Astro Artistry: Banff Photography Workshop 2026

210 Village Road, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada

About the Event

Advance your astrophotography skills during a workshop under the dark skies of Banff National Park!

Cost: $950 + GST & Fees

Advance your astrophotography skills during a workshop under the dark skies of Banff National Park with award-winning night photography expert Monika Deviat. Designed for photographers with some night photography experience, this course delves into the more intricate techniques and specialized equipment that can be used to capture the beauty of the night sky. Learn advanced post-processing techniques to bring out the finest details in your images, and discover the art of planning and composing breathtaking nightscapes that showcase the wonders of the night sky using more than a single exposure. Whether you're aiming to photograph the Milky Way, nebulas, or distant galaxies, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and skills to take your astrophotography to the next level.

Participants should be comfortable focusing in the dark (most of the time, this can be refined), taking single-exposure night sky images (manual settings), setting up their own tripod and camera, and should be excited about spending as much time as possible out in the dark. This is a small group workshop, giving participants lots of one-on-one time with the instructor.

For full details visit: https://monikadeviatphotography.com/workshops/astro-artistry-banff-photography-workshop/

If you're new to night photography, want a refresher, or want to focus on everything you need to know about the Milky Way, please check out my other workshops, or consider a private photography workshop for a focused session just for you.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"I attended Monika's Astro Artistry workshop and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to go beyond the basics of astrophotography. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop offers an incredible opportunity to grow.

As someone with only beginner-level knowledge, I was amazed by how much I was able to learn, especially about more advanced techniques like focus stacking, using a star tracker and editing using astrophotography software. Monika has the ability to teach complex topics in a way that's approachable and never overwhelming. Her guidance helped me build the confidence and skills to start practicing these techniques on my own.

The workshop also took us to some truly beautiful locations, giving us the perfect settings to apply what we were learning in real time. Monika made sure everyone in the group received individual attention, and that personalized support made a big difference in helping us get the most out of the experience.

I found the editing session super valuable! I was super excited to process my first successful star tracker shots and images that used focus stacking—something I wouldn't have imagined doing just days earlier.

The workshop is packed with value, from the thoughtful instruction to the stunning locations and comfortable accommodations. I now feel knowledgeable and confident enough to go out on my own and capture the night sky in a way I've always wanted.”

- Alisa Peckham

What is Covered:

Planning

Planning your night shoots is a crucial part of creating compelling and purposeful images. We'll discuss how to choose your location, scout compositions in daylight (or not), understand weather forecasts and light pollution maps, and plan around moon phases and rise/set times. Some of our night sky subjects will include Orion, the Winter Milky Way, the Milky Way core (depending on the time of night), star trails, and - if we're lucky - Northern Lights. We'll also go over how to use apps and tools to plan effectively, such as PhotoPills, Sky Safari, and more.

Astrophotography Techniques

- Blending - Learn how to blend images taken at different times (like blue hour vs night time) or taken with different exposures but the same tripod position.
- Stacking - A powerful method for noise reduction in night images taken at high ISO that helps bring out details and colours.
- Tracking - We'll have two star trackers available for participants to try. Learn how to polar align, track, and shoot long exposures without star trailing.
- Tracked panoramas.
- Focus Stacking at Night - Achieve sharp images from foreground to stars by stacking images taken at different focus points.
- Star Trails - Create beautiful circular or arching trails from long time-lapse sequences or a single long exposure.

Editing

Capturing the data is just the first step of astrophotography. Processing is where your image comes to life and you can showcase your artistic vision. We'll go over how to blend images, how to bring out details using Lightroom then Photoshop, and what programs you can use for stacking, panoramas, time-lapses, etc.

Included in the Workshop:

- In-the-field instruction
- Classroom session
- Use of certain equipment

Not Included in the workshop:

- Transportation to and from Banff National Park
- Transportation during the workshop
- Travel insurance
- Meals
- Accommodations (a booking code is available at Lake Louise Inn upon registration)

What to Bring:

- DLSR or mirrorless camera (astromodified if you have it)
- Star tracker if you have one (two trackers will be available for use, participants will share if they don't have their own)
- Tripod
- Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
- Extra batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Laptop
- Variety of lenses
- Wide angle, fast lenses are ideal for Milky Way.
- Snacks
- Hot drinks in a thermos, water
- Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
- Good sturdy and warm boots, pole, pack, etc.
- Microspikes
- Headlamp
- Hand/toe warmers

Terms & Conditions:

By registering for this event you agree that you have read and understand the following.

Registration is non-refundable but is transferable. If you can find someone to take your spot and buy your ticket from you, this is acceptable. Email monika@monikadeviatphotography.com to confirm a transfer.

If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your spot will be forfeit without any refund of deposits or payments already made.

Participants understand that weather and conditions are unpredictable or difficult to forecast. There is no guarantee that we will see specific natural phenomena. You acknowledge that travel with a group involves compromise to accommodate goals, desires, personalities, abilities, and physical capabilities. Itineraries are planned, but flexible, and no part of the schedule can be guaranteed. You understand that no discounts or refunds will be given in the event of any changes.

Only in the event that the country or the venue is unable to host the workshop (such as a lockdown situation), participants will be given the option to postpone or receive a refund.

Please ensure you can travel and abide by all health and safety travel recommendations for Canada and your home location if you are booking a spot. It is your responsibility to ensure you can make the workshop. Participants must have travel and medical insurance.

Monika Deviat Photography reserves the right to cancel the workshop at any time. The cancellations could occur for a variety of reasons, such as a minimum number of participants is not met, family emergency, unforeseen circumstances impact the worksop, etc. In the event of cancellations that are under the control of Monika Deviat Photography, participants will receive a full refund for the workshop. No compensation would be made to participants for any other associated costs such as, but not limited to, travel, hotels, weather and travel delays, etc. Participants should have travel insurance.

You, for yourself, your heirs, executors or anyone else who may claim on your behalf, hereby waive, release and forever discharge, Monika Deviat/Monika Deviat Photography, assistants, and affiliates, representatives, executors, and all others from any and all responsibilities or liability from personal injury, death, damage to property or loss of any kind resulting from participation in a photography workshop event.

This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. You are responsible to research the event and bring the proper gear. You are also responsible for selecting activities that are appropriate to your physical abilities and interests.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. The parties may bring an action concerning this Agreement only in the Province of Alberta.

Your attendance at any event confirms that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this event you understand that you are attending at your own risk.

Up for something different?

• The best and unforgettable things to do near your city​

​​​