Through The Lens
2026 Through The Lens – Photography Skills Weekend
June 26-28, 2026 – Camp Riverview, Boulter, ON (near Bancroft)
Registration Costs
Through The Lens Weekend registration cost is $350 + HST
Here’s the breakdown and what is Included:
* 6 camp prepared meals & snacks (Friday dinner thru Sunday lunch)
* 2 nights rustic cabin accommodations
* Photography skill-based workshops (see sample workshops listed below)
* Evening group activities & campfires
* Access to all other camp activities (trails, canoeing, kayaking, archery, etc)
Camp Riverview
Welcome to Camp Riverview, nestled in breathtaking Boulter, Ontario, along the serene shores of the Little Mississippi River. This hidden gem spans hundreds of acres of untouched wilderness, surrounded by thousands more of pristine crown land — a photographer’s paradise brimming with texture, light, and life.
Here, the landscape becomes your muse. The river’s calm surface mirrors golden sunsets and morning mists, creating perfect reflections for those chasing stillness and serenity. Wander the winding trails beneath towering pines, where shifting light filters through the canopy, or explore the rugged rock formations that offer dramatic contrasts and endless opportunities to experiment with perspective and composition.
From open fields bathed in dawn’s soft glow to the vibrant greens of moss-covered stones, every corner of Camp Riverview invites you to frame the beauty of the natural world in your own unique way. Whether you’re perfecting portraits, exploring macro details, or chasing the perfect long exposure of starlit skies, you’ll find limitless inspiration here.
Evenings bring warmth and connection as you gather around the campfire with fellow photographers — sharing images, stories, and techniques under a blanket of stars. It’s a space for both creative exploration and meaningful connection, where art and nature intertwine.
This weekend isn’t just about taking photos — it’s about seeing differently. About finding stillness in movement, light in shadow, and magic in the ordinary. At Camp Riverview, every sunrise offers a new story to tell, and every moment behind the lens becomes a masterpiece waiting to be captured.
Photography Skill Based Workshops
Over the course of the Through the Lens Photography Retreat, you’ll explore a full spectrum of creative, hands-on workshops designed to spark inspiration, expand your skills, and help you see the world in new ways. Every session invites you to grow, play, and connect — both with your art and with nature.
Getting Off Auto Mode – Discover the magic of shooting with intention. Learn to move beyond automatic settings and take control of your camera’s manual features to truly shape the stories your photos tell.
Lighting Tips & Sunset Shoot – Follow the golden light as it drifts across the landscape. Learn how to anticipate and compose in changing light conditions while capturing the rich tones of dusk.
Night Photography & Low-Light Magic – After dark, the world transforms — and your camera can too. Experiment with long exposures, star trails, and light painting under a sky full of stars.
Composition Secrets – Strengthen your storytelling with framing, leading lines, and the art of negative space. Learn how to compose photographs that captivate the eye and convey emotion.
Animals in Action – Explore movement and personality through the lens. Practice capturing animals, wildlife, and candid moments with clarity and energy.
Photography in Motion: On the Water – Take your camera on the river and master reflections, ripples, and the rhythm of motion. A guided paddle offers the perfect balance of adventure and artistry.
Macro: Up Close & Personal – Discover a world within the details. Learn to capture texture, focus, and depth as you photograph the tiny wonders of nature — petals, insects, and patterns unseen by the naked eye.
Editing Basics – Bring your images to life with photo editing tips. Explore colour grading, cropping, and enhancing natural light while maintaining an authentic look and feel.
Beyond the Lens: Creating Art from Photography – Transform your favourite image into a new medium through painting, felting, or mixed-media creation — where your photograph becomes the muse for something even more personal.
Mindfulness & Storytelling Through Your Lens – Shift from taking pictures to making them. Explore how emotion, presence, and awareness can turn your photography into a deeper form of storytelling.
Photo Hike & Scavenger Hunt – Put your new skills into practice on a creative outdoor challenge. Capture prompts, experiment with composition, and see the landscape through a fresh, playful perspective.
Gallery Share & Closing Circle – Celebrate your weekend’s work with a shared showcase of images. Reflect, connect, and leave inspired — ready to capture the world beyond Camp Riverview.
