Workshop Details
As nature photographers, we regard nature as a collaborator rather than a commodity. It offers an endless source of inspiration – rich with moments, details, and surprises that can spark creativity. When we approach the natural world with openness, curiosity, and deep respect, we begin to notice the subtle shifts, the quiet beauty, and the stories the land has to tell.
Escape to Nature photography workshops are designed to help you connect more deeply with the natural world. Led by Canadian-based Nikon Ambassadors Monika Deviat and Viktoria Haack, these small-group experiences take place in wild and inspiring locations. We focus on nurturing each participant’s personal artistic vision and individual connection to the land, while offering guidance in photographing nature, landscapes, and wildlife. With an emphasis on ethical practices, skill-building, and creative exploration, our workshops offer meaningful opportunities to grow as a photographer and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment.
The fall season in the Rockies is an inspiring time to connect, explore, and lean into creativity while immersed in nature. Depending on the conditions, you’ll have the freedom to explore subjects and styles that match your interests – whether that’s capturing intimate colourful details, sweeping mountain vistas, minimalist compositions, or working with the ever-changing light and weather.
Techniques
This workshop allows participants to try many techniques if they choose. Some subjects, like night photography, require working in manual mode, while for others we can use semi-automatic modes as well. We can go over ISO, white balance, aperture choices, and shutter speeds for various subjects. Different methods of focusing can be covered for each subject we will be shooting. You can ask your instructors for help with any technique. For example, during the landscape sessions, you can work on focus stacking, bracketing, long exposures, depth of field, panoramas and more.
Safety & Leave No Trace
These are very important topics for photographers to be knowledgeable about in order to preserve the places we love to visit, keep wildlife wild, and make sure you stay safe and (mostly) comfortable on your adventures. Monika and Viktoria are both members of Nature First, a valuable resource for photographers.
- Accommodations in Banff and Lake Louise
- Single Occupancy Rooms
- Double Occupancy Available for Photographers booking together (contact us if you'd like help being paired up with someone)
- Moraine Lake trip shuttle ride
- Photography tuition and mentoring in-the-field
- Classroom session for image review and editing
- Transportation during the workshop (carpooling maybe be available, contact us about this)
- Transportation to and from Banff National Park (if you need suggestions we can help)
- Meals
- Travel/medical insurance
- Park Pass
- DLSR or mirrorless camera
- Tripod
- Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
- Extra batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Laptop
- Variety of lenses
- Filters (Polarizers, NDs, etc.)
- Maven demo magnetic filters available to try
- Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
- Appropriate footwear/Hiking boots, pole, pack, etc.
- Headlamp
- Hand/toe warmers
- Personal items
- Gloves/mittens
- Hats/toques
- Thermos for hot drinks
- Snacks/Water
Itinerary
Itineraries are tentative and are likely to change. We will adapt to weather and conditions and be assessing where to go each for each session of photography using the most recent forecast updates available. A pre-workshop survey will be sent to participants a few weeks before the start day.
September can offer so many different weather conditions and opportunities. Sunrise is approximately at 7:30 am and sunset is around 7:30pm. We will have some moonlight at night to illuminate fall colours in the landscape. With longer nights, we have higher chances for aurora and we will be watching for any potential of northern lights.
On the first day we’ll meet after everyone is settled in after checking in at 4pm. We will arrange a meet and greet shortly after check-in. We will asses the weather forecasts and make a plan for the evening. Instructors will be in touch with the group via a group chat.
The majority of our time will be in Banff National Park, but we have some options in Yoho National Park and David Thompson Country if conditions are expected to be best there. Our possible locations for the workshop could include:
Banff Base: Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Castle Mountain, etc.
Lake Louise Base: Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, The Icefields Parkway (Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, Tangle Falls), Morant’s Curve, Abraham Lake, etc.
The last day will finish before the 11am check-out time – we’ll make sure everyone has time to pack up.
Getting to Banff
The closest international airport to Banff is The Calgary International Airport (YYC). Vehicles can be rented directly at the airport.
The distance to the Town of Banff from the airport is approximately 145km, and takes about 1.5 hours in ideal conditions.
A Parks Canada Pass is required if you are entering a national park by car. You can purchase these at the park gates or online.
“From the moment I reached the location, I knew I was in for a once in a lifetime experience. In addition to the amazing instruction, we were treated to first-rate views that lent themselves to brilliant photos. I thought I knew enough about photography, but after a few days, my level of knowledge increased at a rate I never imagined. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity. I highly recommend.” – Ray Stone | Escape to Nature Rockies
“When I heard that Viktoria and Monika were leading this workshop, it was obvious to me that one will benefit tremendously from their expertise. Both have a wealth of knowledge that they are excited to share. Both of them are patient and encourage one to try new things such as slow exposure, close-up and wildlife photography and of course, technically difficult subjects such as how to photograph the milky way. Viktoria and Monika rotated among the group, giving each person their one-on-one attention. One did not feel rushed and no question was too simple or too complicated to address. A well organized few days which I can highly recommend to someone wanting to improve their skill level.” – Rina A. | Escape to Nature Waterton
Terms and Conditions
By registering for this event you agree that you have read and understand the following.
Registration is non-refundable but is transferrable. 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 Alberta 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, 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 your physical abilities and interests.
Your attendance at any event confirms that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this event you understanding that you are attending at your own risk.
