Lake Agnes Sunrise and Larches Photo Tour

This photography workshop is for the adventurer who would like to hike and explore further away from the road to capture stunning scenery and brilliant golden larches in the Canadian Rockies. Larches are magical as they are conifers that turn gorgeous gold for just a short time at the end of September in the Rockies. The hike to Lake Agnes will start in the dark in order to make sunrise. Just as you reach the lake is the Lake Agnes Tea House, where we will stop to enjoy a tea or coffee before moving on to photograph the larches lining the lake in morning light. There is a lot to shoot around the entire lake shore. For the last part of our adventure, we will head up to the Big Beehive for wider views and more larches!

Your photography instructor Monika Deviat is a certified IGA Professional Hiking Guide and will help you capture the larches and surrounding landscape and guide you in finding your own compositions and angles. You are welcome to join with an iPhone/android/etc as well.

Typically the trip up to Lake Agnes is 1.5 hours. Since we will be photographing and stopping a lot on the way, we can expect to add a couple of hours to the trip. We will adapt to what the group is interested in learning and to whatever we see along the way.

The Hike

Our hike begins at Lake Louise. We will arrange an exact meeting time and place closer to the day, but we expect to hit the trail at 5am. It's absolutely worth getting up early for the larches - they are pure wonder and magic! A moderate fitness level is required for this adventure. The elevation to get to Lake Agnes is 400 m and 3.6 km distance through switch backs. It's another 160 m elevation and 1.6 km to reach the Big Beehive. The Little Beehive is our backup option, 0.8 km and 75 m elevation.

At this time of year there is potential for snow (which is very beautiful with larches) and participants should be prepared for possible cooler conditions.

Photography Techniques

For this workshop a variety of techniques and instruction can be covered. We will go over ISO, white balance, aperture choices, and shutter speeds. Different methods of focusing will be covered for each subject we will be shooting. We can go over focus stacking, bracketing, long exposures, depth of field, panoramas and more. Bring your questions and wish list of things to learn!

Safety & Leave No Trace

These are very important topics for photographers to be knowledge about in order to preserve the places we love to visit, keep wildlife wild and make sure you stay safe and (mostly) comfortable on your adventures.

Included in the workshop:

• In-the-field photography instruction
• Professional hiking guide
• Editing session (TBD - virtual)

Not Included in the workshop:

• Transportation
• Travel insurance
• Equipment/gear
• Park pass

What to Bring:

• DLSR or mirrorless camera or mobile phone with camera
• Tripod (lightweight highly recommended)
• Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
• Extra battery
• Extra memory card
• Lens(es) - only bring what you can carry
• Snacks
• Water
• Appropriate clothing and layers for hiking
• Hiking boots, poles, hat + toque
• Gortex/rain jacket
• Gaiters
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Cash for Tea House

By registering for this event you agree that you have read and understand the following.

Registration is non-refundable but is transferrable. If you can find someone to take your spot and buy your ticket from you, this is acceptable. Email [email protected] to confirm a transfer.

If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your spot will be forfeit without any refund of deposits or payments already made.

Participants understand that weather and conditions are unpredictable or difficult to forecast. There is no guarantee that we see specific natural phenomena. You acknowledge that travel with a group involves compromise to accommodate goals, desires, personalities, abilities, and physical capabilities. Itineraries are planned, but flexible, and no part of the schedule can be guaranteed. You understand that no discounts or refunds will be given in the event of any changes.

Only in the event that the country or the venue is unable to host the workshop (such as a lockdown situation), participants will be given the option to postpone or receive a refund.

Please ensure you can travel and abide by all health and safety travel recommendations for Alberta and your home location if you are booking a spot. It is your responsibility to ensure you can make the workshop. Participants must have travel and medical insurance.

Monika Deviat Photography reserves the right to cancel the workshop at any time. The cancellations could occur for a variety of reasons, such as a minimum number of participants is not met, family emergency, unforeseen circumstances impact the worksop, etc. In the event of cancellations that are under the control of Monika Deviat Photography, participants will receive a full refund for the workshop. No compensation would be made to participants for any other associated costs such as, but not limited to, travel, hotels, etc. Participants should have travel insurance.

You, for yourself, your heirs, executors or anyone else who may claim on your behalf, hereby waive, release and forever discharge, Monika Deviat/Monika Deviat Photography, assistants, and affiliates, representatives, executors, and all others from any and all responsibilities or liability from personal injury, death, damage to property or loss of any kind resulting from participation in a photography workshop event.

This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. You are responsible to research the event and bring the proper gear. You are also responsible for selecting activities that are appropriate your physical abilities and interests.

Your attendance at any event confirms that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this event you understanding that you are attending at your own risk.

Host or Publisher Monika Deviat Photography