Northern Image Photographers

	Northern Image Photographers Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

“Weekend in the Woods”

Imagine an entire weekend of pure photography in the scenic Boreal forests of Saskatchewan. Sound wonderful? Take it from us - it is! Each spring and fall, Northern Image Photographers of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan host a workshop devoted to improving photography.

Photographers of all ages and experience levels come together to participate and learn new techniques and ideas. A base camp is established Friday afternoon at one of the beautiful northern lakes. Some members set up tents; some arrive with trailers or motor-homes, while others choose to bunk at nearby cabins. Once everyone has been fed, and caught up with the latest happenings and newest gear around the campfire, a digital presentation of ideas and techniques is held outdoors as the evening fades.

Saturday morning starts with an early shoot nearby as the day comes to life. Breakfast is welcome as some have already been shooting for hours. A chartered van is then loaded with photographers and gear, who head out for a day of experimenting with the new techniques learned the evening before. It is indeed quite a sight to see twenty people clad in photo vests and knee pads, armed with tripods and cameras, spread out to practice their craft.

A hearty lunch of home-made soup and sandwiches served at a handy picnic spot gives members a chance to rest their shutter fingers. After this respite, more new locations are explored until late in the afternoon.

After a return to base camp, and a BBQ feast of burgers, images shot that day are viewed and provide valuable feedback. This usually recharges the tired crew enough to enjoy a glorious sunset. Many head for sleep at this point - with beautiful images in both their memories and camera bags.

Sunday morning often starts off a little more slowly, and not quite so early - after such a busy day shooting Saturday, a relaxed morning is well-earned. Following a pancake breakfast, a short trip to hone these new skills concludes a weekend of photographic opportunities. A leisurely lunch is served, after which most start to pack up and head for home.

A Northern Image Photographers “Weekend in the Woods” is indeed a unique experience. The purposes and goals of the club include supporting other photographers through the interchange of ideas and techniques; to improve skills through practical application; and to explore creative concepts in photography.

Workshop leaders are not professional nature photographers - however, all have spent many years enjoying nature and capturing their vision of it on film. Club president Geoff Payton has been shooting outdoors for over twenty years, and teaches basic and intermediate photo classes at the Prince Albert Arts Centre. Dennis Chamberlain has been an active outdoorsman and photographer his whole life, and has been awarded many prizes for his stunning shots. John Alexandersen is long-time photographer, and has encountered almost every outdoor situation imaginable!

The club is made up of photographers throughout northern Saskatchewan who desire to improve their skills. The focus of the club is having fun with photography - it remains a non-competitive organization. Club membership averages 35, while typically 15 - 20 attend the entire weekend.

The aim of the weekend is to provide a completely photographic experience: meals and transportation are provided, shooting locations are pre-scouted, and as much assistance possible is always available.

Weekend-in-the-Woods History

#1 June 1996 Lakeland Art Gallery

#2 Sept 1996 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#3 June 1997 Anglin Lake (Main Campground)

#4 Sept 1997 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#5 June 1998 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#6 Sept 1998 Sandy Lake (PA National Park)

#7 June 1999 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#8 Sept 1999 Sandy Lake (PA National Park)

#9 June 2000 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#10 Sept 2000 Anglin Lake (North Campground)

#11 June 2001 Anglin Lake (North Campground)

#12 Sept 2001 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#13 June 2002 Sandy Lake (PA National Park)

#14 Sept 2002 La Ronge (Nut Point Campgrount)

#15 June 2003 McPhee Lake (Marcel's Campground)

#16 Sept 2003 Piprell Lake (Rainbow Lodge)

#17 June 2004 Duck Lake/Fort Carlton (Weekend-in-the-Wet)

#18 Sept 2004 Anglin Lake (North Campground)

#19 June 2005 Piprell Lake (Rainbow Lodge)

#20 Sept 2005 Sandy Lake (PA National Park)

#21 June 2006 McPhee Lake (Gateway Resort)

#22 Sept 2006 Candle Lake (Joe's Cabins)

#23 June 2007 Duck Lake/Fort Carlton

#24 Sept 2007 La Ronge (Nut Point Campgrount)

#25 June 2008 McPhee Lake (Gateway Resort)

#26 Sept 2008 Candle Lake (Joe's Cabins)

#27 June 2009 Lower Fishing Lake (Pine Ridge Resort)

#28 Sept 2009 Sandy Lake (PA National Park)

#29 June 2010 McPhee Lake (Gateway Resort)

#30 Sept 2010 Classic View Resort, Big River, SASK

#31 June 2011 Lower Fishing Lake (Pine Ridge Resort)

#32 Sept 2011 Waskesiu (Armstrong-Hillcrest Cabins-PA National Park)

#33 June 2012 Candle Lake (Joe's Cabins)

#34 Sept 2012 Classic View Resort, Big River, SASK

#35 June 2013 Waskesiu (Armstrong-Hillcrest Cabins-PA National Park)

#36 Sept 2013 La Ronge (Eagle Point Resort)

#37 June 2014 Tobin Lake (Tobin Lake Resort)

#38 Sept 2014 Shell Lake (Pine Ridge Cottages)

#39 June 2015 East Trout Lake (Eagle Bay Resort)

#40 Sept 2015 Waskesiu (Armstrong-Hillcrest Cabins-PA National Park)

#41 June 2016 Shell Lake ”Return to Redberry When Birds Are There”

#42 Sept 2016 Riverside Cabins, Near Wapiti Valley Regional Park

#43 June 2017 East Trout Lake (Eagle Bay Resort)

#44 Sept 2017 La Ronge (Eagle Point Resort)