Location
Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
Dates
July 16th - 19st, 2024
Trip Leaders
Jess Findlay & Connor Stefanison
Fee
$1495 CAD + GST
Deposit
$600 CAD
Maximum Group Size
6 Photographers
Join myself and Connor Stefanison for a unique nature photography experience in a beautiful area of wilderness only 2.5 hours from Vancouver, British Columbia. Manning Provincial Park protects over 70,000 hectares of wilderness in the heart of British Columbia's Cascade Mountains. Moving westward through the park, the climate transitions dramatically from old growth coastal temperate rainforest, to semi-arid ponderosa pine forest and grassland. From low-lying valleys to high mountain peaks, this park boats an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Highlight species include displaying male Sooty Grouse, American Pika, large Mule Deer bucks, Yellow-bellied Marmots, Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, Clark's Nutcrackers, and an assortment of songbirds. Black Bears, Canada Lynx and Moose are also often spotted in the park.
Taking into account the breathtaking scenery, presence of charismatic wildlife, and relatively close proximity to Vancouver, the park remains quiet, retaining its authentically wild atmosphere.
We'll be focusing our efforts on amazing displays of subalpine wildflowers, expansive mountain views, charismatic mammals, and also the area's diverse birdlife. Highlighting various techniques important to creating dynamic and memorable nature photographs, we'll spend three days exploring the park's numerous photo opportunities – learning along the way. In between our photography sessions, presentations and post processing instruction will be given in the lodge’s conference room. This trip is highly instructional, with an emphasis on learning to master the manual control of your camera, in order to make the most of any photographic opportunity.
Why Choose Us?
Collectively, we have more than 25 years of experience photographing nature, and over 15 years leading instructional photo workshops. Both of our backgrounds in biology have lead to an in-depth understanding of the subjects in which we photograph. Growing up only two hours from Manning Provincial Park, we have travelled extensively here over the course of several years for the purpose of nature photography. Our local knowledge proves invaluable in locating the park's wildlife and being in the right place at the right time.
Connor leads private tours and group workshops throughout British Columbia. Jess has led nature photography tours and workshops throughout Alaska, British Columbia, Costa Rica, Peru and Ecuador.
Two leaders means you will receive more one-on-one instruction. Providing you with the best possible workshop experience in a fun, non-competitive environment is of utmost importance. Unlike many other more niche-oriented workshops, we'll interact with a broad range of subjects, promoting further learning. Known for our unique, eye-catching images, we can help hone your photographic eye and produce imagery that stands out amongst the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions…
”Will there be a lot of hiking?”
This workshop is not very physical and has been attended by people of varying ages and physical abilities. Short hikes on well-groomed trails are optional. The ability to carry one’s equipment on walks of ~1km (0.6 miles) will be of benefit during this trip.
“What do I need to know about my camera?”
Having at least a basic understanding of the three basic manual functions on your camera (shutter speed, aperture, iso) will enhance your learning during this workshop, though is by no means mandatory. We’re here to help and welcome photographers of all skill/experience levels.
What's included . . .
Three full days of photography (two full days, two half days)
Unlimited expert photographic instruction and in-field guiding
Post-processing lessons and presentations
Transportation within the park while photographing
Suggested Photography Equipment . . .
One or more DSLR camera bodies
Telephoto (400mm or greater)
Mid-range telephoto lens (ex: 70-200mm, 100-400mm)
Wide-angle lens (with circular polarizing filter)
Flash (optional)
Tripod and head
Rain Cover for camera and lens
Micro-fibre cleaning cloth
Lens Blower Brush
Cable Release
Spare batteries and memory cards
Laptop (if you wish to partake in instructional photoshop sessions)
Accommodations . . .
We recommend you stay at the Manning Park Resort, which is where our meals and indoor learning sessions will take place each day. Rooms have been secured with a group room block and can be accessed when booking over the phone with mention of the “Jess Findlay Photography Workshop”.
Camping is also an option throughout the park’s numerous sites. Most sites are basic pads with outhouses, though the Lightning Lakes Campground is well-appointed with indoor facilities, showers, etc.
CLICK HERE for all information regarding accommodations at the resort and at provincial park campgrounds.
Registration
If you wish to register for this workshop, please provide your details in the form on the right. If you have any questions, please include them in the message portion of the form.
To reserve your space, a non-refundable deposit is required. Once I've received your registration form, I will email you with details regarding how to send your deposit. I will also send a waiver which you will be required to read and sign. It can be mailed to me, or alternatively, a copy can be brought to the workshop.
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Deposits are considered non-refundable. If a cancellation is made prior to 60 days before the start date, the remaining amount (not including the deposit) will be eligible for refund, minus a 5% administrative fee.
We pride ourselves on operating our workshops with tact and consideration for our valued participants. We will do our very best to fill your space and reimburse you, should you be met with extenuating circumstances.
* The workshop fee (including deposit) will be eligible for refund should restrictions surrounding COVID-19 prevent us from operating the trip, or prevent your participation - including prohibition of cross-border travel, and interprovincial travel. This does not include complications surrounding COVID testing prior to flights, or other unforeseeable matters pertaining to travel. This also does not include prevention of participation due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, or any other illness (if within the 60-day limitation). *
To ensure reimbursal of costs ineligible for refund, we recommend purchasing travel insurance.