Bring your photography full circle—from capture to creation. This two-day intensive workshop is a deep dive into the art and craft of fine art printing, designed exclusively for Backcountry Journeys guests. For the first time, we’re taking the knowledge and creativity cultivated in the field and translating it into tangible works of art you can hold in your hands.

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll learn how to prepare your images for print with professional precision, mastering the essentials of color management, calibration, and paper selection. We’ll explore the nuances of different fine art papers—how texture, weight, and finish can completely transform the feel of a photograph—and guide you through the technical side of achieving accurate, consistent results from screen to print.

You’ll get hands-on experience printing your own images using professional-grade printers and materials, receiving personalized instruction every step of the way. From soft proofing and tonal refinement to the final critique and evaluation, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between digital and physical art making.

One of the biggest perks of this workshop is the stack of free, gallery-grade prints you’ll take home—often valued at $500-$1,000 on their own. It’s a built-in upgrade that lets you see your images at their best and walk away with tangible proof of your growth as a photographer. Each participant will create and keep up to 48 prints (13”x19”) on a variety of premium papers — matte, luster, metallic, and fine art — along with up to two large-format prints (24”x36”) on matte or luster stock. Your finished pieces will be housed in a 13”x19” archival print box, with shipping tubes provided to ensure your collection arrives home safely and ready for display. Whether you’re new to printing or looking to refine your workflow, this masterclass is a chance to elevate your craft and leave with museum-quality prints—and the knowledge to continue producing them on your own!

Looking for more opportunities to elevate your photography skills while in Chicago? This workshop pairs perfectly with our Art of Tiny: Macro Photography Masterclass!