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PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ADVENTURES

Banff & Yoho National Parks - Canadian Rockies   July 10-16, 2022

Banff & Yoho National Parks - Canadian Rockies
“I had an absolutely marvelous time in Banff. The combination of great tour leaders, wonderful locations, and excellent dining venues made for perfection! Both of you run a superb operation with attention to great detail; endless effort to please your clients; and most importantly, with the goal to provide the best photography possible. Once again, many thanks to both of you for a wonderful experience.” Dr. Cyril Mazansky – Boston, MA. See all testimonials

The glacier-carved peaks of the Canadian Rockies are – without a doubt – the crowning achievement of the 3,000 mile-long Rocky Mountain chain and rank as one of the great mountain kingdoms on earth. For 5 full days, we will explore and photograph the most dramatic portion of these mountains in Banff National Park in the province of Alberta and Yoho National Park in British Columbia. These two mountain parks encompass a vast region of serrated ice-clad peaks containing thousands of square miles of tumbling glaciers, thundering waterfalls, wildflower-covered meadows, turquoise lakes, and deep forests along the crest of the Continental Divide. From glacier-draped summits along the Icefields Parkway to calm early-morning reflections in the waters of Lake Louise, we’ll explore the most inspiring locations these two great mountain parks have to offer. From sunrise to sunset, with our small group of 8 participants, we’ll maximize our time out in the field for 5 days as we seek out dramatic lighting and compositions throughout this remarkable region.  READ MORE

WORKSHOP FEES
$4,675.00 – Single Occupancy (This is our default lodging option for individual guests.)
$3,975.00 – Double Occupancy (One queen bed per room.)
Includes 6 nights accommodations in Lake Louise’s Paradise Lodge plus 5 full days of photography instruction in the field.

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WORKSHOP DETAILS

Dates: July 10-16, 2022 (5 full days in the field)

Based in: Lake Louise Village, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Maximum Number of Participants: 8

Accommodations: Included in the price of this workshop – Each person will have his/her own beautifully-appointed Wilson Cabin at the Paradise Lodge located in the forest above Lake Louise Village in the heart of Banff National Park. Family owned and operated for over 50 years, Trip Advisor rates Paradise Lodge as the #1 specialty accommodation in Lake Louise. With one queen bed per cabin, the double-occupancy discount would only be available for two people sharing one bed.

Meals: The Canadian Rockies is known for its excellent dining venues and we’ll take advantage of many of them. We’ll handle all meal reservations and we’ll dine together as a group. Meal expenses not included in the price.

Ground Transportation: You are responsible for your travel arrangements to Paradise Lodge in Lake Louise Village; a 2.5-hour drive from Calgary International Airport. Once on location, we will share vehicles and carpool to our various photography locations.

Photography Skill Level: Novice to advanced – Jim will work closely with each participant based on his/her individual skill level.

Physical Difficulty – EASY/MODERATE  This is not a shoot-from-the-roadside workshop. While accessing many of our photography vantage points will involve easy walks/hikes of less than 1/4 mile from our vehicles, we will also have one moderate 2-mile hike; one easy 2-mile hike; and 4 easy hikes around 1 mile each. Some of these walks/hikes will be on rocky trails so each participant needs to have some hiking experience. For specific details on each hike, see the workshop itinerary below.

WORKSHOP ITINERARY

This is a field workshop and as you can see from this itinerary, we’ll spend our time out in the field capturing images throughout the entire day for 5 full days. We will likely need to adjust this itinerary to accommodate weather and field conditions.

Sunday July 10, 2022
4:30pm – Opening night reception at the Paradise Bungalows in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.
6:00 – Dinner in Lake Louise.

Monday July 11, 2022
5:15am – Depart our lodge for our sunrise photo location along the shores of Lake Louise. We’ll capture first light as it illuminates the 11,362-foot glacier-draped summit of Mount Victoria as it reflects in the aquamarine waters of this high alpine lake. Accessing this location will involve a very easy walk from our vehicles.
6:30 – Breakfast
8:30 – After breakfast we’ll have a brief discussion about some of the photographic techniques we’ll be using over the next few days before departing for a full day of photography along the shores of two of the most brilliant turquoise-colored lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Accessing both lakes will involve easy hikes with a grand total round-trip distance of two miles and 150 feet of elevation gain.
5:00 – Dinner at a remote lodge in Yoho National Park.
6:30 – Depart for our lodge. Along the way, we’ll stop for one more photo session. An easy stroll from our vehicles.
8:00 – Arrive back at our lodge.

Tuesday July 12, 2022
5:00am – Depart our lodge for our sunrise location above Moraine Lake; perhaps the single most iconic viewpoint in the Canadian Rockies. We’ll be surrounded by countless jagged peaks reflected in the calm waters of this stunning lake. An easy/moderate 1/2 mile walk with 150 feet of elevation gain.
7:30 – Breakfast
9:00 – After breakfast; we’ll spend the remainder of the morning capturing images along the shore of this azure glacier-fed lake with the peaks of the Continental Divide as a backdrop. This will involve an easy walk of 1.5 round-trip miles with no elevation gain.
1:00 – Lunch
4:15 – Depart for our evening photo location. The Bow Glacier carved an enormous valley through the heart of Banff National Park during the last ice age. While the glacier is long gone, the cerulean waters of the Bow River flow through this same valley with an armada of stunning peaks lining both sides of the valley. Our location this evening will take advantage of one of the most beautiful settings in the valley. An easy hike of less than 1 mile round-trip with no elevation gain.
7:30 – Dinner at another cozy lodge at a remote location in Banff NP.
9:00 – Arrive back at our lodge.

Wednesday July 13, 2022
6:30am – Breakfast
7:15 – Depart for an entire day exploring and photographing the aquamarine lakes and glacier-clad peaks which line both sides of the Icefields Parkway. Renowned as one of the most spectacular auto routes in the world, this road traverses the single most dramatic section of alpine scenery in the Canadian Rockies. We’ll have several very easy walks plus one hike of 1 mile in length with 200 feet of elevation gain.
5:00 – Dinner at another award-winning restaurant in Yoho National Park.
6:15 – Depart for our evening photo setup at one of the Canadian Rockies’ most awe-inspiring locations. An easy walk of 1 mile total length.
10:00 – Arrive back at our lodge.

Thursday July 14, 2022
5:00am – Depart our lodge for our sunrise photo location. An easy stroll from our vehicles.
7:00 – Breakfast in Lake Louise Village.
9:00 – Depart for our morning photo session along the Icefields Parkway on the shore of a brilliant, aquamarine lake beneath towering cliffs draped with glaciers. Accessing this location will involve an easy round-trip hike of 1 mile with 150 of elevation gain.
1:30 – Lunch at a remote lodge.
3:00 – After lunch, we’ll depart for our evening photo location at one of the most beautiful alpine settings in the Canadian Rockies with lush meadows and sparkling glacier-carved lakes surrounded by a sea of peaks along the Continental Divide. Accessing this location will involve a moderate hike of 2 miles along a well-maintained trail.
9:30 – Arrive back at our lodge.

Friday July 15, 2022
6:45am – Depart for breakfast in Lake Louise Village.
7:15 – Depart for our day of photography in the remote northern reaches of Banff National Park with its thundering waterfalls, massive glaciers, turquoise rivers, and rugged mountains. This will involve a variety of short walks very close to our vehicles plus one hike of 1/2 mile with 100 feet of elevation gain.
5:00 – Arrive back at our lodge.
6:00 – Another great dining experience in Lake Louise Village.

Saturday July 16, 2022
7:00am – Breakfast in Lake Louise Village – End of workshop.
11:00 – Checkout time at our lodge. Allow 2.5 hours for the drive back to Calgary airport.

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

“I had an absolutely marvelous time in Banff. The combination of great tour leaders, wonderful locations, and excellent dining venues made for perfection! Both of you run a superb operation with attention to great detail; endless effort to please your clients; and most importantly, with the goal to provide the best photography possible. Once again, many thanks to both of you for a wonderful experience.” Dr. Cyril Mazansky – Boston, MA

“Thank you for a wonderfull workshop. As a “veteran” of your trips, I knew what to expect: Great organization, instruction, lodging, and food as well as the camaraderie of two leaders I respect and consider friends. The friendliness of the entire group was an added bonus. I do so appreciate the encouragement, patience, and help you provided.” Marshall Feaster – Wyomissing, PA

“This was my first workshop with you and it was simply outstanding. Of all the workshops I’ve taken over the years, it was by far the best. You combined endless photographic opportunities with your highly proficient teamwork and created the perfect workshop. You are wonderful and amazing hosts and provided a well-organized, productive, and enjoyable experience. All needs were met with grace and enthusiasm, and your extensive experience and knowledge of the area enabled us to be in the right place at the right time to maximize our chances for great images. My expectations were high based on input received from former guests and these expectations were exceeded. Six stars out of five!” John Morrison – San Diego, CA

“I would like to thank you for hosting such a wonderful workshop with terrific locations, outstanding instruction, and great hospitality. Even though we just met, you made me feel like a long-time friend! I look forward to seeing you in Glacier National Park.” Peterson Pierre Newbury Park, CA

“Thank you so much for a photographically-packed workshop – every location choreographed for the best light and reflections! I really appreciate your guidance when composing my images. You and Susie are so very attentive to our activity and needs – just a great workshop experience. Thanks again for being the best workshop leaders ever! Deb Snelson Henrico, VA

“Again; thank you for a great workshop…great locations, great teaching, and great feedback. You are still the “Best in Class” of all photography workshops. You go way above and beyond to give your workshop participants a perfect environment to grow in. Thank you for everything…see you in Bryce!” Fred Kraut – Salt Lake City, Utah.

“Another stunning trip! I got some excellent photographs. I really enjoy these expeditions with you two. Thanks so much for your efforts. As I mentioned while we were in Bannf; your workshops are a wonderful photographic, social, and cultural adventure akin to a relgious experience! Take care and have a great time for the rest of your trip.” Paul Kaufmann – San Diego, CA

“Thank you so much for another great workshop! As usual, your thoughtfulness, organization, attention to detail, and ability to create a caring community amount diverse personalities is second to none. I especially appreciated your knowledge of the area. I also appreciate the way you work with each of us at each location to offer assistance and suggestions. I returned home with great images, wonderful memories, and new friends. A James Kay workshop is such a treat! I can’t wait for Boulder next fall!” Becki Cohen – Palatine, IL

“Thank you for another extraordinary pair of workshops in Banff & Glacier National Parks!!! I truly appreciate your communication and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process. Your knowledge, passion, and love of the wild world makes every experience so special!!!” Lynda Holman – Marietta, GA

“I had a wonderful time in Banff. You two are such a great team, with Jim getting the group to the best spots at the perfect times and Susie taking care of a thousand details; and doing it all with unfailing good cheer and patience.” Christine Doyle – San Diego, CA

“Thank you both for your diligent preparation, your obvious concern that each person leaves fulfilled, and the dexterity you exhibited in handling challenging personalities. Bravo! We enjoyed the experience; we loved Banff and the Kays!” Richard Boyle – Youngsville, New Mexico

“Thank you so very much!!! It has been a pleasure for Justin, Rachael, and me to take part in your workshops over the last 3 years. I love the aspect of photography, hiking, and adventure they bring. It is also a bonus to meet such extraordinary people each time. Everyone starts out as strangers, and parts as friends. We are ready to go again! Thanks again and we look forward to the next adventure with you and Susie”. Carrie Lapow – New Berlin, Wisconsin

“As usual, a great trip. Hard to beat your combination of eliciting a warm camaraderie among diverse and interesting photographers, terrific hiking, and the Kay Karma for being at the right place at the right time for memorable photos (even when the weather gods were conspiring against us). I will look forward to seeing you both again in Glacier next summer. ” Alan Aviles – New York, NY

ABOUT JIM
Jim is a regular contributor to Outdoor Photographer Magazine and has served as one of their professional advisors for more than 25 years. His work has been featured in the Nikon Legends Collection and his photographs have been published in a wide variety of magazines including Nikon World; Los Angeles Times; Arizona Highways; Sunset; National Geographic Adventure; and Time. A short list of his commercial clients would include The New Zealand Tourism Board; VF Corp; American Express; Sundance Institute; Nikon USA; Visa; and The Nature Conservancy. His landscape photographs have been displayed in the Utah Museum of Art & History; the Natural History Museum of Utah; and in the US Capitol Rotunda in an exhibit advocating wilderness protection for Utah’s Colorado Plateau region. His book, Resurrection Glen Canyon, published by Mountaineers Books, showcases his ongoing project to document the legendary canyons of Glen Canyon as they have emerged from the waters of Lake Powell due to the ongoing drought in the American Southwest. See his full biography.
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