Canadian Rockies Photography Workshop 2006

CANADIAN ROCKIES LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE

July 21-29, 2006

Limit 3 Participants

From Banff to Jasper we photograph the most spectacular stretch of Canadian Rocky Mountains, at the time of year when wildflowers are abundant, waterfalls are at their thunderous best, and wildlife is more relaxed and easier to photograph.

Glacier-capped mountains reflected in emerald-hued lakes are typical landscape subjects while elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and coyote are often seen in grassy meadows or rocky ledges. Moose, grizzly bear, and black bear are sometimes seen at the edge of forests; waterfowl, beaver, and osprey frequent the numerous lakes and ponds in the region. Wildflowers are seen everywhere we go , serving as beautiful macro subjects or colorful compositional elements for classic mountain scenics. On a previous workshop one participant identified and photographed 34 different species of wildflowers.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Friday, July 21, 2006) Arrive In Calgary
We arrive in Calgary and stay overnight. No photography is planned for this travel day.

Day 2 (Saturday, July 22, 2006) Calgary To Lake Louise
We meet for breakfast, and then drive from Calgary to the Lake Louise area. Keep camera equipment handy for photo opportunities en route. After lunch and check-in we'll start our photography of the Lake Louise area.

Days 3 and 4 Lake Louise Area
The Lake Louise area is our focus for some of the best landscape photography in North America. We make the first exposure as Victoria Glacier above Lake Louise turns pink from alpenglow light, and continue to photograph as the light turns to gold, working its way down to the shoreline. An osprey circles overhead, hovers briefly, then dives into the glacier-fed lake for trout. Moraine Lake, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, is a scenic icon of the Rocky Mountains. A walk around its shoreline reveals changing vistas, numerous wildflowers, and cute pikas. In the evening we marvel at the changing light on distinctive Mt. Rundle towering over the Vermillion Lakes. Other photo destinations on our list include Herbert Lake, Emerald Lake, Bow Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Natural Bridge. We also drive the wooded Bow Valley Parkway and Lake Minnewanka Loop in search of wildlife.

Day 5 Lake Louise To Jasper
After an early photo session and hearty breakfast we load up and head for Jasper. Peyto Lake, Tangle Falls, and Athabasca Falls are among the many subjects we photograph en route. We typically make more exposures on this travel day than any other day during the workshop! If time permits we may go for a wildlife drive after check-in and early dinner.

Days 6 and 7 Jasper Area
We focus on wildlife photography the next two days. Maligne Lake Road, Highway 16, and Mt. Edith Cavell Road are prime wildlife drives. We once photographed a moose suckling its calf less than 15 yards away -- from inside our vehicle, of course. On another occasion we photographed spruce grouse that came so close we couldn't focus on them with our long lenses. Elk are plentiful here, with antlers that are typically larger than those seen in Yellowstone. Patricia Lake, Pyramid Lake, and Mt. Edith Cavell offer additional landscape opportunities, while beaver lodges and bands of bighorn sheep serve as lead-in elements for scenics.

Day 8 Jasper To Lake Louise
After the early morning photo session we make the return drive down the scenic Icefields Parkway, photographing subjects that were not in favorable light on the drive up. Evening photography is possible if we arrive at Lake Louise early.

Day 9 ( Saturday, July 29, 2006) Lake Louise To Calgary Airport
We drive from Lake Louise to Calgary for flights home. The drive will take about two and a half hours. No photography is planned for this travel day.

WORKSHOP FEE: US$2495.

Fee will cover a total of 8 nights of lodging in Calgary, Lake Louise and Jasper, ground transportation, and park admissions during workshop. Each person gets a private room. There is a discount for two people traveling together who request in advance to share the same room.

RESERVATIONS and PAYMENTS
A $400 per person deposit is required to confirm reservations. Balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

PLANNING PACKAGE
A detailed planning package, with equipment and clothing recommendations, and a liability release form will be sent after confirmation of reservation.

Registration Form