Winter Wonder Ranchlands: Curiosity Refresh’s Enchanting Photography Workshop on the Open Range
On Sunday, November 21st, 2021, Curiosity Refresh Workshops took photographers on an extraordinary journey into Alberta’s scenic ranchlands, hosting the second-ever wedding photography workshop, Winter Wonder Ranchlands. Set on a sprawling private ranch in the Longview area, the day provided an unforgettable combination of wedding and engagement sessions, cultural performances, and an intimate boudoir shoot—all against the stunning backdrop of snow-kissed fields and rustic barns.
The Workshop Experience
This workshop was designed to inspire photographers with a mix of real-life wedding moments and stylized portraiture, perfect for honing their wedding photography skills. Participants captured a range of moments, from the raw emotion of engagement and family shots to the elegance of wedding couples in action, creating opportunities to practice posing, composition, and lighting techniques in various ranch house settings.
The day included a surprise highlight: Tony Tootoosis delivered an impressive Grass Dance performance, adding a special cultural element that connected tradition with the beauty of modern wedding photography. Photographers had the rare chance to capture the grace and energy of this traditional dance, which brought a unique and vibrant touch to the workshop.
A Stunning Cast of Models & Vendors
Our models brought life and magic to every shot, including real-life couples Melissa & Tony Tootoosis, Rori & Dre, along with their lovely children. Their genuine connections were captured perfectly throughout the day, from the engagement shoot to the cozy barn boudoir session. Their natural chemistry helped photographers capture intimate, authentic moments—just what every wedding photographer dreams of.
A huge thank you to our other models: Isabelle, Carole, Kat
Thanks to a talented team of hairstylists and makeup artists, the models were styled beautifully, adding the final touches of glamour to the rustic ranch setting.
A Day of Learning and Inspiration
Curiosity Refresh Workshops are all about pushing creative boundaries, and this winter-themed session was no different. Photographers had the chance to explore winter wedding portraiture, pose direction, and composition, as well as capture both candid moments and stylized scenes. From expansive landscape shots to detailed intimate portraits, this workshop delivered a full spectrum of learning experiences.
What’s Next?
We are beyond grateful for the incredible turnout and community that made Winter Wonder Ranchlands such a success. Stay tuned for more exciting workshops coming soon—Curiosity Refresh is already planning the next adventure! You won’t want to miss what’s in store for 2022.
Photo Credits: Lovestruck Portraits
Comments