Private Photography Workshops at Abraham Lake

Abraham Lake Private Photography Workshops are tailored to meet your unique needs and skill level. Whether you are new to photography or want to develop more advanced skills, we can create a learning experience specific to your goals. If you would like to customize your workshop, visit locations further away, or book a multi-day adventure, please fill the Custom Private Photography Workshop Inquiry form.

Abraham Lake, Alberta, is a stunning destination in every season, but it becomes truly unique in winter when methane bubbles are trapped beneath the ice, creating extraordinary photographic opportunities. Many lakes contain methane bubbles, but the strong winds in this area consistently clear away the snow, allowing the bubbles to remain visible even through the coldest months. This workshop is perfect for refining techniques such as focus stacking and bracketing, and for exploring everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate and abstract ice details. Beyond the famous bubbles, the intricate ice formations and cracks provide endless possibilities for creative compositions.

Throughout the year, Abraham Lake offers even more to discover – from dark skies ideal for night photography, to vibrant fall colours, and breathtaking mountain scenery in every direction.

3 Hour Session – 450 CAD + GST

6 Hour Session – 750 CAD + GST

Full Day Session – 1050 CAD + GST

Booking Request

What to Expect

  • Start by filling out the booking request form below and we’ll begin planning your workshop.
  • If you have any questions and would like find out more before sending in a request, get in touch!
  • Timing:
    • At 51°N, sunrise and sunset time can vary throughout the year.
    • Sunrise: we aim to be at our locations about 1 hour before sunrise.
    • Sunset: meeting times can vary depending on goals and if clients are interested in photographing during blue hour. Sessions can start 1.5-2.5 hours before sunset.
    • Night: our meeting time will depend on our night sky subject or weather and flexibility of schedules. We will plan to start our session so there is time to set up and practice before it’s time to capture our subject. Ex: The Milky Way rises around 2:30 am in April, but in September it is already setting as it gets dark around 9 pm. 
  • Your instructor will be in touch before the session to talk more about your goals and any techniques or subjects you’d like to work on to help make the best choices for your sessions.
  • We can visit 2-3 locations in a 3 hour session, potentially more during longer bookings.
  • The sessions are very adaptive to the participant’s goals, weather, conditions, and whatever nature provides that day. 
    • There is always something to photograph regardless of the conditions – finding possibilities and photos with any weather and light is what pushes creativity.
  • Your instructor is familiar with all camera brands and can help with menus and set up.
  • Need to Know:
    • The closest town to Abraham Lake is Nordegg
    • The closest cities with airports are Calgary and Edmonton.
      • From Calgary: Highway 1 to the Icefields Parkway, or Highway 2 heading North to Highway 11 through Rocky Mountain House.
      • From Edmonton: Highway 2 heading south to Highway 11 through Rocky Mountain House
    • Winter tires are mandatory Nov 1 – Apr 30 on the Icefields Parkway.
    • The area can be very windy with variable weather.

Locations

  • Abraham Lake is 32km long with many stops along the shore
  • Winter:
    • The lake freezes in stages
    • The winds can be strong in this area, but that's what helps keep the bubbles visible
  • Other seasons:
    • Water levels vary throughout the year
    • Drowned aspens are a draw, especially in the fall
  • Accessing the lake will require walking at least a few minutes on rocky (and icy in winter) terrain, generally with some slope to it.

Recommended Camera Gear

  • Camera or mobile phone
  • Lens(es)
  • Extra batteries
  • Extra memory cards
  • Lens cloth/brush
  • Filters
    • Polarizer
    • Neutral Density Filters
    • Maven Filters available for use during workshop
  • Tripod
  • Intervalometer/Remote (Camera timer works, too)
  • Camera bag

Recommended Gear

  • Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
  • Good sturdy shoes/hiking boots/winter boots
  • Microspikes/crampons (REQUIRED FOR WINTER)
  • Gortex/Rain Jacket and Pants
  • Rubber Boots
  • Gloves/Mittens
  • Hat/Toque
  • Headlamp
  • Hand/toe warmers
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
  • Snacks
  • Water/Hot Drink

Testimonials

Choosing Monika Deviat Photography was the best decision for learning how to capture special moments. Her exceptional talent extends beyond traditional photography, as she beautifully incorporated astrophotography into our session. The way she masterfully blended natural and celestial elements created truly magical and unforgettable images. Monika Deviat is not just a photographer; she is an artist who turns moments into timeless works of art. Not only have I learned how to take photographs from her sessions, she has changed how I view daily life. That I am looking at the world around me with a vision of the world in pictures that I did not have before. Not only am I taking better photos, I am seeing the world around me as the art it is.

– Kristine McLean

I booked Monika for a privately guided four-days-trip in September 2024. She took me around Banff/Lake Louise area and we went as far as Emerald Lake in BC. I was impressed with her knowledge of the area. There is barely a mountain she has not hiked or climbed. Monika is reliable, well organised and funny. She is a true expert in her field with a special interest in auroras. Monika provides valuable and inspiring insights in photography.

I was lucky with the weather and had a great time. I definitely recommend Monika to anyone interested in photography.

– Dr. Corrodo Wohlwend

Bottom line result from my mentoring with Monika? Confidence.

How did it go? Very well. Exceeded my expectations. There’s nothing that can match seeing through an award winning photographer’s eye and to make images that smacked of clarity, precision and awe. She was there with me every step of the way helping me over attitudinal hurdles to get to the next step beyond.

In one session, Monika went over the equipment, how to get the most from it, as well as ways to easily understand light management and composition in a classroom type presentation.
For the following sessions we went outside; daylight and sunset.

She’s a gem.  Brava!  Highly recommend.

– Marci Segal

Abraham Lake Private Photography Workshop Request Form