ILLUMINATE

An Immersive Weekend Retreat to Find Your Light //

for photographers

Grateful to have had Kelly Conlin at our first workshop to document the weekend and create this incredible film to show you. Please scroll to the next section to play this film and we recommend watching it in the dark.

Kelly Conlin is a Canadian Leo Award nominated filmmaker specializing in documentary, independent film & story-driven video.

Cover Image taken by Illuminate Student: @jessieraefilms

Upcoming Workshops
2027 // October 29th - Nov 1st // Alberta // Details coming soon



Past Workshops
2026 // June 12th - 15th // Bridgeviews Geodomes in Drumheller Badlands Alberta Canada
view master 2026 gallery here

2025 // April 25th - 28th // Rock Lake Earth Lodge in Jasper Alberta Canada
view master 2025 gallery here

unplug, immerse, and be supported in an environment unlike any other

JOIN US FOR THIS ALL INCLUSIVE WEEKEND

OCTOBER 29TH - NOV 1ST 2027

2027 LOCATION IN THE WORKS IN ALBERTA

3 DAILY HOME MADE NOURISHING MEALS + ALL ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands outdoors at night under a starry sky, with the Milky Way visible overhead and mountain silhouettes in the distance.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

(from within and quite literally from an off-camera flash)

Group of people sitting around a campfire at night outdoors with tall trees in the background.
People taking photographs at a dimly lit dinner table with candles, floral arrangements, and elegant glassware.

STEP AWAY FROM THE EVERYDAY AND INTO ‘ILLUMINATE’

a retreat style workshop crafted for photographers ready to deepen their craft and reconnect with themselves.

This isn’t just an off-camera flash workshop, it’s an opportunity to fully unplug, immerse, and be supported in an environment unlike any other. Surrounded by nature and guided by a team dedicated to your growth, you’ll explore advanced lighting techniques, hone your skills and discover the light within.

Whether you’re experienced or just starting out with professional gear, Illuminate is for photographers who want to master off-camera flash techniques and elevate their craft. It’s perfect for wedding, portrait, and event photographers—or anyone serious about improving their lighting skills in a hands-on, immersive environment.

With the warmth of community to help you process, reflect and release, this is a space where you can feel truly seen, supported and inspired.

STUDENT WORK FROM PAST WORKSHOPS

learn, connect, and ignite a new passion for your art.

A long dining table set for a formal dinner with black napkins, glassware, and decorative items. The centerpiece is decorated with greenery, flowers, and tall black candles, some of which are lit. The room is dimly lit, and the focus is on the elegant table setting.

STUDENT IMAGES FROM PAST WORKSHOPS

@cristaelisephotography

A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, standing outdoors at night with warm string lights and trees in the background.

@jessieraefilms

A woman with dark hair and closed eyes, adorned with a headpiece featuring gold antlers and red flowers, wearing white clothing with ruffled textures, against a starry dark background.

@janine.rose

I attended Sofia’s Illuminate Workshop in April 2025. And let me tell you, this is the BEST photography workshop I have ever been to in my career thus far. Sofia and her vendor team put so much thought and effort into crafting this workshop for us. It was extremely well balanced with “class” time, plenty of hands on practice, and stunning, professionally designed sets.

We were taken care of the entire weekend in regards to food, with April providing us with the most delicious meals ever. There was so much care and attention into every aspect of the workshop and retreat! I've never felt more well taken care of, and it was very clear how much of Sofia's heart and soul she poured into this for us in creating such a warm, supportive space. The environment she created allowed us to express ourselves creatively, feel comfortable and safe asking all kinds of questions, and feel all of the feelings. I walked away with not only so much more technical knowledge and skills, but reignited purpose and confidence.

I loved that there were so many different levels of experience between all of the attendees. I've been in business for over 10 years myself and there were still so many things I took away from Sofia's workshop that I'm beyond excited to incorporate into my own work in the future. I can't wait for the next Illuminate workshop, and I seriously will never stop recommending this workshop to everyone I know.

@janine.rose

A woman with dark hair is taking a photo at a candlelit dinner table, where a blonde woman in a red sweater is standing nearby. The table is decorated with candles, glassware, and greenery.

LUMINARIES // ALUM

TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR PAST STUDENTS

Attending the Illuminate Workshop was truly a game-changing experience. Sofia is an incredible host and teacher, the kind of person who not only shares her technical expertise but genuinely takes care of you as a whole human. She made sure we were well-fed, supported, and happy, creating an environment where it felt safe to ask questions, explore creatively, and even feel deeply.

As a photographer herself, Sofia is beyond talented and truly doing something unique in this industry. There are very few people creating the kind of magic she does so the moment she said she was willing to teach, I was ready to give her my money!

What I walked away with was not just the knowledge of how to use off-camera flash in low-light situations or how to photograph the stars it was the ability to think about light differently. Sofia helped me understand how to shape light not just to light a scene, but to create a feeling. I now feel confident in controlling the mood and emotion in my images through intentional lighting.

Sofia is an extraordinary artist and an even better educator/storyteller. If you ever get the chance to learn from her, take it. I truly cannot recommend this workshop enough.

@jessieraefilms

Two women in headlamps examining a device in darkness, with one showing something on her phone to the other.

Attending the Illuminate Workshop by Sofia Katherine was nothing short of life-changing. Every aspect of the experience was deeply intentional and heartfelt. Sofia pours her entire heart into her teaching, creating a warm, welcoming, and open space where true growth can happen.

What stood out the most was the depth of care and thoughtfulness in every part of the workshop. It wasn’t just about gaining new skills (though I absolutely did, and they’ve already made a major impact on my professional life) — it was also a powerful personal journey.

Sofia’s ability to hold space, guide with wisdom, and teach with passion made this workshop incredibly special. It’s 1000% worth the investment. I’m walking away not only more skilled but also more connected to myself and my purpose.

If you have the chance to attend this it is an absolute must! Thank you Sofia for enhancing my life and sharing so much of your knowledge.

@chelsieraephotography

A woman taking a photo with a camera at a dimly lit indoor event with candles and flowers on the table. Two people are in the background, one holding a camera and the other holding a light.

There are no words to describe how incredible Sofia and her Illuminate workshop was. Not only did I learn so much knowledge and more confidence with flash. I walked away with so much more confidence in myself to keep reaching for my dreams. The team put together an amazing weekend that expanded our creativity to new heights. Whether you are newer to the industry or more seasoned . Everyone was welcomed and was pushed to higher levels with so much encouragement. Thank You so much for this experience ! It’s something I will hold dear to my heart.

@aftonphotography

Group of people sitting outdoors around a fire while eating snacks and drinking from cups, dressed warmly in jackets and hats during dusk or evening.
A woman adjusting or hanging decorative disco ball ornaments under a canopy or booth at an outdoor event with rocky hills and blue sky in the background.
People dancing at a nightclub with neon pink lights, hanging disco balls, and a DJ booth, with a neon sign that says 'Haha' in the background.
Group of people preparing for an outdoor dinner at a long table with candles, set against a mountainous landscape at dusk.
A group of people sitting around a campfire outdoors at night with mountains in the background. One woman is standing and smiling near the fire. The scene is illuminated by the fire and a bright light source behind the group.
A man and a woman at night, with the man holding a lit sparkler and the woman gently holding his hand, both surrounded by smoke and darkness.
Interior of a log cabin-style room decorated for a celebration with a long table, candles, and fresh flowers. The ceiling is made of wood logs, and guitars are hung on the wall.
People sitting outdoors in a row, appearing to be engaged in eating or drinking.
Two women prepare and serve street tacos topped with yellow corn and sauce in a cozy wooden kitchen with jars and windows showing a sunny outdoor scene.
A woman with glasses and light-colored hair is taking a photo with a camera inside a room with hanging decorations and plants.
A woman standing and smiling in front of a small group in a cozy log cabin living room, with a stone fireplace, a TV, and several seated people watching her.
A black and white image of two women, with one woman in the foreground wearing a headlamp and the other woman on the right holding a flashlight and smartphone, both in a dark environment.
Inside a transparent balloon or pod, two women are getting ready or applying makeup, with one woman looking into a mirror and the other woman assisting. The interior is decorated with hanging lights and rope accents, with trees visible outside.

The Illuminate Workshop

YOUR WEEKEND ITINERARY

A group of people gathered around a campfire at night in a forested area.

FRI // FEAST + FIRE

Kick off the weekend with a warm welcome and a homemade dinner. After settling in, join your fellow attendees around a fire under the night sky for a special fire gathering.

FRI // FEAST + FIRE

Close-up of mini tacos with seasoned meat and guacamole, served on a wooden platter.

SAT \\ MOONLIT CLASS

A bride and groom sitting together at their wedding reception with floral arrangements and candlelit decor around them, holding glasses and smiling at each other.

SAT \\ NEW MOON CLASS

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.

SUN // CANDLELIT DINNER

A dimly lit table at a fancy dinner setting with crystal glasses and decorative candles, with a blurred background of warm light and flowers.

SUN // CANDLELIT DINNER

Sunday is all about refining your skills in the intimate, warm glow of a beautifully curated reception setting. You will learn how to capture every detail under the flicker of candlelight.

A woman with long blonde hair sitting at a dimly lit dining table with black and gold decor and lit candles in the background. She is wearing a black and gray tulle dress, black high heels, and has visible tattoos on her arms and legs.

MON // FAREWELL BREAKFAST

MON // FAREWELL BREAKFAST

Two women working in a restaurant kitchen with plates of food in the foreground. One woman is focused on a task, while the other appears to be preparing or handling ingredients.

Our final morning together begins with a warm, nourishing breakfast, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the weekend’s experiences and newfound connections.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR, SOFIA

Obsessed With Light + Devoted to the Night

Hi, I'm Sofia. I’m here to guide you through a one of a kind photography retreat style workshop shaped by my love for off camera flash and creating in the dark. When most of the industry leaned into light and airy, I found my voice under the night sky // where silence, stars, and challenge became the best teachers I ever had.

Flash photography is more than solving technical problems. It is about vision, confidence, and creative possibility. It invites you to experiment, to trust yourself, and to see light where others do not.

This weekend is about learning technique, yes
but also learning to reclaim your style,
to create boldly,
and to light the way // in your work and within yourself.

Photo: @cassiemolyneux

A woman standing on a rock in a desert landscape at night, looking up at a star-filled sky.

INVESTMENT // ACCOMODATIONS

coming soon for 2027

 FAQs

  • We ask that anyone attending knows how to shoot in manual mode on their camera. If you are fairly new to manual mode that is totally ok, just let us know when you sign up and we will give you some homework before the workshop.

  • Calgary and Edmonton international airports are both under 2 hours drive to our 2027 location.

  • Yes, there is wifi in the main lodge and on the property although it is rural and not the strongest.

  • 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.

    • Your camera.

    • A flash.

    • An off camera flash transmitter.

    • A honeycomb grid or flash modifier.

    • A tripod.

    • A light stand with a flash bracket.

  • For privacy reasons, we will only be sharing this information with the students who have signed up.

  • Absolutely not! While our workshop will include elements that wedding photographers can benefit from, the workshop is designed for all types of photographers wanting to learn lighting.

    Event Photographers. Commercial Photographers. Portrait Photographers.

    Anyone wanting to level up their lighting.

    We’ll be focusing on night photography, storytelling, and creative lighting techniques that can apply to any niche.

Imagery on this page is a collection of photos taken by the Illuminate Team + Students @cassiemolyneux / @cristaelisephotography / @jessieraefilms / @aftonphotography / @janinerose / @hollyjanephotography / @ashleyelizabethphotography7 / chelsieraephotography / @krissybrk / @soulhoneyevolution

Signup for our waitlist to be the first to know when seats are available.