Join adventure photographer and filmmaker Casey Bryant Jones for an immersive, one-day workshop that takes you beyond the shoreline and into the heart of the river. Designed for experienced kayakers with a passion for photography, this hands-on experience combines technical skill-building with real-time action shooting on the legendary Ottawa River.
The day begins with a focused hour on mastering manual settings understanding exposure, shutter speed, and light to control your creative outcome. From there, you’ll trade the classroom for the current, spending the rest of the day on the water, learning to capture motion, mood, and story from a paddler’s perspective.
Through guided on-river sessions, Casey shares his process for shooting both whitewater action and landscape composition, helping you refine your eye, anticipate moments, and build confidence behind the lens while moving through the river itself.
This is more than a photography class it’s an opportunity to refine your ability to create lasting memories, to tell the story of your time on the water through your own perspective. By the end of the day, you’ll leave not only with sharper skills, but with a collection of images that embody the spirit of adventure and your connection to the outdoors.
Casey Bryant Jones is a published photographer and award-winning filmmaker based on the Ottawa River, where he serves as the Paddle School Director at the Ottawa Kayak School. A lifelong whitewater kayaker, Casey’s creative work bridges the worlds of adventure and artistry, capturing the movement, emotion, and raw beauty found in wild places.
His photography has been featured in national publications, and his short film Cataracts earned Best Short Film at the 2020 Whitewater Awards.
Whether shooting from behind the paddle or behind the camera, Casey’s work is rooted in authenticity a pursuit to tell stories that flow as naturally as the river itself.
Through his lens, he invites others to see what he’s always seen: that adventure isn’t just something you do it’s something you feel, capture, and carry with you.
Full-day instruction with adventure photographer and filmmaker Casey Bryant Jones
Learn directly from Casey through a mix of focused technical guidance and immersive on-river coaching designed to elevate both your paddling and photography skills.
Guided on-water photography sessions
Capture whitewater action and scenic landscapes from the unique perspective of your kayak, with one-on-one feedback throughout the day.
Lunch included
A hearty, riverside meal is provided for all participants.
Halal, Kosher, and Vegan options are available with a $2 upcharge.
Daily Shuttle Service Provided:
The day begins by meeting your OKS instructor at the Rafters Pavilion, where you’ll receive an orientation and gear briefing. Afterward, you’ll board the shuttle bus to the river for your lesson. At the end of the day, the shuttle will return you to Rafters Pavilion, which is conveniently located within walking distance of your vehicle.
Come prepared for a day of paddling, creativity, and hands-on shooting.
Participants must be comfortable kayaking in Class II–IV whitewater and able to transport or use their own gear and their own photography equipment.
Paddling Essentials
Whitewater kayak, paddle, helmet, sprayskirt and PFD
Appropriate paddling apparel (drysuit or wetsuit depending on season)
Throw rope, first-aid kit, river knife and whistle (standard river safety gear)
Water bottle and small dry bag for personal items
Photography Gear
DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings
Lenses suited for both action and landscape photography
Extra batteries, memory cards, and microfiber cloths
Waterproof camera housing, drybag, or drybox for on-river shooting
Optional Equipment
ND filters or polarizing filters
Compact tripod or mounting system
Lightweight towel and change of clothes for after the session
All participants must be at least 18 years old OR weigh at least 90 lbs to be participate in this instruction program. No prior experience necessary.
Participants must meet age, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums for the specific trip they are partaking.
Need some more information? Check out our FAQ’s section or send us an e-mail at info@ottawakayak.com
Setting: Rafters Pavilion or classroom-style space near the river
Welcome + introductions, outline the day and set creative intentions
Quick gear check and setup
Understanding the exposure triangle: aperture, shutter speed, ISO
How to balance motion and light, freezing action vs. showing movement
Dialing in manual settings for outdoor environments (ND filters, white balance, etc.)
Short practice exercise: adjusting exposure for fast-moving water
Setting: Paddling down river from McCoy’s Chute to the Lorne Rapid.
Learn to read natural light: direction, diffusion, and reflection
Composition in dynamic environments: rule of thirds, layering, and leading lines
Finding visual balance between the subject (athlete) and environment
Field drills: photographing static landscapes and moving water
Setting: Wilderness Tours Lorne Lunchsite
Relaxed conversation on creative process and field workflow
Participants share early insights and images from the morning
Setting: Paddling down river from the Lorne Rapid to the Wilderness Tours Resort.
Action-sports shooting fundamentals: timing, burst mode, and tracking focus
Working with athletes to anticipate moments and maintain safety
Experimenting with shutter speed for different effects (freeze vs. blur)
Casey’s field coaching: composition in chaos capturing emotion and context
One-on-one guidance while shooting real action sequences
Creative storytelling: establishing shots, mid-action frames, and reaction detail shots
Setting: Wilderness Tours Resort
Import and review images on laptops/tablets
Group critique and discussion: what worked, what didn’t, what to explore next
Light touch on editing approach: color, contrast, and narrative consistency
Final group photo and wrap-up remarks
Note: Prices are subject to 13% HST & $15/day/person Park Pass
*Holiday Rate, **Spring & September Discount – Opening Weekend – and After Labor Day Weekend.
Equipment Rental:
Ottawa Kayak School is proud to be the World’s first Jackson Kayak super school. For $150 CAD, you can rent a Jackson Kayak (AntiX 3.0 or Rockstar V), paddle (Werner Rio), helmet (Sweet Wanderer) , sprayskirt (LevelSix King), and PFD (NRS Ion) for the duration of your program.
Stayover Package:
Stayover packages bundle your choice of activity with an additional dinner, breakfast, and a night of camping.
Storage Lockers:
Coin operated storage lockers can be found on-site to keep your valuables safe while you are on the river.
Airport Shuttles:
Can be arrange, please contact Ottawa Kayak School via e-mail at info@ottawakayak.com