Algonquin Park Wildlife
& Landscape Photography Workshops
Elevate Your Photography in Algonquin Park
Imagine yourself witnessing a moose, eye-to-eye, camera in hand, your heart racing with excitement…The light is perfect, and the scene feels like a fairytale. Then, “click!”… you got it!
In wildlife photography, being in the right place at the right time is essential. But that’s only half the battle. Many photographers struggle with getting their camera settings just right and truly capturing the magic of the moment. We’ve been there too—missing the perfect shot because of incorrect exposure or the wrong shutter speed resulting in a blurry image. These are common occurrences that can be incredibly frustrating.
However, we believe the true essence of photography lies in your ability to “see” and compose a scene creatively. While technical aspects are important, the art of photography is also about capturing the emotion, the story, and the beauty of the moment. Our mission is to help you unlock these fundamentals and reconnect with nature through photography.
We Look Forward to Meeting You!
Hi, we’re Jesse and Susan, your photography guides and coaches for an immersive workshop experience in the heart of Algonquin Park. Are you passionate about capturing the beauty of nature? Want to get the most out of your creativity and your camera? Our Algonquin Park workshops offer personalized, hands-on learning tailored just for you. We’ll craft a perfect itinerary for you, whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate photographer, to help build your confidence in the field. Join us to deepen your skills and creativity in a supportive, ego-free environment. Maybe you’ll even join us in South Africa someday!
How to Book Your Workshop Experience
Read about the workshop experiences below and if it resonates with you, simply click ‘Request Dates’ to apply for your workshop experience! We love meeting with other like-minded photographers like yourself who enjoy the Great Outdoors as much as we do. Let’s connect in Algonquin Park and create inspiring images together!
⭐️ Limited to 5 ⭐️
Workshops Offered Per Month
Experience a private, hands-on workshop without the distraction or intimidation of large groups. Book a free consultation call to create your intimate photography adventure. Only 5 photographers accepted each month to ensure personalized attention.
⭐️ Due to high demand, workshops are application-based. We apologize in advance if we can’t fulfill your immediate date request, but we’ll work hard to find a future date that suits you!
Inspiring Connections Through Photography
Workshop 1
ELEVATED
BARTLETT LODGE
EXPERIENCE
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Luxury 3 Night Retreat, PLUS
2 Day Photography Workshop at Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park
Treat yourself to a premium experience in the heart of Algonquin Park! Enjoy three nights at Bartlett Lodge with all meals included and a two day intensive photography workshop in Algonquin Park. Each cabin features one king-size bed that can be separated into two single beds for your comfort, if needed. Includes personalized photography coaching and a private Photo Editing session. This workshop is based on 2 or 4 people signing up and is subject to lodging availability. Combine luxury, learning, and relaxation in one of the most beautiful resorts within Algonquin Park. Explore stunning landscapes, seek breathtaking wildlife, and unwind in the serene, natural setting of Bartlett Lodge.
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Duration and Investment:
3 Nights and 2 Full Days
$1,200 + HST
Per Person, Per Night
Total for Full Experience Including 3 Night Stay and 2 day Photography Workshop
$3,600 + HST per person
*Note: This experience is based on cabin availability. Please contact us to discuss dates. Requires either 2 or 4 participants, with 2 guests per cabin.
Includes: All meals at Bartlett Lodge, Transportation within Algonquin Park, Photography workshop guiding. Rates are based on double occupancy.
Instructors: Jesse and Susan Villemaire
Group Size: 2 or 4
Physical Rating: Easy - Gentle hikes over mildly uneven terrain
Deposit: Secure your date with a 50% deposit. The remainder of your balance is due the week of your workshop.
Important Note: This is not a large group experience but a fully private and tailored event designed exclusively for you and your guests. You're responsible for inviting and coordinating with any additional participants.
Workshop 2
MOST POPULAR
💥💥💥💥💥
One and a Half-Day Photography Workshop in Algonquin Park PLUS Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary VIP Tour.
Experience the magic of Algonquin Park and the exclusive charm of Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This extended workshop offers a full day in Algonquin Park, plus a 4-hour VIP tour of Aspen Valley. $465 of your fee supports wildlife conservation, making this an opportunity to contribute to a great cause. Bring up to 2 additional guests at no extra cost.
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Investment
Total Investment including Aspen Valley Wildlife Donation:
$1,690 + HST
⭐️ Come solo or split the cost with up to 2 friends at no extra charge.
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Duration: One and a Half-Days
Instructors: Jesse and Susan Villemaire
Group Size: 1 to 3
Accommodation: Not Included (Pick-up from Bartlett Lodge or your hotel in Huntsville, Ontario)
Physical Rating: Easy - Gentle hikes over mildly uneven terrain
Deposit: Secure your date with a $100 deposit. The balance is due the week of your workshop.
Important Note: This is not a group experience but a fully private and tailored event designed exclusively for you and your guests. If you'd like to split the total cost with your guests, you're welcome to do so. However, you're responsible for inviting and coordinating with any additional participants.
Workshop 3
INTRO
One-Day Algonquin Park Photography Workshop
Dive into a full day of photography adventure in Algonquin Park! This full-day workshop promises an intimate and immersive learning experience, perfect for photographers of all levels. Learn the ethics of wildlife photography and explore techniques for capturing stunning landscapes. With all park fees and transportation within the park included, you can fully immerse yourself in nature and focus on enhancing your photography skills. Join us for a day of adventure, learning, and inspiration in one of Canada's most beautiful settings.
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Investment
$1,290 + HST
⭐️ Come solo or split the cost with up to 2 friends at no extra charge.
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Duration: One Full Day
Instructors: Jesse and Susan Villemaire
Group Size: 1 to 3
Accommodation: Not Included (Pick-up from Bartlett Lodge or your hotel in Huntsville, Ontario)
Physical Rating: Easy - Gentle hikes over mildly uneven terrain
Deposit: Secure your date with a $100 deposit. The balance is due the week of your workshop.
Important Note: This is not a group experience but a fully private and tailored event designed exclusively for you and your guests. If you'd like to split the total cost with your guests, you're welcome to do so. However, you're responsible for inviting and coordinating with any additional participants.
Are These Workshops Right for You?
Do You…
⭐️ Have a passion for nature and wildlife photography?
⭐️ Abide and respect ethical practices in nature and want to deepen your knowledge?
⭐️ Eagerly want to learn and improve your skills in a supportive, hands-on environment?
⭐️ Value personalized, ego-free coaching and feedback tailored to your unique needs?
⭐️ Get excited about capturing stunning landscapes and the quest for wildlife in Algonquin Park?
⭐️ Appreciate the exclusivity and intimacy of a one-on-one experience, free from distractions?
⭐️ Care about making a difference? Your booking allows us to donate our time at
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to help wildlife in need.
If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for this unique experience.
Let’s Connect & Create
Benefits
This intimate and immersive learning experience is perfect for photographers of all levels. Learn the ethics of wildlife photography and explore techniques for capturing stunning landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls!
⭐️ Ethical Wildlife Photography:
Learn from Jesse and Susan Villemaire, award-winning photographers passionate about ethical practices.
⭐️ Hands-On Learning:
Grow your confidence with ego-free learning. Experience the magic of Algonquin Park with personalized one-on-one coaching, ensuring you feel comfortable with your camera and photography techniques. Whether you shoot in Manual or Automatic Mode, we promise a fun and easy learning experience while sharing our tips and tricks along the way.
⭐️ Personalized Attention:
Join solo or bring up to two additional friends at no extra charge, ensuring an intimate group size of 1 to 3 participants. This allows us to provide individualized guidance tailored to your skill level and goals, making it a cost-effective and enjoyable group adventure. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, including 2SLGBTQI+ and neurodivergent participants, to join us.
⭐️ All-Inclusive Experience:
Includes Algonquin Park admission fees and transportation within the park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature and focus on enhancing your photography skills.
⭐️ Insider Information:
We’ll share our favourite locations within Algonquin Park, which will inspire you to return. Shhhh…don’t tell anyone!
⭐️ Priority Access:
Get early access to future workshops, special events, and exclusive content before it’s available to the public.
💥 Due to high demand, workshops are application-based.
We apologize in advance if we can’t fulfill your immediate date request, but we’ll work hard to find a future date that suits you!
Workshop 1 - Bartlett Lodge Experience
In 1997, Kim and Marilyn Smith took ownership of Bartlett Lodge. Since then, this classic Ontario resort has undergone extensive renovations. Kim and Marilyn have been deeply sensitive to the history, environment, and intimacy of Algonquin Park. The renovations have been a labour of love, carefully planned to preserve the past while meeting the needs of today’s travellers. By choosing to stay in this wild and delicate environment, you share our commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystem around us. Bartlett Lodge's well-earned reputation for superb cuisine ensures every visitor's stay is unsurpassed in excellence.
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3 Nights in Luxury Accommodations
Our cabins, constructed from Hemlock logs, offer a cozy and rustic elegance that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each cabin features a spacious sitting room and is adorned with a luxurious king-size bed, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The four-piece bathroom adds a touch of modern comfort, providing all the amenities you need to relax and refresh after a day of exploration. Whether you're lounging in your room or taking in the views from your cabin, you'll find a perfect balance of comfort and nature.
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5-Star Dining
Bartlett's four-course dinner is a must. The evening offers a fine dining experience guided by a philosophy of sustainability and respect for nature. Every dish is crafted using local ingredients, whenever possible, ensuring no animals used are unsustainable or caught inhumanely. The kitchen team is dedicated to understanding and respecting all facets of the animals and products they use. Additionally, the menu thoughtfully includes options to accommodate a variety of diets, including vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, and pescatarian, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.
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Complimentary Water Taxi
Experience the charm of Bartlett Lodge from the moment you arrive. You'll be picked up at the Cache Lake landing shoreline dock in Bartlett's antique freighter canoe or solar-powered pontoon boat, setting the tone for a stylish and unique adventure. Our water taxi service ensures a seamless journey, complete with a parking permit for your convenience. Let us transport you to the lodge in style, where your unforgettable retreat begins.
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Curated Snacks on The Pier
Indulge in a thoughtfully curated dining experience in Algonquin Park's most historic dining room. Your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring every meal is a delightful adventure. Savour a charcuterie board lunch accompanied by a complimentary bottle of Ontario VQA wine, and unwind with "beer on the pier" after a day of exploring, featuring six specially selected craft beers from renowned local microbreweries. Complete your culinary journey with Marilyn's signature desserts.
Only 5 Workshops Offered Per Month
Workshop 2 & 3
Rough Itinerary
Morning:
Algonquin Park Game Drive
Our journey kicks off just before sunrise with a pick-up from your hotel in Huntsville or a nearby location. We'll make a quick stop at the local Tim Hortons for a fresh coffee or tea, then begin our scenic drive through Algonquin Park. Early morning often offers the best chances for wildlife sightings, so we'll keep our eyes open. As dawn breaks, we'll be ready to capture breathtaking landscapes while discussing camera settings and composition to enhance your photography skills. Mid-morning, we'll head to the small town of Whitney for a leisurely breakfast, the perfect time to relax and chat about our morning adventures. Please note, this trip is by vehicle and by foot only. We do not offer canoeing or kayaking as part of our activities.
Afternoon:
Tailored Nature Exploration
After a morning filled with exploration, we'll take the opportunity to either stretch our legs with gentle walks or continue exploring by vehicle, tailored to your group's preferences and interests. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll, a bit more adventure, or more time driving to various spots, we'll guide you to some of our favourite scenic locations, including picturesque waterfalls and rapids, perfect for experimenting with long exposures to create whimsical effects. Wildlife remains a top priority throughout our journey, and we’ll stay alert for spontaneous sightings, making stops to observe and photograph these magical moments as they occur. We'll also share our top spots for wildlife viewing, ensuring you're inspired to return time and again!
Evening:
Dinner and Game Drive
As the day unfolds, we'll stop for dinner in the late afternoon. This break is more than just a meal, it's a time to share stories from the day and recap what you’ve learned so far. After dinner, we'll embark on another game drive, as dusk often provides excellent chances for wildlife sightings. We’ll observe the conditions and the group’s energy, and adjust our itinerary accordingly. Then, we'll begin the final leg of our return journey to your destination. We'll drop you off at your hotel, wrapping up a day filled with nature, photography, and inspiration!
Workshop 2 Participants - Day Two Morning:
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
If you're up for more photography adventures, we'll dive into an in-depth wildlife photography session with a private VIP tour of Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Our day starts early with a 7:15 AM pick-up in Huntsville, followed by a quick grab-and-go breakfast at Tim Hortons. At the sanctuary, we’ll obtain more intimate access to photograph its permanent residents — foxes, wolves, lynx, moose, and black bears. Unlike their shorter, general tours for larger groups, we ensure opportunities for clear shots that minimize fence interference. This 4-hour private tour not only enhances your portfolio but also contributes to wildlife care, with $465 of your fee donated directly to the sanctuary.
Trip Inclusions
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Keep Wildlife Wild
We believe in the importance of being ethical wildlife photographers. We don’t condone baiting or altering the natural behaviour of Algonquin’s inhabitants in any way. Respecting wildlife is at the core of our values, ensuring we observe and photograph animals in their natural environment with minimal interference. While we can never guarantee wildlife sightings in the Great Outdoors (because Algonquin is not a zoo), our intimate knowledge of the area, as local residents, gives us a great track record. Our deep connection to the park allows us to guide you to the best spots and times for potential sightings, offering a truly memorable experience.
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One-on-One Camera Coaching
Not a full Manual shooter? No problem! There are many ways to achieve stunning results. Learn about camera settings and functions, including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, and how they all contribute to your desired outcome. You'll have plenty of hands-on experience and personalized guidance in the field. We understand how intimidating it can be to switch off 'Auto' mode when starting to explore the full capabilities of your camera. We're here to help you overcome any obstacles and inspire confidence in your photography journey.
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Animal Tracking
You’ll learn to interpret common signs of animal activity to increase photographic opportunities in the field. By understanding and recognizing tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife, you’ll be able to anticipate animal behaviour and position yourself for the best photographic angles. This knowledge not only enhances your ability to capture stunning images, but also deepens your connection with the natural world. With these skills, you’ll be better equipped to spot and photograph elusive wildlife.
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Storytelling & Creative Framing
We’ll expand on the rules of composition to craft compelling images that tell a story. You’ll learn how to use techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to enhance the narrative of your images. But remember, some rules are meant to be broken! We’ll explore when and how to bend or break these rules to create unique and powerful images that stand out. By understanding both traditional and innovative compositional strategies, you’ll elevate your photography and develop a distinctive style that captures the essence of your subjects.
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Long Exposures
As we take you on a journey through Algonquin, we’ll visit waterfalls and rapids where you can practice blurring motion with long exposures. This is a great introduction to this type of shooting, and we’ll experiment with filters and abstract compositions. Don’t worry if you don't have a tripod or filters—this experience will still be valuable and fun! Understanding long exposure techniques will add a new dimension to your photography, enabling you to capture the dynamic beauty of moving water in creative and visually stunning ways.
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Individual Photography Coaching
At the heart of this experience is your growth and confidence in photography. As we venture through Algonquin Park together, you're supported every step of the way. With our extensive background in leading photography workshops, rest assured, you're in capable hands. Whether you're diving into the basics or refining your skills, our guidance is tailored to support your growth. No matter your experience level, you're invited to join us—this adventure is all about you!
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VIP Tour of Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
For our workshop #2 guests, we offer a unique highlight: a private visit to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary! This exclusive experience allows you to photograph Aspen's permanent residents, including wolves, lynx, bobcats, foxes, black bears, and even a moose. It’s the perfect opportunity to apply your new skills in a meaningful way, capturing stunning images of these incredible animals. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for these animals, and by participating in this workshop, you’re contributing to their well-being. $465 of your workshop fee is directly donated to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You The Right Fit?
"I just spent an amazing day in Algonquin Park with Jesse and Susan, coaching me on how to take my photography from “spray and pray” to something more methodical, deliberate, and successful! I’ve been admiring Jesse and Susan’s beautiful photography, shared on social media and on their website, and am often speechless at their ability to capture the essence of a moment. Jesse, not only are you a fantastic photographer, you’re a natural teacher! You helped build my confidence with my camera, and taught me how to create an image through composition. But possibly the best part was hearing you speak about the residents of the Park, from red squirrels to foxes, bears, and moose. Thanks for an amazing day! Looking forward to next time!”
— Beatrix G, Photographer
"I had the most wonderful weekend with Jesse, Susan, and my new photo friends. We all hit it off immediately. It seemed like we’d all spent time together previously, but that was not the case! Jesse and Susan make an excellent team and are a perfect combination for running this type of event. They have well-rounded skills in all aspects of the working agenda and are excellent communicators. The location, Algonquin Park, is a storybook with the most amazing scenery, wildlife, and photo opportunities. They went out of their way to accommodate and provide excellent service. 5 Star all around!”
— Brian D, Photographer