Waterfall Photography Workshop in Ithaca, New York
June 9 – 13, 2026
Overview
Join us for a photography workshop in the beautiful and incomparable Finger Lakes Region of New York! We will visit several parks and explore the gorges and waterways of this unique landscape while photographing countless waterfalls and cascades. We will visit well-known locations such as Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen State Park, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. The number of cascades and waterfalls in the area is astonishing, and the fairytale views, like that of Rainbow Falls, are plentiful throughout, but this workshop will also concentrate on small-scene photography, providing time to photograph more intimate scenes and under-appreciated subjects. You will also learn best practices for photographing waterfalls and flowing water and post-processing techniques that will elevate the impact of your images while staying true to the subject matter.
- Number of Attendees: 8
- Number of Instructors: 2
- Level of Difficulty (fitness requirements): Moderate
Schedule
June 9:
Our workshop kicks off in Ithaca with introductions and a welcome dinner.
June 10-12: Ithaca is Gorges
The heart of the workshop. Each morning we’ll head to a new location to photograph the hidden beauty of the area, taking in iconic scenes as well as small scenes, adding variety to your portfolio. Our midday classroom sessions we’ll focus on image reviews and techniques for image processing… refining your vision and creating a set of images you can be proud of. We’ll visit a new location each evening as well, maximizing our time in the field.
June 13: Farewell to the Finger Lakes
We’ll rise early for one last morning session before saying our goodbyes.
Our itinerary can and will change due to the weather and other factors but our goal is always to get you to the best possible locations to match the conditions. We will try to visit as many locations as possible but we may re-visit certain spots to photograph from new perspectives or under different conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lot of experience or expensive gear to take this workshop?
No! Workshops are for learning and we always make any camera equipment work. You do not need expensive gear for successful image-making.
What are the fitness requirements?
Where there are waterfalls there are accents and descents, so a basic fitness level is necessary for participation in this workshop, but we will make it as easy as possible. We want you to concentrate on photography not getting to the top of the next hill. We will be walking for distances up to a couple of miles but not steadily. The gorge trails offer views around every corner so we will be stopping frequently to photograph.
What equipment do you recommend I bring?
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
- Lenses to cover 16-200mm on a full-frame sensor are recommended, 10-150mm on a crop sensor.
- Sturdy Tripod and Head
- Circular Polarizer and Neutral Density Filters
- Camera Backpack (a shoulder bag is not a good substitute)
- Waterproof Covering for Your Camera or a Packable Umbrella
- Laptop Computer with editing software (we use Adobe Lightroom Classic)
- Card Reader
- Extra Batteries
- Extra Memory Cards
What about transportation?
You are responsible for your own transportation. That said, we will encourage carpooling.
What about lodging?
Our classroom space will be at Hampton Inn Ithaca, so we recommend staying there. After registration, you will be provided with a link for a discounted rate.
What should I wear?
Other Gear:
My most recommended piece of gear is a pair of sturdy, waterproof shoes. Many of our locations will be uneven, wet, and muddy, so hiking boots will be beneficial. I also recommend layering your clothing. The temps in June can be all over the place. It could be cold and rainy or hot and humid.
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes
- Quick drying pants and shirts
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Rain jacket and rain pants
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
- Insect and tick repellent
- Sunscreen
- Muck Boots for wading (optional – not often needed)
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
The weather will not cooperate. That said, being out in bad weather usually leads to great photo opportunities! Overcast skies can provide even lighting to work under when photographing waterfalls. Rain can leads to higher water levels and fog in the gorges.
Price: $2195
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A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of booking, the full payment is due by April 9, 2026.
Included in the Price:
- One-on-one field instruction from two instructors
- Park entry fees
- Classroom space
- Daily image reviews and post-processing guidance
- Dinner the first night
- Snacks throughout
Attendees are responsible for:
- Transportation, including flights
- All Meals other than dinner the first night
- Travel Insurance: www.squaremouth.com
Cancelations:
Cancelations made by April 9, 2026 will receive a refund for any amount paid over the deposit. Cancelations made after April 9, 2026 will receive no refund. If a canceled spot is able to be filled before the start date of the workshop a full refund will be given, including the deposit.
Acknowledgement of Risk:
You will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk upon arrival.
Questions?
Contact us HERE.
To view our entire Finger Lakes gallery, go HERE.
John K. Putnam is a full-time nature photographer based on Mount Desert Island, Maine, home to Acadia National Park. Through private photo tours and intimate workshops, John shares his deep local knowledge of Acadia, helping clients capture stunning images by understanding the region’s unique patterns of tide, weather, light, and season. His love for teaching and his enthusiasm for Acadia has extended to other parts of Maine, the U.S., and beyond, offering enriching photographic learning opportunities wherever he travels.
John also teaches with Out of Chicago and DownEast Adventures and is a frequent contributor to DownEast Magazine and DownEast Calendars.
Since making Maine his home, John has built a striking portfolio of Acadia’s landscapes, earning wide recognition and exhibition for his work. His photography is available online and at his gallery in Southwest Harbor, where he lives with his wife, their two young children, and their anxious (but lovable) dog, Bernard.
Nathaniel has been taking pictures of the natural world since he got his first digital camera in 2006. He majored in Wildlife Management and spent some time working in the wildlife field, which gave him a great appreciation for wild animals and the habitats they live in. He is currently living in Maine, and can usually be found hiking along the rugged coastline or deep in the wild forests looking for his next subject to photograph.