2024 Winter Skies: Aurora & Orion Chase Photo Workshop
With Matt Suess and Rachel Jones Ross
November 3 - 9, 2024
Calgary, Canada
Come join us for an epic ƒoto workshop eXperience photographing early winter and the night sky in the Canadian Rockies!
2024 Winter Skies: Aurora & Orion Chase Photo Workshop
Canada | November 3 - 9, 2024
The Basics:
Dates
7 Days, 6 Nights:
November 3 - 9, 2024
Location
Canada - Fly into Calgary
Group Details
Maximum 10 clients. Photography skill level from beginner to professional.
Physical Activity
Easy - walking on uneven ground, in snow and ice, no hills, close to parking areas.
Tuition Fees
$4,295
Lodging & transportation during workshop is included.
Your Instructors & Guides
Rachel Jones Ross: Photo Instructor & Guide
Matt Suess: Instructor & Guide
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography.
And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
Winnie A.
2022 Photo Mentorship Client with Matt Suess and 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client
Discover the Magic of Winter in the Canadian Rockies this November
with our exclusive photo workshop experience, designed for photographers of all skill levels.
Winter is our favorite season, and the Canadian Rockies offer some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever photograph. As the snow, ice, and frost transform the scenery into a breathtaking winter wonderland, you’ll find yourself surrounded by scenes that feel straight out of a fairytale. Snow simplifies the often complex landscapes, allowing you to focus on capturing the true essence of winter.
But there’s more to November than just snow. This is a unique time of transition, where autumn gives way to the stillness of late winter. It’s when some lakes begin to freeze while others, with their deep, jewel-toned waters, continue to flow. The contrast is mesmerizing, and the opportunity to photograph these early season frozen lakes, with the possibility of frozen methane bubbles, is truly special.
As you explore these frozen landscapes, you’ll also have the chance to capture rare frost flowers and breathtaking reflections. Locals even refer to this month as “never miss a sunrise November,” and for good reason. November skies are famous for their fiery sunrises, offering more vibrant colors than at any other time of the year.
But the magic doesn’t end with the day. As night falls, the winter sky comes alive. Under the truly dark, Bortle 1 skies of the Canadian Rockies, the stars shine so brightly it feels as though you could reach out and touch them, or see them reflected in the still waters. November is also an excellent time to witness the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis. Last year, we experienced Kp6 and Kp8 conditions, creating a dazzling display of dancing lights that could even be captured on a smartphone.
As a special highlight, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the constellation Orion as it floats through the night sky. For this workshop, I’ll provide star trackers to help you capture the intricate details of Orion’s nebulosity and the vibrant colors of the stars. Whether you’re new to astro-photography or have an astro-modified camera, this is the perfect chance to experiment with long exposures, lower ISOs, and narrow apertures to capture the sharpest and most colorful stars.
Join us this November for a winter photography experience like no other, where you’ll have the chance to capture the beauty and magic of the Canadian Rockies in its most enchanting season.
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"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.
He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.
Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!
The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).
I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."
Emily L.
2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Here is the general plan of our time together.
Use this as a guideline and note that this schedule will be kept flexible and will change depending on weather and other circumstances.
If the conditions are right for night sky we likely could be photographing from sunset through sunrise, depending on the weather. If we do not get clear nights we will explore the wintry beauty of the Canadian Rockies during the day, or spend our days learning theory and editing.
Please plan to arrive on November 2 due to the potential of winter weather changing flights. Hotel/transportation is not included on this night and we will have info on which hotel to stay at.
Day 1: November 3 - Pickup from Hotel at approx. 10am
After pickup we will transfer to our workshop hotel. After checkin we will have an informational meeting to prepare us for the week. We will plan for a sunset shoot that day.
Day 2 – 6: Exploring the Canadian Rockies
Depending on weather, we will maximize our shooting opportunities that includes night sky, sunrise, sunset, and other photogenic locations that might lend themselves to daytime photography. Plan for on average 3 photo locations per day with plenty of time at each to create numerous amazing photographs and hone your skills.
Day 7: Last Day
Plan for a sunrise shoot, breakfast, then transfer to Calgary with an expected arrival at 2pm. Plan your flights to leave no sooner than 6pm that evening. If you need to stay at a hotel that evening at the airport we have a list of hotels you can book on your own.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Harley M.
"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."
2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Winnie A.
"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"
2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client
Jill E.
"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don’t. You are a top-notch instructor."
2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client
Who Is This Workshop For?
This workshop is designed for any skill level, yet a DSLR/Mirrorless or equivalent camera with interchangeable lenses AND a sturdy tripod are required, as well as a basic working knowledge of your camera.
Most clients who take my workshops are beginners to advanced amateurs and even pros. My workshops are filled with hands-on instruction & demonstrations. I encourage & help find and develop each clients' unique personal style of photography.
Accommodations
Price of workshop includes a single room for 6 nights at a beautiful resort hotel in the Canadian Rockies.
Physical Difficulty:
EASY to MODERATE
Must Be in Good Physical Condition
Getting to areas is easy - walking on uneven ground, in snow and ice, no hills, close to parking areas.
Weather
The weather in November is variable with average high temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius and average low temperatures around -10 degrees Celsius. However, it is not uncommon to get a 'cold snap' with temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The cold is a 'dry' cold and is easily managed with good layers.
More info on clothing and gear will be provided after registration.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
What Airport and When to Arrive
You will be flying to Calgary, Canada
More information regarding flights and when to arrive/depart will be provided following registration.
After you sign up, we’ll send you the information about international flights, recommended camera gear, packing list and other important information. Please pay special attention to things that we say are absolutely required.
Travel Insurance - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance.
Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind.
More information will be provided upon registration.
Traveling With a Spouse/Companion
Spouses & companions are certainly welcome on this trip - even non-photographer spouses/companions. However everyone traveling with you needs to be fully registered on this workshop to travel and stay with us.
2025 Winter Skies: Aurora & Orion Chase Photo Workshop
ALL WORKSHOP ATTENDEES MUST ALSO FILL OUT AND SIGN MY ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM HERE.
Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Workshop
We know that plans can change, unforeseen circumstances can happen and no one wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime. To provide the best customer support possible and to keep groups small and affordable, our cancellation policy ensures we can continue to provide clients the best possible foto experience.
For this workshop the following applies:
If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop MORE than 120 Days from the Start:
your registration fee will be transferable to another workshop by Matt Suess with a $275 administrative fee.
If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop LESS than 120 Days from the Start:
no refunds or transfers (assuming you cannot fill your spot)
You can view my full cancellation & refund policy along with other important information here.
Frequently Asked Questions
I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience and am detail orientated and put the needs of my clients first and answering all of their questions.
I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.
My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.
With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!
I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.
I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience shooting and selling my fine art photography as well as teaching the concepts of photography.
I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.
Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.
Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.
Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.
When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.
Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my cliens get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.
It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.
I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.
Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your digital files during any classroom sessions.
Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.
You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.
Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.
Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.
If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.
I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.
Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.
Visit Matt's Sponsors, Partners & Friends
Cameras & Photo Gear
OM SYSTEM / Olympus Cameras & Lenses
I am an Official NiSi Reseller and you can order your NiSi Filters direct from me here.
I am an Official Fotopro Tripods Reseller and you can order your Fotopro tripods direct from me here
Photo Software & Websites
Radiant Photo - a new photo editing program that is a MUST-HAVE and one I use as a finishing tool on nearly all my photos. Save 10% with coupon code: mattsuess
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Mylio Photos is a really awesome photo management cataloging program that comes highly recommended from me. Check out a Free Trial with special savings.
DxO makes some of my favorite photo processing software such as: PhotoLab 6, PureRAW 3, FilmPack 6, & the NIK Collection.
Topaz Labs makes popular plugins like: Sharpen AI, Denoise AI, Photo AI, and Gigapixel AI.
SlickPic is an Amazing photo website builder to make impressive Portfolio and/or Gallery Websites that run my Portfolio and Workshop Galleries. Build it yourself or let them do it. Save up to 25% with my special link here.
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Matt Suess
Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.
For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.
In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.
I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.
I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.
I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto
Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess
Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.
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