Grizzly Bear Photography Workshop
with Matt Shannon
A Klahoose Indigenous Cultural Experience
Klahoose Territory, British Columbia Canada
Grizzly Bear Photography Workshop with Matt Shannon:
September 8-12,2024
September 7-11, 2025
Join professional wildlife and landscape photographer Matt Shannon on an unforgettable four-day adventure into the Klahoose territory, where you'll have the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of Xawgəs - grizzly bears during the mesmerizing salmon run season. Situated at Yekwamen- Toba Inlet, on the edge of the magnificent Great Bear Rainforest, this location is renowned as the southernmost point for grizzly bear viewing and offers one of the best opportunities for bear photography. Its remote location, intimate viewing area, and consistent bear sightings make it a photographer's dream.
Yekwamen is a secluded inlet within the Klahoose First Nation territory, and your tours will be led by knowledgeable Indigenous guides. In addition to the incredible wildlife encounters, Matt Shannon will provide comprehensive photography mentorship throughout the weekend, including hands-on field guidance and valuable post-processing instructions. This custom and unique access is the secret behind capturing breathtaking grizzly bear shots. During the salmon run season, which is the optimal time for photographing grizzly Bears on the BC Coast, you can be confident that you'll have incredible photography opportunities. The river itself serves as a stunning turquoise backdrop, adding an extra touch of allure to your Grizzly photos.
In addition, you'll have the opportunity to capture captivating landscape images of waterfalls and islands in the morning fog. We will see whales, sea lions, and eagles, providing additional subjects for your photography. This is an all-encompassing experience for nature enthusiasts and passionate photographers.
At night, you will have the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Klahoose Wilderness Resort, where you can indulge in fine food and drink while relishing in the natural beauty surrounding you.
PHOTO TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
• Grizzly Bears fishing in the Turquoise Rivers of the Toba Valley
• Orca, Humpbacks and Waterfalls
• The Klahoose Indigenous Culture
• World Class remote Indigenous Lodge Experience
• Photography Instruction for Hobbyists to Professionals
• In Field Techniques to create award winning and print worthy photography
• Editing instructions back at the lodge
• Online in depth post processing tutorial with Matt Shannon after workshop (Lightroom & Photoshop)
GRIZZLY BEARS PHOTOAGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Camera Gear List
• Camera body (if you have 2 bring both)
• Tripod
• Telephoto or zoom lense ( example 200mm and up)
• Mid range wide angle lense for landscape shots like a 24-70mm or 24-120mm
• Teleconverter could be handy depending on your lens ( 1.4x or 2x TC )
• Minimum 3-4 memory cards
• Laptop or external storage device (wildlife photography can accumulate images at a rapid rate)
• Spare camera batteries
• Polarizer for landscape shots
• Camera bag with waterproof cover
• Camera lens cover (Aquatech or Think Tank Hydrophobia is recommended)
• Several lens cloths
• Note: no drones allowed around wildlife at Toba Inlet or around the resort
Please contact us if you have questions regarding gear and we can help you out.
Itinerary
Grizzly Bear Photography Workshop with Matt Shannon
Day 1
ARRIVE AT KLAHOOSE WILDERNESS LODGE VIA FLOAT PLANE OR WATER TAXI
Arrive at Klahoose wilderness Lodge via float plane or water taxi. After days of travel it's best to come to your oceanside accommodations and relax!
The ancient voices echoed in a traditional Klahoose greeting welcomes newly arriving guests. The unparalleled visit is about to begin. Spend the evening as your senses awaken to the forest, wildlife and calm waters.
Dinner at the Resort.
Photography orientation by Matt Shannon to go over camera settings and technique preparing for the next day's shoot.
Day 2, 3 & 4
GRIZZLY PHOTOGRAPHY
Breakfast and coffee at the resort
These days are dedicated to Grizzly bear photography. We will leave in the morning on a covered boat for Toba Inlet and spend about 3 hours at the Grizzly bear viewing platforms along the remote wilderness river. Depending on where the bears are and what they are doing we will be in the best position for photographs. We coordinate to ensure you have the best photography experience possible! Matt will be shooting alongside you and helping you get in the best possible position.
From the boat we will photograph eagles, orcas, humpback whales and dolphins. There will be a variety of Landscape photography opportunities such as waterfalls and islands in the morning fog.
Lunch on the boat.
In the afternoon/evenings we will have time to explore back at the resort with the cultural interpreters, kayaking, paddle boarding, ocean swimming, nature walks, back of house sustainable hydro system tour, and for education and photography opportunities as well as editing sessions.
You'll be able to relax and enjoy the lodge amenities and Indigenous cultural activities are planned.
Photography technique review and reflection. We will learn from each day, discuss our goals for the next day, review and improve our skills.
Dinner at the resort
Day 5
FINAL MORNING SEND OFF
Group breakfast and coffee, then pack up our rooms and after an Klahoose final departure begin our journeys home.
At this point, you'll have award winning and print worthy images of grizzlies fishing for salmon and swimming in the turquoise waters! Hopefully amazing other wildlife photos as well. You'll have your float planes or water taxi service ready to take you back in the morning after an incredibly jam packed nature, culture and adventure photography workshop.
MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
Matt Shannon
Matt Shannon is an inspired wildlife and landscape photographer living on Vancouver Island. His award winning images have captured an international audience and his artwork hangs in homes around the world. He has developed a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing striking images.
Not only is Matt a master behind the lens, but he is also a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher. His infectious love for photography permeates his workshops, where he strives to inspire and equip aspiring photographers. Through these immersive experiences, Matt pushes his students to unleash their creative potential and capture their best possible photographs. With Matt as their guide, photographers of all levels are empowered to embrace their passion and elevate their skills to new heights.
"I have traveled throughout the BC coast and Rocky Mountains, photographing Grizzly bears in various locations. However, it is in the Toba Inlet that I have captured some of my most cherished images. Toba Inlet holds a special place in my heart as it has provided me with unique opportunities to photograph these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The rugged beauty and pristine wilderness of Toba Inlet contributes to the exceptional quality of photographs, making it a standout location for showcasing the magnificence of Grizzly bears." - Matt Shannon
GRIZZLY BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
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September 8-12, 2024
September 7-11, 2025
$7,785 CAD per person (based on double occupancy. Plus fees and taxes
Package Includes >
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4 nights - Accommodations at Klahoose Wilderness Resort in Lodge Rooms or Cabins with private washroom and ocean views (all rooms have an ocean view!)
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Covered boat transfer from Lund, BC to the Desolation Sound and the Resort (45 minutes). An optional land shuttle is available from Powell River Airport to Lund - where the boat leaves for the Resort
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Three days of Grizzly Bear photography in Toba Inlet from fixed viewing platforms
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Landscape and marine-life photography by boat.
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In-depth photography workshop by Matt Shannon
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All meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure
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House wine and beer with dinner
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Activities such as Indigenous storytelling, cedar weaving, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, ocean swimming, forest walks,
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Use of Resort Amenities: great room lounge, free Wi-Fi, satellite phone, large deck, dock area with woodfire sauna, campfire area, kayaks, paddle boards, rainforest walking trails
Not Included > Camera gear rentals, alcoholic beverages, gratuity, travel from your home to Lund or Powell River.