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THE WINGSPREAD EXPERIENCE
HERBERT F. JOHNSON - WINGSPREAD ESTATE
SC JOHNSON HEADQUARTERS
THOMAS P. HARDY HOUSE
OCTOBER 23-25, 2026
Racine, Wisconsin
Photo by Andrew Pielage
Join us this fall for an exclusive, advanced photography workshop in Racine, Wisconsin.
This workshop is designed for experienced photographers looking to deepen their architectural and compositional skills while experiencing Wright’s work through immersive exploration of light and shadow. With special exclusive access to these landmark sites, participants will refine their approach to light, perspective, and spatial storytelling.
Over the weekend, we’ll explore and photograph:
HERBERT F. JOHNSON HOUSE - WINGSPREAD
Also known as the Herbert F. Johnson House, Wingspread is now a conference center with overnight accommodations — and will serve as our home base for the workshop. Shaped like a four-winged pinwheel, the 14,000-square-foot residence sits on a 30-acre estate. Wright considered it the last of his Prairie houses and one of his most ambitious. The home’s four wings extend outward from a three-story octagonal core, featuring a glass-enclosed “crow’s nest” lookout and a cantilevered “Juliet balcony” at the far end of the north wing.
Included in the workshop is a docent-guided tour of Wingspread.
SC JOHNSON HEADQUARTERS & RESEARCH TOWER
A masterclass in modernist innovation, this site includes the celebrated Research Tower, Administration Building, and the Great Workroom — the global headquarters of SC Johnson. The Administration Building, opened in 1939, features 43 miles of Pyrex glass tubing for its windows and soaring columns (the iconic "lily pads") in its Great Workroom. The Research Tower, completed in 1950, rises more than 150 feet and is just 40 feet square — yet it’s dramatically supported by a base only 13 feet wide at its narrowest point.
Included in the workshop is a docent-guided tour of SC Johnson Headquarters.
THOMAS P. HARDY HOUSE
Built in 1905 and perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, this vertically oriented home climbs the hillside, creating a dramatic lakeside residence that exemplifies Wright’s Prairie style. The symmetrical plan, balanced on either end by entrances and terraces, has been compared to the Ho-o-den — the Japanese temple presented at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and Wright’s earliest firsthand encounter with Japanese architecture.
Included in the workshop the rare opportunity to tour Hardy House.
3-days/2-nights at Wingspread is included!
Check out this video and these images below courtesy of our friends at Wingspread.
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DATES
October 23, 24, 25
2026 -
INVESTMENT
$2,499 USD
3-Day Photo Workshop -
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
3-days/2-nights at Wingspread
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LOCATION
Wingspread, SC Johnson Headquarters, Hardy House
RACINE, WISCONSIN -
MEALS INCLUDED
Meals during the workshop are included
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SUNRISE + SUNSET SHOOTING
Exclusive photo access to shoot interior and exterior, sunrise + sunset lighting conditions
Review from Google:
“This was my first workshop with Andrew and I had a great experience. He is knowledgeable, funny, and welcoming. I am a photography novice and learned so much. I could see that others who are very experienced. Also gain a lot through the workshop. Andrew is also very knowledgeable about desert plants and animals, and our desert walk was one of the highlights for me.”
– Sandra Frellsen
This workshop is designed for advanced students.
Requirements:
Students must be familiar with using aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Participants must bring a full-manual digital camera, tripod, and a laptop computer with Adobe® Lightroom Classic installed.
Knowledge or experience of importing images from your camera to Adobe® Lightroom.
Cancellation Policy
50 precent refund if canceled on or before 45 days prior to deadline date.
No refund will be granted if canceled less than 45 days prior to deadline date.
NOTE: Deadline date is determined by the hotel's 'Room Block Cut-Off Date', not date of the workshop.
What’s Included
Group and one-on-one photography instruction
Tour + exclusive photo access to the sites not normally given
Lodging accommodations for 3-days/2-nights at Wingspread
Meals during the workshop
Group transportation to and from workshop locations
Welcome package + gift basket (including raffle ticket!)
What’s Not Included
Camera, equipment, & gear
Travel and flight accommodations
Transportation to/from airport
Meals and travel outside of workshop hours
Lodging accommodations for Thursday (before) and Sunday (after)
Plan Your Trip
Closest Airports + Estimated Travel Time:
[MKE] Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Approx. 0 h 30 min (20 mi)
[MSN] Dane County Regional Airport (Madison) Approx. 1 h 40 min (99 mi)
[RFD] Chicago Rockford International Airport Approx. 1 h 48 min (101 mi)
Hardy House. Photo by Andrew Pielage
Advance your photography skills in:
Scouting a site
Thoughtful & deliberate compositions
Using natural light to its fullest (sunrise + sunset)
The latest Adobe Lightroom® Classic editing tools
Group critique sessions (giving & receiving)
Oreos
and much more…
Review from Google:
“Andrew is both an excellent photographer and accomplished instructor. He makes the foundational concepts and practices required for successful digital photography clear through presentations, guided practice, and terrific written materials. Andrew has the ability to quickly build a positive learning community where people with very different backgrounds and skill sets can come together to experience the kind of fellowship Frank Lloyd Wright established at Taliesin.”
– Mary Ann Saurino
FAQs
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A: My first response is bring them all. It will be a great time to work with any new ones you may have. I used my wide-angle (17mm) and my walk around (24-105mm) the most. Renting lenses is a great idea for the workshop if you are looking to try one out or don't have a wide angle or tilt shift lens.
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A: Don’t forget the rest of your camera equipment if you have it: batteries, extra memory cards, timers, filters, rain cover, and manual.
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A: Yes, and it should have Adobe® Lightroom Classic installed. A free 7-day trial is available for download.
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A: You should have some experience editing photos with Adobe® Lightroom Classic and know how to import and export images.
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A: Comfortable shoes, temperature-appropriate clothing for early morning and late evening. I wear a down parka when it’s below 60, so don’t be shy with the insulation.
Join Us!
Cancellation Policy
50 precent refund if canceled on or before 45 days prior to deadline date.
No refund will be granted if canceled less than 45 days prior to deadline date.
NOTE: Deadline date is determined by the hotel's 'Room Block Cut-Off Date', not date of the workshop.
Image courtesy of Wingspread