18-24 November 2023 | $1995.00
Embark on an unforgettable journey with us as we take you on a captivating photography journey of Vancouver Island. This tour is designed for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, where you'll be treated to truly magnificent photography sites, led by a passionate guide, and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
A Truly Unique Photographic Experience... Sign me up!
Photography as poetry: an artistic experience designed idea to put you back on track to experimenting on your own and help you interpret the world in a new way, far beyond the technical limitations of your camera. The field retreat* involves approaches to subject matter. You need not be an artist to attend, for the most important tool to bring is your imagination and sense of wonder.
Magnificent and haunting, we’ll uncover the enigmatic beauty that lies along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island — where nature, art, and creativity play a central role. We’ll explore the trails and beaches that feature striking rock formations and tumbled, polished rocks, gigantic breakers, myriad shells, aquatic plants, brightly-coloured lichens and other land plants. Then there are the landscapes that have shaped our history, defined our development, and inspired our culture. Abandonments, rainforests, caves, secluded beaches, shipwrecks, and islands off of islands, round out the itinerary.
One “feels” eternity in this west coast idea of immeasurable seclusion. Vancouver Island is your near-perfect Eden. Welcome!
So, where should you start and what should you do? The fact that you're reading his right now is your key to making the artistic photos you've always hoped for. So congratulations. It's time to register.
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$1995 CAD
Book Now1 week tour Includes:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Professional Photographer Guide
- Whale Watching
- Food Tour
- 1 breakfast
Tour Overview
Victoria
Spend 2 nights in Beautiful Victoria. The city is known for guaranteed whale watching and amazing food.
The tour officially starts on the morning of Saturday Nov 18, with an briefing of the week and an action packed day.
Parksville
From Victoria we will take a detour to the south coast of the Island before heading up towards Parksville on the east cost. Be stunned by the natural beauty the Juan De Fuca trail has to offer! See a natural aquarium, old growth forest in a town of solitude.
Arrive in Parksville for the evening in a comfy hotel.
Spend the next day exploring hidden spots along the East coast and be guided to use your creative skills in photography at dawn and dusk
Tofino
Make your way along the highway 4 through more old growth forest to see the iconic town of Tofino. With only 2000 people living here, coming in the off season will be sure to show you the beauty without the hoards of crowds.
There are miles and miles of rugged West Coast to be explored. A place where you won't be soon to forget
Highlights
- A very interesting photo walk of the Victoria downtown district.
- Searching for whales in the Salish Sea.
- Lighthouse and landscape scenes from the sea point of view.
- Exploring the rocky intertidal zones and sea caves near Port Renfrew.
- Walk in the solitude, classic hikes through majestic stands of old-growth forests.
- Wander the secret beaches along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island.
- Exploring the western shores and temperate rainforests.
- Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls.
- Beachcombing among the massive amount of driftwood bordering old growth forests
- Time set aside for end-of-the-day critique and review of your photography.
FAQ
What is included in the Field Retreat?
The cost of the retreat DOES INCLUDE: instruction from your host photographer, photoshoots at several locations, 7 nights accommodation, 1 whale watching tour, 1 food and history tour and 1 breakfast
This retreat DOES NOT INCLUDE: transportation to/from the retreat (flights or car rental), food or any gear.
Fitness Requirement
You must be reasonably fit, healthy, and accustomed to walking, and willing to rise every morning between six and seven o'clock (6h00 and 7h00) depending on weather and opportunities announced the preceding evening. You will be on your feet for a mimimum of 6 hours per day. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended.
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel this event the following applies: If cancellation is received at least 45 days prior to the start of this event, the event ticket fee can be applied to another of this Organizer's 2023-2024 events, subject to available space. Please note that there is no refund of differential between a lesser priced photo workshop / tour. An administration fee of 20% will be levied and must be paid prior to the start of the replacement event before you can attend. For this event only, your purchased ticket is transferable to another participant. We ask that you provide us with name and contact information of this (new) participant prior to the start of this event.
For cancellations received 0-44 days prior to the start of the retreat, all fees will be forfeited. Should there be a waitlist for your event, we can help you sell your ticket but the sale is up to you to negotiate and finalize.
Terms and Conditions:
Registration: The amount specified per person for each retreat event is due at the time you register. Your space is not reserved until we receive your payment in full.
Audit Policy: Only paid participants will be admitted during the retreat experience.
Age Restriction: This retreat event is recommended for adults over the age of 19. An adult must accompany any minors under the age of 19. Both adult and minor are required to pay for each respective spot at the retreat.
Waiver: As our guest, you are required to comply with our safety rules and are cautioned to heed all warnings. By accepting admission with this event ticket, you agree to release us from all responsibility for any loss, injury or damage which you may suffer, excepting any loss, injury or damage caused by our reckless, willful or grossly negligent acts. A general waiver will be presented to you for review and signing upon your arrival.
Cancellation, Refund & Delay Policy: All retreat schedules and plans are subject to change at our discretion dependent upon weather alerts, health and safety considerations, or any other factor related or unrelated to photographic opportunities as we see fit. We are not responsible for any other costs which participants may have incurred, including but not limited to travel, car rental, lodging, insurance, photographic purchases and/or rentals.
No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, transportation, or other events beyond our control, either before, during, or after your retreat event. We are not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to delays or cancellations.
We highly recommend all participants purchase travel insurance.
Experience Level: The field retreats are for the enthusiastic photographer. It doesn’t matter what camera or what level of expertise you are at – what matters is zeal for photography. Your instructor (Pete Ryan) is passionate about photography and can go all day. Novice photographers are welcome provided that they have a basic understanding of their own camera and lenses. The seasoned pro can take full advantage of the logistics, site and subject knowledge.
Criteria: There is no one right way of working, no one lens for all subjects. No one answer to a photographic problem. Problem-solving in the field is a matter of what equipment you already own, what subject matter you want to photograph, and most realistically, what lenses and accessories you happen to have with you. In locating subject matter and working in the field, the best advice is to learn as much as you can about the natural world.
Daily Routine: Soft adventure: walking tour. We’ll drive to each location then walk to the best position for photography. We'll start our days early to capture the mood of the morning and continue throughout the day to observe the big picture and vignettes of landscapes and seascapes, viewing wildlife as well as when other opportunity presents itself. In this neighbourhood expect to see bald eagles, shorebirds, sea lions, black bears, orcas and/or humpbacks. There will always be something to photograph and we shall have plenty of time to tailor instruction to your time and abilities. Reach out if you have limitations.
Group Size: 6-10 people. The small group size ensures every photographer will receive ample time for one-on-one instructional guidance and coaching.
Accommodation and Additional Tour Offering: Excellent opportunity if you book ASAP. For this particular excursion, 18-24 November 2023, we have secured a block of rooms at a discounted rate for which rate also includes a Victoria food tour and a 3-hr whale watching adventure on the Salish Sea. Limited availability. $1995 + GST.
Transportation: Your own transportation is required. We travel in a convoy. Participants are encouraged to ride-share to locations and we can assist in helping you pair up.
Trip Details: A detailed information packet will be sent by email once registration and payment is complete. The packet includes a more precise itinerary, camera gear suggestions along with a clothing checklist.
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