Jasper Park Lodge hosts instructional photography conference

Shutterbugs swarmed Jasper Park Lodge on the weekend for the Focus on the Rockies conference hosted by some of the country’s top photographers.

Darren Robinson, marketing manager for Jasper Park Lodge, said he started the event last year in a “selfish” way, because it was something he wanted to take part in. Fortunately, about 50 other people were interested as well and the conference was officially born.

The student photographers, some pro, some not-so, take part in a series of classroom-type lessons followed by relevant field practice in different areas of the park on subjects from wildlife to landscapes.

The event’s popularity last year led to the launch of a winter version that took place in Lake Louise last January, as well as the extension of the Jasper incarnation to three days from two. This year participants were involved in six sessions from Sept. 5-8, with a welcome reception last Friday to kick off the weekend. 

By participating, Robinson sharpened his talent. “I learned about lighting, when to take pictures, definitely the best times, locations in the rockies, how to find wildlife and safely approach them,” he said. “Much more than setting my camera on automatic.”

The conference is designed to accommodate a range of skill levels.  “I think a prerequisite is turning off and on your camera,” Robinson said. “The very first night is dedicated to the basics, going over everything from the settings of your camera, to taking the lens cap off.”

Participants used their own equipment, from point and shoot cameras to $5,000 Nikon gear, though the latter dominated the group’s provisions. 

“The photographers are amazingly approachable, they certainly tailor to whatever your level may be,” Robinson said.

What’s also unique about the conference is its location, Robinson said. “With top-notch accommodations and meals, to have all that included is extremely unique,” he said. “Usually it’s a motel or a camp-out.”

The line-up of instructors included Darwin Wiggett, a photo columnist for Outdoor Photography Canada magazine, Mike Grandmaison, author of Canadian Rockies, Kelly Funk, pro-series columnist for Outdoor Photography Canada magazine, and Mark and Leslie Degner, operators of Wilderness Light Photography in Sherwood Park.

Ross Pugh, owner of Jasper Camera and Gifts, helped facilitate the conference and made a 8 in. by 12 in. print of a favourite photo from the weekend for each participant. 

“What I heard from last year’s participants was two things, one, that they had learned a tremendous amount,” Pugh said. “The second thing that seemed to strike home was the inspiration spending two days with Western Canada’s top photographers, it inspired people to say ‘I can do this’.”

Tim Arnold, a conference participant from Three Hills, said as a self-taught photographer, the sessions confirmed some of what he knew and he learned a store of new skills as well.

“I’ve been taking pictures for a long time, and my expectation was that they’d be much better, and I think they are,” Arnold said. “It’s an excellent, excellent opportunity. It’s intense, but fun if you enjoy taking pictures.”

As for Robinson, he’s looking forward to the conference getting bigger and better. “I expect it to become Canada’s elite photographic instructional event,” he said.