Are you looking to take your landscape photography to new heights? The Canadian Rockies, known for their grandeur and unmatched beauty, provide the perfect setting to hone your skills. Join me for a transformative 3-day photography workshop in the heart of the Rockies in September 2025, where I’ll guide you to capture the stunning vistas that make this region a photographer’s paradise.
Why Attend the Canadian Rockies Photography Workshop?
The Canadian Rockies represent some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, offering dramatic mountain views, pristine lakes, and forests teeming with natural beauty. From the towering snow-capped peaks that seem to scrape the sky to the serene, glass-like lakes that reflect the vibrant colors of the surrounding wilderness, every frame here tells a story. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone just starting to explore the art of landscape photography, the Canadian Rockies offer endless opportunities to learn, experiment, and capture awe-inspiring images.
In this three-day Canadian Rockies Photography Workshop, I’ll take you through the heart of this magnificent region. You will learn advanced techniques and tips that will enhance your skills and improve the quality of your photographs. The primary goal is to help you understand how to approach landscape photography with the right mindset, technical know-how, and creative vision. From mastering HDR photography to perfecting your composition and learning how to capture panoramic shots, this workshop is tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you’re aiming to take your photography to the next level or simply seeking to enjoy and learn in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Workshop Dates and Details
The Canadian Rockies Photography Workshop will take place from September 19th to 21st, 2025. The workshop costs $2600 USD for the full three-day experience, including hands-on instruction, personalized guidance, and all activities throughout the workshop. The number of participants is strictly limited to 8 to ensure that each photographer receives plenty of individual attention. This small group size allows me to provide you with tailored feedback, answer questions, and guide you throughout the experience.
Location: The Majestic Canadian Rockies
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the workshop is based in Canmore, Alberta, a charming mountain town situated just outside of Banff National Park. Canmore serves as the perfect base for our adventure, offering easy access to the area’s most stunning landscapes, from towering peaks to crystal-clear lakes and picturesque alpine meadows. Each day, we will head out to capture the beauty of the surroundings, visiting iconic locations such as Two Jack Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Vermilion Lakes, and Minnewanka Lake, all of which offer unique opportunities to challenge your skills and push your creativity.
What Makes the Canadian Rockies Ideal for Landscape Photography?
The Canadian Rockies have long been recognized as one of the best places in the world for landscape photography. The area is rich in diverse environments, ranging from alpine glaciers and cascading waterfalls to dense forests and crystal-clear lakes. Its dramatic scenery provides ample opportunities to capture awe-inspiring images, from sweeping panoramas to close-up shots of intricate details in nature. Whether you're photographing the snow-capped peaks of the Three Sisters, the surreal turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, or the tranquil reflections in Two Jack Lake, you’ll find that each scene offers something truly unique.
The ever-changing weather patterns in the Canadian Rockies also create opportunities to capture a variety of moods and lighting conditions. From stormy skies to clear, crisp mornings bathed in golden light, the region is a playground for photographers looking to capture nature’s most dramatic moments. With the right knowledge, you can harness these fleeting moments to create striking, evocative images.
What You Will Learn
This workshop is designed to give you both the technical knowledge and artistic insights needed to elevate your landscape photography skills. Over the course of three days, I’ll guide you through essential techniques and concepts that are critical for capturing high-quality images. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing skills, the workshop offers a comprehensive learning experience.
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Mastering High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography: In landscape photography, capturing the full range of light—from bright highlights to dark shadows—can be a challenge. In this workshop, I’ll teach you how to shoot for HDR, combining multiple exposures to create images that faithfully represent the dynamic range of the scene before you.
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Advanced Composition Techniques: One of the most important aspects of landscape photography is composition. I’ll show you how to use compositional elements like leading lines, the rule of thirds, and depth to create visually engaging photos that draw the viewer’s eye into the scene.
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Capturing Stunning Sunstars: A sunstar is a beautiful effect that happens when the sun shines through small apertures, creating a starburst pattern. I’ll teach you the best techniques for capturing sunstars, which add a unique dimension to your landscape shots.
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Focusing Techniques for Landscapes: Achieving sharp focus across the entire image is essential in landscape photography. I’ll demonstrate how to focus properly to ensure all elements in your frame—from the foreground to the distant mountains—are crystal clear.
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Depth of Field: Understanding depth of field is crucial for creating impactful landscape shots. You’ll learn how to control this aspect to isolate subjects, create dramatic effects, or keep your entire scene in focus.
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Panoramic Photography: In wide, expansive landscapes, a standard photo may not do justice to the scene in front of you. I’ll teach you how to capture sweeping panoramic shots to showcase the vastness of the Rockies.
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Achieving Ultra-Sharp Landscapes: Through the use of proper techniques and settings, I’ll show you how to ensure your landscape images are as sharp as possible. From understanding aperture settings to stabilizing your camera, these techniques will result in tack-sharp photos that bring every detail to life.
Why This Workshop Stands Out
This photography workshop stands out because of the personalized attention and hands-on experience that each participant will receive. With a limited group size of just 8 participants, I can spend more time with each individual, helping them address specific challenges, refine their technique, and offer real-time feedback on their shots. This close-knit group also fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, allowing you to learn not just from me, but also from your fellow photographers.
Additionally, I bring a wealth of experience as a photographer who has spent years capturing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Throughout the workshop, you’ll not only receive technical advice but also insider tips and tricks that only come from years of working in the field.
What’s Included
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Personalized Instruction: With only 8 participants, I will ensure you receive individualized attention throughout the workshop. I will be there to guide you, answer your questions, and offer feedback on your work.
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Portfolio Review (Optional): If you’d like, I can review your portfolio to provide detailed feedback on how to improve your landscape photography.
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Constructive Critiques: At the end of each day, we will gather for group critiques, where we’ll discuss the photos taken that day. This feedback will help you identify areas for improvement and allow you to ask questions about your own images.
Practical Information
The Canadian Rockies Photography Workshop will be based in Canmore, Alberta. Located just 1.5 hours from Calgary International Airport (YYC), Canmore is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. To make the most of your time, I recommend arriving in Canmore a day before the workshop begins to acclimate to the altitude and get settled in.
The price of the workshop does not include accommodation, meals, or transportation. However, I’ll be happy to offer suggestions on where to stay and how to get around, as well as connect you with fellow participants for carpooling.
Discover the Natural Beauty of the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are a photographer’s dream, offering an abundance of visually striking scenes that span a wide range of diverse ecosystems. Whether it’s the jagged peaks, crystal-clear lakes reflecting the mountains, or meandering rivers cutting through verdant valleys, these mountains are the ideal canvas for anyone passionate about landscape photography. The workshop is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to capture these majestic landscapes, whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer.
What You’ll Learn in the Workshop
Throughout this 3-day workshop, I’ll teach you advanced photography techniques that will improve the quality and depth of your images. Some of the key skills you will gain include:
Mastering HDR Photography
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography is a technique that allows you to capture the full spectrum of light in scenes with challenging lighting conditions. The Canadian Rockies offer dramatic contrasts between shadowed valleys and sunlit peaks, making HDR an essential tool for photographers. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to capture multiple exposures and merge them into a single high-quality image that showcases the full range of light in the scene. You will understand how HDR photography enhances your landscape shots and creates balanced images with rich details in both the highlights and shadows.
Advanced Composition Skills
Composition is one of the most important aspects of landscape photography. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to utilize advanced compositional techniques to create visually compelling photographs. You’ll discover the power of the rule of thirds, leading lines, natural framing, and other strategies that will allow you to guide the viewer’s eye and create harmonious, impactful images. The vast, dramatic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies present endless opportunities to practice these compositional skills, and with expert guidance, you will refine your ability to frame your shots with precision and artistry.
Capturing Sunstars
A sunstar is one of the most desirable effects in landscape photography. These beautiful starburst patterns appear when photographing the sun through a small aperture. They add a unique dimension to your photos, making them stand out. Weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to learn how to capture stunning sunstars during the workshop. I will guide you through the necessary steps to achieve this effect, explaining how aperture size, positioning, and timing play a crucial role in producing the perfect sunstar.
Landscape Focusing Techniques
In landscape photography, achieving precise focus throughout the entire frame is critical. Whether you are capturing the grandeur of the mountain peaks or the delicate details of a flower, maintaining sharpness across the image is key. During the workshop, you’ll learn focusing techniques that will ensure your landscapes are razor-sharp from foreground to background. You will explore strategies like hyperfocal distance and focus stacking to ensure that every element in your shot is crisp and in focus, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Understanding Depth of Field
Depth of field (DOF) is one of the most important elements in landscape photography. It dictates how much of your image appears in focus. Whether you are photographing vast mountain ranges or detailed close-ups of flora, mastering DOF will help you create the perfect mood and structure in your images. In this workshop, you will learn how to control depth of field to suit the scene and the effect you want to achieve. You will also learn how to choose the right aperture settings and distance to get the best possible results for wide-angle landscape shots.
Panoramic Photography
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most expansive, breathtaking vistas. Capturing these sweeping landscapes in their full glory can be a challenge with a standard lens. Panoramic photography allows you to capture vast scenes by stitching together multiple images into a single, wide frame. During this workshop, I will teach you the techniques for creating seamless panoramic images. You will learn how to shoot overlapping images, how to stitch them together in post-processing, and how to avoid common issues such as misalignment or loss of detail.
Achieving Ultra-Sharp Landscape Images
Sharp, detailed images are a hallmark of excellent landscape photography. The Canadian Rockies offer countless opportunities for capturing intricate details and sweeping views that demand high levels of sharpness. During this workshop, you’ll learn how to achieve ultra-sharp images by mastering techniques such as using the right aperture settings, employing a sturdy tripod, and minimizing camera shake. You will also learn about the importance of stability, especially when shooting in low light or capturing long exposures. These techniques will ensure your images have the clarity and precision required for high-quality landscape photography.
Why This Workshop is Perfect for You
The Canadian Rockies are one of the most photogenic regions on the planet, and this workshop is designed to give you the skills and confidence to capture their beauty in all its glory. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, you will benefit from hands-on instruction and personalized feedback that will help you refine your technique.
Throughout the three days, you will be immersed in some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to practice your skills in the field, while receiving expert guidance and support every step of the way. The small group size ensures that you will receive individualized attention, allowing you to focus on improving the specific aspects of your photography that matter most to you.
The workshop is not just about learning technical skills. It is also about fostering creativity and developing a deeper connection to the natural world. As we explore the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies, you will gain a new appreciation for the power of light, composition, and storytelling in photography. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with not only stunning images but also a deeper understanding of how to approach landscape photography with a creative and technical mindset.
Workshop Overview and Details
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Dates: September 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2025
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Cost: $2600 USD
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Duration: 3 days
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Location: Canmore, Alberta (Gateway to Banff National Park)
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Group Size: Limited to 8 participants
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Skill Level: Suitable for both beginners and advanced photographers
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Focus Areas: HDR photography, composition, sunstars, depth of field, panoramic shots, and achieving ultra-sharp images.
This workshop provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Canadian Rockies while honing your landscape photography skills. Whether you're shooting the golden sunrise over a tranquil lake or capturing the dramatic light on the snow-capped peaks, you’ll leave with a collection of breathtaking images and the skills to continue capturing the beauty of nature long after the workshop has ended.
Learn from an Expert Photographer
Throughout the workshop, I will be sharing all the tips and techniques that I’ve learned over years of landscape photography. With only 8 participants, you will receive one-on-one attention and guidance, ensuring you get personalized feedback tailored to your skill level. From answering questions to providing critiques on your shots, I’ll be there every step of the way to ensure you leave with improved technical ability and a deeper understanding of how to approach landscape photography.
What’s Included in the Workshop?
The Canadian Rockies Photography Workshop offers several benefits to enhance your learning experience:
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Expert Instruction: Learn from me, a professional photographer with extensive experience in capturing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
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Portfolio Review (Optional): If you wish, you can receive personalized feedback and suggestions for improving your portfolio.
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Constructive Feedback: Take part in regular review sessions, where I will provide detailed feedback on your work, helping you fine-tune your technique.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Journey Through Banff’s Majestic Landscapes
Our adventure begins at the crack of dawn, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park. The first stop on our itinerary is the iconic Two Jack Lake, where the calm waters offer a perfect mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountain peaks. As we capture the mesmerizing sunrise over this tranquil scene, you'll learn how to master the art of composition and light during the golden hour, ensuring your photos are imbued with rich colors and depth.
Following our morning shoot at Two Jack Lake, we make our way to the striking Peyto Lake. Famous for its distinctive wolf-head shape, Peyto Lake presents photographers with an opportunity to capture the vivid turquoise waters that seem to glow under the sunlight. With a series of stunning viewpoints along the hike to the lake, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experiment with different angles and perspectives, learning how to capture the dynamic contrasts between the lake, surrounding forests, and jagged mountains.
In the afternoon, we will head to the famous Vermilion Lakes, a prime location for landscape photographers seeking to capture the changing colors of the sky as the sun dips lower. The golden hour will paint the entire scene with warm, rich hues, creating the ideal conditions for dramatic shots. The reflections of the mountains and the vivid colors of the sky on the calm water will provide a perfect opportunity to fine-tune your skills in capturing reflections and lighting.
After a full day of shooting and learning, we’ll gather together for an optional group dinner, where we can relax, socialize, and share stories from the day’s adventure. Following the meal, we’ll have an image critique session. This is a chance to review the photographs taken throughout the day, discuss technical details, and receive constructive feedback from fellow photographers and the workshop leader. The critique will offer valuable insights into what worked well and areas for improvement, allowing you to refine your skills for the days ahead.
Day 2: Discovering the Timeless Elegance of Alpine Lakes
Day two begins with an early morning shoot at the world-renowned Lake Louise, one of the most iconic spots in Banff National Park. As the first light of day touches the surface of the lake, the surrounding mountains are bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. This is the perfect time to experiment with different long exposure techniques, capturing the subtle textures of the water as it reflects the majestic peaks. The serene environment of Lake Louise offers an ideal setting for mastering your landscape photography techniques, especially in terms of capturing reflections and creating depth in your images.
After a well-deserved lunch break, we will continue our journey by heading to the pristine Lake Minnewanka, a sparkling glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. With its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, this location is ideal for practicing composition, particularly in creating stunning wide-angle shots that showcase the vastness of the landscape. As the sun begins to set, the lake and surrounding mountains will transform into a golden landscape, providing the perfect conditions for capturing dynamic sunset photographs.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner where we can share our experiences and discuss the challenges and rewards of the day’s photography sessions. Following the meal, we’ll host a Q&A session where you can ask any lingering questions about the techniques we’ve covered or seek guidance on specific aspects of your photography. This session will allow you to further hone your skills, as we discuss everything from composition and exposure to post-processing and editing.
Day 3: A Final Exploration of Banff’s Iconic Scenery
On our final day, we’ll begin the day with a peaceful morning shoot at Quarry Pond, a picturesque location that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect setting for a calm, reflective photograph. Quarry Pond is a hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists, yet it offers some of the most serene and intimate landscape shots in Banff. With its tranquil waters and scenic vistas, this is the ideal spot to practice techniques for capturing delicate details, such as the interplay of light and shadow or the texture of the water’s surface.
After a relaxing lunch break, we’ll head to one of Banff’s most famous landmarks, the Three Sisters Peaks. Known for their distinctive silhouette, the Three Sisters are a prominent feature of the local landscape and offer incredible photographic opportunities at sunset. As the sun sets behind the peaks, the dramatic lighting creates a glowing effect on the mountains, allowing you to experiment with silhouette photography and dynamic compositions. This will be the perfect culmination of our workshop, as you apply everything you’ve learned throughout the past few days in capturing a stunning and unique photograph of this iconic scene.
Capture the Essence of Banff Through Expert Photography Techniques
Throughout this workshop, you’ll immerse yourself in some of the most photogenic locations in Banff National Park. Whether it’s the reflective serenity of Two Jack Lake, the vibrant turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, or the majestic peaks surrounding Lake Louise, each day offers a new challenge and opportunity to grow as a landscape photographer. You’ll not only learn how to capture the natural beauty of these locations but also how to refine your creative vision and technical skills, ensuring that you leave the workshop with a portfolio full of stunning images.
From mastering the art of long exposure photography to understanding the nuances of lighting and composition, this workshop will provide you with the tools you need to elevate your landscape photography to new heights. With guidance from experienced instructors, hands-on practice, and image critiques, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive and inspiring environment. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of how to capture the timeless beauty of Banff’s wilderness, leaving with unforgettable memories and photographs to cherish for years to come.
Experience the Magic of Banff Through Photography
Banff National Park, with its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, is a paradise for landscape photographers. By participating in this workshop, you’ll not only enhance your technical skills but also connect more deeply with the landscape itself. Each photograph you capture will be a testament to your growing expertise and your ability to see the world through the lens of a camera. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just beginning your journey, this workshop will help you unlock the secrets of landscape photography and take your work to the next level.
By the end of this immersive experience, you'll have not only sharpened your photography techniques but also developed a deeper appreciation for the landscape and natural beauty of Banff. The skills and knowledge you gain throughout the workshop will serve you well, whether you're capturing stunning mountain vistas, tranquil lakes, or dramatic sunsets. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable photographic journey through one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Flexible Schedule to Adapt to Weather Conditions
The weather in the Canadian Rockies can be unpredictable, and we’ll need to remain flexible in our shooting schedule. If the conditions are ideal for night photography, we might shift our plans to capture the Milky Way or star trails, creating dramatic night landscapes. This adaptability ensures that we are always ready to make the most of the changing light and weather, allowing us to capture the Rockies in all their glory.
Fitness Level and Requirements
The workshop is designed for participants of all fitness levels. Most of the shooting locations are easily accessible with short walks from the parking areas. While we won’t be doing any extensive hikes, we’ll spend hours outside, standing and walking around in varied terrain. A basic level of fitness is sufficient, but if you need a rest, feel free to bring a camp chair and relax while others are shooting.
What’s Not Included
Please note that the following costs are not included in the workshop price:
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Meals and drinks
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Accommodation
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Transportation
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Flights
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Park entrance fees
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Photography equipment
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Insurance (both travel and equipment insurance are mandatory)
Essential Photography Gear to Bring
To make the most of your experience, ensure you bring the following essential gear:
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A digital camera with extra memory cards and charger
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A sturdy tripod with a ball head for stability
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A wide-angle lens, mid-range zoom lens, and telephoto lens
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A polarizing filter to enhance skies and reflections
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A camera remote for precise shooting
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Spare batteries and memory cards
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A camera rain cover, as the weather can change rapidly
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Waterproof boots with good traction for standing near lakes and rivers
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Warm, weatherproof clothing, as temperatures can fluctuate even in the summer months
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Most participants fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), located approximately 1.5 hours from Canmore or Banff. I recommend arriving a day before the workshop to rest and acclimate. Accommodation is not included in the workshop price, but Canmore offers affordable lodging options, ranging from budget motels to luxurious hotels. Be sure to book early to secure the best rates.
You’ll need a vehicle to access the shooting locations, but carpooling with fellow participants can be arranged.
Final Thoughts:
The Canadian Rockies are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, offering an unmatched variety of scenes that every photographer dreams of capturing. This workshop is not just about learning technical skills; it’s about immersing yourself in a world of natural beauty and discovering how to translate that beauty into stunning images. Whether you're standing at the edge of a reflective lake or gazing up at the towering peaks of the Rockies, each moment offers an opportunity to enhance your craft and deepen your connection with the environment around you.
As a landscape photographer, it's not enough to simply point and shoot. What sets exceptional photographers apart is their ability to see the world differently—through a lens that captures the full range of emotions and the essence of a place. This workshop is designed to help you tap into that vision, teaching you the techniques and artistic principles that make a photograph truly stand out. You will learn how to see light in ways that transform a mundane scene into something extraordinary, how to use composition to tell a story, and how to harness the power of HDR and panoramic photography to showcase the grandeur of these mountains.
But the experience doesn’t stop with the technical aspects. The Canadian Rockies are a place that inspire awe, and being there will help you reconnect with nature on a deeper level. This connection is what will fuel your passion for photography, pushing you to experiment with new ideas, techniques, and perspectives that you may never have considered before. As a small, intimate group, you’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded photographers, share stories, and form lasting friendships. The camaraderie that comes from working side by side with other creatives in such a breathtaking location is an experience that can’t be replicated in a studio.
This workshop is designed to be as much about the journey as it is about the final images you take home. It’s about pushing your boundaries, challenging yourself, and having fun while doing it. Whether you’re capturing the first light hitting the peaks or the golden glow of a sunset over a tranquil lake, every moment will offer something unique and awe-inspiring. I’ll be there every step of the way, ensuring that you leave with not only better photographs but a deeper understanding of landscape photography and how to translate your creative vision into images that truly stand out.
By the end of our three days together, you will have the confidence and skill set to approach landscape photography with a fresh perspective. You’ll leave with more than just beautiful photographs—you’ll leave with memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us. If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing the Canadian Rockies in a way that truly captures their magic, this workshop is your opportunity to make that dream a reality. Don’t miss out—join me in September 2025 and let’s explore the beauty of the Rockies together, one shot at a time.
