Typically, workshops begin early afternoon on the start date and end after sunset on the evening before the check-out date. The last night's lodging is included in the booking reservation. 

Workshop start and end dates are noted in each workshop's registration.

In-field photography will always be the priority, but don't worry; we host post-workshop post-processing sessions via an online classroom.

We will photograph the best locations in and around Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park and possibly Abraham Lake for all Canadian Rocky Mountain workshops. 

No itinerary will be set during the workshops, as we'll take advantage of the best light and meet the group's needs.

Locations may include but are not limited to Vermilion Lakes, Banff, Two Jack Lake, Banff, Lake Minnewanka, Banff, Castle Mountain, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Moraine Lake (access closed from the months of October through May), Banff National Park, Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Tangle Ridge, Jasper National Park, and David Thompson Country. 

*Locations are subject to change, and no location is guaranteed due to time of year, access, weather, and other conditions.*

 During all small group on-location workshops, expect to discover:

• The basics of landscape photography: Choosing and making the most of your landscape photography equipment. Identifying your subject and supporting subjects, composition, assessing and using available light, creative landscape photography choices, vision, and more. This will be discussed in the field. 
• Specific landscape photography techniques: Choosing manual settings when and why, white balance, focus during all types of light, including at night, creative settings for slow shutter speeds, Gina's two-step exposure method, focus bracketing, time blending, perspective blending and focal length blending. This will be discussed in the field.  
• Post-Processing: On-location photography will be prioritized. Formal post-processing discussion will likely not occur during the in-person workshop; however, follow-up post-processing videos and opportunities for question and answer and demonstration in an interactive online classroom setting will be offered following a workshop. (A value of over $1000). 

The photography gear and equipment you already own are likely perfect for all landscape photography workshops.

However, the following photography gear is recommended:

• DSLR (crop or full frame) or mirrorless camera
• A wide-angle lens or lenses (somewhere between 11-35mm) 
• A mid-range lens (somewhere between 24-70mm, if you have one) 
• A telephoto (somewhere between 70-600mm, if you have one)
• Sturdy Tripod (tripod spikes are useful in loose rock, gravel and in icy and snow conditions)

Optional but recommended additional landscape photography gear and equipment:

• Landscape photography filters (polarizer, neutral density)
• Remote timer 
• Photographer’s backpack

*Note: Your complimentary welcome package will provide further gear and tour preparation recommendations.

The following is included for participants during the small group photography workshops:

• A complimentary pre-workshop group online assessment of your goals while participating in a workshop. (A value of over $150). 
• A complimentary digital information package that will guide you through your workshop preparation so that you can get the most out of your experience. (Valued at $50).  
  
• Accommodations during the workshop. (A value between $2000-$3000). Note: Additional nights may be available upon request before and after the retreat for an additional cost. Please inform Gina immediately upon registration should you need extra nights. Hotel rooms fill quickly in Banff National Park, especially during the high season.  
• All on-location photography instruction throughout the workshop. (A value of over $5000).  
  
• Transportation during the workshop. (A value of over $3000).
• All business and instructing permits required to operate within Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks. (A value of over $75 per person).  
  
• Online post-processing group session(s) following the workshop dedicated to processing specific images from the workshop and finalizing images created in the field. (A value of over $600).
• Additional post-processing videos, overlays and brushes, yours to download and keep, that will teach you exactly how to create the images of your dreams! (A value of over $400). 
• Discounts to f-stop (15%) and Kase Filters (15%). 

Packages are valued at over $11,500! 

The following is not included for participants:

• Airfare 
  
• Transportation to and from Banff National Park. Gina suggests the Banff Airporter as your recommended travel option to and from the Calgary International Airport to Banff. Into Lake Louise or Jasper, Gina recommends Brewster Express.
  
• Meals, snacks and beverages.
  
• Personal expenses before and during the retreat.
  
• Travel, gear and personal insurance (highly recommended).

Lodging is always carefully considered. Proximity to locations, comfort and lodging rates are factored into lodging reservations.

Single occupancy and double occupancy options will be available for most workshops. However, double occupancy is only available if another participant has requested this option, so if this is your preference, register with a friend to ensure your choice. 

Careful hotel selection has been made for all small group workshops. Many different factors were considered before hotel selection, including overall workshop tuition, lodging cost assessment and comfort offerings, proximity to amenities, parking, accessibility and workshop group dynamics and function. Tuition cannot be refunded if you choose to stay elsewhere.

It's important you receive individual attention and instruction during small group workshops.

Ratios are one instructor to a maximum of four photographers.  

The recommended age for photographers is 18 or over. A legal guardian must accompany any minor between the ages of 16-18. Participants under 16 should not register due to the activity-heavy schedule of workshops. 

Yes!

However, please note that the schedule for all small group workshops is action-packed. There is no specific downtime for outings with your spouse or partner.

Transportation cannot be guaranteed if your non-photographer spouse or partner wants to join the group during photography adventures.

Should there be room in vehicles your non-photographer spouse or partner may ride with the group. However, it may be necessary for you to provide your own transportation and the costs of driving your vehicle if your non-photographer spouse or partner would like to attend. 

Investments made towards small group photography workshops are non-refundable.

However, initial deposits or full investments can be transferred to a future small group workshop or private tour minus any expenses incurred due to the cancellation.

Cancellations made within 14 days of the small group workshop are not transferrable and are not refundable. 

The Canadian Rockies boast some of the world's most beautiful scenery, but we must be prepared for the elements and natural conditions.

Some locations are a short and simple walk from the vehicle; however, others will require walking (less than 1 km). There is no hiking during any workshop.

Please consider that sometimes walking can be on moderately steep, uneven, wet and possibly snow and ice-covered terrain. Some of the terrains have grade changes from flat to descending or inclining. 

Gina suggests that you are of average to good physical health and can carry your photography gear through these types of terrains.

Your safety is paramount, and your well-being will always be considered.  

Rest assured! Gina is a practicing professional landscape photographer and has been seriously pursuing the craft and art of photography for over seventeen years.

Gina is an internationally published and recognized photographer who has worked with companies like Nikon USA, Luminar Neo, The Camera Store, and other professional companies. 

Gina has taught photographers internationally, both online and in person. 

Gina is local to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and spends extensive hours immersed in exploring and researching the best locations for photography.

Gina also has experience and personal knowledge about weather patterns in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Gina is trained and certified in Standard First Aid by the Canadian Red Cross and has an approved safety and emergency business plan. All necessary licenses and permits required to operate a business in Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, and additional parks have been approved and obtained.  

Gina is always happy to answer your question. Please send her an email at [email protected]. 

Absolutely! Gina offers several online landscape photography workshops. CLICK HERE to discover these opportunities.