Milky Way Magic
Night Photography Workshop in the Canadian Rockies
Nordegg, Alberta, Canada
April 25-27, 2025
Join us in David Thompson Country,
a dark location at the edge of the Canadian Rockies away from urban light pollution,
for a two night astrophotography workshop focused on teaching you all the techniques you need to capture the Milky Way and the night sky.
$795 CAD + GST (single) - only 3 spots left!
$695 CAD + GST (double) - SOLD OUT
This small group workshop will ensure a great experience for beginner and seasoned night photographers
and will provide you with one-on-one direction and guidance from your instructor.
At this time of year, the galactic center of the Milky Way will have risen well above the horizon, but the arc will still be low enough for outstanding compositions. After this workshop, you will have the skills and knowledge to successfully capture the night throughout the warmer months of the year and the rest of Milky Way core season! We will be aiming to shoot in the very early hours of the morning, but will adapt to weather conditions as well as the best nearby locations. Our goal will be to capture the Milky Way while being flexible to whatever the nights bring, including aurora.
Planning - Planning your night shoots is an important part of creating compelling and purposeful images. We will learn how to find the galaxy and the best times to photograph it.
Settings - Shooting at night requires you to use your camera in Manual mode. We will go over ISO, white balance, aperture and shutter speed choices as well as other important settings.
Focusing - One of the most difficult parts of shooting at night is getting your focus correct. We will cover techniques for achieving accurate focus and you will receive 1-1 guidance to do so in the field.
Composition - Another challenging aspect of night photography is creating compelling compositions. We will cover techniques to help you capture more than just the sky to create strong images.
Post-processing - We will cover and demonstrate the basics of editing and bringing your night images to life.
Workshop includes:
in-the-field instruction during 2 night shoots, plus 1 daytime shoot
2 classroom sessions covering the techniques for capturing incredible night images including planning, settings, focus, composition and post-processing
refreshments during the classroom sessions
accommodations at Coliseum Mountain Resort
You’ll take care of:
transportation to and from the workshop location
transportation during the workshop to shooting locations (carpooling will be encouraged)
travel and cancellation insurance
meals (There are a few local options for meals and the resort has a full kitchen to store and prepare meals)
List of items to bring will be sent to registered participants in advance of the workshop.
Embrace the magic of natural darkness
and join us to experience and capture the incredible beauty of the night!
Workshop Itinerary:
The workshop plan is tentative and will be adaptive to conditions and weather.
Friday:
4pm arrival and check in at accommodations
5 pm Classroom session + camera practice
dinner: BYO or optional group dinner at “Pick and Shovel” in Nordegg
Nap/sleep time
Saturday:
Night Shoot (likely in the wee hours of the night!)
Classroom session on processing and image review (time TBD)
dinner: BYO or optional group dinner at “Pick and Shovel” in Nordegg
Sunset Shoot
Nap/sleep time
Sunday:
Night Shoot
Morning Wrap Up (potential morning shoot if anyone has energy)
11 am check-out
Fitness level: light/easy
There will be some free time for you to explore the area a bit on your own, depending on how much sleep you got and your energy level. If your schedule allows, you may want to spend some time in the area before check in and after check out. There is much to see and explore, and many photographic opportunities.
Our Accommodations:
The Lodge at the Coliseum Mountain Resort
Nordegg, Alberta, Canada
The Coliseum Mountain Resort is located deep in the quiet serenity of the Canadian Rockies…
yet easily accessible from central Alberta and the mountain parks of Banff and Jasper.
Located 2 hours from Red Deer, 2.5 hrs from Banff, just over 3 hours from Edmonton and Calgary.
Your accommodations will include a private bedroom (single occupancy) with a double bed and a shared bathroom with 1 other participant. There is one double-occupancy room available with 2 double beds. There is limited availability for partner add-on (non-participant) for a nominal charge if you wish to share a single bedroom.
This beautiful lodge includes a full kitchen and dining area with fireplace, wifi and satellite TV, 3 decks for towering views, backyard patio area with gas grill, fire pit and picnic table, and a private outdoor hot tub for a warm up after a cold night out, or simply for some RnR.
Workshop Dates:
April 25-27, 2025
$795 CAD + GST (single occupancy) - ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!
$695 CAD + GST (double occupancy) - SOLD OUT
Partner Rate (non-participant): $249 CAD+ GST
Please email us at carmen@carmentherriaultphotography.com to add a partner/spouse.
Cancellation: Workshop fees are non-refundable but fully transferable if you are able to sell your spot.
This workshop requires a minimum of 4 participants to run.
This location, deep in the quiet serenity of the Canadian Rockies, will provide us with many options for dark sky shooting locations.
Located 2 hours from Red Deer, 2.5 hrs from Banff, just over 3 hours from Edmonton and Calgary.
Carmen offers an amazing balance of technical support and creative inspiration! - Pam
The small group and individual attention were much appreciated. Being able to ask questions and get expert advice was invaluable. - Joel
Carmen’s workshops are very organized with a good flow through everything. She provides a lot of direction and ideas for getting great photos. - Natasha
Not sure if this astrophotography experience is right for you?
We’re here to help!