Snowy Owls in Canadian Winter
- Dates: January 2nd, 2028 - January 7th, 2028
- Spaces Left: 5 (Maximum 5 Photographers)
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
This bespoke, custom-tailored workshop in the Casselman region of Canada is for keen, passionate bird photographers who want to capture photographs of Snowy Owls in winter conditions. The Casselman region is one of the best places in the world to photograph Snowy Owls in winter, as they migrate through the area. We have a small group size and personal, one-on-one tuition for the duration of the workshop. There may also be opportunities with other species during this workshop, although our primary focus is Snowy Owls.
- Dates: 2nd January 2028 until 7th January 2028 (Duration 5 Nights / 6 Days)
- Why Travel with Us: Wild Nature Photo Travels Point of Difference
- Investment: $7,850 USD ($850 USD Single Supplement). Wild Nature Photo Travel Team members pay no single supplement.
- Deposit: The deposit to secure your place is $3,000 USD, with the balance due 120 days before the workshop commences.
- Participants: Maximum 5 Photographers plus leader
- Start and Finish: Casselman, Ontario, Canada
- Trip Leaders: Joshua Holko, Master Photog II
- Fitness Level: Easy
- Temperature: Freezing
- Experience Level: Beginner to Professional
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
In January 2028, I am leading an exclusive, private wildlife workshop for just five photographers to the Casselman area in Ontario, Canada, to photograph the majestic Snowy Owl in winter.
This workshop has been timed to take advantage of both the Snowy Owl migration and a picturesque winter setting and backdrop. You can expect to see and photograph multiple owls over the course of the workshop in winter conditions.
If you are excited about photographing Snowy Owls in a Winter setting with a small group of like-minded photographers, now is the time to register your place by using the Register Online link at the bottom of this page. Places are very limited, and once they are spoken for, that's it.
Accommodation: This photography workshop will last for six days (5 nights). For the duration of the workshop, we will be staying at a clean, comfortable local hotel with easy access to the private farmland we will use for photography. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in the workshop.
Photography: Snowy Owls regularly migrate through the Casselman area and are regularly sighted on the private farm lands surrounding the town.
Importantly, we have EXCLUSIVE LAND ACCESS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, which means it's only us and the owls, no other photographers permitted. We will be photographing in various winter conditions: It is not uncommon to be out in blizzard-like conditions, heavy and light snow, cloudy, foggy or sunny days. This variety of weather, landscape and lighting conditions will provide you with the opportunity to create a diverse, creative and professional portfolio of this species. Mother Nature will dictate the weather, including the amount of snow.
Migration is full of surprises. Great Grey owls, Northern Hawk owls, Boreal owls and other northern species have been known to winter in this area. Every year, the adventure is different. We will adapt to optimise photographic opportunities.
Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.
Travel: The easiest way to reach our starting destination in Casselman is to fly into Ottawa and rent a car for the duration of the workshop. Ottawa Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive from Casselman (about 55 km). If you do not wish to drive yourself, please let us know so we can assist you with other arrangements.
Equipment: Telephoto lenses from 300 mm to 600 mm are recommended. Zoom lenses generally provide more flexibility for fast-moving Owls.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
2nd January: The 2nd of January is our arrival day and a chance to check into our hotel, organise equipment and assess the prevailing weather conditions.
3rd - 6th January: We officially start our workshop early in the morning of the 3rd of January. We will drive to a nearby private farm to scout for Snowy Owls and photograph them as they hunt in the fields.
We will have two photography sessions per day - early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the Owls are at their most active and when the light is at its best. If conditions and wildlife permit, we may stay out for extended periods to take advantage of both weather and activity.
7th January: We will have a morning photography session before we break for lunch and conclude our workshop.
Weather in Canada: The average temperature in Casselman, Ontario, in January is likely to be below freezing, as January is the coldest month for the region, with daily average temperatures in southern Ontario often around-15º Celsius and snowfall regularly expected.
Flights to Ottawa: Flights to Ottawa can be booked online with most major Canadian and USA carriers. We recommend you plan to arrive in Casselman no later than the 2nd of January, or earlier if there are bad-weather delays or lost luggage. You can book a return flight from Ottawa in the late afternoon / early evening of the 7th of January.
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
- Transportation: All in-tour guide services from our starting location in Casselman, Ontario, Canada, for the workshop duration.
- Accommodation: Accommodation for five nights in shared rooms at a good quality hotel. Private rooms are available.
- Food and Beverages: Includes breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (excluding alcohol) for the duration of the workshop
- Tuition: Expert one-on-one Photographic tuition and guiding services
Exclusions
- Transportation: Any travel required to arrive at the workshop starting location in Casselman, Ontario, Canada.
- Duties and Taxes: Any taxes, levies, insurances, Immigration, duty, and visa fees where applicable.
- Personal Items: Any personal items, including alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and travel insurance. Tipping is not required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A deposit of $3,000 USD must be paid at the time of booking to secure your place, with the balance due 120 DAYS before the workshop commencement date. Deposit Methods Accepted: Credit card Visa/Master (+3%) or Direct Deposit / Wire Transfer.
Refunds and Cancellations: Our standard workshop policy requires an initial non-refundable deposit for the reservation of your space and your payment balance in full 120 days before the commencement of the workshop date unless otherwise noted. If we do not receive the balance on or before the due date, and we are unable to get in contact with you via the contact details you have provided, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. At our discretion, we may apply your deposit to be used for another workshop within one year. Please note that price increases may apply in this instance.
If the workshop is cancelled for any reason, your deposit will be refunded in full. Wild Nature Photo Travel Pty Ltd., trading as Joshua Holko Photography and Joshua Holko, is not responsible for any financial commitments that registered attendees have with third parties such as airlines or other travel services.
READ FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Travel Insurance: You must purchase travel and evacuation insurance in the event of illness or any other emergency that delays or otherwise prevents you from travelling on the trip. Wild Nature Photo Travel partners with and recommends Global Rescue for Evacuation and Medical insurance.
REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP
If you are excited about photographing Snowy Owls with a small group of like-minded, passionate photographers, now is the time to register your interest. Places are extremely limited, and once spoken for, that's it.