Workshops
Thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dinosaur Provincial Park with Monika’s Dinosaur at Night Photography Workshop. My expectations were exceeded. The venue was excellent and Chef Christine from Reflective Catering in YYC kept everyone fed with more than nutrition – great smells, tastes that stimulated your palette and a demeanour that helped us celebrate each meal. Monika paid so much attention to everyone to capture great images you get the sense of collaboration. She also did this under trying circumstances as the smoke from the northern Alberta fires blanketed the area. The skies cleared Saturday night and images were produced. Thank you Monika Deviat and Christine!
Light painting the foreground was extremely valuable technique utilized and the techniques were way better than what I used in the past.
George Clayton
Lethbridge, Alberta
I attended Deviant Optiks Photography (Monika) Night Photography Seminar and Processing Workshop and learned an incredible amount. I’m a fairly new photographer and I could understand everything presented. She detailed all the information that I needed to be confident with how to take various night shots, safety, gear, location scouting, how to process the work, stacking, stitching and get the effects she uses. I’d be out there right now if I didn’t have a new baby. Excited to get out in the spring and try to achieve something similar to her stunning Milky Way and Aurora shots. Her passion for the night sky and exploring the environment comes out in her work and how she teaches others.
I am looking forward to taking more workshops in the future with Monika and Deviant Optiks Photography.
The only downside was now I want all the gadgets (Star tracker, LED pocket lights) and have to curb my GAS!
Laura Pattingale
Edmonton, Alberta
Monika is obviously a great photographer who takes pride in the moments that she creates. What is not so obvious, and more importantly in my opinion, is that she enjoys educating people and is a great person. I have had the pleasure of taking a night photography editing course taught by her and have been in attendance for one of her night photography seminars. The passion that she has for the art of photography definitely shows through. In her course, she takes the time to teach. When she helps, she will give you her undivided attention at making sure you succeed in what you are trying to do. If you do not understand something that she presents, she will patiently ensure that what she is trying to convey makes sense to you.
Furthermore, she enjoys sharing information and this is evidenced by her personal blog and other articles that she has published. These are the traits of someone who truly enjoys teaching about their craft.
I can say that in past two years that I have known her, she is a pleasure to be around because she not only remembers people but takes the time to actually talk. If you have an opportunity to learn from her, either by taking a course, listening to her talk, or hiring her as either as an instructor or as a photographer, please do so. You will have no regrets
Bryan Mah
Calgary, Alberta
“Deviant Optiks’ ‘Camera Basics’ was a great introduction to camera settings and elements of photography. Monika provided a comprehensive overview of everything needed to get out of automatic mode and start taking more intentional photos. I appreciated how much time was set aside to play around with our cameras; this reinforced what we learned, and also gave time to ask specific questions. The small class size allowed for lots of individual support and Monika’s help made the photography process feel more intuitive. The location, Banded Peak Brewery, was a great venue to practice with different lighting and even dynamic shots, as we were allowed to wander throughout the brewery. Deviant Optik’s workshop was a fantastic beginner’s course.’
Kristina Wasyleczko
Calgary, Alberta
Aerial Arts Photoshoots
When Monika comes to my studio every year to do a photoshoot, it is the highlight of our year! She is professional, and very encouraging to our nervous students, the photos are absolutely incredible, and it’s always a fantastic time! She has traveled to my studio almost every year since 2011, and I look forward to many more years to come! 10/10 would recommend!
Angel Stewart
Angel’s Aerial Fitness
Prince George, B.C.
Commercial
Monika has done photo shoots with me in that past, and knowing the quality of her work, I did not hesitate to ask her to photograph our business. Her creative angles beautifully showcase our store, and she worked with us and our staff in a relaxed and professional manner. We look forward to continue working with Monika as our business evolves.
Irene Struc & Jason Marshall
Green Earth Cannabis