StoryScapes
A Landscape Photography Masterclass
Hosted at Emerald Lake Lodge
Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
October 26-30, 2026
Join us for this 5-day, all-inclusive experience at one of the Canadian Rockies’ most sought-after destinations, Emerald Lake Lodge. Located in the heart of Yoho National Park, this is the perfect place to explore the craft of landscape photography.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
~ 12 spots only ~
Starting at $5,800 CAD + GST | ~ $4,200 USD
installment plan available; see below
Spouses/Partners Welcome!
Spousal Rate (non-participant): $1,500 + GST
Please email us at workshops@zizka.ca to add a spouse to your registration.
Stretch your creativity in an awe-inspiring setting with award-winning landscape photographer, Paul Zizka.
StoryScapes: A Landscape Photography Masterclass brings us back to the building blocks of what makes for original and compelling landscape photography. Paul knows this landscape well—he’s spent countless days photographing its emerald waters and surrounding peaks. Nestled in Yoho National Park, the lodge offers one of the most enchanting and accessible bases in the Canadian Rockies. It’s the perfect setting for a retreat-style workshop—quiet, inspiring, and surrounded by endless photographic opportunities.
Guided by mentors Paul Zizka and fine art photographer Lee Nordbye, with the support of fellow creatives, you’ll delve into what it means to approach iconic landscapes with purpose—and how to infuse your work and compositions with both meaning and a powerful visual narrative. With each passing day, we’ll build upon concepts and provide time for critiques, post-processing and helpful discussions that will bring your work to the next level.
StoryScapes will be an opportunity to challenge yourself. But what would a retreat be without time to unwind, reflect and curl up by the fire? With the restorative environment of the lodge entirely to ourselves, we’ll have the space to refuel in whatever way suits us best.
Unwind in Nature.
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 printing. Every day at our StoryScapes 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 landscape photographer.
What you learn through this process will be invaluable to your craft and body of work moving forward.
What We’ll Cover
how to assess the potential of a scene
your creative vision and 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 favourite 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.
Retreat Includes
daily instruction, mentoring and 1:1 guidance from Paul Zizka with the assistance of Lee Nordbye
4 nights, all-inclusive stay at Emerald Lake Lodge (three wonderful private rooming options available; first come, first served)
~ Lodge Queen
~ Signature King
~ Lodge Plus King
~ Lake View King
~ Lodge Kingmeals include:
~ hearty and delicious breakfasts
~ lunch/packed lunches
~ a daily dinner menu of famed Rocky Mountain Cuisine created by the talented Chef Valerie Morrison and team
image printing and a folio to take your work home safely with you
You’ll Take Care Of
transportation to and during the retreat (please see Transportation Notes below).
personal camera equipment
National Park Pass
alcoholic drinks
travel insurance
Testimonials
“Attending this workshop was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, everything was first-class—the accommodations were stunning, and the staff provided exceptional service that made us feel truly welcomed and cared for.
The instruction and field sessions were exactly what I needed at this stage in my photography journey. Whether we were out in the field or gathered for discussion, I felt fully supported and encouraged to grow creatively.
Beyond the technical and artistic value of the workshop, what made it truly special was the atmosphere. Paul and his assistants are not only incredible photographers but also genuinely kind, down-to-earth people who are a lot of fun to be around. Their energy set the tone for a warm, collaborative environment that fostered connection and creativity.
This workshop exceeded my expectations in every way, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in my work.”
- K. Rombough
“Paul is exceptional and his guidance during the workshop invaluable. His ability to encourage workshop attendees to stretch a bit and develop new or polish existing skills is done is a very non-threatening way.
It's not easy to take a group of workshop attendees of varying skill levels and personalities, and mold them into a cohesive group that prior to the workshop never knew each other. The workshop was well planned, organized and executed.”
- S. Gilmore
“This creative retreat was the perfect opportunity to be totally disconnected and immersed in creativity in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The classroom sessions were inspiring and informative and the time in the field was the right mix of assigned challenges and personal shooting time. The newly renovated lodge is beautiful, the food is amazing and you would be hard-pressed to find staff who are more customer-focused and friendly.
If you are looking for a workshop or retreat that lets you focus totally on photography without distractions, this is the one!”
- P. Jenks
“This photography workshop had everything I expected and more. From the warm welcome and sense of place that Paul and his assistants established from the moment of meeting them to the final goodbye. They both provided a comfortable and no pressure atmosphere in which to learn.
Paul and his team had a well developed and clear agenda for each day. There was no guessing what we were going to do. While it was a structured environment, which I like, there was plenty of time to fully explore each outing as well as participate in the various presentations provided by Paul and Stacia. I also loved the outings to nearby places of beauty to break up the day and add a little adventure.
Add to this the venue, the Lodge at Bow Lake. The lodge was recently renovated, the rooms were perfect and comfortable. The setting was incredible. The food was simply over the top. And the entire staff? I haven't been to any venue like this where they were better. (I have 3+ million miles on airplanes, and have traveled all over the world.)
I would highly recommend future workshops like this to any photographers of any skill level.”
- M. Riffle
Our Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change.
Check-in Monday, October 26, 2026 @3pm
Check-out Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 10am
Sample Daily Itinerary
7:30 to 9 AM - Waking with Mother Nature and getting the creative juices flowing (optional)
9 AM- Breakfast
10 AM to 5:30 PM - Mix of field time, lectures, 1:1 time, field assignments, and critiques - and some time for relaxation of course!
6 to 7:30 PM - Group dinner
7:30 to 8:30PM - Culling and editing session
8:30 PM + - Potential informal get-together or night photography session
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.
Our Team
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Paul Zizka
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Paul Zizka is a Canon Pro mountain landscape and adventure photographer and a sought-after photo educator based in Banff, Canada. Whether it’s wading waist-deep into a glacier-fed lake or chasing auroras from dusk til dawn, Paul is known for an adventurous spirit that draws him to the extraordinary. In addition to eight published books, Paul’s award-winning photos have also been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic Adventure, Maclean’s, Outside Magazine, Washington Post, and Canadian Geographic. His client list includes the NHL, Apple, Westjet, Panasonic and Panasonic. [Photo: Stasia Schmidt]
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Lee Nordbye
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Lee Nordbye is a fine art landscape photographer, speaker, and teacher based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. An award-winning and published photographer, Lee is known for a bold photographic style that highlights the intimate details and nuances of the natural world. His elegant and soulful approach to photography is matched by a passion to challenge himself, explore wild places, and have fun while doing it. Because who ever said that dad jokes, belly laughs and chocolate don’t belong amongst the finer things in life? [Photo: Amy Liu]
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Meghan J. Ward
MARKETING + LOGISTICS
A writer and creative entrepreneur based in Banff, Meghan takes time on the side to flex her sales and marketing skills for Paul Zizka Photography. She’s the ‘other half’ to Paul in numerous ways: as his wife, fellow adventurer and business partner. At Paul Zizka Photography she manages everything from brand to website, photo licensing, corporate sales and workshop logistics. She is the author of several books including a children’s book, The Wonders That I Find and a travel memoir, Lights to Guide Me Home. [Photo: Paul Zizka]
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Sabina Litherland
ADMIN + CLIENT RELATIONS
Sabina grew up in a household of creatives, raised by a ballet dancer and a pianist. It was inevitable she would pursue a career in the arts. After earning a degree in Drama and Music and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University, she brought her passion to the Rockies, working in festivals and live events. She is thrilled to support the Paul Zizka Photography team in an administrative role. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and reading.
Retreat Dates:
October 26-30, 2026
Investment:
Choose one of the following rooming options (first-come, first-served).
Lodge Queen - $5,800 CAD + GST
Signature King - $5,950 CAD + GST
Lodge Plus King - $5,950 CAD + GST
Lake View King - $6,050 CAD + GST
Lodge King - $6,200 CAD + GST
Deposit upon registration of $1,550 CAD + GST.
Final balance due February 15, 2026.
Spouses/Partners Welcome!
Spousal Rate (non-participant): $1,500 + GST
Please select the spousal option upon registration or email us at workshops@zizka.ca to add a spouse.
Cancellation:
*Deposits and installments are non-refundable, unless you are able to sell your spot. In this case we can provide a refund minus a $250 administration fee.
This retreat requires a minimum of 8 participants to run.
Click button to register or use the form below.
