WATERTON LAKES SPRING FLOWERS, MACRO AND LANDSCAPES
June 11-14, 2017
Max 8 Photographers
OVERVIEW:
Did you know that Waterton Lakes National Park is known as the wildflower capital of Canada? In the south-west pocket of Alberta lies this little gem which is also home to more than half of the province's plant species. Features of the environment include foothills, waterfalls, canyons, mountains and breathtaking vistas of Vimy Peak across Waterton Lake. Spring is the perfect time to be here to photograph this living landscape in full bloom.
PRICE INCLUDES:
3 nights accommodation including breakfast
3 dinners
An evening of local storytelling and entertainment
Professional one-to-one photography instruction by Barry J Brady
Comprehensive course notes
Pre-trip planning and communication
Entrance into Waterton Lakes National Park (free in 2017)
PRICE EXCLUDES:
Flights and car rental
Gas, insurance, extra mileage on car rental
Meals (not mentioned)
Travel and equipment insurance
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
How to compose and photograph small subjects like wildflowers
Using a reflector to enhance your images
Using manual focus to get the best possible results
Techniques for dramatic landscape images of mountains and lakes
Panoramic stitching techniques
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We’ll be walking on easy trails within the park. Be prepared to kneel down to get close-up shots of the wildflowers. You might want to bring a knee pad or small blanket. This corner of the province can experience high winds. There are majestic views across the lakes and the drive to the locations within the park is spectacular. Waterton village is conveniently situated within the park and we’ll enjoy our lunches here. We’ll also photograph at various locations outside of the park. Our accommodation is a 15 minute drive to Waterton Lakes Provincial Park.
Note: You will need to arrange your own transportation. You’re welcome to self-drive in your own vehicle if the location is convenient, or you can fly to Calgary and rent a vehicle. Waterton is about a 2hr 45min drive from Calgary. We encourage carpooling with other photographers on the trip to share the cost of vehicle rental, gas etc.
SKILL LEVEL:
It would be great if you know how to use your camera on manual mode using settings like ISO, aperture, shutter speed and the light meter in your camera. But if not, don't worry, the whole point of the trip is to get to know your camera and improve your photography knowledge and skills. If you want to chat about this give me a call or send me an email.
FITNESS LEVEL:
While we are in the park we will be walking on designated trails. These are easy walks, but be prepared to carry your camera bag on your back with your tripod. We will be stopping regularly to capture the beautiful spring flowers and majestic views. Please bring comfortable walking shoes. We will drive to other locations in the park. We will also drive to various locations outside of the park, but only short walks will be required.
DON'T FORGET:
Camera - DSLR or mirrorless
A selection of lenses - wide angle lenses to medium range zoom lenses, a macro lens will be good if you have you have one
Tripod - sturdy and weather resistant
Cable Release - not essential - optional
ND and ND graduated filters - not essential - optional
Spare batteries or battery packs
Laptop with Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop for image editing
From $1500 CAD
per person sharing
single supplement add $240 CAD Deposit workshop: $620 CAD
4
days
TRIP PLAN:
June 11: We will meet at our accommodation (15 minute drive from Waterton). After settling in, we’ll gather in the lounge for a meet and greet, do an equipment check and go over the agenda for the trip. Thereafter we’ll enjoy our first dinner of the trip at our accommodation.
June 12 & 13: Over the next two days we’ll be spending time in Waterton Lakes National Park; photographing the spring wildflowers; capturing the vistas; waterfalls and canyons. A visit to this area wouldn’t be complete without photographing the view from the world famous Prince of Wales Hotel. Lunch will be in the village and dinners back at our lodge. There will also be various photoshoots taking place outside of the park.
Sunset shoots are weather dependant. If we have clear skies we’ll aim for star photography and painting with light.
June 14: After breakfast, we’ll have an opportunity to meet together to share our experiences, go over the highlights of the trip and then it will be time to pack and say our farewells.
Disclaimer: As most of our photo trips take place outdoors in nature, we are at the behest of the elements. While we can’t guarantee you the ideal weather conditions for our trips, we will certainly make every effort to provide you with a memorable and worthwhile experience. Regardless of the weather, you will be immersed in photography, learning to make beautiful images and using your camera gear in all situations. And the bonus is you get to travel to new places, meet other photographers and improve your photography skills.