The Wild Santa Series
He may be plump and jolly, but this big guy can do a whole lot more than just ride a sleigh all over the world in one night. He’s been spotted in the Canadian Rockies on several occasions (hard to miss, he’s always wearing bright red), but you might be surprised at what he’s been up to when he’s not delivering toys…
He may be plump and jolly, but this big guy can do a whole lot more than just ride a sleigh all over the world in one night. He’s been spotted in the Canadian Rockies on several occasions (hard to miss, he’s always wearing bright red), but you might be surprised at what he’s been up to when he’s not delivering toys…
No AI at work here.
Thanks to everyone who has helped me create this Wild Santa series over the years - a tradition first started back in 2014. 😉
Santa burning off some cookies at Vermilion Lakes. Model: Kristen Thorogood. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
He sees you when you’re skating. Model: Magali Cote. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Christmas Eve in Banff, Alberta. Model: Self-portrait. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
While you were sleeping…. hockey on Lake Louise, Alberta. Model: Lee Nordbye. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Santa takes a break from kids sitting on his knee and goes for a SUP. Model: Sue Shih. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Training for chimney climbing. Model: John Price. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Mrs. Claus takes over in Banff, Alberta. Model: Davina Bernard. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Santa departing the North Pole (Saskatchewan Glacier). Model: John Bennett. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Santa can do more tricks than just delivering toys around the world. On skates at Lake Louise. Model: Bryce Chudak. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
Santa, the glacier explorer. Model: Lee Nordbye. Photo: Paul Zizka Photography.
NEOWISE in the Skies over Banff, Canada
It has been a once in a lifetime – more like millennia – event. The comet NEOWISE has been visible in the dark skies over my home town of Banff, Alberta, and it’s been a highlight of my career to photograph it. Knowing it’s such a rare event has added an exhilarating element to the creative task of capturing it, and to see it converge with such celestial wonders as the aurora borealis has been an unforgettable experience.
It has been a once in a lifetime – more like millennia – event. The comet NEOWISE has been visible in the dark skies over my home town of Banff, Alberta, and it’s been a highlight of my career to photograph it. Knowing it’s such a rare event has added an exhilarating element to the creative task of capturing it, and to see it converge with such celestial wonders as the aurora borealis has been an unforgettable experience. You can find my favourite images below!
According to NASA: “Discovered on March 27, 2020, by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission, Comet NEOWISE is putting on a dazzling display for skywatchers before it disappears, not to be seen again for another 6,800 years.”
→ All of these images are available as limited edition prints in our online print shop.
Comet NEOWISE over Banff, Canada. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Comet NEOWISE, noctilucent clouds, northern lights and mountains all join forces to create the most amazing celestial display over Banff, Canada. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Comet NEOWISE above Bow Falls, Banff National Park. Photo: Paul Zizka.
NEOWISE cruises over Cascade Mountain and the Town of Banff, Canada. Photo: Paul Zizka.
A climber descends by headlamp with NEOWISE looking on in Banff National Park. Photo: Paul Zizka.
Comet NEOWISE travelling over the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Spray River, Banff, Canada.
→ All of these images are available as limited edition prints in our online print shop.
Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies (Banff to Lake Louise Edition)
Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.
I have spent the better part of the past 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies. This has amounted to countless days and nights seeing what’s around the bend, bushwhacking, walking up creeks, and following my nose. Originally, I didn’t explore with the purpose of sharing information. I simply enjoyed being curious in the mountains. Most of the time, the camera stayed in the bag, until I finally bought my first DSLR in 2007.
Over the years, I pulled the camera out more often, and eventually launched into photography as a profession. I also gathered a great deal of information, and thought it would be a shame not to make that information available to others so that they can enjoy and photograph some of those special places. After all, I find it immensely rewarding whenever I get to play a small part in getting people out exploring and connecting with their creative side.
So, after many months of work, I'm excited to announce this ebook:
Paul Zizka's Guide to Photography in the Canadian Rockies – Banff to Lake Louise Edition
Maximize your time and shoot like a local! In this 130-page opinionated guide, seasoned Rockies photographer Paul Zizka gives the inside scoop on 60+ locations between Banff and Lake Louise. Discover his top picks for subjects that are photogenic, inspiring and filled with creative potential.
Special Features
* 60+ locations organized into regions:
In and Around Banff Town
Lake Minnewanka
Bow Valley Parkway
Banff to Lake Louise via HWY1
Lake Louise and Area
Year-round (four season) content with season-specific info for each location.
All major day hikes between the Town of Banff and Lake Louise.
The best spots to shoot aurora borealis, wildflowers and fall colours.
Easy-to-use symbols to guide you through each location, as well as access to online map.
Listing of resources, recommended books and apps for photographers.
Printable Gear Checklist for Outdoor Photography.
Suggested itineraries for 1 or 3 days in summer and winter.
© All contents copyright Paul Zizka and Meghan J. Ward, 2018.