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HISTORIC PARK INN HOTEL
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP + TOUR
MAY 29-31, 2026
Mason City, Iowa
Photograph, Experience, and Stay in the Last Remaining Hotel Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Join internationally published architecture and travel photographer Andrew Pielage at the Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, Iowa for a photo workshop experience truly like no other!
This 3-day workshop includes a tour and exclusive interior and exterior photography access not usually given at each of the three Wright sites:
HISTORIC PARK INN HOTEL
Frank Lloyd Wright designed only six hotels, all of which were created between 1908 an 1923. Five were built; the Park Inn is the second and the only one that survives[1]. It can be found in the National Registry of Historic Places. HPIH website
Included in the workshop is a 60-min. professionally guided tour led by Wright on the Park.
STOCKMAN HOUSE
A prime example of Wright’s Prairie School style, it is a compact Foursquare design with appendages on opposite sides for an entrance foyer and a veranda. The Stockman House is a stucco- over-frame construction, unlike the original Fireproof House which was to be constructed with reinforced concrete. Stockman House website
Included exclusively with this workshop group is a private tour and the rare opportunity to photograph the interior of the house, this is NOT permitted with any other group tour or private tour.
TBA - THE THIRD SITE IS TO BE ANNOUNCED
We are working with a few private owners in the area, we will keep you posted on the third site for the workshop.
Included in the workshop will be a private tour of this site.
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Advance your photography skills in:
scouting a site
thoughtful & deliberate compositions
using natural light to its fullest (sunrise + sunset)
how to use a tilt shift lens
the latest Adobe Lightroom® editing tools
critiquing skills (giving & receiving)
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This 3-day advanced workshop includes the opportunity to create photographs in both day and night lighting conditions. Paired with world-class instruction in creative and technical skills from an instructor who has over ten years’ experience photographing the exterior and interior of over 100 Wright designs around the country.
You will see and experience Wright’s architecture in new and fascinating ways. Students will learn how to make images ‘pop’ by diving deeper into Adobe® Lightroom Classic, how to properly scout a location, and how to shoot architecture with any lens.
Also, students will receive instruction on how and when to use a tilt shift lens (also known as a perspective control lens) to make sure all lines are straight and true.
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DATES
May 29, 30, 31
2026 -
PRICE
$1,999 USD
3-Day Photo Workshop + Tour -
GROUP SIZE
Limited to 15 spots
for personalized group & one-on-one instruction -
LOCATIONS
Historic Park Inn Hotel, Stockman House, and Cedar Rock
IOWA -
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
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 camera, tripod, and a laptop computer with Adobe® Lightroom Classic already loaded on it.
If the above requirements are not yet applicable, please check out the Beginner Workshops.
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Questions? Leave us a note.
“Andrew Pielage‘s Photography class was a wonderful experience that helped me advance my photography skills tremendously. The instructor was professional and personal at the same time. His material was meaningful and well organized. He encouraged participation and was available for all questions while helping the entire group move along. Andrew has a very positive attitude and encourages each participant to push beyond their personal level of comfort… awesome class.”
– Ute-Jutta Crooks
What’s Included
Group and one-on-one photography instruction
Tour + exclusive photo access to the sites not normally given
Hotel accommodations for two nights (5/29, 5/30) at HPIH
Group meals are provided during the workshop
Group transportation provided to Cedar Rock/Walter Home and Stockman House
Welcome package gift basket (including raffle ticket!)
What’s Not Included
Camera, equipment, & gear including a tilt shift lens.
Travel and/or flights
Arrival and Departure Transportation
Planning Your Trip
Closest Airports + Estimated Travel Time:
[MCW] Mason City Municipal Airport is approximately 15 minute drive from Historic Park Inn Hotel.
[DSM] Des Moines International Airport is approximately a 2 hour drive from Historic Park Inn Hotel.
[MSP] Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport is approximately a 2 hour drive from Historic Park Inn Hotel.
Arrive Friday 5/29 to the hotel, we’ve requested early check-in for our group.
Welcome Reception begins at 1:00 PM. Come ready to go! We’ll have a brief meet & greet, then review our agenda and begin with the ‘One Thing’ exercise.
We’ll wrap things up on Sunday 5/31 with the Closing Lunch from 12:00–1:00 PM. The workshop is concluded after lunch, depart when you’re ready, or stay a few extra days and enjoy beautiful Mason City!
Questions? Send us a note
Special Thanks to…
Workshop 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.