Milky Way March: Banff Photography Workshop

March 28-30, 2025
Cost: $695 + GST & Fees
Join Astronomy Photographer of the Yaer 2023 Aurorae Winner Monika Deviat in Banff National Park for a photography workshop at the start of the Milky Way core season. Develop your astrophotography skills during this two night workshop focused on teaching you all the techniques you need to photograph the world at night. This small group workshop ensures the best experience for night photography and one-on-one time with the instructor.

March is a unique time to photograph Banff National Park at night. The landscape still wears its winter coat and reflect starlight beautifully. March also a great time to start to shoot the Milky Way in Banff. The compositions with the Milky Way arc rising above the peaks are fantastic at this time of year. The galactic core will be rising before dawn so the arc will be low to the horizon. We will be aiming to shoot for the early hours of the morning, but will adapt to weather conditions.

"I have attended several of Monika’s workshops in Waterton and Banff. I have also had the pleasure of hearing her talk at the Banff Centre and in Pincher Creek at the Lightchasers Conference. Monika brings an enthusiasm and sense of wonder to all of her workshops and classes. Technically sound, very well organised and - lots of fun! Her sense of humour helps students to relax and "be in the moment.”

Monika’s technical knowledge of settings and composition really help to make improvements in your photography skills. Her willingness to follow up and help long after the workshop is over is really important. There are always lots of questions AFTER the classes and Monika is always available and gracious.

Highly recommended for the newbie or experienced photographer for any type of photography. But her Astrophotography workshops will open up a whole new world!"

Duncan MacFarlane

What is Covered:

Planning: Planning your night shoots is an important part of being able to create compelling and purposeful images. Since it will be a great time to shoot the Milky Way, a large component of the planning discussion will be about how to find the galaxy and when it is best to photograph it. Techniques for aurora borealis, star trails and light painting will also be covered.

Settings: Shooting at night requires you to use your camera in full manual mode. We will go over ISO, white balance, aperture choices, and shutter speeds.

Focusing: One of the most difficult parts of shooting at night is getting your focus correct. We will cover techniques for this and the situations where you would want to use certain techniques.

Included in the Workshop:

• In-the-field instruction
• Classroom sessions Mar 28 & 29
• Refreshments provided during classroom sessions

Not Included in the workshop:

• Transportation to and from Banff National Park
• Transportation during the workshop
• Travel insurance
• Meals
• Accommodations (a booking code is avialable for Juniper upon registration)

What to Bring:

• DLSR or mirrorless camera
• Tripod
• Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
• Extra batteries
• Extra memory cards
• Laptop
• Variety of lenses
• Wide angle, fast lenses are ideal for Milky Way.
• Snacks
• Hot drinks in a thermos, water
• Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
• Hiking boots, pole, pack, etc.
• Headlamp
• Hand/toe warmers

Workshop Outline:

The workshop plan is tentative and will be adaptive to conditions and weather.

Friday:

• 4pm Meet at Juniper Conference Room
• Classroom session + camera practice
• Nap/sleep time

Saturday:

• Night Shoot
• 1pm Meet at Juniper Conference Room
• Classroom session on processing and image review
• Group dinner for those interested
• Sunset Shoot
• Nap/sleep time
• Night Shoot

Sunday

• Night Shoot
• Morning Wrap Up (potential morning shoot if anyone has energy)

Max Participants: 8

Terms & Conditions:

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

Registration is non-refundable but is transferable. 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 will see northern lights or 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 Canada 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, weather and travel delays, 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 to your physical abilities and interests.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. The parties may bring an action concerning this Agreement only in the Province of Alberta.

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

Host or Publisher Monika Deviat Photography