A guest gallery of the Bugaboos

Workshopping technique and capture beneath towering spires

September 30, 2025 | Words by Dan Kosterzewski

ARTICLES > Activities • 4 min read

Few places on earth are as picturesque as the mountain locations of our Cariboo, Bugaboo and Bobbie Burns Lodges. For many of our guests, the memories they take away are supplemented by the incredible photos they take and take home.

This summer a few of our guests took that photography passion a few steps further, joining a special photography workshop with Khali April in the Bugaboos.

You can read more about Kahli and her approach to photography in this interview, but we also asked our guests to submit their most memorable photo from the trip. And once again we were amazed at their ability to capture the drama and awe of place—as it shifts in changes in such a wilderness setting.

We’ve selected a gallery below to transport your mind to that stunning location, even if only for a quick moment of appreciation.

Field report from the best photo workshop in the mountains

We also connected with CMH Summer sales and product planner Abbigail Hudson, who jumped at the chance to attend the workshop, for a quick field report on what it was like to learn from a master of mountain photography. This is her photo workshop report from the peaks and valleys of the Bugaboos.

Location: Howser Spires self-portrait. Photographer: Abigail Hudson with Leo Carey assist, IG @_abigailhudson

Q&A with a photography trip participant:

What was so stunning about the workshop? 

The Bugaboos are truly world-class and an incredible place to host a photography workshop. Even when the weather wasn’t ideal, every location we flew to was breathtaking and offered endless opportunities to capture amazing shots.

How was it to work with Kahli as an instructor?

Kahli is fantastic. She’s extremely knowledgeable and a true professional in her craft, yet also very down-to-earth and approachable. She made sure to spend time with each guest, got to know everyone’s camera setup, and gave personalized guidance throughout the workshop.

What was one thing you learned that made you a better photographer?

To take lots of photos, experiment with angles and perspectives, and try out any composition that comes to mind. You never know what might turn out beautifully.

Is there one technical trick that really helped you?

Yes, Kahli showed me how to create depth in my landscapes by using foreground elements like blurred tree branches while keeping alpine lakes and mountains sharp in the background. She gave excellent advice not just on settings, but also on composition.

Location: Cobalt Lake area, Bugaboos. Photographer: Marie Nietfeld
Location: Howser Spires, Bugaboos. Photographer: Christine Foran
Website: www.christineforan.com, IG: @christineforan
Location: Dome Glacier Lake, Bugaboos. Photographer: Paulina Clark
Location: Cobalt Lake, Bugaboos. Photographer: Dale Clark

What surprised you about your own style or talent in photographer?

It had been many years since I used my camera beyond quick shots while on the move. Spending two to three hours in one location helped me tap back into my creativity. On rainy days, Kahli encouraged us to experiment with more abstract ideas and focus on our immediate surroundings – which I ended up loving.

What was your favorite location during the workshop?

Kickoff Meadow with the Howser Spires. It had endless variety; different viewpoints, stunning wildflowers, and a beautiful stream running through the meadow. It kept everyone busy shooting for hours.

What is your biggest takeaway?

This was my second photography workshop, and it reminded me how refreshing it is to dedicate hours to shooting rather than just snapping pictures on hikes or backcountry adventures. Workshops like this are incredibly valuable – Kahli shared so much knowledge, spent meaningful one-on-one time with each guest, and even offered helpful editing sessions back at the lodge.

Location: Howser Spires from Kickoff Meadow, Bugaboos. Photographer: Erik Cole-Johnson
 
Location: Dome Glacier Lake with the Bugaboos Spires, Photographer: Keith Anderson
Heli-Hiking

In this story

Photography at the Bugaboos