Breakout Sessions
More Information About the 2026 Conference is Coming Soon.
Check out Past Events
Our exciting slate of field sessions will be announced on April 1st and will include a mix of new locations and old favourites!
Check out Past Events
Lightchasers is proud to work with some of the top brands in photography and will be featuring multiple Breakout Sessions with our partners.
BRAND EXPO
One of our core tenets for Lightchasers is to break down barriers to access and that includes interactions with your favourite brands. We are very fortunate to be supported by all of our incredible brand partners and our Brand Expo allows you to interact directly with representatives from Fujifilm, McBain, Kase Filters, Sony, Nikon, The Camera Store, Tamron, and Canon as well as tourism groups like Living Sky Tours and South Canadian Rockies. From free sensor cleanings to new product demos, touch and try experiences, to opportunities to try out new gear in the field, and just asking questions and chatting with reps, our Brand Expo allows you opportunities to interact with our partners in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
Brand Expo Hours
Friday 9-10:30am, 1-3pm
Saturday 9-11am, 1-2:30pm
Sunday 9-11am, 1-2pm
Tech Talks in 20
Join Lightchasers founder and McBain Camera Ambassador, Shane Turgeon, and McBain Camera General Manager, Rene Rodrigue, for a series of 20 minute Tech Talks discussing the fundamentals of a variety of photography topics, tips and tricks for editing and a return of last year’s wildly popular topic, “Why is My Camera Misbehaving?”
Why is My Camera Misbehaving - Rene Rodrigue
Friday 1:45pm
We’ve all been there. Standing in the field in that perfect moment ready to capture the perfect photo…we click the shutter with great anticipation aaaaaand…something has gone wrong. Our camera is not doing what we told it to do. As user friendly and intuitive as cameras have become, they’ve also become incredibly complex. In his 30 year career as a photographer and 20+ years as a photographic retail specialist, McBain GM Rene Rodrigue has likely seen it all. From the easiest fixes to the real head-scratchers, Rene is here to answer your most stubborn gear-related questions! (ALL)
Getting Off Auto: Understanding the Exposure Triangle - with Shane Turgeon
Friday 2:15pm
If you’re struggling to understand shooting in manual mode and keep defaulting to auto settings, it’s very likely that it’s the exposure triangle holding you back. Join Shane as he breaks down the triangle of shutter speed, aperture and ISO to help you break the auto addiction and start creating more impactful images. (BEGINNER)
Illuminating Nightscapes - with Shane Turgeon
Saturday 1:45pm
Picture it: you’ve found an incredible location with an interesting foreground that would make a great nightscape image - an old barn, some cool hoodoos, etc - you wait for the milky way to rise over your spot, you’ve got everything dialled in and you fire your shot, only to have the foreground look like a black silhouette against the sky. We’ve all been there. In this talk, Shane will show you how to properly and easily illuminate a scene and discuss the differences between low level lighting and light painting. (INTERMEDIATE)
ICM: The Art of Movement - with Shane Turgeon
Sunday 1:30pm
Intentional camera movement - making the magic from the mundane! Join Shane as he discusses the best ways to create impactful, artistic images by doing the one thing you’re not supposed to do while taking a photo: moving your camera! (INTERMEDIATE)
Portfolio Reviews
Feedback. It’s something we’re all hungry for when it comes to our photography. But finding opportunities for meaningful and constructive feedback is increasingly hard in a world of social media platitudes or positive comments from non-photographer friends and family members. To help you improve your images and your eye, some of our presenters have generously offered to review a selection of photos from our attendees each morning. Participants are to have their photos ready to show on a tablet, laptop or in print and each review is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes to help ensure everyone has an opportunity for feedback.
Saturday 9-10:30am
Rachael Talibart, Alex Noriega
Sunday 9-10:30am
Alister Benn, Jenny Wong, Dusty Cressey
Field Sessions
Our field sessions are designed around the fact that everyone experiences a location differently. Instead of putting you in a prescribed spot with a subject, theme or model where you mimic what an instructor tells you to do, our sessions are designed to let you explore an area and to engage with your own creativity and ability to see and respond to the landscape emotionally; to look deeper and to come away with images that are more personally satisfying than technically perfect or commercially appealing.
These are not formal workshops. Presenters in attendance are there to help answer questions or provide insight to their methods but not to tell you what to shoot or how to see. In order to ensure ample opportunities for attendees to attend at least one, and possibly two field sessions, and in order to minimize impact on the areas where our sessions take place, we do have attendance caps in place. We also highly encourage people to carpool to our shooting locations to minimize parking impacts.
We also know that many attendees may be more inclined to explore the area on their own during these times and we welcome and encourage you to do so if group shooting scenarios aren’t your cup of tea! Each of these locations as well as Waterton National Park, Castle Provincial Park, the Pass and the surrounding prairies provide many great photography opportunities for the solo explorer outside of our scheduled sessions.
Whether you’re joining us for group sessions or exploring on your own, please practice leave no trace principles and pack out whatever you pack in.
This year we have four brand new sessions in three new locations as well as spots at some of our favourite locations from the past for those who are joining us for the first time or who couldn’t attend these sessions in previous years. Sessions are limited to TWO per person and sign ups will go live on March 30th at 10am MT.
Field Session Etiquette: you are but one of many people enjoying these particular sessions. Please be mindful of other people’s space and time. Try to avoid being in anyone else’s shots, move around frequently and don’t hold one spot all to yourself. Be courteous and helpful to your fellow attendees.
SIGN UP FOR A FIELD SESSION (OR TWO!)
Beauvais Bird Walk
Saturday Morning 7am-9am
Bird nerds pack your long lenses and gear up for a leisurely stroll through the Beauvais Lake meadows to photograph the returning songbirds and waterfowl - and maybe even a moose or two! Located just a short 15 minutes from Pincher Creek, this leisurely stroll over relatively easy terrain will be a perfect way to ease into your conference day, losing yourself in the moment while enjoying the walk and the creatures you see along the way.
Note: there is little to no cell service in this area. Attendees are encouraged to carry bear spray with them as bears have been known to frequent this location.
Presenters in attendance: Alister Benn, Nick Parayko, Dee Webb, Marci Segal
Physical difficulty level: easy to moderate
Distance from Pincher Creek: 22km (20mins)
Attendance cap: 45
Recommended gear: Long focal length lens, bear spray
Cameron Falls
Presented by Nikon
Saturday Morning 7am-9am
Located in beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park, Cameron Falls is a stunning and easily accessed waterfall with ample parking and smooth terrain. Hosted by Monika Deviat, attendees will be able to take their time photographing this beauty from a variety of angles. Bring some longer focal length lenses and isolate the falls for some intimate falling water shots too! While not an official part of the session, attendees are encouraged to come to the park early to explore the Red Rock and Akamina Parkways in search of wildlife before the session begins.
Presenters in attendance: Jenny Wong, Viktoria Haack, Monika Deviat, Lee Nordbye
Physical difficulty level: easy
Distance from Pincher Creek: 56km (40mins)
Attendance cap: 40
Recommended gear: Wide to medium focal length lenses, CPL and ND filters, tripod, valid Parks pass (not included)
Boulder Run/Cottonwood Campground
Saturday Evening from 7-10pm
A Lightchasers 2 for 1! This session is spread out over two closely-situated locations in the Old Man River valley between Pincher Creek and Heritage Acres: Boulder Run and the Cottonwood Campground.
Boulder Run offers attendees intimate views of fast flowing water breaking over smooth boulders in ambient evening light as well as reflection pools, cool rolling hills and architectural views of the Old Man Dam itself. There is a huge parking area that leads to rocky river terrain. Sturdy footwear is recommended for navigating the rocks.
Cottonwood Campground lives up to its name with a landscape replete with beautiful, old cottonwood trees that are full of character perfect for more intimate portraits. Across the river lies beautiful sandstone cliffs full of interesting textures for close up photos and a different view. Birders may find flickers, songbirds and maybe even an owl in the trees!
Note: There is no cell service in this area.
Presenters in attendance: Alex Noriega, Rachael Talibart, Shane Turgeon
Physical difficulty level: moderate
Distance from Pincher Creek: 14km (15mins)
Attendance cap: 100
Recommended gear: Wide to long focal length lenses, CPL and ND filters, tripod, sturdy footwear
Sunset on Limber Pine Ridge
Presented by Fujifilm
Saturday Evening 8-10pm
Not for the faint of heart, Sunset on Limber Pine Ridge is an exclusive opportunity to explore the majesty of a group of ancient limber pines located on private property that overlooks a scenic valley covered in wildflowers with the mountains in the background. This session involves a 2km hike through uneven fields and up a very steep embankment and is not recommended for those who aren’t experienced hikers or those with limited mobility. As this is located on private property, may involve potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife and a more difficult experience overall, participation in this session is limited and will be monitored with check ins and check outs.
Presenters in attendance: Alister Benn, Nick Parayko, Dee Webb
Physical difficulty level: hard to extreme
Distance from Pincher Creek: 11km (13 mins)
Attendance cap: 25
Recommended gear: Hiking boots, wide to medium focal length lenses, tripod (though not necessary), bear spray
Castle Falls
Presented by OM System
Saturday evening 8-10pm
While the falls at Castle may not be as spectacular as their Lundbreck counterparts, this beautiful location features a great opportunity for not just capturing the larger scene but is also a small-scene photographer’s playground. Details in the smooth rock surfaces make for great intimate and abstract shots where photographers can lose themselves exploring it all. This location is also wonderful for early morning sightings of a variety of songbirds and even birds of prey.
Note: There is little to no cell service in this area. Attendees are encouraged to carry bear spray with them as bears have been known to frequent this location.
Presenters in attendance: Peter Baumgarten, Lee Nordbye, Viktoria Haack
Physical difficulty level: easy to moderate
Distance from Pincher Creek: 42km (34 mins)
Attendance cap: 40
Recommended gear: Wide to medium focal length lenses, CPL and ND filters, tripod, bear spray
Astro at Heritage Acres
Presented by Fujifilm
Saturday night from 11pm-1am
Located at our host location, the Heritage Acres Farm Museum is a veritable time capsule of prairie life and features wonderfully dark skies. An old grain elevator and beautiful barn will allow attendees to face the northern sky to capture their favourite constellations or attempt some startrails. And if conditions are favourable, some late blue hour milky way core photography *might* be possible just before moonrise as well.
Presenters in attendance: Sarah Matthews, Monika Deviat, Marci Segal
Physical difficulty level: easy
Distance from Pincher Creek: 15km (10-15 mins)
Attendance cap: 40
Recommended gear: Fast, wide lenses, tripod
Lynx Creek Campground
Presented by Kase Filters
Sunday Morning 7am-9am
The Lynx Creek area is a beautiful, relaxing spot in Castle Provincial Park. The campground is nestled right along Lynx Creek and features many smaller cascades perfect for intimate jagged rock and water shots. Attendees can stroll along the creek for multiple vantage points and creek flow should be higher during the spring meaning more water will be flowing over the rocks than at other times of the year. Wildflowers and birds should also be plentiful in the campground to round out your morning photography pursuits!
Note: There is little to no cell service in this area. Attendees are encouraged to carry bear spray with them as bears have been known to frequent this location.
Presenters in attendance: Jim Brompton, Lee Nordbye, Shane Turgeon
Physical difficulty level: easy to moderate
Distance from Pincher Creek: 46km (40mins)
Attendance cap: 40
Recommended gear: Wide to medium focal length lenses, CPL and ND filters, tripod, rubber boots
The Art of Framing: Exploring Aspect Ratios in Composition - A Lundbreck Falls Workshop with Adam Gibbs
Presented by Fujifilm
Saturday and Sunday Mornings from 7am-9am
Join renowned professional photographer Adam Gibbs for an exclusive workshop exploring the art of framing and composition using the diverse aspect ratios offered by FUJIFILM GFX cameras. Limited to just 10 participants, this hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to delve into the creative possibilities that different aspect ratios provide and discover how they can transform the storytelling of your images.
Participants will have exclusive access to the brand new FUJIFILM GFX100RF camera throughout the workshop, allowing them to experience first-hand the exceptional 102MP GFX sensor. This high-resolution sensor ensures maximum detail and flexibility, preserving stunning image quality no matter which aspect ratio is used — from the classic 4:3 to the panoramic 65:24 or the square 1:1.
Adam will guide you through his approach to using aspect ratios to enhance composition, balance, and visual impact. Whether you're framing expansive landscapes, crafting intimate portraits, or experimenting with abstract forms, you'll gain insight into how each ratio can shape the narrative of your work. Through practical demonstrations and personalized feedback, Adam will help you refine your vision and elevate your photographic storytelling.
What to Expect:
- Exclusive use of a FUJIFILM GFX100RF for each participant.
- In-depth discussions on composition and aspect ratio selection.
- Hands-on shooting sessions in a stunning location.
- Personalized guidance and critique from Adam Gibbs.
- Small group setting, ensuring personalized attention.
Spots are extremely limited and fill up fast, so be sure to reserve your place as soon as possible! Please remember to bring your own SD card so you can take your images home and relive the experience.
Lundbreck Falls is a stunning double waterfall located a mere 20 minute drive from Pincher Creek. The waterfalls can be photographed from a variety of angles and offer a chance for both grand scenic and more intimate shots. This beautiful spot also features a great old trestle bridge that makes for wonderful compositions as well. A variety of birds also frequent this location. This location is easily accessible by all but does feature some stairs down to the lower level that may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The falls are bathed in soft morning light around 7am but early birds may want to catch a reverse sunrise over the falls at 530am.
Presenters in attendance: Adam Gibbs
Physical difficulty level: easy to moderate
Distance from Pincher Creek: 26km (21 mins)
Attendance cap: 10
Recommended gear: CPL and ND filters, tripod, memory card
Portfolio Reviews
Feedback. It’s something we’re all hungry for when it comes to our photography. But finding opportunities for meaningful and constructive feedback is increasingly hard in a world of social media platitudes or positive comments from non-photographer friends and family members. To help you improve your images and your eye, some of our presenters have generously offered to review a selection of photos from our attendees each morning. Participants are to have their photos ready to show on a tablet, laptop or in print and each review is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes to help ensure everyone has an opportunity for feedback.
Saturday 9:00-10:30am
Alex Buisse , Anna Morgan, Viktoria Haack
Sunday 9:00-10:30am
Alister Benn, Alex Buisse
LOCATION:
The Lounge at the Heritage Inn
(Sessions are first come, first served)
find out times and more details on our schedule page
view schedule
I found the conference to be unique in that there were diverse landscape genre presenters supported by a number of appropriate companies with their products. Less a workshop and more facilitation.Jan Lyall
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