Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Trevor welcome to Ontario.

Yes money is always important I wish I had more. The point I was trying to make was that cost of the workshop portion was not necessarily more then the cost of doing the activity without the workshop.

Not sure about courses but go up to Algonquin in the next few weeks and you'll see some moose. Much better off of Hwy 60 but you can still see some along Hwy 60.

No wonder people are all over you in this thread. What you mean is completely different that what you wrote. People were criticizing the cost of some of the posh courses earlier. And to be frank, I still don't understand you. It will be just as expensive to do a workshop in the Rockies as it would be to fly there and photograph it myself? That's not what I am finding but I'd like to see some of these cheap workshops. I really want them because they can help me get the best location. I dare say I don't find them cheap.

Thanks mate I am considering this one:
http://www.voyageurquest.com/relatedDoc ... ventid=115

But it is in June. Is it best to head there now when it is colder?

In the case of the shark photographing workshop that I referenced that is correct. When I took up kite sailing it was cheaper for me to book a package including the workshops and lessons then it was to book an equivalent hotel that wasn't specialized in teaching Kite Surfing. If you want to go to the Galapagos islands the cost of a photographic oriented sailing cruise is the same as one that doesn't specialize in photography (if you want to be hooked up I can help you but neither trip is cheap as travel is restricted by the government). The new name of the game in travel companies is catering to the special interest groups. Of course some cater high end and some budget.

One of the least expensive ways would be to check out the summer workshops offered by colleges because simple accommodations is usually available at a reasonable cost.

Your going to find out that northern places like Churchill are going to be expensive regardless of your interests. Yet last years workshop an hours drive from Toronto on photographing mushrooms in the field was less then the cost of the gas.

Last but not least check out the local (to the area) photographic clubs before you go they can sometimes help set you up.

So cheap no, inexpensive yes they can be.

I've seen moose all season, even in June and July.

In early spring when the snow is melting the moose and other wild animals roam along the Highway 60 licking the salt resulted from road maintenance.

I'd say early May is the best time to see the moose.

You need to understand that wild life is unpredictable and you might not see any moose or large animals the whole trip.
Other times they show up when you least expect them.

Your best chance to see large animals in Algonquin is from the car, patrolling the Highway 60. They are attracted by salt that is washed from the road surface.

Erm, I appreciate the offer but do you read my posts? If you find an island in the Galapagos with polar bears and moose I'll pay your way. Even carry your kit.


What mushroom workshop? I am not familiar with any mushroom workshops. Sorry I am from Manchester, UK in case there is a Manchester, Ontario (near London?)

So I think I understand you now. Photographic workshops are not much more expensive than expensive all-inclusive non-photographic package tours. I've travelled all around the world and do it cheaper than any destination course/inclusive package. I only go on these tours if it is for a wilderness area where accomodation is limited or the location is remote or specialised. They never save me money but they still are worthwhile and sometimes essential (like Churchill or Galapagos).
So definitely 'hook me up' to any company that provides destination workshops that are cheaper than the price of gas. Have you any idea how expensive gas is in Britain? And yes I know you are refering to local workshops.

Invaluable advice. Glad to hear I don't have to go right away. I still need to run down to NYC to buy some kit material. Prices in NYC are even cheaper to us in Europe than they would be for Canadians. Software and hardware is more expensice in Europe than Canada. NYC is our Mecca. So I will partly finance this trip through kit savings.

I hope to get some smashing shots from the car. Stoked, I hear it said here. From the car I don't have to worry about getting shot by hunters. Marvellous.

There's no hunting allowed in Algonquin unless someone is poaching. The gun season for any large game is over until fall except for wild turkey coming up in May.

Trev.nikon I can only guess that you don't understand me as you freely add words like to my words. No offence meant I don't take your remarks personally as I don't know you but it therefore seems pointless for me to hook you up with anything or indeed continue this conversation with you.

A tad harsh there mate. Is this guy for real?

Clearly it's an art form trying to figure out what you really mean when all one has to go on is the load of twaddle that you write. Thanks for the past revisionist decipherings. I thought I had it all sussed out but now you're telling me else wise. I'll practice up on me olde language skills for the more serious respondents. So no worries. I'm not offended. I assumed all along that you were taking the piss out of me, by offering me cheap Galapagos tours and mushroom excursions cheaper than the price of gas. I figured you wouldn't follow through and that it was all a sweet load of shite. Really I was just continuing the dialogue to find out what these mushrooms were that you consumed in copious amounts.

So all the best. Thanks for the fun. Twas a right lark.

Hopefully none of the other respondents will be as 'helpful' as you. I am checking right now to see if they're having me on as well. Best see if Hwy 60 ends abruptly over a cliff.

Au contraire, hunting is permitted in Algonquin in the fall (no spring season). The south panhandle has a hunting season, and First Nation hunters are allowed to hunt the east side of the park.

Having said that May is good for seeing moose, but they are in rough shape after the winter, and the tick attacks. Males (bulls) will not have antlers yet (maybe the nubs or early starts). Mornings and evenings are best as they come to the road for the salt licks as noted above.

Mid June is good as the cows bring their new born golden calves to the highway to teach them about the salt licks.

And the end of September is the rut, and the big bulls are in their full glory, and often easy to find. If you know where to look.

At this time of year the moose are rare along the highway. Although Pine Marten are showing up at the Visitor Centre regularly this winter.

DG

Thanks. I was at work at didn't have my hunting regs handy. I only follow wild turkey anyways.

There is still salt at the edge of the road in June - when does the snow melt up there?

Where can one learn where to look? Why the wink?


GTN (good to know) I don't feel the need to rush then - other priorities!

Snow melts by late April, some hangs on into early May in the deep shadow. The melt ponds at the side of the road retain the salt, and the moose churn up the mud to release it. Sometimes they seem to eat the mud. So in June they are visiting the melt ponds. When you drive the highway you will see the muddy churned up areas in the ditches.

Until the aquatic plants really start to grow in late June and July this is the only source of sodium for the moose and they are craving it.


There are regulars who are in the park every fall. The Moosers. They are usually friendly, helpful and may share information. Some are secretive. Connecting with members of this group may help you find the moose and get the images.

There are spots that are know to a few that are not shared for the sake of the animals.

One easily accessible and fairly well known fall hot spot is the Opeongo Road. In the spring the highway from the old railway crossing to the Track and Tower Trail area, and from Kearney Lake Campground to the Visitor Centre turn off can be very good.

In the Visitor Centre, and at the West Gate office are notice broads where people post their animal sightings. Note that many sightings have poorly recorded locations, or are unreliable. Moosers almost never post sightings on the boards.



No rush. May is a good starting month. April from mid month to the end of the month can be good as well as the moose begin to move about with the thaw.

DG

Has anyone here been on a trip like this? I'm thinking about it ...

In the same boat, thought about it but never did it.

Hey, almost back on subject. Here is another option similar to the posting above.

http://www.algonquininn.com/special-act ... graphy.htm

DG

For those Algonquin shoots, what's the minimum focal length you'd want? 400mm? Moose and loons... not easy to get real close to either of em so I would imagine some reach would be good.

The more reach the better in most cases. Along the highway a 400 to 300 lens is a good choice. I have had some moose at the highway where a 70-200 was the best choice.

DG

I ask because for me a lens rental would need to be included in the cost of such a trip.

In that case, I would look at a renting a 300 2.8 and a 1.4 or 2x along with it. That should give you some flexibility and portability.

I have not seen any of the Toronto rental places offering on their lists anything really long like a 500 or 600. Big guns like these need big tripods and special heads to really get the best out of them.

DG

I've been up to Algonquin quite a number of times and even did the full Western Uplands Trail, I've only seen Moose once. It would be cool to go with folks that were wise to finding them. TPMG event?

Yes, indeed. I haven't really looked too hard but I know Vistek rents the 400/2.8 L II USM Lens.

Sounds like a sports team.
As you may be aware I am new to these parts and have never met this term. Is a 'mooser' a hunter? Or a connoisseur/aficionado of all things 'moose'?

Am I able to meet these people online or will I have to snowshoe out to a remote shack somewhere. I only have me wellies!!!

Don't know the person but I'm considering his Lake Superior workshop come November, the storm season.

You might find his Alqonquin Park Moose photo workshop useful. All inclusive of food, tents and canoe (canoe much?). Well I guess he knows where he's going plus you can pick his brains from photography to Ontario locations.

http://robstimpson.com/workshop09-1.htm

It's a term applied to those who pursue Alces alces, mainly for photography, but some for the enjoyment of nature. As for meeting them, on the road in Algonquin. That's where they gather.

DG

On the road in Algonquin, you say? Thanks. I have to chuckle though. It appears that this is a mighty large road we're talking about. I can envision myself garnering a few strange looks as I ask people on the side of the road if they are a 'mooser' looking for alces alces. Might end up like that poor chap who got tasered in the Vancouver airport when the Park police investigate the behavior of the foreigner with a thick Scouse accent. Hope your not having me on like that Metrix bloke. Just joking.
Thanks a ton your info, especially for the link.