Join Us Sept 27th - 30th, 2024
Limited to 4 Passionate Photographers Only
3 Nights at Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park
2 Day Photography Workshop
1 Incredible Adventure
Exclusive Photography Workshop & Luxury Retreat at Bartlett Lodge
During Peak Leaf Change Season in Algonquin Park
September 27th - 30th, 2024
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.
⭐️ Experience the best of Algonquin during peak leaf change with personalized guidance from local, award-winning photographers, Jesse and Susan Villemaire.
⭐️ Lakeside accommodations, transportation within Algonquin Park, and gourmet dining at Bartlett Lodge are all included.
⭐️ Limited to just 4 participants for an intimate, hands-on experience.

We’re thrilled to partner with Bartlett Lodge to offer you the ultimate photography workshop experience in Algonquin Park! Bartlett Lodge has graciously reserved two cabins exclusively for our guests during the most breathtaking time of year. If you’ve been eager to visit the park and elevate your photography skills, there’s no better time than now. This place holds a special place in our hearts—it’s where we had our first date, and later, our honeymoon.
We can’t wait to share its magic with you!
3-Night Retreat, PLUS
2-Day Photography Workshop at Bartlett Lodge
in Algonquin Park
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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. Includes personalized photography coaching and an introduction to photo editing. 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 & Investment:
3 Nights & 2 Full Days - September 27th - 30th, 2024
$3,600 + HST per person
$3,300 + HST per person
Includes:
All meals at Bartlett Lodge, Transportation within Algonquin Park, Photography workshop guiding.
Instructors:
Jesse and Susan Villemaire
Group Size:
4 People (2 People per Cabin)
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 4 people
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.
⭐️ Very Intimate - 4 People Only:
This retreat is only open to four individuals, which allows us to provide individualized guidance tailored to your skill level and goals.
⭐️ All-Inclusive Experience:
Includes Algonquin Park admission fees, accommodations at Bartlett Lodge, all meals 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!

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3 Nights at Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park
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, or unwind with a "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.
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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!
Is This Retreat 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 very small group of only 4 people?
⭐️ Have a “go with the flow” attitude and are up for a fun weekend adventure alongside fellow photographers?
If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for this unique experience!
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. We look forward to capturing the magic of Algonquin Park with you soon!





