. All indoor sessions will take place in the conference room.
Lodging
Lodging is the responsibility of the participant and is not included in the registration fee.
We suggest the Holiday Inn Express for this event. Contact them at (607) 277-1100 for reservations. The hotel is offering discounted pricing of $150/night for this workshop, so please mention that you will be taking part in the Adirondack Photography Institute workshop. The group code for this event is API. Deadline for the discounted rate is April 30th. We recommend making lodging reservations soon after registering for the workshop.
Meals
Meals are the responsibility of the participant and their cost is not included in the registration fee. The leaders will work with the group to organize meal times and locations.
Transportation During the Event
Transportation to and from the workshop is the responsibility of the participant and the cost is not included in the registration fee.
Participants’ vehicles will be used for transportation during field trips. Note that the instructors are not allowed to provide transportation for participants during the event.
What To Bring
The program leaders have provided a What To Bring list for this program. Please contact them directly with questions:
Mark - mbowiephoto@gmail.com or 413-442-9125
Chris - chris@chrismurrayphotography.com or 315-416-8038