ILLUMINATE
ALL INCLUSIVE WEEKEND
CHEF MADE NOURISHING MEALS + ACCOMODATIONS INCLUDED
Master the Challenges of Mountain & Cabin Weddings
Shooting weddings in the stunning Rocky Mountain venues of Banff, Jasper, and across Alberta comes with its own set of lighting challenges. Natural Light venues have white walls and ceilings to bounce light, but cabin-style environments often mean wooden walls and ceilings that create a warm, orange cast—leaving photographers with limited natural light options and unique flash challenges.
If you’ve struggled to properly light these types of settings, or if you feel limited in capturing every beautiful detail, this workshop is designed for you.
Wedding Day Sets You’ll Master
1. The Getting Ready Suite
Capture every intimate detail of the preparation moments—from makeup application to intricate flat lays of wedding day accessories. Discover how to use off-camera flash to bring out natural beauty, even in low-light settings, showcasing the versatility of this lighting technique.
2. Candlelit Ceremony
Embrace the romance of a low-light, candlelit ceremony. Learn to use off-camera flash creatively to enhance the warmth of the setting without overpowering it, perfect for cozy, wood-paneled rooms where traditional flash techniques may fall short.
3. Reception Magic
Master the complexities of reception lighting with setups for speeches, dance floors, and decor highlights. See how off-camera flash can transform every detail, from florals to tablescapes, capturing the ambiance and magic of the celebration.
Each set will be shot entirely with off-camera flash, demonstrating its versatility and empowering you with the skills to adapt these techniques to your unique style and taste. By the end of this experience, you’ll have a toolkit of flash techniques that can be seamlessly integrated into your wedding photography, giving you confidence in every lighting situation.
THE WEEKEND
Fri \\ feast + fire
Kick off the weekend with a warm welcome and an authentic Mexican dinner, a tribute to Sofia’s roots + her mother's heritage. After settling in, join your fellow attendees around a fire under the night sky for a fire ceremony.
This sacred gathering offers a space to set personal intentions for the days ahead, releasing any self-doubt and embracing the journey of learning, creativity, and connection that awaits.
sat \\ Moonlit Masterclass
Dive deep into the art of lighting, where we’ll explore techniques and secrets to mastering off-camera flash for any setting. Saturday’s classroom session is all about illuminating your subjects in challenging environments and transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary moments. As the day flows into night, we’ll take our learning outdoors under the new moon. Here, you’ll experience a hands-on night shoot, where you can bring your newfound skills to life, crafting images that truly shine.
sunday \\ candle lit reception
Sunday is all about refining your skills in the intimate, warm glow of a beautifully curated reception setting. From ceremony lighting to reception ambiance, you’ll learn how to capture every detail under the flicker of candlelight. We’ll cover everything from decor and speech lighting to the magic of dance floor moments. With every click, you'll build a portfolio that reflects the heart of celebration in low light environments.
monday \\ farewell breakfast
Our final morning together begins with a warm, nourishing breakfast, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the weekend’s experiences and newfound connections. Take this time to savor one last meal, share memories, and say goodbye to the new friends you've made. With hearts full and skills sharpened, you'll leave feeling inspired and ready to bring your light to the world.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR, SOFIA
obsessed with light + night
Hi, I’m Sof! I’m so excited to guide you through this unforgettable photography retreat. Known for my off-camera flash techniques, I’ve spent years creating magic with light especially under the night sky, where my style was born.
Flash photography isn’t just about solving tricky lighting situations; it’s about unlocking creative possibilities.
Let’s embrace the challenges, find your style, and light the way—both in your work and within yourself.
Photo: Self Portrait
SPONSORS
Each sponsor is providing our students with exclusive deals, special offers, and exciting goodies to enhance your photography journey. Once a student signs up we will be sharing the discount codes from the following companies to them.
LOCATION + ACCOMODATIONS
Rock Lake Earth Lodge, Northern Alberta
Shared Bunk Bed – Embrace the community experience in a cozy bunk bed within a shared room.
Shared Full Bed – Enjoy added comfort in a larger bed while sharing the space with fellow attendees.
Private Cabin – Retreat to your own secluded cabin for an immersive and private experience.
All meals are included, prepared by a private chef flown in from Vancouver Island.
The Illuminate Team
This isn't just a workshop;
it’s an experience crafted by an incredible team of talented individuals, each bringing their expertise and passion to make your weekend unforgettable.
Here's who will be on Sofia's workshop team that weekend:
- Event Photojournalist – Capturing behind-the-scenes moments
- Certified Counselor – Providing on-site support
- Chef & Dessert Assistant – A duo from Vancouver Island specializing in nourishing meals made from scratch
- Makeup & Hair Artist – Ensuring our models look flawless for every set.
- Wedding Decor Planner – Curating each setup with an eye for detail and style.
- Floral Designer – A Cree / Italian floral designer known for her intentional selections.
- Candle Light Designer – Specializing in candle light decor this will bring out sets to another level
- Fire Ceremony Facilitator – Known for her spiritual and wellness work
- Sofia’s Right-Hand Man – A helpful (and handy) presence for anything we need along the way.
INVESTMENT TIERS
Flexible Payments & Ongoing Mentorship
Reserve your spot with a $900 deposit, followed by three equal payments
due on February 1st, March 1st, and April 1st, 2025.
Every student also receives a 3-month online group mentorship with Sofia, offering guidance and support as you integrate your new lighting skills into your upcoming 2025 wedding photography season.
We also have perks from our sponsors such as discounts on lighting gear included exclusively for our students.
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Starlight Bunk
$4050 CAD (gst included)
Embrace the community spirit with a bunk in a shared room, perfect for connecting with fellow photographers. Each room hosts up to 5 students and includes a private bathroom with a shower. Quiet hours ensure everyone enjoys a restful night.
Moonbeam Queen
$4450 CAD (gst included)
Indulge in extra comfort with a queen bed in a shared room. Ideal for unwinding after a full day, with up to 5 students per room, each including a private bathroom and shower. Quiet hours are set for a restful night's sleep.
Lunar Loft
$4450
Cozy up in a loft bed within a shared room, offering a unique and elevated view. Each shared room accommodates up to 5 students and includes a private bathroom with a shower. Quiet hours will ensure a peaceful night’s rest.
Celestial Cabin
$5600 CAD (gst included)
Experience ultimate peace in a secluded cabin away from the main lodge. With a cozy fire stove, kitchen, and private bathroom, this cabin is the perfect remote retreat to fully unwind and connect with nature.
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials
Tanj - tanjeryne studio
Sofi has been a key supporter in helping me establish my photography business. She’s generously shared her knowledge, offering invaluable education and practical advice that has been essential in getting things off the ground. Her guidance has not only helped me navigate the early stages but has also provided a solid foundation for growth and success.
Where is the closest international airport?
Edmonton YEG
Can I stay longer after the workshop?
YES! The lodge owners who are amazing folks by the way, have offered any students of the workshop a very nicely discounted extended stay rate.
Will there be wifi?
Yes, the main lodge has wifi. The entire rest of the property including the cabins are off the grid.
Will I be able to use the photos after the workshop?
Absolutely. We know you will leave with some beautiful images showing off your new off camera flash skills. We have a team of vendors contributing to the scenes you will be photographing so we will provide all students with a list of vendors to please tag when using on social media.
How far is the property from Edmonton airport?
4 hr 23 min (389 km)
via Yellowhead Hwy E/AB-16
What gear do I need to bring?
Your camera.
A flash.
A off camera flash transmitter.
A grid or flash modifier.
A tripod.
A light stand with a flash bracket.
If you do not have the flash, stand or modifiers, no worries. Our sponsors have offered some very nice discounts to students to purchase these items before the workshop.