PHOTO CREDIT // ONYX & AMBER
I am so excited to have you join the Illuminate Workshop. This page is your guide to getting the most out of the experience. Keep checking back // this is a living resource that will grow as the workshop does.
PICTURED //Mandy Trapp Breathe Worker
PICTURED // @ether.and.essence UNDER THE SOLSTICE MIDNIGHT MOON
Schedule
Arrival // Friday April 25th 3pm-5pm
All the middle will be revealed onsite.
Departure Breakfast // Monday April 28th 10am
(You are welcome to hit the road home before this if you need to)
WHAT TO BRING // GEAR
*All items have been linked with our two lighting company sponsors above so if you are in need of a product just click it and it will take you to the appropriate link on one of those stores. Please email or DM Sofia if you have any questions about gear needed.
A camera with interchangeable lenses.
Your favorite lenses.
A tripod. (Any brand, the linked one is a Strobpro one but any including cheaper ones are acceptable)
A speedlight adapter. (to attach your flash to the light stand)
A transmitter. (to use your flash off camera) NIKON CANON SONY
A flash. My favs: NIKON CANON SONY (The round head flashes are great too if you already have one.)
A mag grip to attach above modifier.
Kit including both of the above if you also need a diffuser (for softer light)
Memory Cards.
Extra Batteries for your camera + battery charger. (outdoor use can drain batteries quicker)
No laptop needed (we will not be doing any computer work at this workshop)
WHAT TO BRING // PERSONAL
Clothing:
Warm outdoor clothing (we will be outdoors at night for over an hour at a time)
Here is what I wear for my night shoots:
Insulated leggings. Undershirt. Hoodie. Outdoor Vest or Coat. Winter boots or Hikers. Warm Socks. Thin Gloves. Toque.
Friday Night // We are going to be sitting around an outdoor fire for a couple of hours this evening. If you want to be extra cozy, bring your own camping chair and blanket. There are chairs already available around the fire but if you have a "favorite" please bring it.
Food is all covered but if you have a favorite protein bar or snack you'd like to bring please do. We will have plenty of food including snacks included throughout your stay including some post night shoot tea and truffle popcorn, yummm.
Sleep Stuff:
PJs // Most of you are in shared accommodations so a cozy PJ set or robe to get to the bathroom is recommended.
Earplugs + Sleep mask if you are a light sleeper.
Bath Stuff:
Towels are provided. Please bring your own products such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc.
Notepad + Pen
Waterbottle
Home work
Before you arrive, I have a small but powerful piece of homework for you.
Please take a moment to set your camera to back button focus.
Why? Because we’re going to be shooting in the dark.
And in the dark, your camera needs your help.
That soft half-press on your shutter button?
It’s going to struggle.
It’ll search, it’ll stall, and in low light — it might even give up.
But when you assign focus to the back button,
you gain control.
You can lock in sharpness, compose freely, and shoot without the hesitation.
It’s one of those small changes that makes a huge difference in night photography and photojournalism— especially when the stars are out, the candles are flickering, and the moment is fleeting.
If you’re unsure how to change the setting, just look up “Back Button Focus + [your camera model]” on YouTube.
Or reach out before the workshop — I am happy to guide you via messages!
Let’s make sure you’re ready to grab focus with clarity and confidence in the shadows.
See you in the dark
Sofia
detailed Directions
to Rock Lake Earth Lodge
As you approach Rock Lake Earth Lodge, please be aware that cell service is unavailable once you turn off Highway 40 and begin the gravel mountain road to the lodge.
📍 We recommend using Google Maps and searching directly for "Rock Lake Earth Lodge" before you lose service. Download the map offline if possible.
🚫 Please avoid relying solely on your phone’s GPS once you’re off the highway. We've had guests lose their way due to inaccurate map routing. Follow the directions provided and you’ll arrive safely.
🌲 This is a remote lodge experience, and the final stretch includes a gravel mountain road. Take your time, drive carefully, and enjoy the scenery.
🕒 Before you lose service, please notify one of the following contacts with your ETA so they can know when to expect you:
Cheanise w Rock Lake Earth Lodge // 780.632.9616
Brody w Rock Lake Earth Lodge // 780 817 8810
Sofia // 403.200.3211 (this number will not work if you are on an android, please send an instagram message if not on an iphone)
We will track your ETA to ensure you arrive safely.
We can’t wait to welcome you to this special weekend.
• Head west through Hinton (Hwy 16)
• After Hinton, you will see a sign that states “Highway 40 to Alaska” – DO NOT take this. Go to the next intersection that states “Highway 40 to Grande Cache”
• Go North on Highway 40 for 40.1km (approx. 26 minutes). ***Please TEXT Cheanise or Brody (before you lose service) once you are on the Highway 40, so we know when to expect you***
• You will see blue signs that state “Rock Lake Lodge” just before the turn you need to make. Turn left at this turn and follow the gravel road until you reach a “T” intersection.
• Turn left at the “T” intersection – There will be a sign that states 27 km to Rock Lake. Stay on this road for the 27 km. Takes approximately 35 minutes – feels like a long stretch - do not turn onto any nongraded roads - the road is windy and has lots of trails along it but just stay on the road that your on until you come to a sign that says green mountain
• Stay straight where the sign reads “green mountain”– the lodge is 150 yards and the first driveway on the left.
There is a BIG ranch gate post sign that states “Rock Lake Lodge” continue down the driveway till you see the lodge on the right.
NOTE: The final stretch to Rock Lake Lodge is on a gravel mountain road. Road conditions can be variable – take your time for an enjoyable trip!
Please note you can use GOOGLE MAPS if you type in ROCK LAKE EARTH LODGE.
• Head east on Highway 16 towards Edmonton
• Before Hinton, turn left (North) Highway 40 to Grand Cache.
• Go North on Highway 40 for 40.1km (approx. 26 minutes) ***Please message or call us once you are on the Highway 40, so we know when to expect you***
• You will see blue signs that state “Rock Lake Lodge” just before the turn you need to make. Turn left at this turn and follow the gravel road until you reach a “T” intersection.
• Turn left at the “T” intersection – There will be a sign that states 27 km to Rock Lake. Stay on this road for the 27 km. Takes approximately 35 minutes – feels like a long stretch - do not turn onto any nongraded roads - the road is windy and has lots of trails along it but just stay on the road that your on until you come to a sign that says green mountain
• Stay straight where the sign reads “green mountain”– the lodge is 150 yards and the first driveway on the left.
There is a BIG ranch gate post sign that states “Rock Lake Lodge” continue down the driveway till you see the lodge on the right.
NOTE: The final stretch to Rock Lake Lodge is on a gravel mountain road. Road conditions can be variable – take your time for an enjoyable trip!