YUKON: NIGHTS OF WONDER

Kluane Lake, Yukon Territory

》TRIP INFO

LOCATION: YUKON CABINS, KLUANE LAKE, YUKON
DATES: JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 3, 2025
DURATION: 4 DAYS
INSTRUCTORS:
KRIS ANDRES, CURTIS JONES AND MANU KEGGENHOFF*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS:
ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
ACCOMMODATION STYLE: CABINS, SHARED
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15
COST: $3,400 CAD + GST

A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below.

 
 

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of winter's mystique with our exclusive 4-day Photography Workshop at Kluane Lake, set against the ethereal backdrop of January's frozen splendor. Nestled in the rugged yet accessible Yukon wilderness, this workshop is tailored for both novice shutterbugs and seasoned photographers seeking to hone their craft amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Under the expert guidance of seasoned professionals, participants will delve into the art of capturing the night skies and the possibility of mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky. Each night, we will try to chase the auroras as they weave their celestial tapestry of colors. You'll learn to master the nuances of long exposure techniques and composition, transforming your photographs into timeless works of art.

By day, explore the pristine wilderness surrounding Kluane Lake, immersing yourself in the serenity of snow-cloaked forests and towering peaks. Through personalized instruction and hands-on practice, unlock the secrets of winter photography, from capturing the delicate intricacies of frost patterns to harnessing the soft, diffused light of the winter sun.

Whether you're drawn to the stark beauty of ice formations or the captivating allure of star-studded nights, join us for an unforgettable adventure in photography, where each click of the shutter unveils a new realm of wonder at Kluane Lake.

 
 
 

》What You’ll Learn

1. Astrophotography essentials and advanced techniques.

2. Learning to shoot the intimate details of nature and capturing grand landscapes.

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

4. Photographing wildlife - we'll be on the constant lookout for it!

5. Honing your vision as a storyteller in the wilderness.

6. Classroom sessions and live field demos with our talented OFFBEAT leaders.

7. How to efficiently capture the fleeting aurora borealis.

》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.

MANU KEGGENHOFF // CO-LEADER

Manu is an award-winning photographer and the art-director/co-publisher of Yukon, North of Ordinary magazine (among others). Her images have been published in a multitude of publications (including Photo Life, DigitalPhoto, New York Times, Globe & Mail, Canadian Geographic, Yukon–North of Ordinary, British Columbia Magazine, UpHere, and many more). In 2016 she landed in the Top 10 “Photographer of the Year” selection, curated by the german edition of “Digital Photo Magazine.” She feels at home in many photography genres—from landscape to portraits, from animals to events to conceptual art. Her passion is capturing the beauty of the Canadian North: its land, the people, the wild. Manu’s work can also be found in the Yukon Permanent Art Collection. She lives in Atlin, BC, with her two white shepherd dogs.

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

》Accommodation and Meals

Your home for the duration of the workshop is the Yukon Lake Cabins on the shores of Kluane Lake at Silver City. Picture this: Each wildlife-themed cabin is your cozy haven, sleeping up to three per cabin that invites you to escape into nature's embrace. But wait, it gets even better! Step onto your front deck and behold the breathtaking panorama of majestic mountains and tranquil lake shores. And here's the thrilling part: when the night sky dances with the enchanting aurora, you don't even have to venture far! Simply step out of your doorway for a front-row seat to nature's most mesmerizing show. Plus, we've got you set up with propane heaters, ensuring your comfort and warmth amidst the wilderness.

》Important Note

This is not a luxury tour. While comfortable, please note that accommodations are somewhat rustic and will be shared (roughly four participants per cabin). Know, however, that cabin time is actually fairly minimal - we will be spending a lot of time in the field during this workshop; think of the cabin as the place you close your eyes between capturing magic.

》INS AND OUTS

What’s Included:

  • Daily instruction/mentoring by Kris Andres, Curtis Jones and Manu Keggenhoff.

  • All accommodations at Yukon Cabins and meals from start to end of workshop.

  • Travel during workshop dates.

  • Field sessions and demos.

  • Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.

  • Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

What’s Not Included:

  • Travel Insurance

  • Flights to Whitehorse

  • Snacks and alcohol

  • Souvenirs

  • Travel Insurance.

》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.

Day 1 - January 31, 2024

Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime on January 31st!

Our adventure begins at 1:00pm sharp in Whitehorse, where we'll whisk you away to the enchanting beauty of Kluane Lake. But first, we'll make a pit stop at Haines Junction for a quick caffeine fix, all while soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas of this stunning landscape. Keep your cameras ready because this winter wonderland is graced with opportunities to capture the majestic moose, elusive lynx, sly foxes, magnificent wolves, and a plethora of other fascinating wildlife that call this place home.

After an exhilarating day of exploration, we'll gather at our cozy resort for a delectable supper accompanied by a captivating slide show, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

But the excitement doesn't end there! As night falls, we'll promptly venture out for an astrophotography session, immersing ourselves in the celestial beauty of the night sky. Of course, we'll be on standby for aurora, eagerly anticipating the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights until the break of dawn.

Day 2 - February 1, 2024

Get ready to greet the dawn in style on February 1st! Early risers with an insatiable appetite for adventure can kick-start their day with a sunrise shoot right from the comfort of our resort, capturing the first golden rays if conditions permit. But fear not, sleepyheads! For those craving a few more precious hours of shut-eye, a delightful breakfast awaits from 8:30am to 9:30am.

Once fueled up and ready to conquer the day, we'll embark on an exhilarating quest to uncover the hidden treasures of the wilderness. From captivating wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes, we'll journey to our favorite spots, ensuring every moment is filled with awe and wonder. And fear not, we'll be back in time for a sumptuous late lunch, followed by a well-deserved rest to recharge for the evening's festivities.

As night falls, prepare for another enchanting evening filled with delectable supper and more mesmerizing wonders awaiting discovery beneath the star-studded sky. It's a day brimming with excitement and relaxation, perfectly balanced for every adventurer's delight!

Day 3 - February 2, 2024

February 2nd promises another day filled with exhilarating opportunities! For the early risers brimming with energy, join us as we chase the sunrise, before indulging in a leisurely late breakfast.

Once refueled, we'll set out to explore our favorite winter wonderlands, where breathtaking landscapes adorned with glistening ice features await our discovery. Keep your eyes peeled for unexpected wildlife encounters, adding an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. And fear not, we'll be back in time to savor a delightful late lunch, fueling up for the afternoon's activities.

Afterwards, whether you're eager to fine-tune your photography skills during our editing sessions or in need of some well-deserved rest, the choice is yours. But hold onto your hats because as evening approaches, we'll once again venture out into the magical realm of the night. Supper will be followed by another night of creativity and aurora chasing, as we strive to capture the elusive lights until our energy reserves are depleted. It's a day brimming with endless possibilities and unforgettable moments, guaranteed to leave you inspired and in awe of the wonders that surround us.

Day 4 - February 3, 2024

February 3rd marks the bittersweet finale of our unforgettable journey together. Still, we're determined to make every moment count! Join us for one last exhilarating sunrise shoot, savoring the beauty of the dawn as we bid farewell to this magical wilderness.

Afterwards, we'll gather for a heartfelt final breakfast, reminiscing about the incredible memories we've created together. But our adventure isn't over just yet! As we reluctantly pack up our belongings, we'll embark on a leisurely journey back to Whitehorse.

But wait, there's more! En route, we'll make time for one last lakeside hurrah, ensuring our cameras capture every last bit of beauty this landscape has to offer.

As we bid farewell to the wilderness and each other, let's cherish the memories we've shared and the bonds we've formed. We aim to return to Whitehorse by 1:00PM, hearts full of gratitude for the experiences we've had and the friendships we've forged.

 

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY

“Thank you for hosting such an exceptional workshop. You provided a great mix of environments to photograph which was nicely balanced with time to shoot, reflect and learn new skills. Assistance was easy to access and the leaders were encouraging and very willing to share their knowledge with participants. The overall environment; whether in the field or back and the lodge; was relaxed and inviting. And of course; one must comment on the exceptional meals provided throughout the workshop. Lots of laughs were had and memories were made! Thank you for such an exceptional experience OFFBEAT Leaders! There are definitely more workshops with OFFBEAT in my future! 5⭐️

— Brenda Baltimore

“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 unique. Not just a photography workshop; not just a tour; not just one event...NO; what you are building here is a Community. I've met so many wonderful people through here who have remained friends and with whom I look forward to traveling with again and again.

— Lisa O.

PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Cost: CAD $3,400+ GST

Payment options:

1) Full payment or

2) Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1000 + GST + Final Payment

  • CAD $2400 + GST due by November 1, 2024

Note: Failure to pay by the payment due date means forfeiting the deposit and the spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in the 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This event focuses 100% on landscape + outdoor photography. It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite intense in order to maximize field time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop weekend. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.

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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