Private Photography Workshops along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Explore the Icefields Parkway with an instructor who knows where to be, and when, to make the most of any weather or light. In a private Icefields Parkway 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.
Just past Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway winds through some of the Rockies’ most dramatic terrain, with towering peaks, glaciers, icefields, and turquoise lakes around nearly every bend. Away from towns and cell service, this wild stretch of Banff National Park adds a sense of adventure to your workshop. Expect grand landscapes, close-ups of rugged peaks, delicate details, and wonderfully dark night skies. A private photography workshop here helps you build your technical skills and creative vision.
3 Hour Session – 475 CAD + GST: One sunrise, sunset, or night session, with 1-3 locations
6 Hour Session – 725 CAD + GST: A longer session for exploration and deeper dives into techniques
Full Day Session – 1025 CAD + GST: An immersive day with more locations and time to practice
Prices are for one photographer. Non-photographers are welcome to join at no additional costs.
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
The Icefields Parkway is remote, so here are a few things to note:
- There’s no reception on the Parkway. Offline maps are a good idea.
- Winter tires are required November 1 to April 30.
- Gas at Saskatchewan Crossing is summer-only, so fill up before you leave Lake Louise.
- Sessions that include Columbia Icefields or Tangle Peak need to be at least 6 hours.
Locations
- All location are along the Icefields Parkway up to the Columbia Icefields Center and Tangle Peak (10 minutes further North).
- Locations can include: Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Waterfowl Lakes, Columbia Icefields Viewpoint, Tangle Peak, and more.
- Choices are made on the most up to date forecasts prior to the session.
- Note: there may be seasonal closures or wildlife closures for some of these locations at any time.
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/traction (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
Monika Deviat is not just a world class photographer (her instagram page says it all) but an exceptional instructor and a fearless leader throughout the Canadian Rockies. Her deep knowledge of Western Canada was invaluable, guiding me through stunning locations inside Banff National Park for sunrise and night shooting. She also set me up with great places to visit for the remainder of my trip.
Great instruction on setting up a location, long exposures, and using filters which I had no experience with. She walked me through a few advanced camera menu features like bracketing and focus stacking, and patiently answered my continuous questions on gear, concert photography, and the group/workshop adventures that she leads.
I highly recommend Monika as a teacher and leader and hope our paths cross again sometime.
– Paul Ofria
