Drama and light in the Bugaboos with photographer Khali April

The towering granite spires and distinctive landscapes of the Bugaboos are a paradise, not just for hikers and climbers, but also for mountain photographers.

Dramatic light, dark night skies and a panorama of towering peaks all create an incredible location for mountain photography, just one lift above the world below. With instant helicopter lift access to some of the most dramatic viewpoints in North America, we see a CMH Summer Adventure as the ideal outdoor classroom for a select roster of creative workshops this summer, but we are not alone.

CMH Summer collaborator Kahli April is a respected and renowned landscape photographer based in Canmore, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. She’s a National Geographic Explorer who has photographed landscapes around the world, from the Sahara to Scotland. Her work has captured stunning images of Canadian classics such as Mt Robson and Mt Assiniboine as well as iconic shots in our iconic national parks from Kootenay, Glacier and Waterton Lakes to Banff and Jasper. Her gallery-caliber images capture not just the drama but also the emotion of the mountains.

Khali, though, would never turn down a lift into the Bugaboos, especially to utilize their peaks and valleys as an outdoor classroom to spark creativity and inspiration. Here, she leads a guided, four-day summer photography trip where participants stay at a luxury, remote lodge, hiking and photographing the surrounding landscape each day.

Workshop participants photograph this iconic reflection as the early morning light kisses the tops of the Bugaboo Spires.

We caught up with Khali between international mountain assignments to find out what motivated her to become a landscape photographer, what inspires her to teach her craft and what captivates her about the Bugaboos, from dark sky galaxy view to the raw, breathtaking perspectives.

Q&A with landscape photographer Kahli April

What motivated you to become a landscape photographer?

I’ve always felt most at home in wild places, and photography became a way to explore and share the beautiful places I was experiencing with others. It started as a personal practice and naturally evolved into a career rooted in storytelling and adventure.

How would you describe your approach to photography and how it is unique and different from other landscape photographers?

I focus on creating emotive, immersive imagery that captures not just the landscape, but the feeling of being in it. I want viewers to be able to relate and feel the magic of the incredible places I’ve seen. My work blends natural light, subtle storytelling, and a strong sense of place.

Kahli captures the movement of an alpine stream during her Adventure Photography Workshop at CMH Bugaboos.

What are some of your most memorable shooting moments, trips or assignments of the past few seasons?

Shooting under the stars in the Sahara desert in Morocco, leading an adventurous photo trip through Namibia and spending late nights chasing the aurora borealis are some of my most recent highlights. But I always have a special place in my heart exploring here at home in the mountains with my camera.

What motivates you creatively to keep pursuing your craft?

Nature constantly surprises me, and I’m driven by the challenge of capturing fleeting moments in wild places. There’s nothing like the feeling when all the hard work of planning pays off and the elements align to create the shot.

What makes CMH Bugaboos such a powerful setting for mountain photography?

The Bugaboos are dramatic, raw, and ever-changing—perfect for breathtaking photography. The light moves quickly, the terrain is diverse, and there’s inspiration in every direction. The access via helicopter really opens up so many photographic possibilities in terms of dream locations!

There’s no shortage of natural lines, shapes, and shooting angles for photographers to experiment with.

What are some of topics you plan to focus on and what are some of the highlights of the workshop?

We’ll dive into composition, storytelling, and refining personal style. Technically, we will cover a wide range of settings for various conditions and creative concepts like use of filters and long exposure. At the end of the day, we’ll come together to review the day and work on our editing skills.

Technically, what are some of the most important aspects to remember in mountain photography?

Light and weather change fast in the alpine, so flexibility is key. Exposure control and strong composition can make or break a shot in dynamic conditions.

Personally, what is your most memorable moment of shooting in the Bugaboos?

Watching the milky way rise above the peaks and glaciers, reflected in the lodge pond is always my favourite memory from the workshop. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you don’t get to see every day!

More broadly, what inspires you about leading the photography workshops?

I love watching people connect more deeply with the landscape through their lens. It’s rewarding to help others grow creatively while sharing these incredible places together. Enjoying the experience of being in such a beautiful place, while connecting with others is what feeds my inspiration.