Have you ever wanted to see the northern lights? Have you wanted to learn more about them? Are you interested in aurora photography? Looking to explore Saskatchewan’s incredible night skies?
The Aurora Boreal workshop series blends aurora science with night photography under some of the darkest skies on earth! This workshop takes place in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan during the best times of year to see the northern lights. Organized by an avid aurora chaser, this workshop has been organized to increase your chances of seeing the lights, or at the very least leaving you fully prepared to capture the next show!
Although there is no guarantee of seeing the northern lights, the spring and fall equinox mark some of the best times to see the northern lights. With the moon phase considered, this workshop series has been carefully crafted to increase your chances of expierencing and capturing the magical northern lights in Saskatchewan!
Aurora Boreal: Saskatchewan Northern Lights Photography workshop series will be hosted during the peak northern lights seasons. Pick your season, spots are limited per workshop. Pricing also available for non-photographers.
Aurora Boreal: Winter’s Magic – March 15-17, 2024
With the advantage of long nights, and often clear sky, the March workshop will allow you to capture the beauty of the sparkling frozen landscape under the night sky. There’s a certain magic in the winter as the snow crunches under your feet in the silence of the night. A warm shelter will be provided during night shoots.
Aurora Boreal: Autumn Wonders: Sept. 15-17, 2023 (Sold Out)
Final payments for September workshop can be made here.
Aurora Boreal: Autumn Wonders: Sept. 27-29, 2024
Surrounded by the beautiful fall colours, this workshop will let you capture the highlights of the season. The forest is beautiful this time of year, and the lakes are open for reflections! With milder temperatures, this is a popular time to chase the northern lights.
The Details:
Tucked away in the boreal forest under some of the darkest skies on earth, learn how to capture the beauty of the night at this night photography workshop in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Watch the sky dance as the northern lights gracefully illuminate the night, surrounded by the remote wilderness where you can really enjoy the tranquility of the moment watching the cosmos.
Spend 3 days and 2 nights learning all about the northern lights & how to capture them while being surrounded by nature under the aurora oval in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada.
What’s included?
- A weekend of aurora information, in field viewing and photography instruction by Jeanine Holowatuik. With this workshop in her hometown, find some of the best viewing spots with an experienced aurora chaser and award winning photographer.
- In-class and in-field instruction is included in a small group setting. Warm drinks and warm shelter will be provided when out viewing and capturing the aurora.
- Enjoy the privacy of your own room with 2 Nights Private Lodging at Saskatchewan’s top B&B! Fir River Ranch has been voted the best B&B in Saskatchewan for 10 years! Homemade breakfast is included daily along with hot tubs and sauna on site, it’s a great getaway on its own!
- Welcome Dinner at the Railway Ave Pub recently named by Reader’s Digest as the most unique place to eat in Saskatchewan! Dinner available for ages 19+ only.
What’s not included?
- Travel to and from Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.
- Transportation during the workshop
- Some meals (expect for daily breakfast and welcome dinner!)
- Travel insurance
This will be a small group photography workshop where the focus will be on the northern lights and you, your gear and getting you comfortable shooting at night. Guided by an experienced aurora chaser, you can feel confident the focus will be on the northern lights at all times, often adjusting the schedule to accommodate the aurora data and/or cloud cover.
Learn to Capture the Aurora
Aurora Boreal Workshop Focus:
- Learn the basics of space weather and how to predict and see the Northern Lights.
- Learn about night photography and the unique challenges of aurora photography.
- Learn how to work in the elements and prepare yourself and gear.
- Learn how to make your photos stand out by reviewing ways to post process your photos and different techniques used in night photography to avoid noise. (Stacking & Blending)
- Learn how to plan for night photography and get the shot you want. Leave with the tools you need to plan your next Astro shoot!
- This workshop is designed to not be physically demanding, with very little walking required. And options to head back to the B&B during late nights can be arranged if group members want to stay out.
What do you need to bring?
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (new model cell phones can take night photos – however instruction will be focused on a camera with interchangeable lenes)
- Tripod
- Wide angle lens (less than 50 mm)
- Fast lens ( f2.8 or lower)
- Laptop with your own editing software
- A seasonal extra gear list will be provided to registered participants.
What to Expect:
Photography instruction will be by Jeanine Holowatuik, a recognized and published astro photographer and avid explorer in the area. This workshop takes place in her hometown of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan where Jeanine has specialized in shooting the northern lights for over 7 years. The workshop will focus on the northern lights as the main priority and the schedule will be adjusted pending the cloud cover and aurora forecast.
Once you arrive in Hudson Bay and check into your own room at the award winning, Fir River Ranch B&B. The small group will begin with a welcome dinner at the Railway Ave Pub (ages 19+ only) in Hudson Bay, recently named the most unique place to eat in Saskatchewan according to Reader’s Digest Canada! We will review the weather and aurora forecast and plan the next days accordingly.
Time during the day will be spent covering the details of night photography and how to understand aurora data in order to prepare for each night out. We will also cover post processing during the day while still allowing time for rest (or hitting the hot tub!) as we focus each night on seeing and capturing the northern lights.
Night photography in the elements can be challenging. Your safety and comfort will be a priority, there will not be a lot of hiking involved and there will be immediate access to a warm cozy cabin throughout the night in between capturing the magical night sky. A gear list will be sent prior to the workshop so you are prepared for the elements.
Night field tours will depend on weather, and please know there are no guarantees to see the northern lights. The dates have been selected to increase your chances as much as possible. With this workshop being led by an experienced aurora chaser, every effort will be made to make sure you see any show available at anytime of night throughout the workshop. But even if conditions do not align, you will leave this workshop confident in your ability to predict and capture the next show!
The workshop includes lodging in a private room in Saskatchewan’s top ranked Bed & Breakfast. The Fir River Ranch is located just out of town with immediate access to dark sky. Enjoy a home cooked breakfast daily by Journeyman Chef, and extraordinary host, Audrey. As an extra special treat, you can also enjoy access to 2 outdoor hot tubs and a sauna to warm up and unwind.
Weather is beyond anyones control. There is no guarantee to see the northern lights, although all best efforts to monitor the data and weather forecast, there is a slim chance of neither cooperating. However in the slight chance this happens, you will leave the workshop more confident in your skills to monitor, predict and shoot the next show!
Experience the Aurora
2024 Package Pricing:
Pricing for Photographers (your own camera or newer model cell phone is required) :
3 Day/ 2 Nights = $899 + PST * includes private room lodging, daily breakfast, welcome dinner, intro to aurora science & forecasting, night & aurora photography instruction both in and out of the field and post processing.
Pricing for Aurora Enthusiasts with no interest in photography or already confident in their night photography skills:
3 Days/ 2 Nights = $749 + PST * includes private room lodging, daily breakfast, welcome dinner, intro to aurora science & forecasting and option to come along with the photography group for any possible aurora viewing.
Pricing for a friend/partner/spouse is $500 + PST *must be with a registered photographer or enthusiast participant, includes lodging, daily breakfast and welcome dinner only. Please contact me after registering to arrange this option.
Deposit of $450 is required at the time of booking. Remaining balance is due 30 days before the workshop dates.
Transportation Information
Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada is located about 3 hours east of Saskatoon (closest airport) along major highways. Transportation is not included in the cost of this package. It is recommended you have your own vehicle and either drive or rent one from Saskatoon, which is the nearest International Airport. Via Rail also stops in Hudson Bay and could be an option for those wanting to arrive by train or include it on your way up to Churchill Manitoba. Private transport options are also available from Saskatoon, please inquire before booking if you require this.
Space is Limited – Book Your Spot Now
Northern Escape Photography Cancellation Policy
A deposit is required at the time of booking and to hold your place in each limited spaced workshop. The remaining balance is due 30 days ahead of the workshop dates.
A full refund minus the deposit will be provided for cancellations at anytime prior to 30 days before the workshop. The deposit is held to cover administration costs only if the spot is not filled prior to the workshop.
If the spot is filled prior to the workshop dates, a full refund will be provided.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any costs or non refundable portions you incur. For anyone outside of Saskatchewan Canada, Travel/Medical Insurance is required.
If you have any questions please contact me at northernescapephotography@gmail.com
Space is Limited – Book Now!