OVERVIEW

Location: WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA, CANADA

Dates: JUNE 13-16, 2025

Join three of Canada's most passionate and knowledgeable women photographers, Kahli April, Sara Kempner and Colleen Gara, for an inspiring, women-focused photography workshop in the breathtaking Waterton Lakes National Park! This multi-day adventure is designed to empower and connect women photographers as we explore the stunning landscapes of this unique Canadian gem.

Experience the magic of Waterton Lakes as we visit both iconic and lesser-known locations, ensuring you capture the park's diverse beauty. Classroom sessions will be held in the cozy setting of our lodge, where you'll learn key concepts and techniques to enhance your photography.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this workshop promises to be a transformative experience, filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. We can't wait to welcome you to this women's photography workshop in Waterton Lakes National Park and help you create images and memories that will last a lifetime.

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 

• How to shoot the intimate details of nature and grand landscapes.
• How to develop skills as a landscape photographer using tools/techniques like filters, long exposure, and black + white.
• Embracing the landscape and exploring storytelling through your lens.
• Classroom sessions and live field demos with our talented OFFBEAT leaders on areas like astro photography, compositions, and other technical materials as opportunities allow!
• Photographing wildlife and the night sky.

 ITINERARY

Itinerary is subject to change.

Day 1

We will kick off the event with at Waterton Lakes Lodge at 2:30pm. Our kickoff will feature a warm welcoming presentation that delves into the fascinating art of landscape photography. During this session, we'll explore the intricacies of creating a personal vision in capturing the beauty of our surroundings, offering valuable insights and inspiration. We will then take a break for dinner, this will be a perfect time to relax, connect with fellow participants, and share our excitement for the adventures ahead.

After dinner we will move into our first session, capturing the sunset around Waterton. This magical time of day offers an unparalleled chance to capture the stunning landscapes bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. We will venture into nearby locations, allowing us to get acclimated and warmed up with our cameras for the weekend's activities. Then it’s back to Waterton Lakes Lodge to get a good rest ahead of a full day of exploring for day 2.

Day 2

We will begin our adventure with an early sunrise session, gathering at 4:45 AM to catch the first light as it gently touches the majestic peaks of Waterton. As the sun begins to rise, painting the sky with hues of gold and pink, we will take this opportunity to discuss optimal camera settings and experiment with various photography techniques, capturing the serene beauty of the early morning light.

Following this field session we will have breakfast in town before hitting the road for a full day of exploration in the wonderous landscape of Waterton. We aim to photograph a variety of landscapes and vistas and even wildlife. Lunch will be provided so that we can maximize our time in the field.

Between 3:00 and 5:00 PM, we will pause for a delightful Afternoon Tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. This break offers the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after an exhilarating day in nature. We will share some stories and food and discuss our learnings from the day. As the day draws to a close, we will gather once again for an evening sunset session. During this time, we will delve into the intricacies of capturing the dynamic and ever-changing evening light. We will practice photographing the surrounding landscapes as they transform under the fading sunlight, ending our day with stunning images and newfound skills.

Day 3

We will start the day at 6:30am with breakfast. Following breakfast, we will embark on a photowalk where our experienced leaders will guide you through their unique photographic processes as we explore a picturesque local trail. This walk will be an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques and capture stunning early morning shots.

After the photowalk, we’ll make our way to the dock for a delightful boat cruise on the breathtaking Waterton Lake. This scenic journey will take us to the far end of the lake, offering spectacular views and unique photographic opportunities from the water. Upon reaching our destination, we’ll step off the boat to explore and photograph the stunning vistas that surround us, weather permitting. This will be a prime time to experiment with different compositions and lighting conditions to enhance our photographic skills.

We’ll head back to Waterton for lunch and then head out for a field session focusing on waterfalls and wildflowers. This session will delve deep into discussions on storytelling and how to create compelling images that evoke emotions and tell a story. After the session we’ll have a group dinner  and share stories from the weekend.

Day 4

We will have one last early morning sunrise shoot on the final day, starting at 4:45AM, this will give us the opportunity to capture the stunning early morning mountain light one last time. Following this serene and inspiring photo session, we will transition to our last location of the workshop, offering one final chance to create and capture unique memories.

After wrapping up our photography activities, we will gather for a delightful and hearty finale breakfast, where we can share our experiences, reflect on our creative journey, and enjoy each other's company one last time. This will be a perfect moment to exchange stories, discuss our favorite shots, and bid our farewells in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the workshop weekend concludes around 11:30am.

 PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $3450+GST 

Payment options:

1) Full payment or

2) Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1000 + GST  + Final Payment:  $2450 + GST due by March 1, 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:

• Daily instructions and mentorship with Kahli, Sara and Colleen.
• Classroom session/lecture on various photography and creative concepts.
• Accommodations
• Boat Trip
• Afternoon Tea at Prince of Wales Hotel
• Finale Group Dinner
• x2 packed lunches
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• All other meals
• Alcohol
• Park Pass
• Transportation. Participants will need to arrange car rentals or carpooling with other workshop participants.
• Travel Insurance
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.

 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.

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

OFFBEAT practices 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 Kahli Hindmarsh

Kahli is a landscape, night and adventure photographer originally from Australia. Now spending most of her time travelling between Canada and New Zealand, her work is a reflection of her passions; travel, mountains and inspiring landscapes. Often found hiking in the mountains or chasing the aurora in the middle of the night, Kahli enjoys the challenge of finding unique scenes and interesting light. Sharing these breathtaking landscapes with others while exploring the world is what motivates Kahli, hoping to inspire people to get out and explore for themselves. She has found a deeper purpose within photography by sharing what she has learned from her experience shooting in the field.

About Sara Kempner

Sara Kempner is a freelance photographer based on Vancouver Island, BC. Initially a self-taught landscape photographer, Sara’s photographic journey continues to evolve and now includes sport, event, and commercial photography. While she can often be found in the forest shooting mountain biking, Sara enjoys exploring a diverse range of genres and is more driven by the unique people and places that photography affords her to experience. Whether it's photographing solo athletes, starry night skies, large events or sunrises over the ocean in faraway countries, she is most content when outside, camera in hand.

About Colleen Gara

Colleen is a wildlife and nature photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. She is passionate about photographing wildlife in their natural surroundings, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies. Colleen’s hope is that her images will help foster a connection between the viewer and her wild subjects, raising awareness to protect both the animals and their natural habitats. She strongly believes in ethical photography practices and all of her images are of wild animals only – nothing captive or baited.

 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