The

ILLUMINATE // WORKSHOP

AN IMMERSIVE Weekend to Find Your Light // for photographers

April 25th - 28th

private nature lodge & Cabins

NEAR JASPER CANADA

ALL INCLUSIVE WEEKEND

CHEF MADE NOURISHING MEALS + ACCOMODATIONS ALL INCLUDED

Let there be light


from within + quite literally, from an off camera flash


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 and even an on-site counselor to help you process, reflect, and release, this is a space where you can feel truly seen, supported, and inspired.


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

Let there be light


from within + quite literally, from an off camera flash


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 and even an on-site counselor to help you process, reflect, and release, this is a space where you can feel truly seen, supported, and inspired.


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

INVESTMENT TIERS

Included in your ticket


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.


All meals provided for entire weekend

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Starlight Bunk \\ 8 Available

$4050 CAD Early Bird / $4250 Reg

Embrace the community spirit with a bunkbed 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 \\ 4 Available

$4450 CAD Early Bird / $4650 Reg

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 \\ 2 Available

$4450 Early Bird / $4650 Reg

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 \\ 3 Available

$5600 CAD Early Bird / $5800 Reg

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.

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.


4th + Final Set:

Night Shoot Under the Stars


Step into the extraordinary with a night shoot that captures the magic of the Alberta sky. Learn how to illuminate couples against the vastness of the night, using techniques I’ve never shared in a workshop setting. From ethereal lighting to framing under the stars, this experience will give you a signature skill to set your work apart.


This is the only time Sofia has ever shared her night photoshoot techniques with students ever.

4th + Final Set:

Night Shoot Under the Stars


Step into the extraordinary with a night shoot that captures the magic of the Alberta sky. Learn how to illuminate couples against the vastness of the night, using techniques I’ve never shared in a workshop setting. From ethereal lighting to framing under the stars, this experience will give you a signature skill to set your work apart.


This is the only time Sofia has ever shared her night photoshoot techniques with students ever.

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 special fire gathering.

We will collectively set personal intentions for the days ahead and also release any self doubts that stint our creativity into the fire that night.

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

more about Sof

SPONSORS

We’re thrilled to have incredible sponsors supporting Illuminate

STROBEPRO // Photography Lighting Equipment


Strobepro has offered discounts for students on entire store, including godox flashes, light stands and off camera flash transmitters.

MAGMOD // Flash Modifiers for Speedlights


Discounts for Students on entire store, including Sofia's favorite flash modifiers: The grids!

JASPER SOAP COMPANY


Jasper Soap Company, mindfully made + chemical free soaps created in the Rocky Mountains of Jasper AB, is designing an exclusive Illuminate-inspired soap for every attendee to enjoy.

Wild roses apothecary // tea time


Our tea sponsor is providing a selection of grounding and calming teas to help students wind down after our night shoot lesson. These soothing blends are the perfect way to transition from creative energy to restful relaxation before bed.

Canadian Heritage Roasters Co.


Sponsoring our morning coffee brew station as well for the weekend. This Alberta based company's mission is to fuel your next adventure while actively giving back to our wild places \\ perfect for our workshop.


LOCATION + ACCOMODATIONS

2 hours from jasper alberta \\ private wilderness lodge + cabins

Exact Location will be shared w participants only.

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
  • Sofia’s Right-Hand Man – A helpful (and handy) presence for anything we need along the way.


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.

FAQ

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.
An 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.

What is the exact location or name of the lodge?

We will only be sharing this information with the students who have signed up.

Is this only for WEDDING photographers?

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.