Everybody wants to make their summer special, and if you’re a photographer, having some awesome shots added to your portfolio by fall is pretty important. At least that’s how I see it but I have a feeling I’m not alone. Most of us enjoy the beach and sunny resorts, but unless you’re after social stories, there’s not so much to shoot there. If on the other hand wildlife and nature photography is your game, than I have a special place I’d like to recommend everyone for next summer.
The Rocky Mountains are a truly special part of the continent and the Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest encompasses 2,564 square miles of mountainous terrain, glaciers, ice fields and forests. If you love photographing raw nature, this is one of first places you should visit.
But if you plan on going to Banff for the first time, you should do it under the right guidance. Photographer Russ Lawry knows Banff National Park well and on his summer workshop in Banff National Park you will have amazing opportunities to capture the memorable wildlife shots you’ve always been dreaming of.
The abundance of wildlife and the scenery makes this the perfect destination for nature loving photographers of all skill levels. The week-long workshop will take participants on a journey along the Icefields Parkway. The workshop will take place in summer, giving all the participants the best opportunities to capture wild animals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re after a stunning shot of a bear or an elk or you’re fonder of smaller mammals like marmots and ground squirrels, you’ll definitely return home with the winning shots.
It’s the kind of adventure where you go to bed late and get up early, but most people who visit the park don’t go there for the sleep.
In the typical harsh sun of mid-afternoon, when the light is pretty much awful, participants will be engaged in post processing sessions and picture reviews. The goal is to help you take the best possible pictures within the course of one week on location.
In terms of gear, you don’t need anything very fancy, although I highly recommend having a long lens for the trip. It doesn’t have to be a pro 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom. Even a mid-range 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lens will do the trick in the right hands. A tripod might also be useful for longer exposures.
Accommodation will be provided at the Lake Louise Inn in Banff Natural Park.
Russ Lawry’s summer tour in the Rockies is a great opportunity to expand your photographic knowledge, not to mention enjoy nature in a way like never before and come home with your best shots yet.