WILD ICE
BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: BANFF NATIONAL PARK AND AREA
DATES: JANUARY 24-26, 2025
DURATION: 3 DAYS
INSTRUCTORS: KRIS ANDRES AND CURTIS JONES*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
WHERE YOU’LL STAY: YOUR CHOICE
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 16
COST: Starts at $1,650 + GST
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below.
Photo by Kahli April.
The lakes of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park have garnered worldwide attention as some of the most captivating and stunning locations on the planet for winter photography. Every year, the interplay of light and ice brings a different mix of incredible photo opportunities and turns the surface and shores of the lake into a creative playground. Join two long-time wild ice enthusiasts and Rockies locals, Kris Andres and Curtis Jones, as we go on a quest for the ultimate ice features, methane bubbles, winter sidelight, snowdrifts, starry skies and rugged skylines! This is a wonderful chance to flex your creative muscles in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
We hope you’ll join us for this wild ice photography workshop in Banff National Park!
Photos by Kahli April
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. How to approach vast and winter landscapes
2. How to photograph methane bubbles and alpine lakes
3. How to improve your storytelling skills
4. How to find your creative flow
5. Long exposure/filters focus stacking and other tools to level up your photography
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
Daily instruction/mentorship with Kris and Curtis
Field demonstrations of photography techniques
Classroom editing session
Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community
What’s Not Included:
Accommodations (we have a discounted rate for participants at the Juniper Hotel and will provide a code to registered participants)
Meals
Transportation. Participants will need to arrange car rentals or carpooling with other workshop participants.
Park pass
Travel Insurance
》ITINERARY
Subject to change. Full itinerary to be provided to participants upon arrival.
Kris and Curtis will scout locations the day before and confirm locations and objectives. We may be driving up to 2 hours to locations on this workshop depending on the ice conditions.
Day 1 - January 24th, 2025
The Adventure Begins!
Doors swing open at 12:45 PM, so be ready! We'll be meeting in the Vermillion Room in the Juniper Hotel, where the energy is already buzzing.
Dive In!
Get ready for a warm welcome, with group introductions and an overview of tour exciting itinerary. Kris and Curtis will lead a lively slideshow to get you pumped, followed by some quick housekeeping so we can focus on the fun ahead.
We will have a Dinner Break and Gear Check
It’s time to recharge and refuel! Grab a bite at the Bistro or explore other dining options around Banff. We will also use this time to make sure your gear is ready for tonight’s big event.
The Nighttime Adventure
Now for the real excitement! We're heading out to explore the mystical shores and ice of one of Banff’s stunning alpine lakes. As night falls, we'll embrace the thrill of the unknown and we will begin our hunt for bubbles, whimsical icy foregrounds and stars! The exact spot is still a secret, but you can count on an unforgettable experience!
Day 2 - January 25th, 2025
Epic Sunrise and Sunset Adventures
Early Start for a Glorious Sunrise. Rise and shine! Capturing Sunrise at Abraham Lake The magical moment arrives as we reach Abraham Lake. Get ready to capture the ethereal beauty of the sunrise against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. We'll likely hit two spots, each with its own unique perspective. Make sure your cameras are ready for something special!
Lunch in Banff/Lake Louise Area
After an invigorating morning, it's time to refuel. We will plan to grab a bit at Lake Louise but we may extend our time and adventure at Abraham Lake. Everything is malleable so we can make the most of conditions!
Creative Sunset Fun at the Lake
The afternoon light is golden, and we're back at our favorite lakes to capture its beauty during sunset. This is the chance for your creative opportunities, so let your imagination run wild. This is where the magic happens. We will be working with you on our favorite techniques and guide you as you capture those special places.
Dinner Break
After a day of shooting, relax and enjoy dinner. Explore Banff's culinary scene or find a cozy spot to unwind. You've earned it!
Open Editing and Critique Session The day isn't over yet! Gather in the Vermillion Room at the Juniper Hotel for some editing and a critique session. It's a great chance to share your work, get feedback, and see what everyone else captured. A perfect way to wrap up an exciting day!
Day 3 - January 26th, 2025
The Last Adventure Begins
Wake up and get ready for one final adventure! We depart at 7:30 AM sharp for our final sunrise shoot. The exact location is dependent on conditions, but trust us, it'll be worth it. The morning's golden hues set the scene for a breathtaking shoot. Bring your A-game and utilize the techniques you learned or refined these past days as we explore our final location and capture the beauty of the landscape in the morning light. It’s the last chance to create those unforgettable shots, so we will make every moment count.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Group Brunch Finale and Farewell at Juniper Bistro After a morning of shooting, it's time to celebrate our journey with a group brunch at the Juniper Bistro. Enjoy a delicious meal, share your favorite moments from the weekend, and say goodbye to new friends and colleagues. It's the perfect way to end our adventure on a high note.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT
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“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
“I’ve been on two OFFBEAT trips, with two more planned. I’ve also been a part of the OFFBEAT community since its inception. What stands out to me, and what sets OFFBEAT apart, is the people, and their kindness. Members and participants are treated with kindness and respect - regardless of whether they are new to photography or seasoned professionals, and leaders are generous with their knowledge and expertise. Workshops and other events provide ample opportunities for learning, regardless of ability.”
— Emma S.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. The teaming works well. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge.”
— J. Lyall
PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: CAD $1,650+GST
Payment options:
1) Full payment or
2) Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $750 + GST + Final Payment: $900 + GST due by October 24, 2024
Note: failure to pay by the payment due date 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.
》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.