Workshop Details

Planning

Planning your night shoots is a crucial part of creating compelling and purposeful images. We’ll discuss how to choose your location, scout compositions in daylight (or not), understand weather forecasts and light pollution maps, and plan around moon phases and rise/set times. Some of our night sky subjects will include Orion, the Winter Milky Way, the Milky Way core (depending on the time of night), star trails, and – if we’re lucky – Northern Lights. We’ll also go over how to use apps and tools to plan effectively, such as PhotoPills, Sky Safari, and more.

Astrophotography Techniques

  • Blending – Learn how to blend images taken at different times (like blue hour vs night time) or taken with different exposures but the same tripod position.
  • Stacking – A powerful method for noise reduction in night images taken at high ISO that helps bring out details and colours.
  • Tracking – We’ll have two star trackers available for participants to try. Learn how to polar align, track, and shoot long exposures without star trailing.
  • Tracked panoramas.
  • Focus Stacking at Night – Achieve sharp images from foreground to stars by stacking images taken at different focus points.
  • Star Trails – Create beautiful circular or arching trails from long time-lapse sequences or a single long exposure.

Editing

Capturing the data is just the first step of astrophotography. Processing is where your image comes to life and you can showcase your artistic vision. We’ll go over how to blend images, how to bring out details using Lightroom then Photoshop, and what programs you can use for stacking, panoramas, time-lapses, etc.

Included in the Workshop:
  • In-the-field instruction
  • Classroom session
  • Use of certain equipment
Not Included in the workshop:
  • Accommodations (a booking code is available at Lake Louise Inn upon registration)
  • Transportation to and from Banff National Park
  • Transportation during the workshop (some routes require winter tires)
  • Park Pass
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals
  • DLSR or mirrorless camera
  • Tripod
  • Star tracker if you have one
  • Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
  • Extra batteries
  • Extra memory cards
  • Laptop
  • Variety of lenses
    • Wide angle, fast lenses are ideal nightscapes for example
    • Mid range or longer lenses for Orion, star trails
  • Snacks
  • Hot drinks in a thermos, water
  • Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
  • Hat/toque, gloves, mittens
  • Good sturdy and warm boots, hiking poles if needed
  • Microspikes
  • Headlamp
  • Hand/toe warmers

The workshop plan is tentative and will be adaptive to sky conditions and weather to make the most of every opportunity. Participants should be prepared to shoot at any time during the night. Our potential locations include Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Morant’s Curve, Abraham Lake, and locations around the Town of Banff. Everything is easily accessible and only requires short walks from the parking areas. It is recommended that participants are comfortable walking around for 2km.

For those staying at the Lake Louise Inn, check-in begins at 4:00 PM. We’ll meet afterward for a pre-shoot briefing and group introduction (location within the hotel to be confirmed). A few weeks prior to the workshop, participants will receive a short survey, and your instructor will be in touch with updates and preliminary plans based on the weather forecasts leading into the weekend.

Our priority will be maximizing night shooting time. We may also include optional sunset or sunrise sessions depending on weather and how many opportunities we have for stars. The editing and processing session is tentatively scheduled for Saturday afternoon and will give you a chance to review your images and learn how to bring out the best in your night shots.

Approximate times of key transitions (time will shift forward slightly each day):
Sunset: 6:10 pm
Blue Hour: 6:30 pm
Astronomical Twilight: 7:20 pm
Night Time: 8:00 pm
Milky Way Rise: 5:00 am
Astronomical Twilight: 6:00 am
Blue Hour: 7:15 am
Sunrise: 7:50 am

By registering for this event you agree that you have read and understand the following.

Registration is non-refundable but is transferable. If you can find someone to take your spot and buy your ticket from you, this is acceptable. Email monika@monikadeviatphotography.com to confirm a transfer.

If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your spot will be forfeit without any refund of deposits or payments already made.

Participants understand that weather and conditions are unpredictable or difficult to forecast. There is no guarantee that we will see specific natural phenomena. You acknowledge that travel with a group involves compromise to accommodate goals, desires, personalities, abilities, and physical capabilities. Itineraries are planned, but flexible, and no part of the schedule can be guaranteed. You understand that no discounts or refunds will be given in the event of any changes.

Only in the event that the country or the venue is unable to host the workshop (such as a lockdown situation), participants will be given the option to postpone or receive a refund.

Please ensure you can travel and abide by all health and safety travel recommendations for Canada and your home location if you are booking a spot. It is your responsibility to ensure you can make the workshop. Participants must have travel and medical insurance.

Monika Deviat Photography reserves the right to cancel the workshop at any time. The cancellations could occur for a variety of reasons, such as a minimum number of participants is not met, family emergency, unforeseen circumstances impact the worksop, etc. In the event of cancellations that are under the control of Monika Deviat Photography, participants will receive a full refund for the workshop. No compensation would be made to participants for any other associated costs such as, but not limited to, travel, hotels, weather and travel delays, etc. Participants should have travel insurance.

You, for yourself, your heirs, executors or anyone else who may claim on your behalf, hereby waive, release and forever discharge, Monika Deviat/Monika Deviat Photography, assistants, and affiliates, representatives, executors, and all others from any and all responsibilities or liability from personal injury, death, damage to property or loss of any kind resulting from participation in a photography workshop event.

This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. You are responsible to research the event and bring the proper gear. You are also responsible for selecting activities that are appropriate to your physical abilities and interests.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. The parties may bring an action concerning this Agreement only in the Province of Alberta.

Your attendance at any event confirms that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this event you understand that you are attending at your own risk.

“I attended Monika’s Astro Artistry workshop and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to go beyond the basics of astrophotography. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop offers an incredible opportunity to grow.

As someone with only beginner-level knowledge, I was amazed by how much I was able to learn, especially about more advanced techniques like focus stacking, using a star tracker and editing using astrophotography software. Monika has the ability to teach complex topics in a way that’s approachable and never overwhelming. Her guidance helped me build the confidence and skills to start practicing these techniques on my own.

The workshop also took us to some truly beautiful locations, giving us the perfect settings to apply what we were learning in real time. Monika made sure everyone in the group received individual attention, and that personalized support made a big difference in helping us get the most out of the experience.

I found the editing session super valuable! I was super excited to process my first successful star tracker shots and images that used focus stacking—something I wouldn’t have imagined doing just days earlier.

The workshop is packed with value, from the thoughtful instruction to the stunning locations and comfortable accommodations. I now feel knowledgeable and confident enough to go out on my own and capture the night sky in a way I’ve always wanted.”

– Alisa Peckham
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“I have attended several of Monika’s workshops in Waterton and Banff. I have also had the pleasure of hearing her talk at the Banff Centre and in Pincher Creek at the Lightchasers Conference. Monika brings an enthusiasm and sense of wonder to all of her workshops and classes. Technically sound, very well organised and – lots of fun! Her sense of humour helps students to relax and “be in the moment.”

Monika’s technical knowledge of settings and composition really help to make improvements in your photography skills. Her willingness to follow up and help long after the workshop is over is really important. There are always lots of questions AFTER the classes and Monika is always available and gracious. Highly recommended for the newbie or experienced photographer for any type of photography. But her Astrophotography workshops will open up a whole new world!”

– Duncan MacFarlane

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“Monika’s passion for wild spaces and dark skies is infectious. Whether it’s taking in one of her talks, or alongside her out in the field, she is always so generous in sharing her experience and knowledge in helping you to capture your own incredible images. She keeps you safe and the energy level high, even in the wee hours of the morning, or when Mother Nature is throwing everything your way.”

– Sharon Mulligan