Wild Stories Photography Camp - Tofino

You’ll learn about camera basics, storytelling, ethics, composition, editing, trail cameras, and more! Your instructor, Sam Phillips, has over 10 years of experience working in wildlife, landscape, and portrait photography, so you’ll earn hands-on practice that is sure to upgrade your storytelling skills.

Ethical storytelling is inextricable from Sam’s approach to teaching and interacting with photography. Together, you'll establish tangible ways to take photos that leave people and places better than how you found them.

Each day, we will head out into the field together—by shoreline, forest, and even spend some time on the water in Clayoquot Sound (day 3)—and have a ton of fun photographing the world around us. With Sam and the help of a few guest speakers, you'll walk away from this camp feeling excited and equipped to make truly impactful and memorable photos.

Included in the course fee are four 3-hour (9 AM -12 PM) hands-on learning sessions with Sam, classroom and outdoor sessions, guest speakers, and a boat tour!

*We will also be hosting another "Wild Stories Photography Camp" in Ucluelet from August 12-15.For more information follow this link. 

About your instructor

Sam Rose Phillips is a photographer, filmmaker, and poet based in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory. She focuses her lens on human-wildlife stories and their significance to coastal communities. Sam specializes in off-grid, remote storytelling from land and on the water, spending the first 5 years of her career as a one-woman film crew. Her words, images, and films have been put to the task of community and conservation projects around the world, published by Save Our Seas Magazine, CBC’s The Wild Canadian Year, and Outdoor Photography Magazine. She hosts photography workshops with individuals, small groups, primary school classes, and was a filmmaking mentor with youth from ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation) and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation). She is currently directing a documentary about coexisting with wildlife in nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) territory.

Testimonials

My child was in Sam’s photography camp at the Royal BC Museum. Sam has inspired him. Seeing him flourish and keeping his passions going outside of the home is so important to us, and this week he was shining. — S.F.

Every picture Sam takes draws you in as if you were there, as if you are the subject of the photograph. Her ability to tell a story without a single word is remarkable. I can’t wait for every picture she shares. — M.S.

Camps Location & Attire

The camps will take place in Tofino, at the Hotel Zed Boardroom along with other surrounding outdoor locations.

*Please note that participants are responsible for providing their own accommodation and transportation to and from the event. For a selection of accommodation providers in the region (click here). Unsure how to get to Tofino, check out this link for more information.

We will be going outside each day, so please dress for the weather (bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a rain jacket, a sweater, and boots if needed).

A few more things to bring:

• Camera (a phone, a DSLR, a GoPro, a point-and-shoot, or anything that takes a photo (new or old, it does not matter)). Also, don’t hesitate to borrow from someone you know or reach out to us if you are unable to find a device and we can see how we might be able to accommodate.
• A memory card, camera batteries, or charging cable (if applicable)
• Snacks
• Refillable water bottle
• Small bag or backpack for keeping your camera safe and tucked away (waterproof bag or case, if possible)
• Binoculars if you have them
• Warm clothes for the boat day (Day 3)

Meals

Food will not be provided, so please ensure you come with a full belly and bring a few snacks if needed.

Refund Policy

Full refund up to 7 days before the event (July 22nd), less the $25 admin fee.

Physical requirements

Activities include walking on the beach and trails, kneeling on the beach, sitting, and listening. There will also be a boat trip on day 3 of the camp. Please let us know if you need accommodations to enable your participation and learning during these activities.

Safe Space

We are committed to creating a safe space for all our participants. Discrimination, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm will not be tolerated. Participants who are not contributing to the safe space of this event will be asked to leave.

Photo credits: Sam Rose Phillips