Private Photography Workshops at Abraham Lake
Explore Abraham Lake with an instructor who knows where to be, and when, to make the most of any weather or light. In a private Abraham Lake Photography Workshop, you’ll get one-on-one time with award-winning photographer and Nikon Ambassador Monika Deviat, whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or ready to refine your creativity. Every session is built around your goals, from camera settings and composition to technical processes and creative development. 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, and 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.
6 Hour Session – 750 CAD + GST
Full Day Session – 1150 CAD + GST
What to Expect
How it Works:
- Send a booking request. Use the form below to share your preferred dates, your experience level, and what you’d like to learn.
- Plan together. Monika will be in touch before your session to talk about your goals and any techniques or subjects you want to work on. She’ll then choose the best timing and locations based on your goals and the forecast, and help with gear choices.
- Get out there and shoot! Meet at your first location and spend your session learning hands-on.
Have questions first? Get in touch before sending a request.
Where and When We Meet:
Sunrise and sunset times shift through the year, so we’ll confirm exact times when planning. Guests provide their own transportation. Carpooling may be possible during the workshop depending on schedules, locations, and vehicle space.
- Sunrise: We aim to be at our location about 1 hour before sunrise.
- Sunset: Sessions usually start 1.5-2.5 hours before sunset, depending on your goals and whether you’d like to shoot blue hour.
- Night: Start times depend on your subject, weather, and the month. We’ll begin early enough to set up and practice before the main event. For example, the Milky Way rises around 2:30 am in April, but in September it’s already setting as it gets dark around 9 pm.
During Your Session:
- Flexible by design. Every session adapts to your goals, the weather, and whatever nature offers that day.
- Always something to photograph. Finding Possibilities in any weather and light is what pushes creativity.
- All camera brands are welcome. Monika has experience with all brands and can help with menus and setup.
- Bring a friend. Non-photographers are welcome to join at no additional cost.
After Your Session:
- Follow-up support: Monika is happy to answer questions by email about what you worked on in your session.
- Virtual editing and image review: Want feedback on your photos or help with your editing workflow? Book an online session whenever you’re ready, whether that’s the next day or months later.
Need to Know:
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- 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
