challenging
2 days/2 nights
Participants should be in good physical condition to handle strenuous hiking and carry photographic gear.
Explore Northeast Pennsylvania’s iconic waterfalls and covered bridges this fall with expert photography guidance. Join a multi-day safari capturing breathtaking sunrises and vibrant autumn landscapes at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Multi-day Safari | $375 per photographer
Join renowned photographer Sean Quintilian for an unforgettable weekend capturing the stunning fall colors of Northeast Pennsylvania. Experience breathtaking sunrises at covered bridges and hike to majestic waterfalls in Ricketts Glen State Park. Learn essential photography techniques while exploring picturesque landscapes, making this a memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Photographer: $375
2 hours
Spend 2 days photographing some of Northeast Pennsylvania's finest scenery. Join nature photographer Sean Quintilian for a day in Ricketts Glen State Park as well as the surrounding countryside. All this during peak fall colors for upstate PA.
We will be working out of the town of Bloomsburg PA, and photographing on Saturday and Sunday. A block of rooms have been reserved at the Quality Inn for Friday and Saturday night, so no need to book a room. If you want to stay an extra night (Sunday) please let Sean know so he can extend a reservation for you. The room cost will be approximately $225 for the 2 nights. Participants will pay at check in for the rooms. Those who arrive early enough Friday evening, we will grab dinner together around 7:00.
Our day on Saturday will begin with a covered Bridge shoot at sunrise. We will return to Bloomsburg for breakfast, and then head off to Ricketts Glen for the rest of the day. Ricketts Glen may well be the crown jewel of the PA state park system, with 24 named waterfalls, it’s a photographer's dream. On this trip we will photograph a minimum of 4 falls, with teaching on the use of polarizing and neutral density filters. Participants will learn how to reduce glare from the water and how to both blur or freeze the flow of water over the falls. The hike at Ricketts Glen is steep and requires a sturdy pair of hiking boots. As a group we will hike down to the 4th fall along the trail, after photographing the tallest fall in the park (96 feet tall) participants will have the option to continue down to another fall or two, or start to slowly make their way back uphill, with stops at 3 other falls along the way. Consider bringing a pair of hiking sticks, and a backpack to carry your gear.
Columbia and Montour Counties have dozens of covered bridges that have been preserved as historical spots as well as many that are still in use. The group will have a sunrise shoot each morning (Saturday and Sunday) at a covered bridge, as well as shooting as many as 8 additional bridges on Sunday. Time will be spent at each bridge to cover as many perspectives as possible, shooting reflections in the creeks, shooting under the bridges as well as using flash inside the bridges for proper exposure out windows. Participants who have some hip boots or chest waders are encouraged to bring them, some of the best shots can come from the middle of the creeks.
Landscapes will be the primary focus of this trip. A selection of lenses from wide angle (24mm) to mid-telephoto (200mm) will do quite well, an ultra-wide may also come in handy. A solid, sturdy tripod is a must, we will be attempting exposures up to 30 seconds long. A quality polarizing filter is a must and a 2 or 4 stop neutral density filter will come in handy. A flash will also come in handy, or a camera with a built in flash that can be set manually.
Meet at Quality Inn 189 Columbia mall Dr Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Since he first bought a used Pentax K1000 in 1989 Sean Quintilian has traveled over much of North America in search of outstanding wildlife and nature photographs. His body of work includes images from 14 U.S. National Parks and dozens of National Wildlife Refuges, with over 100 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles recorded. Sean has spent over 600 days on location over the past 17 years including 20 weeks in Yellowstone National Park alone. His work has appeared in publications, exhibits and even a CD jacket. His fine art prints have graced the walls of many offices and homes. During the past three years Sean has started a growing portrait and wedding business. Sean lives in Abingdon Maryland with his wife Jessica and daughter Juliana.
This trip includes long, challenging hikes over uneven terrain; bring sturdy boots and pace yourself.
Set your alarm early to catch sunrises at covered bridges – the golden hour is perfect for photography.
Bring ample water to stay hydrated during strenuous hikes, especially in cooler fall weather when dehydration can sneak up.
Fall weather can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons; layering ensures comfort throughout the day.
Ricketts Glen State Park preserves old-growth forest and waterfalls protected since 1944, integral to Pennsylvania’s conservation heritage.
The park encourages Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile ecosystems around waterfalls and trails.
Supports your feet on rugged trails to waterfalls and covered bridges.
fall specific
To capture waterfalls and landscapes with creative exposure settings.
fall specific
Adjusts to fluctuating temperatures during morning and daytime hikes.
fall specific
Keeps you hydrated during long hikes in cooler weather.
fall specific