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.

Haida Gwaii is an ideal place to approach photography as a way of connecting with the land and its stories. In the Haida worldview, everything in nature is interconnected and meaningful, with fluid boundaries between people and place. From abstract forest scenes and mist-draped beaches to tide pools, soaring eagles, and vast seascapes, the islands offer endless creative possibilities. Depending on the conditions, you’ll have the freedom to explore subjects and styles that match your interests – whether that’s capturing intimate low-tide details, sweeping coastal vistas, minimalist compositions, or working with the ever-changing light and weather.

Techniques
This workshops allows for participants to try a lot of 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 will 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.

Haida Culture

The Haida Nation has inhabited Haida Gwaii for thousands of years and their history and culture is connected to the land. We will have the opportunity to hear stories, see art, learn about history and tradition, and their ecological wisdom.

Safety & Leave No Trace
These are very important topics for photographers to be knowledgable 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.

Included in the Workshop:

  • In-the-field instruction
  • Accommodations - Double Occupancy, Limited Single Occupancy
  • Airport Pick Up and Drop Off - Sandspit Airport
  • Ferry Fees
  • Transportation during the workshop
  • Boat Tour
  • Permits and fees for any parks
  • Haida Heritage Centre Trip
Not Included in the workshop:

  • Transportation to and from Haida Gwaii
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals
  • Travel/medical insurance
  • DLSR or mirrorless camera
  • Variety of lenses
  • Filters - Polarizer, NDs, etc.
  • Tripod
  • Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
  • Extra batteries
  • Extra memory cards
  • Laptop if you would like to back up images, edit or review during down time
  • Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
  • Rain Gear - pants, jacket, boots
  • Appropriate footwear/waterproof hiking boots, pack, etc.
  • Headlamp
  • Personal items
  • Medication
  • Gloves/mittens
  • Hats/toques
  • Thermos for hot drinks
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen, bug spray

Itineraries are tentative and are likely to change. We will adapt to weather and conditions and be assessing where to go each day 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. We try to be as flexible as possible to take advantage of the best conditions or choose the best subjects for the conditions nature gives us. 

Haida Gwaii offers so many opportunities for different subjects, genres, conditions, everything really! We have the potential to go out for night photography, photograph sunrises/sunsets, moody and atmospheric scenes, forest scenes, abstracts and details – it truly is a nature photographers paradise.

From our base in our boutique hotel we have many locations close by. The furthest location will approximately a 1.75 hour drive from the accommodations.

This is not a very active workshop, but participants should be able to walk up to 2km on relatively flat ground, beach, and maintained trails. There is one hike that is 12km round-trip. mostly flat ground, some elevation at the start up to 45m. Participants may opt out of this one, understanding that they may be spending time without an instructor. There are photography options that are a walkable distance from the hotel.

A boat tour is included in this workshop. Expect to be out on this trip for 8-9 hours. The trip will include a stop at one of the southern islands. During our time on the water we will be looking for wildlife opportunities including whales, sea lions, and eagles.

Haida Gwaii is a remote and remarkable Island that offers unique experiences. The communities are small and close knit, and the people are friendly and welcoming. While the island’s isolation is part of its charm, it also brings certain challenges – goods must be imported, healthcare is basic, and access to some services may be limited.

As visitors, it’s important to remember that we are guests on this land. Respect for both the land and its people is essential.

Before registering for the workshop, here are a few important things to know:

  • All participants will be required to sign the Haida Pledge.
  • Restaurants are limited, but the food is delicious. The pubs and food trucks we visit will have tasty fares, too. Dietary restrictions most likely cannot be accommodated. Please contact us if you have any questions about this.
  • Grocery stores are available every day, but close early.
  • Island life has island time. Some business and restaurants may simply choose to be closed on a certain day, even though their business hours indicate they will be open.
  • We may need to rely on groceries for most lunches, and sometimes for breakfast and dinner.
  • Your accommodations will have kitchenettes with a mini fridge, microwave, kettle, dishes, cutlery, and a sink.
  • Space is limited in vehicles, please plan to only bring your one camera bag, extra layers, and a small snack/lunch bag on excursions.
  • There is a boat tour included and it is a full day.
  • There is one 12km hike included, but participants can opt out – there are many photography opportunities near our hotel.
  • Due to limited rooms and configuration for double and single occupancy, if you register without a roommate and we are unable to pair you with another participant of the same gender, a single supplement fee will apply. This additional fee covers the cost of the room that would otherwise be shared. We will make every effort to match solo participants with roommates, but cannot guarantee a match. We can also try to offer the single supplement spot to another participant. If no suitable roommate is available by 90 days prior to the workshop, the single supplement charge of 665 CAD + GST & Fees will be added to your final invoice.
  • If you book with a roommate and they are no longer able to attend, we will do our best to find another participant of the same gender to share the room with you. Please understand that you should not expect to have the room to yourself unless we are unable to fill the spot. The single supplement fee will apply.

“I spent quite a bit of time deciding on a workshop to do this year, and when I found out that Viktoria and Monika were running a workshop in Haida Gwaii, I was in! Haida Gwaii is an absolutely gorgeous location, and is not crawling with endless tourists. Most days in the field we either saw nobody or just a few individuals. Viktoria and Monika were able to provide an action packed schedule while adjusting to unpredictable weather conditions. They each bring your own identity and style to the instruction they provide, which makes things much better than having just one leader. Both are very clear in describing why they do things the way they do. They also managed to fit in time to learn about Haida history and culture, which greatly enriched the experience. I never thought I would want to do the same workshop twice, but this one has me thinking.” – Gord T | Escape to Nature Haida Gwaii

“Haida Gwaii has been on my list for years so when I saw “Escape To Nature Haida Gwaii” with Monika and Viktoria, I was pretty excited! I booked right away as I know these workshops can fill up quickly. 

From the moment we landed until the time we departed everyone and everything was amazing. The accommodation was great (the attached bistro was wonderful with tasty treats and bigger items on the menu). Plus there were some pretty good local restaurants and pubs.
Everything was well organized with maximum time spent out shooting. The scenery is spectacular and wildlife is abundant. Whales, sea lions, eagles and more.
I highly recommend this workshop!” – Isobel S. | Escape to Nature Haida Gwaii

“I recently attended a photography workshop in Haida Gwaii led by Monika Deviat and Viktoria Haack and it was an incredible experience. The stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife provided the perfect backdrop for learning. Monika and Viktoria are not only talented photographers but also passionate educators who fostered a supportive environment, helping me enhance my skills.

The cultural immersion with local Haida artists and elders added depth to the experience, allowing me to connect with the essence of Haida Gwaii.

Overall, this workshop was transformative, blending technical skill-building with a deep appreciation for nature and culture. I left with beautiful photographs, lasting memories, and friendships. I highly recommend this workshop to any photography enthusiast!” – Don S | Escape to Nature Haida Gwaii

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. 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 British Columbia 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.

Workshop price only covers the services specifically listed. All other costs and expenses are the participants responsibility. Additional expenses caused by delays, accidents, or disruptions are the responsibility of the participant.

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 to your physical abilities and interests. You must disclose every matter concerning your physical health, mental health, and physical fitness of which you are aware and could be relevant to your ability to participate in the workshop.

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.