Algonquin Park Wildlife & Landscape
Photography Workshop

⬇️ May and June Dates Now Open ⬇️

Connecting With Nature, and Each Other, Through Photography

Are you looking for a creative and inspiring learning experience in nature? Our Algonquin Park photography tours are crafted just for you, blending the beauty of the wild with personalized, hands-on learning. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or looking to deepen your expertise, our workshops welcome photographers performing at every level. It's about embracing your creative journey—learning new camera techniques, exploring composition, and experimenting with photo editing, all in a supportive environment. No egos, just inspiration and growth.

Let’s connect and create together in nature!

Discover
Algonquin Park:
12-Hour
Photography
Workshop

Join us in Algonquin Park for a 12-hour photography workshop that promises an intimate and immersive learning experience. This workshop is dedicated to teaching the ethics of wildlife photography and the techniques for capturing breathtaking landscapes. With all park fees and transportation within the park included, you're all set for a day dedicated to enhancing your skills in nature.

Duration: 12 Hours

Cost: $895.00 + HST
(1-4 people)*

*Flexible Booking: Join solo, or bring up to three photographer friends, the price remains the same. Ideal for sharing both the cost and the wonders of nature through photography.

Deposit: Secure your date with a $100 deposit. The balance of funds is due the week of your workshop.

Benefits: Includes Algonquin Park admission fees and transportation within the park boundaries.

*Most Popular*
Day and a Half Photography Workshop in Algonquin Park & Private Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Combine the magic of Algonquin Park and Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This extended workshop covers a full day in Algonquin as described in the 12-hour photography workshop, followed by a private 4-hour tour of the sanctuary the following morning. This provides a special opportunity to merge your passion for photography with supporting wildlife in need.
$465 of your workshop fee is directly donated to the sanctuary.

Duration: Day and a Half

Cost: $1,495.00 + HST
(1-4 people)*

*Flexible Booking: Join solo, or bring up to three photographer friends, the price remains the same. Ideal for sharing both the cost and the wonders of nature through photography.

Deposit: Secure your date with a $100 deposit. The balance of funds is due the week of your workshop.

Benefits: Includes Algonquin Park admission fees, transportation within the park boundaries, and a significant contribution to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Two-Day Photography Workshop: Algonquin Park with Private Aspen Valley Tour & 3-Hour Lightroom Editing Session

Embrace the full wildlife and landscape photography experience, encompassing all the features of Package Two, along with a 3-Hour, hands-on Lightroom Editing Session. This addition is ideal for enhancing the photos we captured together. During this intimate session, you'll receive tailored feedback and learn our top editing strategies, providing a full-circle view from shooting to post-processing.

Duration: 2 Days

Cost: $1,795.00 +HST
(1-4 people)*

*Flexible Booking: Join solo, or bring up to three photographer friends, the price remains the same. Ideal for sharing both the cost and the wonders of nature through photography.

Deposit: Secure your date with a $100 deposit. The balance of funds is due the week of your workshop.

Benefits: All perks of the Day and a Half Photography Workshop, plus a 3 hour, in-depth Lightroom Photo Editing Session.

Rough Itinerary

Morning:
Algonquin Park Game Drive

Our journey kicks off an hour before sunrise, with a pick-up from your hotel in Huntsville, or a nearby location. With a fresh coffee in hand, we'll begin with a scenic drive through Algonquin Park. We’ll keep our eyes open for wildlife in the early morning, which often presents the best chances for sightings. As dawn breaks, we'll be ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes, discussing camera settings and composition to enhance your photography skills. Mid-morning, we'll head to the small town of Whitney for a leisurely breakfast, a perfect time to relax and chat about our morning adventures.

Afternoon:
Immersive Nature Walks

After a morning filled with exploration, we'll venture off the beaten path with a few short hikes tailored to your group’s mobility and interests. Our destinations can include our favourite scenic lookout locations, including picturesque waterfalls and rapids, ideal for experimenting with long exposures to achieve a whimsical look. Wildlife remains a top priority throughout our journey. We're always on alert for spontaneous wildlife sightings and will make stops to observe and photograph these moments as they occur, blending the unpredictability of nature with our planned itinerary. We'll also make sure to reveal our top spots for wildlife viewing, guaranteed to inspire you to return!

Evening:
Dinner and Sunset Chase

As the day unfolds, we'll stop for dinner in the late afternoon. This break is more than just a meal, it's a time to share stories from the day and recap what you’ve learned so far. After dinner, we'll aim to catch the sunset and more wildlife sightings, hoping to add a beautiful close to our exploration. Then, we'll begin the final leg of our return journey to your destination. We'll drop you off at your preferred location, wrapping up a day filled with nature, photography, and inspiration!

Day Two:
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

If you're up for more photography adventures, we'll dive into an in-depth wildlife photography session with a private tour of Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Our day starts early with a 7:15 AM pick-up in Huntsville, followed by a quick grab-and-go breakfast. At the sanctuary, we’ll obtain more intimate access to photograph its permanent residents — foxes, wolves, lynx, moose, and black bears. Unlike their shorter, general tours for larger groups, we ensure opportunities for clear shots that minimize fence interference. This 4-hour private tour not only enhances your portfolio but also contributes to wildlife care, with $465 of your fee donated directly to the sanctuary.

3-Hour Photo Editing Experience

For those aiming to enhance their photo editing skills, the afternoon of our Two Day workshop includes an extra 3-hour Lightroom editing session. Tailored for photographers new to photo editing or those familiar with software like Lightroom and Photoshop, this session aims to enhance your post-processing skills. It's a great opportunity to unlock creative potential with individual photo editing guidance. All are welcome!

This is your opportunity to deepen your connection with nature, improve your photography/photo editing skills, and make a positive impact on wildlife conservation. Join us now and let's create together!

Trip Inclusions

  • Keep Wildlife Wild

    We’ll discuss the importance of being an ethical wildlife photographer. We don’t condone baiting, or in any way changing the natural behaviour of Algonquin’s inhabitants. Although we can never guarantee wildlife sightings in the Great Outdoors (because Algonquin is not a zoo), we do have a great track record. As we’re local residents, we’ll use our intimate knowledge of the area to offer our guests a memorable experience.

  • Camera Mechanics

    Learn about camera settings and functions, including, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and how they all contribute to your desired result. You'll have plenty of hands-on experience and individual guidance in the field. We understand how intimidating it can be to switch off ‘auto’ mode when starting to explore the full capabilities of your camera. We enjoy inspiring photographers to overcome any obstacles holding them back.

  • Animal Tracking

    You’ll learn to interpret common signs of animal activity to increase photographic opportunities in the field.

  • Storytelling & Creative Framing

    We’ll expand on the rules of composition to craft compelling images that tell a story. Some rules are meant to be broken!

  • Long Exposures

    As we take you on a journey through Algonquin, we’ll also visit waterfalls and rapids to practice blurring motion with long exposures. Here you’ll experiment with filters and abstract compositions. Don’t forget your tripod! We believe having a solid understanding of landscape photography is key to creating captivating wildlife images, allowing you to go beyond mere documentation and craft storytelling images.

  • Individual Photography Coaching

    At the heart of this experience is your growth and confidence in photography. As we venture through Algonquin Park together, you're supported every step of the way. With our extensive background in leading photography workshops, rest assured, you're in capable hands. Whether you're diving into the basics or refining your skills, our guidance is tailored to support your growth. No matter your experience level, you're invited to join us—this adventure is all about you!

  • Visit Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

    Our day and a half2-Day Photography Workshops present a unique highlight: a visit to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This visit allows you to photograph Aspen's permanent residents, including wolves, lynx, bobcats, foxes, black bears, and even a moose, offering a perfect chance to apply your new skills for a good cause. Additionally, $465 from your workshop fee directly supports the sanctuary.

  • 3-Hour Creative Lightroom Photo Editing

    In wildlife and landscape photography, challenges like varying weather and low light conditions can affect image quality. Yet, with the right photo editing techniques, you can bring out incredible detail in your shots. Our 3 hour photo editing session covers essential skills such as reducing digital noise from high ISO settings and adding more life into your photos. The key takeaway? You'll develop a stronger understanding of your unique style, enabling you to achieve a consistent aesthetic across your image collection. This editing workshop is an exclusive feature of our Two Day package.

Frequently Asked Questions


Is seeing wildlife guaranteed during the workshop?
We share your excitement about encountering wildlife in its natural habitat! Nature is unpredictable, so we can't promise you'll see moose, bears, or wolves, but we do plan our trips to give you the best chance of encountering wildlife. Thanks to our frequent visits to Algonquin Park, we’re often successful. Discovering wildlife as it happens is what makes Algonquin special. We're here to guide you, inspire you, and share our intimate knowledge of the area for the most optimal chances of wildlife viewing. And, for those who stay with us for a second day, we do offer guaranteed wildlife photography sessions at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel?
We understand life's curveballs can affect your plans. While our workshop fees are non-refundable, we believe in flexibility. Should extreme weather, or unforeseen circumstances arise, we're more than willing to work with you to reschedule your experience.

What about meals, accommodations, and travel?
As you’ll see in our itinerary above, we’ll stop for a few meals throughout the day and we’ll take care of all the guiding within Algonquin Park. Participants are responsible for purchasing their meals, accommodations, and travel expenses, which are not included in the workshop fee.

Is the workshop price per person?
Whether you're booking a solo learning experience, or wish to attend with up to three of your photographer friends who share your enthusiasm, the cost remains the same. This offers a great opportunity to explore, learn, and grow together in a setting that celebrates collective learning and the joy of connecting with good friends. Split the cost and fully immerse yourselves in sharing your passion in photography and friendship.

Are park fees covered?
Absolutely! Your Algonquin Provincial Park Pass is included in your workshop fee.

What if the weather is bad?
Remember, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!" As we pray for perfect conditions, Mother Nature sometimes has her own plans. We adapt our schedule based on the weather, making the most of every moment. Some of our best wildlife sightings have happened in less-than-ideal weather. There's always beauty to be found in all conditions, if you're prepared to look!

I'm nervous about attending a workshop because I don’t know a lot about photography.
We understand exactly how you feel! Inspiring others to enhance their skills in a supportive, ego-free setting is something we're passionate about. Our tours offer personal, one-on-one, hands-on coaching, aiming to deepen your connection with nature and inspire further passion for your photography journey. If you feel more comfortable, you may invite up to three friends to join you, all at no additional cost.

What are the physical requirements?
Our workshops are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Expect some short walks on uneven terrain and a few hikes to breathtaking lookout points. We advise knowing your limits and pacing yourself to fully enjoy the experience. Not to worry as we won’t be hiking for many hours at a time! We'll customize each itinerary based on your and your guests' abilities and interests.

Do you offer canoeing or kayaking activities during your photography workshops?
While we're passionate about immersing our participants in the natural beauty of our surroundings, our workshops are primarily focused on land. This means we do not offer canoeing or kayaking as part of our activities. If you’d like a tailored trip, and you do have experience canoeing and are confident in your abilities, please reach out to us and we’ll discuss further.

Are your photography workshops inclusive of 2SLGBTQI+ and neurodivergent individuals?
Absolutely! We proudly create a welcoming and safe space for everyone who shares a passion for photography. Embracing diversity and offering an inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQI+ and neurodivergent individuals is at the heart of what we do. Our aim is to ensure that everyone can explore their love for nature and photography in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

What should I bring to the workshop?
Gear up according to your preferences. Regardless of their equipment, every participant finds value and learning opportunities, from camera phone users to full DSLRs and mirrorless shooters. Here’s a general list of recommended gear: DSLR or mirrorless camera body, wider angle lenses for landscapes, telephoto lenses for wildlife, sturdy tripod, ND filters and polarizers, extra batteries, memory cards, seasonal clothing, headlamp, rain protection, bug jacket, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, proper footwear for the season, crampons in icy conditions. Please note, not all the items are required. We’ll discuss specific recommendations before your workshop date.

"I just spent an amazing day in Algonquin Park with Jesse and Susan, coaching me on how to take my photography from “spray and pray” to something more methodical, deliberate and successful! I’ve been admiring Jesse and Susan’s beautiful photography, shared on social media and on their website, and am often speechless at their ability to capture the essence of a moment. Jesse, not only are you a fantastic photographer, you’re a natural teacher! You helped build my confidence with my camera, and taught me how to create an image through composition. But possibly the best part was hearing you speak about the residents of the Park, from red squirrels to foxes, bears and moose. Thanks for an amazing day! Looking forward to next time!”

Beatrix G, Photographer

"I had the most wonderful weekend with Jesse, Susan and my new photo friends. We all hit it off immediately. It seemed like we’d all spent time together previously, but that was not the case! Jesse and Susan make an excellent team and are a perfect combination for running this type of event. They have well-rounded skills in all aspects of the working agenda and are excellent communicators. The location, Algonquin Park, is a storybook with the most amazing scenery, wildlife and photo opportunities. Their cottage was perfect for our group size and they went out of their way to accommodate and provide excellent service. 5 Star all around!”

Brian D, Photographer