The Intangibles
A Creative Retreat and Landscape Photography Masterclass at Aurum Lodge
Abraham Lake, Canadian Rockies, Alberta
September 27 - October 1, 2027
Join Paul Zizka and Stasia Schmidt for 5 days of exclusive access to Aurum Lodge, nestled amidst the trees on the shores of the turquoise waters of Abraham Lake — our home base to explore the artistry of photography. This log cabin retreat is tucked away off the beaten path, where prime fall colours and lake views set the perfect backdrop to dive deeper into yourself and tap into your own creative flow.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
~ 13 spots only ~
Private Lodging
$5,950 CAD + GST | ~ $4,300 USD
installment plan available; see below
Spouses/Partners Welcome!
Spousal Rate (non-participant): $1,300 + GST
Please email us at workshops@zizka.ca to add a spouse or add them upon registration.
with the support of
Go beyond the technical to find
your artistry.
Autumn is an exciting time of transition along the shores of Abraham Lake, where we'll be situated for this workshop. Paul knows the area well — he's spent countless hours photographing this stretch of the Rockies, and it shows: this is one of his favourite car-accessible locations in the region. It's also a dream setting for a retreat-style workshop that will help photographers grow as artists.
With the support of your mentors and each other, you’ll work toward executing a vision and expanding your creative horizons. With each passing day, you’ll build upon concepts and learn to photograph with intention. Abraham Lake offers no shortage of subject matter: as a large reservoir, its water level shifts throughout the season, constantly reshaping the shoreline and the compositions it offers. Wind and wave action across the open water add their own drama, and with different stretches of shoreline moving through the transition from summer to fall at different rates, no two days — or two viewpoints — look the same. Potential wildlife sightings along the lakeshore round out the opportunities.
Being based at Aurum Lodge, we’ll have prime access to both the David Thompson Corridor and Icefields Parkway.
The Intangibles will be an opportunity to challenge yourself. But what would a retreat be without time to unwind, reflect and indulge in delicious cuisine? With the restorative environment of Aurum Lodge entirely to ourselves, we'll have the space to refuel in whatever way suits us best.
Here are the themes we’ll be exploring, as we go beyond gear and technique to tackle the elements that really catapult us forward and help us grow on our artistic journey:
The Intangibles
Intangible #1
Seeing the Opportunities: The Art of Noticing
Intangible #2
Working with Intention: The Importance of Purpose
Intangible #3
Developing Your Unique Vision: Tapping the Creative Flow
The point is: there is so much more to photography than mastering your settings, composition and post-processing skills. All those things are important, and we’ll be happy to answer questions about those topics during the retreat. But this experience is meant to take you deeper, into your motivations, your unique outlook, and the message you’re trying to convey through your work.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
Tap into your own creative flow.
Where We’ll Go
Being based at Aurum Lodge puts us in the middle of some of the Rockies’ most spectacular scenery, with easy access to Highway 11 and the wild country that unfolds along it. We’ll touch on a few of the well-known spots, but we’ll also venture beyond them to share some of our quieter, more secluded favourites. And when we’re not out exploring by vehicle, we’ll find plenty of natural subjects right near the lodge, from Abraham Lake and the peaks that frame it to the changing seasons and every mood of light and weather.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography.
Retreat Includes
daily instruction, mentoring and 1:1 guidance from Paul Zizka and Stasia Schmidt
4 nights, all-inclusive stay at Aurum Lodge*
~ Private room
~ King-sized bed
~ Luxurious, cozy bedding
~ Ensuite bathroom
* Rooms are to be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, in the order of registration.
meals include:
~ unique daily creations for breakfast
~ lunch/packed lunches
~ thoughtfully crafted dinner cuisine
You’ll Take Care Of
transportation to and during the retreat
alcoholic drinks (bar service is provided; you cover payment)
travel insurance
Because our workshop costs are committed to local partners well in advance, we can't offer full refunds, nor guarantee credits, as per our cancellation policy. We strongly encourage every participant to purchase travel insurance that includes medical, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Our Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change.
Check-in September 27, 2027 @ 3 PM | Check-out October 1, 2027 @ 10 AM
Sample Daily Itinerary
7 - 8 - Sunrise Walk
8 AM - Breakfast
9 to 10 AM - Introduction of the theme for the day and lecture
10:30 AM to 1:00 PM - Field exercise with packed lunch
1 to 2:30 PM - Culling and editing session
2:30 to 4:45 PM - Free time
4:45 to 6:15 PM - Field Excursion
6:30 to 8 PM - Group dinner
8pm to 9pm Critique and Group Discussion
Testimonials
“Attending this workshop was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, everything was first-class—the accommodations were stunning, and the staff provided exceptional service that made us feel truly welcomed and cared for.
The instruction and field sessions were exactly what I needed at this stage in my photography journey. Whether we were out in the field or gathered for discussion, I felt fully supported and encouraged to grow creatively.
Beyond the technical and artistic value of the workshop, what made it truly special was the atmosphere. Paul and Stasia are not only incredible photographers but also genuinely kind, down-to-earth people who are a lot of fun to be around. Their energy set the tone for a warm, collaborative environment that fostered connection and creativity.
This workshop exceeded my expectations in every way, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in my work.”
- K. Rombough
“Paul is exceptional and his guidance during the workshop invaluable. His ability to encourage workshop attendees to stretch a bit and develop new or polish existing skills is done is a very non-threatening way.
It's not easy to take a group of workshop attendees of varying skill levels and personalities, and mold them into a cohesive group that prior to the workshop never knew each other. The workshop was well planned, organized and executed.”
- S. Gilmore
“This creative retreat was the perfect opportunity to be totally disconnected and immersed in creativity in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The classroom sessions were inspiring and informative and the time in the field was the right mix of assigned challenges and personal shooting time. The newly renovated lodge is beautiful, the food is amazing and you would be hard-pressed to find staff who are more customer-focused and friendly.
If you are looking for a workshop or retreat that lets you focus totally on photography without distractions, this is the one!”
- P. Jenks
“This photography workshop had everything I expected and more. From the warm welcome and sense of place that Paul and Stasia established from the moment of meeting them to the final goodbye. They both provided a comfortable and no pressure atmosphere in which to learn.
Paul and Stasia had a well developed and clear agenda for each day. There was no guessing what we were going to do. While it was a structured environment, which I like, there was plenty of time to fully explore each outing as well as participate in the various presentations provided by Paul and Stasia. I also loved the outings to nearby places of beauty to break up the day and add a little adventure.
I would highly recommend future workshops like this to any photographers of any skill level.”
- M. Riffle
About Aurum Lodge
Perched on the shores of Abraham Lake, Aurum Lodge is a top-rated eco-lodge tucked amidst the trees, roughly two hours from Banff and 3.5 hours from Calgary or Edmonton International Airport, making it easily accessible for international guests. It's the kind of place you have to go out of your way to find — and that's exactly the point. Off the beaten path and largely off the grid, the lodge offers a rare kind of quiet: there's no cell coverage for miles, and while WiFi is available, there are no phones or TVs in the rooms to pull your attention elsewhere.
We're confident you'll be blown away by its location on the shores of Abraham Lake's turquoise waters, and the ease of access we'll have to the ever-changing, endlessly photogenic landscapes this region is best known for.
Aurum Lodge is a respite from our fast-paced, hyperconnected world. You might just find the breathtaking nature — and the human-to-human conversations that come with disconnecting — are a far superior replacement.
Our Team
-
Paul Zizka
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Paul Zizka is a Canon Pro mountain landscape and adventure photographer and a sought-after photo educator based in Banff, Canada. Whether it’s wading waist-deep into a glacier-fed lake or chasing auroras from dusk til dawn, Paul is known for an adventurous spirit that draws him to the extraordinary. In addition to eight published books, Paul’s award-winning photos have also been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic Adventure, Maclean’s, Outside Magazine, Washington Post, and Canadian Geographic. His client list includes the NHL, Apple, Westjet, Panasonic and Panasonic. [Photo: Stasia Schmidt]
-
Stasia Schmidt
INSTRUCTOR
Stasia Schmidt is an acclaimed fine art photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. Her landscapes and portraits show attention to simplicity and form; she is drawn to unexpected surrealism and creativity within the natural environment. Her work has been part of group exhibitions in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In addition to being the 2024 Canadian awardee of the Leica Women Foto Project, Stasia was recognized for her Ephemerality series in her home province of Alberta and she was declared the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year by the Exposure Photography Festival. Her first art photo book, also titled Ephemerality, was released this spring.
-
Meghan J. Ward
MARKETING + LOGISTICS
A writer and creative entrepreneur based in Banff, Meghan takes time on the side to flex her sales and marketing skills for Paul Zizka Photography. She’s the ‘other half’ to Paul in numerous ways: as his wife, fellow adventurer and business partner. At Paul Zizka Photography she manages everything from brand to website, photo licensing, corporate sales and workshop logistics. She is the author of several books including a children’s book, The Wonders That I Find and a travel memoir, Lights to Guide Me Home. [Photo: Paul Zizka]
-
Sabina Litherland
ADMIN + CLIENT RELATIONS
Sabina grew up in a household of creatives, raised by a ballet dancer and a pianist. It was inevitable she would pursue a career in the arts. After earning a degree in Drama and Music and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University, she brought her passion to the Rockies, working in festivals and live events. She is thrilled to support the Paul Zizka Photography team in an administrative role. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and reading.
Retreat Dates:
September 27-October 1, 2027
Investment:
$5,950 CAD | ~ 4300 USD
Installment option: Deposit upon registration of $1,650 CAD + GST with the final balance due February 15, 2027. Please contact us to arrange an alternative installment option.
Rooms are to be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, in the order of registration.
Spousal Rate (non-participant): $1,300 + GST
Please email us at workshops@zizka.ca to add a spouse, or add them upon registration.
Travel Insurance:
Because our workshop costs are committed to local partners well in advance, we can't offer full refunds, nor guarantee credits, as per our cancellation policy. We strongly encourage every participant to purchase travel insurance that includes medical, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Cancellation:
*Participant deposits and installments are non-refundable, unless you are able to sell your spot. In this case, we can provide a refund minus a $250 administration fee. The spousal supplement can be cancelled before September 1, 2026.
This retreat requires a minimum of 9 participants to run.
