Highland Heart: Cape Breton Island

 OVERVIEW 

Thank you for your interest in this one-of-a-kind event hosted by Kahli Apri and Kris Andres with the Island's own Jon Brown at the beautiful Keltic Lodge Resort in scenic Ingonish, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and let us help you take your landscape photography skills to the next level! You'll get a chance to work closely with each of us as we tackle a variety of topics in the field and classroom aimed at expanding your technical photo skills and your creative vision. 
 


Dates: October 09-12 2025
Tour Leaders: Kris Andres and Curtis Jones*

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

Registration Cost (includes workshop instruction, three nights hotel, and daily breakfast):

Full Cost: $2,375 CAD + HST
Single Supplement: $3,125 CAD + GST

All you need to register is to pay a $850 non-refundable deposit. 


WHAT YOU'LL LEARN 

• Learning to shoot the intimate details of nature and capturing grand landscapes.
• How to develop your skills as a landscape photographer. Using tools and techniques like filters, long exposure and black and white.
• Astro photography and working with your camera at night.
• Honing your vision as a storyteller and with stunning compositions. 
• How to capture both the human element and portraits in an outdoor setting.
  

 ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS INSURANCE

Your home for the duration of the workshop is the incredible Keltic Lodge Resort in the heart of the Cape Breton Highlands, known as one of the best resorts in Nova Scotia. Breakfast is included (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and will be onsite in the resort's beautiful dining facilities. Lunch and dinner and any other meals, participants will get on their own depending on where we are out exploring at the particular point of the workshop weekend. We will ensure that we are close to our favorite restaurants for lunch and dinner.



 ITINERARY 


Here’s a sample schedule of what you can expect (please note that details are subject to change as we finalize everything between now and October 2025):


Day 1 - Thursday, October 09, 2025:

3:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in: Participants arrive at the Keltic Lodge and check-in to their accommodations.

3:30 PM - Kick-off:

Sunset/Twilight Shooting Session

We will focus on capturing the beauty of the sunset and twilight in Ingonish. Once at the location, we will have the opportunity to capture the dynamic landscapes as the light changes from day to night. Curtis and Kris will provide hands-on guidance on various techniques, including composition strategies, exposure settings for varying light conditions, and tips on capturing the mood and atmosphere of the scene during sunset and twilight.

Possible Night/Astro Shooting Session

If the weather cooperates we will play into the night with our night/astrophotography session will take place from provided the sky conditions are clear. If it isn't clear we will reschedule this session for either Friday or Saturday night. Depending on the best visibility.

We will demo and explore or refine various astrophotography techniques, including camera settings for capturing stars, constellations, and the Milky Way. We will provide tips on focusing in low light to achieve sharp images. You will have the chance to experiment with long exposures to capture star trails, try out light painting techniques, and practice focus stacking for detailed night sky images. This hands-on session will offer valuable insights and practical experience in capturing the night sky.

Day 2- Friday, October 10, 2025

Sunrise Shooting in the Ingonish Area

We will begin the day with a departure for the sunrise shooting location in the Ingonish area. We will have the opportunity to capture the sunrise over the landscape, applying the techniques learned during the sunset and twilight shooting session the previous evening. Curtis and Kris will be on hand to provide guidance on capturing the early morning light and creating compelling compositions, ensuring everyone can make the most of the serene and beautiful dawn.

Breakfast at Keltic Lodge

Our next adventure involves traveling to Cheticamp, a scenic drive through the heart of the famous Cabot Trail. Along the way, we have several planned stops to explore and capture the stunning scenery:

Throughout the journey, we will incorporate a lunch break, offering participants the chance to enjoy local cuisine and recharge. During the travel and stops,

This portion of the itinerary is designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of the Cabot Trail, offering ample opportunities to photograph diverse landscapes and landmarks.

Day 3 - Saturday, October 11, 2025

Sunrise Shooting in the Ingonish Area

We will start the day with an early morning session to capture the sunrise in the Ingonish area. This session, similar to previous mornings, offers you another opportunity to practice sunrise photography techniques and capture the beautiful changing light of dawn. Curtis and Kris will be alongside you to provide guidance and tips, ensuring that everyone can refine their skills and capture stunning images.

Breakfast at Keltic Lodge

Photography in Cape Breton Highlands

Following breakfast, we will depart for various photography locations within the Cape Breton Highlands, including White Point and Black Brook. This full-day session will allow participants to explore and photograph the diverse landscapes of the highlands. Curtis and Kris will provide ongoing guidance on composition, lighting, and capturing the unique characteristics of each location. This session is designed to enhance participants' skills by exploring different environments and applying advanced techniques.

Participants will take a break for supper. This can be done individually or as a group, depending on preferences and arrangements. This break offers a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some local cuisine.

After supper we will have an open Q&A with Curtis and Kris

The day will conclude with an open Q&A session with workshop leaders Curtis and Kris. This informal round-table format allows participants to ask questions about photography techniques, processes, business aspects, marketing strategies, or any other topic related to the world of photography. This session provides valuable learning and networking opportunities, enabling participants to gain deeper insights and share experiences.

Day 4 - Sunday, October 12, 2025

Sunrise Shoot in the Ingonish Area

We will start the day with an early morning meetup at a designated location in the Ingonish area, well before sunrise. Participants will have the chance to capture the breathtaking colors and scenery as the sun rises over the landscape. This session offers an opportunity to explore different vantage points and experiment with various techniques such as long exposure or silhouette shots.

Breakfast at Keltic Lodge

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Editing/Critique/Finale Presentations

We will gather at Keltic Lodge for a session focused on editing, critique, and finale presentations. Participants will have the opportunity to edit their photographs from the morning shoot using their preferred editing software.

The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, among other factors.



 WHAT TO EXPECT 


The workshop is suitable for participants of all levels of experience in photography. Most locations will be readily accessible from the road, although we may hike short distances on occasion.



This event focuses 100% on landscape + outdoor photography and will include a nighttime component. It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite intense in order to maximize filed time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop weekend. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.



 WHAT TO BRING 


As the tour is in October, there is the possibility of some very cool temperatures in the Highlands, especially at nighttime when we will be shooting.



Please bring:



• suitable and comfortable clothing, which you can layer

• warm/down jacket

• waterproof jacket and pants

• hiking/winter boots (we will be in wet and rocky areas)

• warm hat/toque

• a headlamp or flashlight

• gloves (try to find gloves that still allow you to operate your camera)

• your own camera equipment (preferably DSLR, which allows manual control of shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings; bring the fastest lens you have)

• a sturdy tripod

• a laptop for editing (with editing software, preferably Adobe)


 ABOUT THE LOCATION 


Cape Breton Highlands National Park
 


"One of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea.  As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline you'll wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where lush, forested river canyons carve into the ancient plateau, edged by rust-coloured cliffs. Keep your eyes open for moose and bald eagles. You might even catch a minke or pilot whale breaking waves in the Atlantic, or Gulf of St. Lawrence."

Visit http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/cbreton/index.aspx for more information on activities, restaurants and more. If you have specific questions around activities, please do not hesitate to ask.


 TRANSPORTATION TO AND AROUND CAPE BRETON 

The price of the workshop does not include transportation. Participants will need to arrange car rentals or carpooling with other workshop participants.



Travelling to Ingonish



Car Rentals in Sydney



For those flying into Sydney, Cape Breton, car rentals are available directly from the Sydney Airport.



Park Pass



The price of the workshop does not include a park pass. You will need to purchase a park pass when you arrive at the entrance to the park. Information about park passes can be found here: http://www.pc.gc.ca/ pn-np/ns/cbreton/visit/tarifs_fees_e.asp?park=15



 PAYMENT PLAN AND CANCELLATION POLICY 


A $850 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot, with final payment due by May 15th, 2025


Spots are non-refundable but are transferable (i.e. if the the participant is able to find someone else to take their spot and can sell/ transfer the spot to a new participant, this is acceptable).

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

OFFBEAT preaches and lives the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 INSURANCE 

It is advised that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage.

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.

By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 INSTRUCTORS

About Kris Andres

Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day.

About Curtis Jones

Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort­ zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with world­class athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.

For any additional questions, please contact us at workshops@offbeatphoto.ca.