Photography workshop in Yukon Canada

Yukon is home to Canada’s highest peak, the world’s largest non-polar ice fields, several Canadian Heritage Rivers and healthy, abundant wildlife. From the crimson carpet of the tundra in autumn, to the majestic mountain peaks and arguably the best northern lights viewing in Canada, the vast pristine wilderness of the Yukon beckons.

Yukon’s jaw-dropping natural features are what set this place apart. This is a land rich with dramatic mountain vistas, wild rivers and crystal clear lakes. Close to 80 per cent remains pristine wilderness.

I have been leading photography workshop and tours in the Yukon for years and have put all my trips for wildlife, landscapes and aurora on one convenient page.

Please see all of those trips here, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/yukon-photography-workshops

2017 Pacific Northwest Photography Workshop

2017 Pacific Northwest Photography Workshop

Step into the land of the “Group of Seven” painters and capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Our destination, Tofino, British Columbia.

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, typifies the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, boasting flawless natural beauty accentuated by a tapestry of vibrant communities.

This area inspires many renowned artists and artisans, who honor the magic of this land by bringing it into the physical realm. Add to that a climate that summons outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the Earth and it is clear that Vancouver Island is poised to please the photographer.

Dates of Workshop: September 16, 2017 to September 23, 2017

Please schedule your arrivals so you can be picked up before noon on day one of the workshops. Plan your departure on the last on any flight departing after 4pm on the last day.

Flights should be scheduled into Nanaimo Airport and scheduled out of Nanaimo or Victoria Airport.

Instructors: Kevin Allen Pepper

Payment Information

Price for the workshop: $4995USD for a maximum of 6 people

Single Supplement Fee: $450USD

Deposit to secure your place in the workshop is $1000USD with balance due 90 days before trip runs

What’s Included

All accommodation in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet, hotels in Campbell River, two ferry rides, meals except that which is not covered in itinerary, all National park entrance fees, all Provincial park entry fees, 23 to 26 hours of wildlife viewing on boats, transportation

What’s Not Included?

Flights to British Columbia, items of personal nature, alcohol, laundry, travelers insurance, extra nights if needed.

Itinerary of Our Workshop

Day One – Saturday

You will be picked up at the Nanaimo Airport or your Nanaimo hotel and taken North to Campbell River. We will pick you up at 2pm.

Overnight in Campbell River at the new Comfort Inn and Suites (Dinner included)

Day two – Sunday

Today we take our first boat tour. Today we will spend 6 hours on the water photographing some of the following species. Humpback Whales, Transient Orca Whales, sea lions, harbor seals, black bear and dolphins

Overnight in Campbell River at the new Comfort Inn and Suites (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day Three – Monday

Today we spend another 8 hours on the water. Today we will head across the strait to photograph Grizzly Bear. On our way and back you may see Transient Orca Whales and Humpbacks.

Overnight in Campbell River at the new Comfort Inn and Suites (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day Four – Tuesday

Today we head west to Tofino and Ucluelet. We depart in the morning, taking roads that wind through the interior of the island.

On the way we will stop at Cathedral Grove. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.

We will arrive in Ucluelet in the afternoon and check into our cabins for the next few nights.

(Breakfast, Dinner included)

After we check in walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail. This easy, family-friendly trail traces the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound. You will be enthralled by Vancouver Island’s dramatic beauty and helpful interpretive signs will enrich your visit to Ucluelet’s famous 9km trail network. A perfect destination for photographers

Tonight we will visit one of the secluded beaches or inlets for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two or three bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) 

Day Five – Wednesday

Today at low tide we will go and photograph the black bears. Resident bears come down to the beaches at low tide to forage for such beach delicacies as rock crab, starfish and even a bit of kelp. They are an absolute pleasure to watch from the boat and thanks to their poor eyesight they are usually unaware of our presence so long as we keep quiet and a respectable distance up wind.

We will once again walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail and go photograph the area beaches between Tofino and Ucluelet. You will be photographing crashing waves, surfers riding the crashing surf and endless beaches long into the night as the sun sets before you. This is another perfect destination for photographers

During high sun we will spend some time back at our accommodation location and spend some time going through our images.

Tonight we will once again visit one of the secluded beaches for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Six – Thursday

We will leave our lodge after breakfast and head towards Cowichan Bay.

When we arrive in Cowichan Bay you will have the opportunity to wander the seaside town and take photos around the harbour.

After dinner we will head out our first Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

Stay in Nanaimo Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Seven – Friday

Today is all about the sea life in the ocean around Cowichan Bay. Today we will head out for two Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

One tour in the morning light, one in the evening light. – 6 to 8 hours on the water over two outings.

Between our whale photography tours we will spend some time back at our accommodation location and spend some time going through our images.

Stay in Nanaimo Hotel (Dinner included)

Day Eight – Saturday

Today we wake and you will be dropped off at the airport in Victoria by 2pm, or at your Victoria hotel

Are you ready to photograph orcas, whales and bears and stunning seascapes? Click on this link to see more photos and to register, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/2017-pacific-northwest-photo-tour

2018 Pacific Northwest Photography Workshop

2018 Pacific Northwest Photography Workshop

Step into the land of the “Group of Seven” painters and capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Our destination, Tofino, British Columbia.

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, typifies the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, boasting flawless natural beauty accentuated by a tapestry of vibrant communities.

This area inspires many renowned artists and artisans, who honor the magic of this land by bringing it into the physical realm. Add to that a climate that summons outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the Earth and it is clear that Vancouver Island is poised to please the photographer.

Dates of Workshop:

Dates: September 2, 2018 to September 9, 2018

Please schedule your arrivals so you can be picked up before noon on day one of the workshops. Plan your departure on the last on any flight departing after 4pm on the last day.

Flights should be scheduled into Nanaimo Airport and scheduled out of Nanaimo or Victoria Airport.

Instructors

Kevin Allen Pepper

Payment Information

Price for the workshop: $4995USD for a maximum of 6 people

Single Supplement Fee: $450USD

Deposit to secure your place in the workshop is $1000USD with balance due 90 days before trip runs

What’s Included

All accommodation in two bedroom cabins, two ferry rides, meals except that which is not covered in itinerary, all National park entrance fees, all Provincial park entry fees, 23 to 26 hours of wildlife viewing on boats, transportation

What’s Not Included?

Flights to British Columbia, items of personal nature, alcohol, laundry, travelers insurance, extra nights if needed.

Itinerary of Our Workshop

Day One – Saturday

You will be picked up at the Nanaimo Airport or your Nanaimo hotel and taken North to Campbell River. We will pick you up at 2pm.

Overnight in Campbell River at the new Comfort Inn and Suites (Dinner included)

Day two – Sunday

Today we take our first boat tour. Today we will spend 6 hours on the water photographing some of the following species. Humpback Whales, Transient Orca Whales, sea lions, harbor seals, black bear and dolphins

Overnight in Campbell River at the new Comfort Inn and Suites (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day Three – Monday

Today we spend another 8 hours on the water. Today we will head across the strait to photograph Grizzly Bear. On our way and back you may see Transient Orca Whales and Humpbacks.

Overnight in Campbell River at the new Comfort Inn and Suites (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day Four – Tuesday

Today we head west to Tofino and Ucluelet. We depart in the morning, taking roads that wind through the interior of the island.
On the way we will stop at Cathedral Grove. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.
We will arrive in Ucluelet in the afternoon and check into our cabins for the next few nights.
(Breakfast, Dinner included)
After we check in walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail. This easy, family-friendly trail traces the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound. You will be enthralled by Vancouver Island’s dramatic beauty and helpful interpretive signs will enrich your visit to Ucluelet’s famous 9km trail network. A perfect destination for photographers
Tonight we will visit one of the secluded beaches or inlets for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two or three bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Five – Wednesday

Today at low tide we will go and photograph the black bears. Resident bears come down to the beaches at low tide to forage for such beach delicacies as rock crab, starfish and even a bit of kelp. They are an absolute pleasure to watch from the boat and thanks to their poor eyesight they are usually unaware of our presence so long as we keep quiet and a respectable distance up wind.
We will once again walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail and go photograph the area beaches between Tofino and Ucluelet. You will be photographing crashing waves, surfers riding the crashing surf and endless beaches long into the night as the sun sets before you. This is another perfect destination for photographers
During high sun we will spend some time back at our accommodation location and spend some time going through our images.
Tonight we will once again visit one of the secluded beaches for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Six – Thursday

We will leave our lodge after breakfast and head towards Cowichan Bay.
When we arrive in Cowichan Bay you will have the opportunity to wander the seaside town and take photos around the harbour.
After dinner we will head out our first Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

Stay in Nanaimo Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Seven – Friday

Today is all about the sea life in the ocean around Cowichan Bay. Today we will head out for two Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

One tour in the morning light, one in the evening light. – 6 to 8 hours on the water over two outings.
Between our whale photography tours we will spend some time back at our accommodation location and spend some time going through our images.

Stay in Nanaimo Hotel (Dinner included)

Day Eight – Saturday

Today we wake and you will be dropped off at the airport in Victoria by 2pm, or at your Victoria hotel

Are you ready to photograph orcas, whales and bears and stunning seascapes? Clink on this link for more photos and to register... http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/2018-pacific-northwest-photo-tour

2017 Dog Sledding and Aurora Trip

2017 Dog Sledding and Aurora Trip

Dates: November 10 to November 17, 2017

Pro photographers:  Kevin Pepper

Tuition is $5495USD and is all-inclusive. Limited to 10 guests.

Deposit of $1000USD with balance due August 1, 2017

Join Kevin Allen Pepper on this landscape photography adventure workshop! An amazing wilderness adventure that will take you back to the early days of transportation by dog sled and snowmobile. You will spend your days mushing on the training grounds of many a quest musher and it will take you winding through some of the most spectacular wilderness in the Yukon. We will photograph early and late light in spectacular scenery - all the while teaching or reinforcing techniques in composition, the art of seeing, shooting for HDR, panoramas and more. But it doesn't stop there. After dinner, be ready because with clear skies and solar activity, we hope to shoot the northern lights and stars well into the night! We will have 6 full days of shooting the landscape and the wildlife that inhabits - birds, mountain goats, thinhorn sheep, and more.

You will spend the first few days learning the basics of mushing and each day the trails will advance slightly in difficulty. Relax in the evenings with a shower, a sauna or in our cozy lodge by the wood stove. Then step back in time and camp in our wall tent camp at Dry Creek. We do everything we can to ensure that this is your adventure of a lifetime and that you go home with many happy memories of your visit in the remote outback of the Yukon.

Itinerary

Day 1: November 10, 2017

You will fly from your home to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, arriving anytime this day. The workshop officially starts with a welcome dinner in town, at 6pm.

Day 2: November 11, 2017

We will picked up around 10AM in the hotel lobby. As a group we will do some last minute shopping and pick up any items missing from the packing list. Afterwards we drive to the Sky High Wilderness Ranch, 20km South of Whitehorse where we outfit you with your expedition clothing. Enjoy a hot lunch, get acquainted with your new home and photograph the horses that freely roam the property, and then be introduced to your 4 legged companions for the week.

Now you learn the basics of; dog care, checking their feet and shoulders, dog massage, sledding and parts of the sled. Harness your team, hook up and go for your very first run! After taking care of the dogs we can enjoy the sauna, have a shower, hot dinner and cozy up by the fire. If the aurora is forecasted, we will be headed out to photograph natures paint brush as it colors the snow and frozen lakes green and magenta. Overnight at Sky High Wilderness Ranch.

Day 3: November 12, 2017

We will gather for a pre-dawn breakfast in the comfort of our lodge dining room and discuss our day. Then, while the morning sun lifts slowly over the magnificent horizon, we say good morning to our new canine friends and ensure they are fed, watered and happy. Of course we find time to shoot the sunrise and capture the beautiful morning light. Today we cover approximately 35km in distance driving towards secluded Jackson Lake. The only sound will be the runners in the snow, the working dogs, the clicking of your shutters and your words of encouragement.

This is the day that you begin to know each dog's personality and form a bond that only man, woman and dog can understand. With every stop to take photos of snow covered landscapes and mountain ranges, we make sure we praise and show of affection for our dogs, they will learn to trust you and you to trust them… and yes, even start to pose for some great photos.

Tonight we will relax in our sod roof sauna before retiring for the night… but if the aurora is out, expect to be photographing well into the night! Overnight at Sky High Wilderness Ranch.

Day 4: November 13, 2017

This day takes us towards beautiful Bonneville Lakes, west of the ranch. The trails are narrower here with some challenging ups and downs. The scenery is breathtaking and the coastal mountains are always in view to the south and west. Part of the trip we are above tree line and easily cover 20-30km. In harmony with the running rhythm of your team you will enjoy nature like you have never experienced it before…. No sounds, no humans, and only the sun to guide us. There is a gravity fed shower and sauna waiting for you in the lodge. Again, we will shoot the night sky if it is clear! Overnight at Sky High Wilderness Ranch.

Day 5: November 14, 2017

Imagine yourself years ago when only dogsled was used for transportation. Head out into the untouched wilderness for a few days of winter camping at our wall tent camp at Dry Creek. A surge of new life creeps into your soul as you journey farther into the amazing landscape surrounding the Fish Lake Area. The trail on this day follows the shores of Fish Lake, climbs and heads into the coastal mountain range to the south. We promise you will enjoy the crisp freshness of this day and we won’t even have to remind you to take photos! There is a photo at every turn.

Curl up at night by the woodstove for a cozy sleep in our wall tents. Today we will travel by snowmobile so that we have the flexibility to travel at night to hunt for the aurora amidst the mountains and open meadows covered by a blanket of snow. Overnight at Wall tent Camp.

Day 6: November 15, 2017

At dawn enjoy a hearty camp breakfast in our wall tent kitchen. From our camp, weather permitting we will make a run to the top of the mountain above the tree line to Ptarmigan Flats. Keep your eyes open for this beautiful white bird, while sledding on miles of windblown hill tops. Today again we travel by snowmobile so that we have the flexibility to travel at night to hunt for the auroras! Overnight at Wall tent Camp.

Day 7: November 16, 2017

Wake with the sun, say good morning to the sun as it starts to paint the skies, then return to the camp for a hot cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast. On this last day breathe deeply the fresh clean air and take in the rugged landscape one last time as you drive west towards Sky High Wilderness Ranch. As you push the white powder aside with your sled one last time, it’s time to soak the beautiful scenery of the remote landscapes one last time.

Return to Sky High Wilderness Ranch for a hot lunch. Then head over to say good bye to your new friends that pulled you early in the week and take some photos of the kennel that has 140 huskies and other dogs that pull the sleds. Now we pack up and enjoy the drive winding down Fish Lake Rd. to Whitehorse for our last night at the Best Western Gold Rush Inn (single accommodation). Once we arrive in Whitehorse you will receive your musher diploma and a shuttle pass. We will have a final dinner in town and reflect on an amazing photographic adventure.

Day 8: November 17, 2017

Flights home anytime, from Whitehorse airport. There is a shuttle from our hotel to the airport, flights depart in the mornings and afternoon from Whitehorse to either Vancouver or Edmonton.

We point out, that unforeseeable circumstances such as weather conditions, wind chill factor, extreme temperatures (-30 or lower), condition of the group or illness of the dogs may force us to change this itinerary. The safety of our guests takes precedence and our decisions are final.

Details

Fitness: This Dog sledding adventure is a challenging but relaxed fun trip! We supply you with the best equipment possible and teach you all the important aspects of mushing.  To participate you must be healthy, enjoy working with dogs and have a good team spirit. Dog sledding is comparable to light cross-country skiing - you should be in reasonably good physical condition. There are two people per sled, one standing and one sitting - and there is availability of riding on snowmobile, also.

Accommodations: In Whitehorse, on the first and last nights, single rooms. At our lodge, we have double occupancy. At the walled tented camp we have dorm-style sleeping.

The camps have no power or telephone, showers are gravity fed nature and not available in tent camp. Gravity fed shower and wood heated sauna at Lodge. The lodge will also have a generator for battery and laptop charging.

What's Included: All photographic instruction, guiding, meals, transportation and lodging from the time we meet for dinner on November 10, 2017 until the time we say goodbye at breakfast on November 17, 2017. Accommodations as listed above. Use of dogsled and 3 to 6 Huskies, use of snowmobile, winter boots, sleeping bag.

What's Not Included: Air transportation to and from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Alcoholic beverages. Items of a personal nature. Guide gratuities. Anything not specifically mentions in "What's Included" above.
If yelling "Mush" and seeing the lights dance over a winter landscape appeals to you, then click on this link to see more photos before you contact me, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/2017-dog-sledding-and-aurora

2017 Yukon Wildlife and Aurora Photography Workshop

2017 Yukon Wildlife and Aurora with Jeff Wendorff

The lakes are frozen, the snow clinging to the trees and covering the vast meadows leaves a lasting impression to all that visit. The aurora, when strong, paints the white landscape green and magenta and creates stunning northern light images. And the wildlife... well, it is as exotic as it gets.

Dates of Workshop:

Workshop #1 is March 4, 2017 to March 8, 2017
Arrivals and departures for all workshops that should be communicated to your attendees: Please schedule your arrivals so you can be picked up before noon on day one of the workshops. Plan your departure on the last on any flight departing. Flights start departing at 5:50am and two more are mid-day and late afternoon.
Flights should be scheduled into Whitehorse Airport. If flying in the day before the attendees should stay at the hotel we are using to minimize movement of luggage.

Instructors

Jeff Wendorff and Kevin Allen Pepper

Payment Information

Price of workshop: $2995USD
Payment Terms: $500USD deposit and balance due 90 days prior to workshops

What’s Included

airport pick up and drop off, transportation, accommodation in a local area hotel equipped with a restaurant, all continental breakfasts, snacks and water while in field, dinner on first night and last night, all park entrance fees, dog sledding, aurora village entrance fees, guides, negotiated access to private lands for aurora viewing opportunities

What’s Not Included?

anything not listed as included, trip insurance, alcohol, laundry, entrance VISA, international flights, items of personal nature.

Itinerary

It is here in Whitehorse where Canada boasts the best location in the world for viewing the aurora borealis. As the nights grow longer, the green, red and mauve lights of aurora borealis, or northern lights, are absolutely brilliant in their dance across the sky. Yukon is also home to some very photogenic animals that we always enjoy going back to photograph.

Day 1 - You will be picked up by our van from the Whitehorse airport and taken to our hotel where we will check in and go for a group dinner to discuss the weeks itinerary.

If the northern lights are out, we will head out for our first night of aurora over one of the many lakes within one hour of our location. I have scouted this territory and now negotiated access to private lands and crown land with 360 degree views over many area lakes. This will ensure the group has northern lights over one of the area lakes or over one of the many cedar forests in the area.

Aurora photography can last from an hour to an all-night outing depending on the group and the lights. When we travel distances based on aurora predictions, predictions that I watch constantly to get hourly updates, we will have heated drinks and snacks, and in some cases firewood to keep warm if the air cools.

Overnight in Whitehorse. (Welcome dinner included)

Day 2 – We travel to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a unique wildlife viewing property featuring 13 species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment. Encompassing over 700 acres with various natural habitats, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers unparalleled wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

What separates our tour from the normal public tours is our access to the animals. We will take you behind the public viewing areas and get you up close and personal with the following wild animals. Arctic fox, Woodland Bison, Caribou, Elk, Musk Oxen, Moose, Canada Lynx, Mule deer, Dahls Sheep, Mountain Goats and Arctic Hair.

We will have two private tours, both three hour sessions at the Preserve with our own guides. Between our photography session we will head to the Takhini Hot Springs for an outdoor soak in the soothing water of the hot springs.

Tonight you could watch the Aurora Borealis dance above the teepees of Aurora Village. Relax and take in nature’s most spectacular show in comfort for tonight’s aurora viewing activity at the Aurora Village. Tonight your Aurora-viewing comes complete with warm, wood stove heated teepees, and hot beverages.

Overnight in Whitehorse

Day 3 – Today we head west to Kluane National Park. One of the best kept secrets of the Yukon. This National park offers the photographer stunning locations to take photos of glacier covered mountains and sprawling landscapes that go on forever… into the night we could staying this area, waiting for the aurora as it appears in the northern sky, carving through the skies above landscapes that will be transformed into the perfect canvas of green and magenta reflections coming from the sky.

Overnight in Whitehorse

Day 4- Today is a day for the dogs. After breakfast we will head out to a secluded area and have a day of fun winter activity and aurora photography.

Today we will ride through the pristine wilderness of the Yukon by dog sled. Taking frequent stops along the way to photograph the stunning scenery and all the dog teams. Its a day in the wilderness you will not forget.

If the northern lights are out, we will head out for a night of aurora over one of the many lakes within one hour of our location. I have scouted this territory and now negotiated access to private lands and crown land with 360 degree views over many area lakes. This will ensure the group has northern lights over one of the area lakes or over one of the many cedar forests in the area.

Aurora photography can last from an hour to an all-night outing depending on the group and the lights. When we travel distances based on aurora predictions, predictions that I watch constantly to get hourly updates, we will have heated drinks and snacks, and in some cases firewood to keep warm if the air cools. 

Overnight in Whitehorse

Drive times are up to 90 minutes to the ice road and up to 90 minutes at night for aurora photography.
Day 5 - With that all things must come to an end…. A shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel in order to get you to the airport to make your flights home.

Last year, some were driven right to the airport after a 6 hour northern lights show that ended right before sunrise. ;-)

Airport is 15 minutes from our hotel location.

Gear Suggestions: For wildlife at least a 300mm telephoto lens. For landscapes a medium telephoto in the range of 24mm. For aurora photography a wide angle is preferable and an aperture of f2.8 is suggested. A sturdy tripod and wired shutter release cable.

Clothing Suggestions: Temperatures will be between +10C during the day to -10C at night. Base layers, mid layer sweaters and a three in one winter jacket. Winter hat and a thin pair of gloves are recommended. For boots, winter boots to keep your feet warm up to -10C.

Ready to come and yell mush under the northern lights? Click on this link for more photos and to register http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/2017-yukon-wildlife-with-jeff-wendorff

2016 Bald Eagles workshop with Jeff Wendorff

2016 Bald Eagles with Jeff Wendorff

Perhaps the most iconic of all raptors, the Bald Eagle soars for your cameras on this incredible Bald Eagle Photography Workshop. This workshop coincides with the largest Bald Eagle migration in North America. Between 2000 and 8000 Bald Eagles descend on this valley in British Columbia to feed on the spawning salmon, and on this Bald Eagle workshop you’ll be there to photograph these majestic birds.

Jeff and Kevin Allen Pepper will put you in the best spots to make some incredible images. Kevin has years of experience guiding and photographing the eagles in the stunningly beautiful Fraser Valley and the surrounding Cascade Mountains having both lived there and running workshops there for years.

Dates: November 15 to November 19, 2016

Price: $2995USD with a $500USD deposit to secure your spot

Workshop Leaders: Jeff Wendorff and Kevin Allen Pepper

Included in the Workshop
Single accommodation at a local hotel along the beach for four nights, all breakfasts, drinks while on location, dinners, personal photography blinds to use during the workshop, instruction in the field with your photographer guides and evening reviews of the days photography to find and correct any issues and optional image critiques.

The tour cost does not include international or domestic airfare. Travel insurance, alcohol, items of personal nature, anything not outlined as included.

The tour size is limited to eight photographers so you can count on minimal interruption throughout your journey in British Columbia. The maximum attendee to instructor ration is 4-1

I’ll help you with your camera settings, photography techniques for birds in flight and other tips to help you maximize your “keepers”.

Each evening we will gather as a group with our laptops and discuss editing techniques to achieve sharper images, composition from cropping and introduce you to some techniques we use to create more appealing images.

Itinerary

Day One (November 15, 2016) – We will meet you at Abbotsford Airport in Abbotsford, British Columbia, or Vancouver International Airport in Vancouver and transported to our Hotel in Harrison Hot Springs. You should arrive at the hotel before 10 am.
Once we have checked you in at the resort, we’ll head out and find the eagles for some afternoon photography. We’ll return to the hotel for a dinner (included) and spend some time getting to know each other and go over what you can expect for the next few days of the tour.

Day Two (November 16, 2016) – Today we will be visiting all our scouted locations where the eagles traditionally hunt and rest. Expect to be out photographing eagles from 7:30 am till 3:30 pm.
After or during dinner we’ll have a group editing session to look at your photos and help you make adjustments so you will make better captures over the coming days.

Day Three (November 17, 2016) – In the morning, we will visit the Delta Dykes or George C Reifel Bird Sanctuary to see what birds that we can photograph. Then we will head back out for more eagle photography.
As last night, we’ll have an evening editing session and brief on the next days photography.

Day Four (November 18, 2016) – We will put in a full day photographing the eagles today and follow up with another group editing session.

Day Five (November 19, 2016) – We will spend the last morning capturing more eagle images and then depart for the airport.

Schedule your departure November 19th after 5 pm from either Vancouver or Abbotsford Airport.

Equipment and Gear

Be prepared for temps between 0 and 50 F (0-10 C). It is likely to be rainy or misty and so so some water resistant/proof outer gear will help keep you warm and dry. We will be photographing from blinds, but you should also wear neutral colors or even camouflage gear.

This is a workshop for the big glass, a minimum of 400mm and as much as you have will be the proper tools for this Bald Eagle photography workshop. A sturdy tripod and a gimbal head will be invaluable. Do bring your wide angle in case we have time for some landscapes.

You will take more images than you might expect so be sure you’re loaded up with memory cards.
It’s almost impossible to list everything that you’ll need, so just get in touch and we can talk about what you have and what you might need.

If you want to see more photos, or register, please visit the workshop page here, http://northof49photography.com/2016-bald-eagles-with-jeff-wendorff

2017 Newfoundland Trip for Puffins and Gannets with Juan Pons

With it's craggy shoreline, Newfoundland is the land where the sun rises first in North America. A vast land with relatively small population, this island has some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Here you can immerse yourself in wilderness and wildlife. A land with a rich history, Newfoundland is one of the first places in the New World where Europeans settled, and St. John’s is considered to be the oldest city in Canada and the oldest continuously settled location in English-speaking North America.

We invite you to join us on this exciting expedition on the eastern coast of Newfoundland for 7 days as we photograph the natural wonders of the 16th largest island in the world. During these 7 days we will photograph Newfoundland’s spectacular coastlines, lighthouses, icebergs, whales, puffins, northern gannets, thick-billed murres, and much, much more.  In addition we have arranged for 3 private boat charters to photograph the whales, icebergs, and puffins.

We have single rooming for this workshop, and everything is all-inclusive. Of course, tons of classroom and in-the-field instruction from veteran pros Juan Pons and Kevin Pepper.

June 25, 2017: Arrive in St. Johns, Newfoundland and meet everyone at the hotel in St. Johns. Your arrival should be before dinnertime. We will meet for a group dinner and discuss the itinerary for the week.
June 26, 2017: This morning we head 15 minutes south for a sunrise photo shoot at Cape Spear Lighthouse. Stark white Cape Spear Lighthouse pierces a sky swirling with seabirds atop a craggy headland. It overlooks a vast expanse of indigo ocean where glittering processions of icebergs glide by, Humpback whales breach and pods of porpoises send misty spouts into the Atlantic air. On North America’s easternmost point of land, historic Cape Spear Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, offers a glimpse into the lives of 19th century lighthouse keepers and their families.
In the afternoon we will head a further 25 minutes south to the largest colony of Puffins in North America. The reserve we will be visiting by boat contains North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony. More than 260,000 pairs of the province’s official bird nest here during the late spring and summer. Notably, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve also hosts the second-largest Leach’s storm-petrel colony in the world-more than 620,000 pairs come here to nest. In addition, black-legged kittiwakes and common murres appear in the thousands.
The islands lie just a few kilometres off the east coast of Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, between the communities of Bay Bulls and Bauline East, half an hour south of St. John's. Today we will be taking two 2-hour boat tours, where we will have four hours to photograph over 200,000 mating pairs of Puffins on one island.
June 27, 2017: This morning we will head south for 90 minutes to Cape St. Marys towards Canada’s largest colony of Northern Gannets. Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is a wonderland for birdwatchers and explorers alike. Thousands of gulls, razorbills, common murres, black-legged kittiwakes, northern gannets, and double-crested and great cormorants nest here. Where 20,000 scoters, oldsquaw, harlequin, dovekies, thick-billed murres, and kittiwakes winter. This captivating area is one of seven seabird ecological reserves protected by provincial legislation. Its natural beauty makes it perfect for nature walks and family adventures.
Cape St. Mary’s is the most accessible seabird rookery in North America. Bird Rock is the third largest nesting site and southernmost colony of northern gannets in North America. Cape St. Mary’s is also the southernmost breeding area for thick-billed murres in the world and the southernmost major breeding site for common murres in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. This site is overflowing with perching, diving, and scrambling birds from edge to edge—melding together into an awesome moving, breathing spectacle of colour and sound
June 28, 2017: After an early morning photoshoot of the St Mary’s Ecological reserve we will depart in the morning for Elliston, which is 3 hours to the north, and check into our hotel. In the afternoon you will have your first of three boat tours to photograph the icebergs and follow the migratory whales as they feed on capelin and play in their pods off the coast.
Whale watching is one of the most exciting activities you may ever experience but beware—you may get ‘hooked’ for life! You will be amazed by these “gentle giants” as we watch them feed, play, and migrate through our study area around the Bonavista peninsula (the historical Heritage sites of Trinity and Bonavista are in the area).  Juan and Kevin are dedicated to showing you the best whales that our area has to offer including fin, humpback, sperm, minke, and pilot whales and, although rare, orcas too.
You may expect to see various species of dolphins and porpoises, eagles, and offshore sea birds including puffins and northern gannets.  It is our hope that you will walk off the boat feeling educated and enlightened by the experience with memory cards full.
June 29, 2017: In the morning we will head out on another private boat tour to photograph whales and icebergs in the same locations as we did the day prior. From there we will head to another puffin colony in Elliston. Here you will sit on the edge of cliffs and photograph over 1,200 mating pairs of puffins.
Elliston is home to the Atlantic puffin and has one of the closest land views of puffins in North America. The Atlantic puffin fratercula arctica is one of four species of puffins and is the only one that lives on the North Atlantic Ocean. Elliston has approximately 300 nesting pairs at Elliston Point and approximately 1,000 pairs on Bird Island.
June 30, 2017: It’s a sunrise photo shoot at Cape Bonavista to photograph the lighthouses and rugged shorelines. Built in 1843, the light at Cape Bonavista is one of the few in the world where you can still climb up the stone tower and see the same seal oil fueled catoptric light apparatus that was used in the 1800's. Experience a light keeper's day in 1870—a 24/7 job of polishing glass, filling oil lamps, recording weather patterns, and watching the waves from one of the most rugged points in Newfoundland.
In the afternoon we visit Skerwink Trail The Skerwink Trail loop skirts the north and south coasts of Skerwink Head, a rocky peninsula that separates Trinity’s harbour from Port Rexton’s. Formed mainly of sedimentary rock (much of it sandstone), its exposed stone profile has been shaped by the pounding it takes from the Atlantic. Notable photo opportunities are the sea stacks and extremely rugged shoreline with pounding surf. Late in the day we head to Elliston to photograph the nesting puffins once again before we head to Trinity for one last private whale and iceberg tour to finish our day.
July 1, 2017: After a hearty breakfast and an early departure we will stop for one final photo session to photograph the largest Puffin colony in North America. From there we are headed 2 hours south to St. Johns to have you at the airport in St. Johns by 3:00 pm. Workshop concludes.

What’s Included

• Single occupancy lodging throughout
• All meals during the workshop
• All transportation including airport transfers

• Photographic guiding and instruction from two pros
• Image reviews, critiques and post-processing instruction
• Fun, inspiration and a great time!

What’s Not Included?

Transportation to/from St. Johns, Newfoundland. Items of a personal nature. Alcoholic beverages. Anything not specifically listed as included.

Payment Terms

Price of the workshop is $4,750USD
Your deposit of $2,500USD is to be paid to Muench Workshops and will hold your place in this workshop. The balance of $2,250USD is due to Muench Workshops not later than April 15, 2017. All of Muench Workshops Terms and Conditions apply.

Additional Information

Flights are to/from St. Johns, Newfoundland (YYT), arrive on June 25, 2017 before 6:00pm. Depart on July 1, 2017 after 3:00pm. Ready to join us on this amazing photographic adventure? Click the link here to contact me, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me

2017 Fly-In Fall Colour Workshop Deep into Tombstone Territorial Park

Jules Renard once wrote, “On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it.”

Date of the Trip: September 3 to September 10, 2017

Maximum number of participants is 7 (Three Spots Left)

Included: Use of a private helicopter to take us out to Tombstone Territorial Park and pick us up. Local knowledgeable and insured guide with CPR and first aid certifications to be with us when we camp in Tombstone Territorial Park. Single Accommodation in Dawson City, Shared tent in Tombstone. Use of tent, use of sleeping bag, use of sleeping pad. Transportation via an approved Dempster highway certified vehicle. Camping fees. Meals while camping. Satellite phone with group while camping and traveling in Tombstone Territorial park.

Not Included: Extra nights if required, traveler insurance, dinner in Dawson city on day one and day five, items of personal nature, anything not listed as included above.

Trip Price based on 7 people in attendance is $5295USD.

$1000 to secure your spot and balance due May 3, 2017

Itinerary of Trip

Day One – September 3, 2017 – You arrive in Dawson City. I will pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel in Dawson where you can get settled and spend the balance of the afternoon exploring the history of Dawson City before dinner.

That afternoon we will also sit down as a group with Tombstone Territorial Park Staff and our local guide, Jessie, for a briefing in the back country.

After a group dinner we will head down the Dempster Highway and stop at different locations to photograph the area from different locations in order to give you a glimpse into the landscapes that we will be flying deep into tomorrow.

Physically, Tombstone is just north of Dawson City, easily accessed by the Dempster Highway… as we will see today. But tomorrow we will enter the “Patagonia of the North” and return to the time when the only people here were the First Nations: the Tr'ondek Hwech'in, Na Cho Nyak Dun, Gwich'in First Nations, and the Inuvialuit people. Everything else was wildlife: Caribou. Moose. Dall sheep. Bears. Wolves. And the beautiful gyrfalcon.

This is the land where craggy, black granite pinnacles point to the sun. Where hidden valleys are settings for crystalline lakes. Where every summer the tundra explodes in a crazy carpet of colours that delight the eye and confound the camera. And where the only forces that have truly touched the landscape are wind, water, and glaciers—except in the northern Beringia areas where the glaciers did not form, and where mammoths, steppe bison, scimitar cats and other giants of the ice age roamed.

The unique landforms, life, and heritage found in this 2,100 km2 are now protected for all time.
Stay at Aurora Inn in Dawson City.

Day Two – September 4 -  After breakfast on day two we will head to the airport to meet with our private helicopter charter that will take us 11km deep into the Tombstone Mountain range. Our destination is the Talus lake and Grizzly Lake area of Tombstone Territorial Park.

This pristine area is in the center of Canada’s version of Patagonia. The landscapes are otherworldly and the silence is deafening.

Because we are sleeping under the stars tonight we can keep our eye out on the skies for our very short window for northern lights. Sunset is at 11pm and it will not be dark until after midnight… Sunrise will not be until 5:45pm, which means twilight will be an hour before that. This gives us 3 ½ to 4 hours of dark enough skies to watch for northern lights while in one of the most remote areas of Canada, just a few degrees from the arctic circle.

Remote camping in tent.

Day Three – September 5 and day four - September 6 -We will hike to different vantage points through numerous side trips we can do from the lake, including Grizzly Pass and Mount Monolith / Twin Lakes viewpoint.

Our hiking trails will take us into different valleys to photograph some of the iconic mountain ranges that are part of Indian folklore before humans were keeping records.

Because we are sleeping under the stars during these nights we can keep our eye out on the skies for our very short window for northern lights. Sunset is at 11pm and it will not be dark until after midnight… Sunrise will not be until 5:45pm, which means twilight will be an hour before that. This gives us 3 ½ to 4 hours of dark enough skies to watch for northern lights while in one of the most remote areas of Canada, just a few degrees from the arctic circle.

Remote camping in tent.

Day Five – September 7 - After one last sunrise photo shoot we will get picked up by our private helicopter charter and taken back to Dawson City over the mountain ranges of Tombstone Territorial park.

We will return to Dawson City and check back into the Aurora Inn where you can clean up, grab a shower and we can grab some lunch.

In the late afternoon we will be taken to an abandoned mining town. This town, once pinnacle to the local gold mining was left abandoned. The buildings and machinery left and has been over taken by nature over the last half century.

After dinner you will have one final photo shoot as the sun descends over the meadows of the Tombstone area at one other location I know along the Dempster Highway.

There is still more area to explore in the Tombstone Territorial Park. After a hearty meal we will head back to the Dempster Highway and head farther into the Park to a few more hiking trails that will give you more photographic vantage points of the region.

Long into the night we will stay in the area to photograph into the Golden hour.

As we depart back to Dawson, keep your eyes on the skies. We will arrive back in Dawson after dark and there is always a chance that the aurora will be dancing over head.

Stay at Aurora Inn in Dawson City.

Day Six – September 8 – It’s a day of revisiting the Klondike Days with a trip to an abandoned mining town left standing a half century ago. Imagine photographing a town left standing 50 years ago… slowly nature has reclaimed the buildings and mining machinery…

Dawson City, Yukon is the heart of the world-famous Klondike Gold Rush.  On August 17, 1896, three Yukon “Sourdoughs”: George Carmack, Dawson Charlie, and Skookum Jim found gold on Rabbit Creek (now Bonanza Creek) a tributary of the Klondike River.

Word of this find quickly spread to close to 1000 prospectors in local settlements, miners, Northwest Mounted Police, missionaries and others who called the Yukon home at the time. Local settlements were quickly abandoned as a rush to stake the best ground commenced.

These local mines played a huge rule in the mining of gold until 50 years ago when corporations came in and took over the mining.

These bustling settlements, once the heart and soul of the gold rush, still exist in some stage of decay, mostly advanced, and many have artifacts left inside, as though time has stood still.

After we have travelled back in time, we return to Dawson City to grab our luggage and head south to Whitehorse.

This will be a lengthy drive with frequent stops that will take us into the night. Keep your eyes open for the aurora, if it starts dancing we will pull over so you can photograph it on our way to Whitehorse.

Stay at Westmark Inn in Whitehorse

Day Seven – September 9 – Wildlife and Kluane – Today we head west for Kluane National Park. But before we get to Kluane, we will visit the Whitehorse wildlife Preserve. You will have just spent 6 days photographing areas that many of the animals in the preserve live in. If we were not lucky enough to see these animals in the wild, we want to give you the opportunity to photograph them in a smaller wildness area. You will have the opportunity to photograph, Lynx, Arctic fox, caribou, elk, Bison, Thinhorn Sheep, Mountain Goats and Mule deer. We can walk through the Preserve at our leisure and photograph these animals in a natural setting.

Then it’s on to Kluane. If you've ever imagined standing amidst a sweeping landscape of mountain valleys carved by glaciers and sprinkled with alpine wildflowers and vibrant fall colours, you will get to live your dream in Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada. An icon of North America and the center piece of the Kluane region in Yukon, Kluane National Park and Reserve is one of our natural treasures and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Stay at WestMark Inn in Whitehorse

Day Eight – September 10 - You depart for home as your schedule dictates from Whitehorse

If you see landscapes painted with crimson and amber by day and green and magenta skies at night in your future, click on the following link, http://www.kevinpepperphotography.com/contact-me