OVERVIEW 

Embark on a transformative 4-day photography workshop in the heart of Banff National Park, where you will explore the art of capturing stunning images of models against the breathtaking backdrops of the Canadian Rockies. This immersive experience combines hands-on learning with expert guidance to elevate your skills in both strobe and natural lighting techniques. The idea of the human element in a grand landscape/astro scene, or are looking for a vast, cinematic environmental feel to your portraiture or wedding images, this is the workshop for you!

Throughout the workshop, you will engage in a variety of outdoor photography sessions, utilizing Banff's iconic landscapes to create striking compositions. Curtis, Wayne and Kris will demonstrate how to use strobe lights effectively, blending them with natural light to achieve captivating effects. Learn to balance these elements as you capture portraits of models in various outdoor settings, from serene lakeshores to rugged mountain terrain.

In addition to the technical aspects of lighting, you'll also gain insights into posing, framing, and incorporating human elements to enhance your photographs. We'll visit some of Banff's most scenic spots and our own secret spots that are our favorite locations to create in as well as providing a diverse range of backgrounds for your shots

This workshop is ideal for photographers looking to refine their outdoor photography skills using strobes and natural lighting while experiencing the beauty of Banff National Park. Join us for an unforgettable journey of creativity and discovery in one of the world's most stunning natural environments.

Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada

Dates: June 12-15, 2025

Tour Leaders:* Kris Andres, Curtis Jones and Wayne Simpson

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

 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN 

• Mastering Lighting Techniques: learn how to use both natural and artificial light effectively, including strobe lighting, diffusers, reflectors, and other tools. Learn how to create mood and depth through lighting.
• Composition and Framing. A perfect palate to refine your compositional skills. Learn how to frame a shot or refine your skillset to create balance, and use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other techniques to guide the viewer's eye through the photograph.
• Posing and Directing Models:This workshops involving portraits and fashion photography, we will provide guidance on how to work with models. This includes learning how to give clear directions, create natural poses, and capture expressions that convey emotion and narrative.
• Technical Camera Skills: Understanding camera settings, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. Refine these technical skills, ensuring you have complete control over your equipment.
• Post-Processing and Editing: How to enhance your images in post-processing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
  

 ITINERARY 

Itinerary subject to change. Full itinerary to be provided to participants upon arrival.

Day 1 - Thursday, June 12, 2025

12:45 PM – Welcome to Banff! Your adventure begins with your arrival at the Vermillion Room in the Juniper Hotel. It's time to meet your fellow photographers, unpack your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

1:00 PM – The workshop kicks off with an inspiring opening session. We'll start with introductions, so you can get to know the people you'll be sharing this journey with. Next, a captivating slideshow will take you through the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, setting the tone for the days ahead. You'll get a glimpse of the workshop's goals, a breakdown of the upcoming schedule, and some valuable tips to ensure you make the most of every moment.

Dinner Break. Take this time to relax, grab a bite. If you're dining at the Juniper Hotel and Bistro, you're in for a treat—this place is known for its delicious food and breathtaking views.

As the sun begins to dip, we head out for our first evening photo shoot. This session is all about exploring the soft lighting of late afternoon and early evening, a primetime for capturing stunning images along with artificial lighting that can push you images to levels that you have dreamed for. We'll meet at the Juniper Hotel and Bistro, then travel to a scenic location with a range of beautiful backdrops, including majestic mountains and lush forests.

This relaxed session is designed to help you get comfortable with the area and start practicing your photography techniques. We'll be demonstrating different approaches, from wide-angle landscapes to intimate portraits. You'll have the opportunity to experiment with natural lighting and strobes, giving you a chance to refine your skills. As the evening progresses, we'll shift from demos to hands-on shooting, letting you take control and find your own unique style.

We wrap up the first day. Make sure to rest well—tomorrow's sunrise shoot requires an early start, and you won't want to miss a single moment of the breathtaking views. Get ready for a weekend full of creativity, learning, and unforgettable memories!

Day 2 - Friday, June 13, 2025

Rise and shine! It's an early start as we gather at the Juniper Hotel. We embark on a sunrise shoot along the legendary Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic routes in the world. Our first stop is Bow Lake, where the morning light creates magical reflections on the water and illuminates the towering peaks. Here, we dive into techniques for shooting in low light, and explore the use of artificial lighting to give our landscapes a cinematic edge.

After capturing the sunrise and the breathtaking scenery, we continue along the Icefields Parkway, exploring additional iconic locations. We work on skills like composition, depth, and utilizing models to bring our scenes to life.

After an action-packed morning, we make our way to Lake Louise for a well-deserved lunch break. You can choose to dine at one of the charming local restaurants or bring a picnic to enjoy by the sparkling lake.

Once we've refueled, it's time to head to our afternoon location. This is where we put our skills to the test, adapting to whatever lighting and weather conditions nature throws our way. Whether it's bright sunshine, dramatic clouds, or a sudden downpour, we'll capture the beauty of the environment and learn to make the most of every moment.

We return to Banff for a much-needed supper break. Take this opportunity to unwind, enjoy a meal.

The grand finale for the day! This evening shoot is where we bring together everything we've learned. As the sun sets and the landscape transforms, you'll have the chance to capture stunning twilight scenes. Experiment with lighting, poses, and compositions to create truly unique shots. This is your moment to shine—make it count!

Day 3 - Saturday, June 14, 2025

Our third day begins before the sun does, as we gather at the Juniper Hotel and Bistro, ready to hit the road. The early start ensures we get to our new locations in time to capture the dawn’s first light, setting the stage for a day filled with creativity and discovery.

After a morning of exploration and photography, we break for lunch. It's a great opportunity to relax, refuel, and swap stories about our early morning adventures.

As the afternoon continues we will be in our full creative mode chasing the light and making our own as we develop our creative visions for our models and epic backdrops.

Time for dinner! Take a breather, enjoy a delicious meal, and continue the lively conversations. Whether you're discussing editing techniques or planning your next big shoot, it's a great time to connect with fellow photographers.

This is it—our final evening of shooting, and it's all about you. With two hours of unbridled creativity, you have full control to capture those last, unforgettable moments. Don't hold back—experiment with lighting, try bold poses, and leave nothing on the table. Let's make it a night to remember!

Day 4 - Sunday, June 15, 2025

It's the final day of our exhilarating adventure, and we're kicking it off at dawn. We gather at the Juniper Hotel, and set out for our last creative journey into the stunning landscapes. This is where we'll dive deep into the art of lighting, capturing the first light as it bathes the scenery in golden hues.

Back at the Juniper Hotel, we gather in the Vermilion Room for an editing session. This is where the magic happens—where your raw images transform into stunning masterpieces. As we dive into our edits, it's the perfect time to ask questions and learn how we refine our images. By the end of the session, we'll have a slideshow showcasing everyone's best shots, offering a glimpse into the diverse styles and unique approaches of our group.

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM – As the morning adventure concludes, we will enjoy a grand farewell brunch in the Vermilion Room.

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $2,575+ GST

Payment options:

1) Full payment or

2) Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $850 + GST + 1 instalment payment: CAD $1725 + GST (due April 12, 2025)  

Note: failure to pay by the payment due date means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant.

 FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• One-on-one and group photography instruction from Curtis Jones, Kris Andres and Wayne Simpson.
• Strobes and triggers (for most cameras)
• Field demonstrations of photography techniques
• Classroom editing session
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• Accommodations
• Transportation
• Meals
• Travel Insurance
• Park Pass
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.
  

 ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS 

Accommodations are not included and you can take advantage of the many hotels in Banff. (we have a discounted rate for participants at the Juniper Hotel and will provide a code to registered participants). Meals are not included in the price of the workshop. We will make sure we provide time for everyone to enjoy the endless options of the amazing culinary scene in Banff and area.

 TRANSPORTATION

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

 TRAVELING FROM CALGARY TO BANFF 

- Car Rentals in Calgary
- Airport Shuttles to Banff: Explore Rockies or Banff Airporter
- Car Rentals in Banff

 PARK PASS 

You will need to purchase a park pass when you arrive at the entrance to the park. Purchase your park pass.

 BANFF NATIONAL PARK 

At 6640 km2, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides being a mecca for photographers, Banff offers opportunities for other activities, such as hiking, biking, and canoeing. Local yoga studios and spas give you the chance to unwind, and a variety of art galleries and museums help you tap into the local history and culture. If you have the opportunity to extend your stay in the park, we highly recommend you take advantage of everything it has to offer.

Visit http://BanffLakeLouise.com for more information on activities, restaurants and more. If you have specific questions around activities, please do not hesitate to ask.

 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.

Knowledge of lighting is not required, nor do you need to bring any special equipment beyond your camera, your favourite lenses, and any filters you might normally use in a landscape setting. Dave and Paul will provide any needed lighting for those interested in creative outdoor lighting.

It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite intense in order to maximize field time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.

 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 Banff, 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.

About Wayne Simpson 

Wayne Simpson is an Ojibwe photographer from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, based in the quaint village of Elora, Ontario. Wayne specializes in dramatic portraiture and landscape photography. Simpson’s images have been published in such magazines as Outdoor Photography Canada, Outdoor Photography Magazine, Canadian Rockies Annual and Canadian Geographic, as well as in countless books around the world. His first photography book, Resilient, was published in Spring 2021.

 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