Nights of Waterton Photography Workshop 2026

Date: Apr 17-20, 2026

Cost: $1100 + GST & Fees

Join Monika Deviat for an unforgettable weekend of night photography, stargazing, and adventure beneath some of the darkest skies in the world in Waterton Lakes National Park! It's the perfect way to celebrate dark skies during International Dark Sky Week, as well.

Discover the magic of the night as we explore the pristine beauty of Waterton, Alberta. You'll learn how to capture breathtaking images of the stars, the Milky Way, and dramatic nightscapes in a place where the skies are still dark and full of wonder.

Waterton Lakes National Park (AB, Canada) and Glacier National Park (MT, USA) together form the world’s first and only transnational International Dark Sky Park, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2021. Out of just 114 Dark Sky Parks around the globe, this one is unique. Waterton is classified as Bortle Class 2, offering near-pristine conditions for stargazing and night photography. On clear nights, the constellations pop, the Milky Way stretches brightly across the sky, and even faint deep-sky objects can be seen.

Spring in Waterton is one of the best times of year to photograph the Milky Way. The galactic core -the brightest and most photogenic section - rises into view around 2 a.m., offering stunning opportunities to frame it over lakes, mountains, and wild landscapes.

Weather is variable in the spring. Conditions can be spring like with melting snow and open water on the lakes, or winter can continue to hold on with frozen or partial frozen lakes and snow capped peaks.

Max Photographers: 8

For full details visit: https://monikadeviatphotography.com/workshops/nights-of-waterton/

Included in the Workshop:

• Classroom sessions on Night Photography Techniques and Editing
• In-the-field instruction from an expert professional photographer
• 1 Telescope viewing session with the Dark Sky Guides (weather permitting)

Not Included in the workshop:

• Transportation to and from Waterton National Park
• Transportation during the workshop
• Park pass
• Travel insurance
• Meals
• Accommodations (Water-Glacier Suites and Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort will be open at this time)

Itinerary

The workshop plan is tentative and will be adaptive to sky conditions and weather to make the most of every opportunity. Participants should be prepared to shoot at any time during the night. All locations are very close to the town of Waterton.

Our priority will be maximizing night shooting time. We may also include optional sunset or sunrise sessions depending on weather and how many opportunities we have for stars. The editing and processing session is tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoon and will give you a chance to review your images and learn how to bring out the best in your night shots.

Activity Level: Moderate - We have the option to hike up Bear’s Hump for one Milky Way shoot if conditions allow and the entire group is up for it. Bears Hump is a steep 2.4 km trail with 213m elevation.

Day 1:

• 4pm Check In at accommodations if needed
• TBD Meet & Greet
• Classroom session + camera practice
• Sunset shoot
• Break

Day 2:

• Night Shoot
• Break
• Sunset Shoot
• Stargazing - location TBA

Day 3:

• Night Shoot
• Afternoon Editing session
• Break

Day 4:

• Night Shoot
• Coffee Chats and Wrap Up

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.and me