Discovery Days Presenters

Scroll down to meet the exciting group of presenters, performers, and subject matter experts that we have assembled to create a memorable inaugural festival.

PRESENTERS

Monika Deviat
An award-winning photographer and Nikon Canada Ambassador based in Alberta, Canada. She is not just a photographer, though. Monika is a metalhead, speaker and educator, pole and aerial athlete and instructor, hiking guide, and non-practicing physicist.
Her photography career started in darkness with concert and event photography. In 2015, Monika shifted from shooting stars on stage to stars in the sky. Night photography became her favourite genre, and it goes hand in hand with her landscape and adventure images. Monika doesn't just document moments, she immerses herself in them, often venturing into the wildest, darkest, and most challenging environments to bring back awe-inspiring photos. Monika's photography does not fit into a single niche and she shows her versatility, technical skills, and creative eye across multiple photography genres.
Her work has appeared in various books and publications, including Canadian Geographic, The Backyard Astronomer's guide, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, and CNN.com. Beyond photography, Monika is an engaging educator and speaker, leading workshops that blend knowledge-sharing with memorable experiences. Some of her current projects focus on dark sky preservation, and she has recently presented a BBC radio documentary, Licence to Operate a Space Object, exploring the impact of light pollution on our night skies.
Festival sessions

Milky Way Over Waterton
Astrophotography Workshop Waterton is one of the darkest skies in Canada—and Monika will help you make the most of it. Learn how to photograph the Milky Way in a setting designed for depth, clarity, and magic. Includes classroom and field time. Perfect for beginners and seasoned shooters.

Into Darkness: A Journey Inspired by the Stars
What happens when you lean into discomfort and follow the night? Join Monika Deviat as she shares how the pursuit of dark skies changed her path—from photographer to advocate to adventurer. A story of awe, courage, and creativity beneath the stars.

Bear’s Hump After Dark : Night Photography Adventure Workshop
Experience Waterton from above—at night. After a scenic hike up Bear’s Hump, learn how to capture breathtaking nightscapes in this small-group, hands-on workshop. Monika shares expert techniques on focus, composition, and creativity under the stars.

Book Monika's festival sessions here
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Book Chris's workshops here
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Book Jeanine's workshop here
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Book James' workshop here
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Exhibit available complimentary to all our festival registrants

Book Barry's workshops here
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