The ILLUMINATE // WORKSHOP
AN IMMERSIVE Weekend to Find Your Light // for photographers
NEAR JASPER CANADA
ALL INCLUSIVE WEEKEND
CHEF MADE NOURISHING MEALS + ACCOMODATIONS ALL INCLUDED
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.
student packages
student packages
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.
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.
FRI // FEAST + FIRE
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 CLASS
SAT \\ MOONLIT 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 // CANDLE DINNER
SUN // CANDLE DINNER
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.
MON // FAREWELL BREAKFAST
MON // 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.
SPONSORS
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.
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 honeycomb 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.