HIGHLAND HEART

CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA

》TRIP INFO

LOCATION: CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA
DATES: OCTOBER 9-12, 2025
DURATION: 4 DAYS
INSTRUCTORS:
KRIS ANDRES AND CURTIS JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS:
ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 16
WHERE YOU’LL STAY: KELTIC LODGE RESORT, INGONISH, CAPE BRETON
COST: Starts at $2,375 CAD + HST
A payment plan is available for this workshop.

 
 
 

Cape Breton in October unveils a canvas of breathtaking beauty. As the leaves transition to vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, the island transforms into a photographer's paradise. Crisp autumn air mingles with the scent of pine, while the rugged coastline echoes with the call of seabirds. Fog dances over the highland moors, adding an ethereal touch to the landscape.

In October, Cape Breton's charm lies in its contrasts. We get to meander through forests ablaze with color, leading to panoramic vistas where land meets sea in a stunning display of nature's grandeur. Coastal villages adorned with fishing boats offer glimpses into the island's maritime heritage, while lively ceilidhs fill the air with traditional music and warmth.

While visiting Cape Breton in October we are treated to ever-changing light and atmospheric conditions, creating endless opportunities for creative exploration. Whether capturing the mist-shrouded cliffs of the Cabot Trail or the fiery sunset over Bras d'Or Lake, each frame tells a story of the island's timeless allure. Join us on this photographic journey and uncover the magic of Cape Breton in the heart of autumn.

 
 
 

Photos by Kris Andres

》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

1. Learn to shoot the intimate details of nature and capture grand landscapes.

2. How to develop your skills as a landscape photographer. Using tools and techniques like filters, long exposure and black white

3. Astro photography and working with your camera at night

4. Honing your vision as a storyteller and stunning compositions.

5. How to capture both human element and portraits in an outdoor setting.

 

》YOUR OFFBEAT INSTRUCTORS

KRIS ANDRES // CO-LEADER
Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day. [Bio Photo by Paul Zizka]

CURTIS JONES // CO-LEADER
Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort­ zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with world­class athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

》INS AND OUTS

What’s Included:

  • Daily instruction/mentoring by Kris Andres and Curtis Jones

  • Accommodations at Keltic Lodge

  • Daily Breakfast

  • Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.

  • Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

What’s Not Included:

  • Other Meals (Lunch and Dinner)

  • Transportation 

  • Travel Insurance

  • Park Pass

》ITINERARY

Full itinerary to be provided to participants upon arrival.

Here’s a sample schedule of what you can expect (please note that details are very likely to change as we finalize everything between now and then):

Schedule subject to change.

Thursday, October 09, 2025

After arrival and check-in at our accomodations, Keltic Lodge at 3:00pm, we will start the workshop weekend with a sunset shoot. We will focus on capturing the beauty of the sunset and twilight in Ingonish.

Once at the location, we will have the opportunity to capture the dynamic landscapes as the light changes from day to night. Curtis and Kris will provide hands-on guidance on various techniques, including composition strategies, exposure settings for varying light conditions, and tips on capturing the mood and atmosphere of the scene during sunset and twilight. If the weather cooperates we will play into the night with our night/astrophotography session will take place from provided the sky conditions are clear. If it isn't clear we will reschedule this session for either Friday or Saturday night, depending on the best visibility.

We will demo and explore or refine various astrophotography techniques, including camera settings for capturing stars, constellations, and the Milky Way. We will provide tips on focusing in low light to achieve sharp images. You will have the chance to experiment with long exposures to capture star trails, try out light painting techniques, and practice focus stacking for detailed night sky images. This hands-on session will offer valuable insights and practical experience in capturing the night sky.

Friday, October 10, 2025

We will begin the day with a departure for the sunrise shooting location in the Ingonish area. We will have the opportunity to capture the sunrise over the landscape, applying the techniques learned during the sunset and twilight shooting session the previous evening.

Curtis and Kris will be on hand to provide guidance on capturing the early morning light and creating compelling compositions, ensuring everyone can make the most of the serene and beautiful dawn. Breakfast at Keltic Lodge Our next adventure involves traveling to Cheticamp, a scenic drive through the heart of the famous Cabot Trail. Along the way, we have several planned stops to explore and capture the stunning scenery.

Throughout the journey, we will incorporate a lunch break, offering participants the chance to enjoy local cuisine and recharge.

Saturday, October 11, 2025

We will start the day with an early morning session to capture the sunrise in the Ingonish area. This session, similar to the previous morning, offers you another opportunity to practice sunrise photography techniques and capture the beautiful changing light of dawn. Curtis and Kris will be alongside you to provide guidance and tips, ensuring that everyone can refine their skills and capture stunning images.

Following breakfast, we will depart for various photography locations within the Cape Breton Highlands, including White Point and Black Brook. This full-day session will allow participants to explore and photograph the diverse landscapes of the highlands. Curtis and Kris will provide ongoing guidance on composition, lighting, and capturing the unique characteristics of each location. This session is designed to enhance participants' skills by exploring different environments and applying advanced techniques. Participants will take a break for supper. This can be done individually or as a group, depending on preferences and arrangements. This break offers a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some local cuisine.

After supper we will have an open Q&A with Curtis and Kris The day will conclude with an open Q&A session with workshop leaders Curtis and Kris. This informal round-table format allows participants to ask questions about photography techniques, processes, business aspects, marketing strategies, or any other topic related to the world of photography. This session provides valuable learning and networking opportunities, enabling participants to gain deeper insights and share experiences.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

We will start the day with an early morning meetup at a designated location in the Ingonish area, well before sunrise. Participants will have the chance to capture the breathtaking colors and scenery as the sun rises over the landscape. This session offers an opportunity to explore different vantage points and experiment with various techniques such as long exposure or silhouette shots.

We will gather at Keltic Lodge for a session focused on editing, critique, and finale presentations. Participants will have the opportunity to edit their photographs from the morning shoot using their preferred editing software.

 

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS

“This was my first Offbeat workshop and it everything and more than I had hoped for. The leaders were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable and went above and beyond to ensure all participants had the best possible experience.”

-Cindy M.

“Wow. Great photography trip. Love that you just show up and everything is taken care of. Great group of people and amazing photo opportunities. Would highly recommend.”

- J Petire.

“I've done four OFFBEAT trips so far—all to spots that I never thought I'd see. And I will keep coming back. The quality of the experiences, the photography, and the people are without peer.

— B Dodge.

“Offbeat is doing more than just photo expeditions. They are creating an amazing community. Highly recommended.”

-Rita Z.

PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Full Cost: $2,375 CAD + HST
Single Supplement: $3,125 CAD + GST
Deposit: $850 CAD

Payment Options: Full payment or non-refundable deposit to secure a space with final payment due by June 2025.

Payment Schedule:

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $850 (due upon booking), then:

  • June 9, 2025 - $1525 CAD + HST

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

 》IMPORTANT INFO

Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.

IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?

Physical Rating (Easy): Most locations will be readily accessible form the road, although we may hike short distances on occasion.

Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.

INSURANCE POLICY 

It is advised that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage.

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.

By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.

》OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.

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