Elemental

Here is what we’ll be exploring, as we go beyond gear and technique to tackle the elements that really catapult us forward and help us grow on our artistic journey:

What You’ll Learn

All compelling images follow a consistent flow of steps: conception of an idea, creative and technical setup of the idea, execution, culling to the strongest images, editing to tell the story, managing finished files, and the final step: printing. Every day at our Elemental workshop we will break down each of these steps so that they become ingrained in your workflow. Less time wasted, more time creating. Less time agonizing over details, more time creating a body of work you’re proud of. We will cover all aspects of the creative process and technical know-how with the end goal that you will go home a stronger, more confident photographer. 

What you learn through this process will be invaluable in your approach to your own craft and body of work moving forward.

What We’ll Cover

• how to assess the potential of a scene

• composition

• choosing the appropriate tools and settings to best tell your story

• developing the ability to self-critique

• how to know when to stop, whether you’re working a scene in the field or editing an image

• culling, or letting go of what could have been

• editing for impact

• printing your masterpiece

Where We’ll Go

Being based at Emerald Lake, we’re really in the heart of some of the Rockies’ (and the world!) most stunning scenery, with good access to the world-famous Icefields Parkway and some of the most iconic spots in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay. We’ll also go beyond the icons and share some more secluded favorite spots of ours. And when we’re not accessing locations by vehicle, we’re treated to natural subjects right at Emerald Lake with its surrounding peaks, trickling creeks, seasonal transition and all manner of light and conditions.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography, and any type of gear, including phones.

 About Emerald Lake Lodge

One of the Rockies’ most beloved venues, Emerald Lake Lodge and its entourage of cabins is located on an island at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, near the border of British Columbia and Alberta. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, Emerald Lake Lodge includes an elegant dining room, quiet reading and sitting rooms, conference facilities, an outdoor hot tub and a games room. From upper and lower verandas, and the greater property, the vistas of surrounding mountainscapes are breathtaking. Our team has personally vetted it and list it amongst our favourite places in not only the Canadian Rockies, but all of Canada.

There is Wi-Fi in the main lodge but otherwise the property is without signal or screen, giving you a rare chance to disconnect from the world and focus on the learnings of the workshop.

Getting There + Transportation

Emerald Lake Lodge is in British Columbia but general access is easiest from Alberta, unless you are driving from the west. The lodge is located 2.5 hours west of Calgary, just 20-30 minutes from Lake Louise. Anyone flying in for this workshop will want to arrive at Calgary International Airport. From there, car rentals are available, as well as shuttle services that will get you as close as Banff. We encourage carpooling amongst our participants and will provide a forum for you to make arrangements prior to arrival. If you have any concerns, we are happy to assist you in making your plans.

Once you arrive at the lodge, you will park in a parking lot just minutes from the lodge itself and take an official shuttle across the bridge to the island where the lodge is located. For more information on getting to Emerald Lake Lodge, visit the lodge’s website.