One to One
Every month we join a top pro for a masterclass. This issue Lauren Scott travels to Banff National Park, Canada, for a winter workshop with Mike Mezeul
Behind the scenes on a magnificent Mike Mezeul photo workshop in Canada
The adventurous Mike Mezeul had promised me several things when I joined him on an extended masterclass (or rather, tagged along on one of his popular photography workshops). We’d learn how to take stunning landscape images, shoot at night, edit, and survive the cold. What I’d need – warm clothing and thermos aside – was the will to face the elements and create great photos.
On our first day of shooting, we meet before sunrise (6.45am) and head out to Vermillion Lake, which was completely frozen solid. Mike chose this spot because of the frozen bubbles that rise up and create patterns in the ice, which would make an amazing element for foreground interest if the light was dynamic. “Generally, it’s safe to walk on ice when it’s a thickness of four inches or more,” Mike says.
When we start talking, I find out that Mike doesn’t plan out his shoots (and workshops) as much as he used to. He’s discovered that, as much as you plan, you have to adapt to conditions as they unfold. A degree in atmospheric science gives him the upper hand over many photographers, because he can read the atmosphere, clouds and weather patterns that are coming through. “Here, you have to be flexible and manoeuvre around. I get my workshop participants to locations super-early, so they can scout and we can find out if the weather is going to co-operate. If it isn’t going to light up, we have time to move to another spot.”
Mike has also worked alongside scientists during his time as an outdoor pro, which has helped to shape his creative eye. “Understanding the science behind natural events, you start incorporating visual elements which you wouldn’t necessarily have found important before.”
Mike is a natural teacher, but also learns a lot himself through running workshops. “I see it all the time, where people run out there and they immediately put their tripod down and take a picture just because something’s pretty. Everybody can take a snapshot, but not everybody can create a great photograph.”