Photo Workshops during the COVID-19 Pandemic - Ateliers photo pendant la pandémie de COVID-19

All the workshops are given in small groups (5 participants max) and in the outdoors so you are less likely to get or spread COVID-19. You can either join an already scheduled workshop or ask for a private workshop for yourself or as members of the same bubble at no extra cost. We offer half-day, weekend and multi-day workshops all year-round. Feel free to contact us for details.

During the pandemic, we take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. We ask everyone attending the outdoor event to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres between one another, unless you reside together. We recommend the use of a mask and we supply hand sanitation gel.

The day prior to the start of the workshop, you will be asked whether you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 prior to the workshop, please inform us immediately; we will reschedule you for another workshop once you have fully recovered.

Below are the current travel restrictions for Vancouver Island, BC:

• Vancouver Island residents are allowed to travel within the Vancouver Island Health region for recreational purposes.

• For British Columbians, travel is allowed within your health zone. Non-essential travel between health zones continues to be restricted.

• For Canadians, all non-essential travel to BC must be avoided until further notice.

• For international visitors, the Canadian border remains closed for non-essential travel, including those who have been vaccinated.

For current travel information, visit https://www.hellobc.com/what-you-need-to-know/

Further details on the current orders can be found at: gov.bc.ca/COVID-19

Ateliers photo pendant la pandémie de COVID-19

Tous les ateliers sont donnés en petits groupes (5 participants max) et en plein air donc vous êtes moins susceptible d'attraper ou de propager le COVID-19. Vous pouvez soit rejoindre un atelier déjà programmé, soit demander un atelier privé pour vous-même ou en tant que membre de la même bulle, et ce, sans frais supplémentaire. Nous proposons des ateliers d'une demie-journée, d'un week-end et de plusieurs jours tout au long de l'année. N'hésitez pas à nous contacter pour plus de détails.

Pendant la pandémie, nous prenons toutes les mesures nécessaires pour assurer votre sécurité. Nous demandons à tous ceux qui participent à l'événement en plein air de maintenir une distance physique de 2 mètres, à moins que vous ne viviez ensemble. Nous recommandons le port d'un masque et nous fournissons du gel désinfectant pour les mains.

La veille de l'atelier, nous vous demanderons si vous avez des symptômes de COVID-19 et si vous avez été en contact étroit avec un cas confirmé ou suspecté de COVID-19. Si vous avez des symptômes de COVID-19 avant le début l'atelier, veuillez nous en informer immédiatement ; nous vous reporterons votre inscription à un futur atelier lorsque vous serez complètement rétabli.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous les restrictions de voyage courantes pour l'île de Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique :

• Les résidents de l'île de Vancouver sont autorisés à se déplacer dans la région sanitaire de l'île de Vancouver à des fins récréatives.

• Pour les Britanno-Colombiens, les déplacements sont autorisés dans votre zone sanitaire seulement. Les déplacements non essentiels entre les zones sanitaires continuent d'être limités.

• Pour les Canadiens, tout voyage non essentiel en Colombie-Britannique doit être évité jusqu'à nouvel ordre.

• Pour les visiteurs internationaux, la frontière canadienne reste fermée pour les déplacements non essentiels, y compris pour ceux qui ont été vaccinés.

Pour les dernières informations sur les voyages, visitez : https://www.hellobc.com/what-you-need-to-know/ (en anglais seulement)

Pour plus de détails sur les mesures en cours, visitez : gov.bc.ca/COVID-19 (en anglais seulement)

The story behind the image - L’histoire derrière l’image

Between 8,000 and 10,000 black bears inhabit Vancouver Island. The opportunities to meet one are high so it is better to learn more about the species. I recommend building a network of specialists such as conservation officers, biologists and knowledgeable local wildlife photographers. The best time of the year to observe bears is during the salmon return when bears converge to estuaries and rivers to fatten up on salmon before hibernation.

I took this image at a popular hatchery. In order to avoid the big crowds, I started early in the morning. It was technically challenging because the light was strong so there was a lot of contrast between the bright and dark areas. I used a telephoto lens to keep a safe distance and a polarizing filter to reduce the light reflection on the water and leaves. There may be long periods of time between bear appearances: some go straight back to the forest after getting a salmon, others laze around to the delight of photographers.

Entre 8 000 et 10 000 ours noirs vivent sur l’Île de Vancouver. Les opportunités d’en rencontrer un étant élevées, il vaut mieux en apprendre davantage sur l’espèce. Je suggère d’établir un réseau de spécialistes comme des officiers de la conservation, des biologistes et des photographes animaliers locaux bien informés. La meilleure période de l’année pour observer les ours est lors de la fraie du saumon lorsque les ours convergent vers les estuaires et les rivières pour s’engraisser de saumon avant l’hibernation.

J’ai pris cette photo dans une station d’alevinage de saumon populaire. Afin d’éviter la foule, j’ai commencé tôt le matin. C’était un vrai défi technique car la lumière était forte donc il y avait beaucoup de contraste entre les zones d’ombre et de lumière. Je me suis servie d’un téléobjectif pour garder une distance sécuritaire et j’ai utilisé un filtre polarisant pour réduire les reflets de la lumière sur la rivière et les feuilles. Il peut se passer de longues périodes de temps entre les apparitions des ours, certains retournent directement dans la forêt après avoir pris un saumon, d'autres se prélassent pour le plus grand plaisir des photographes.

Depth of field - Profondeur de champs

Depth of field

I chose to photograph the back of this flower because I wanted to create an original portrait so I used a different perspective than the classic image of flowers. In order to have a blurry background, I used a narrow depth of field by opting for a large aperture of f/5.6. To demonstrate the depth of field in a composition, I took a second shot with a smaller aperture of f/14: we can see more details in the background because the depth of field is wider.

f/5.6, 1/500 second, ISO2000

Canon EOS 5DS R - Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

f/14, 1/80 second, ISO2000

Profondeur de champs

J’ai choisi de photographier l’arrière de cette fleur parce que je voulais créer un portrait original, j’ai donc utilisé une perspective différente que la photo classique de fleurs. Pour avoir l’arrière-plan flou, j’ai réduit la profondeur de champs en optant pour une ouverture de diaphragme élevée de f/5.6. Afin de démontrer la profondeur de champs dans une composition, j’ai pris une deuxième photo avec une ouverture de diaphragme réduite de f/14 : on voit plus de détails en arrière-plan car la profondeur de champs est plus large.

The story behind this shot - L’histoire derrière l’image

The story behind this shot

When we discover a new region, we have the advantage of observing the environment with more intensity and curiosity than locals. I took this picture during my first winter in the Comox Valley, a very long time ago. As a newcomer, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the estuary with the snow-capped mountains in the background and the high concentration of birds and marine mammals in that area. I thought the place had a lot of potential for nature photography. However the estuary is located in the heart of the town therefore it is surrounded by buildings and busy roads and I did not want them to appear in my shot. So I waited for a winter morning with some thick fog, which made the buildings disappear, and also created a beautiful atmospheric view. The sun was still below the horizon and the light was constantly changing so I quickly set up my camera and took this image.

Canon EOS 70D f/4.5, 1/400 second , ISO400 - Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, focal length: 35 mm

Fog in the Comox Valley

L’histoire derrière l’image

Lorsque nous découvrons une nouvelle région, nous avons l’avantage d’observer l’environnement avec plus d’intensité et de curiosité que les habitants. J’ai pris cette photo lors de mon premier hiver dans la Vallée de Comox, il y a très longtemps. En tant que nouvel arrivant, j’étais subjuguée par la beauté de l’estuaire avec la chaîne de montagnes aux sommets enneigés en arrière-plan et l’importante concentration d’oiseaux et de mammifères marins à cet endroit. Le lieu offrait beaucoup de potentiel pour la photographie de nature. Toutefois, l’estuaire est situé au coeur de l’agglomération donc il est entouré d’habitations et de routes que je ne souhaitais pas avoir sur la photo. J’ai donc attendu un matin d’hiver avec un épais brouillard qui cachait les maisons mais qui créait aussi une belle atmosphère. Le soleil était encore sous l’horizon et la lumière changeait constamment, j’ai donc rapidement effectué mes réglages et j’ai pris cette photo.

Canon EOS 70D f/4.5, 1/400 seconde , ISO400 - Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, longueur focale : 35 mm

Introducing Creative Nature Photography online course

I am happy to announce my two-part online course Creative Nature Photography (courses are available in English and in French). If you are looking to improve your creative skills, this is the course for you. Divided in two parts: Composition and Wildlife Photography, the course covers keys elements of composition, use of light, shutter speed, preparation for a field trip, encounters with wildlife and so much more.

The presentation is given on Zoom so you can ask your questions after the lecture and interact with our small group of 10 people maximum.

You are not left on your own with a video and reading material.

The first part of the course in English starts on Tuesday 23 February. The course in French starts on 24 February. I have classes scheduled in the morning and in the evening to accommodate you no matter your time zone.

Sign up today for one part only, or save $10 by signing up for both parts.

Vancouver Island Wildlife, A Photo Journey - Book Release on 5 October

I am proud to announce the release of my book Vancouver Island Wildlife, A Photo Journey. I hope it offers a good perspective on a unique region, on the west coast of Canada.

Over the last year, I travelled by foot, snowshoes, floatplane and boat to photograph some of the charismatic wildlife that frequents or lives on Vancouver Island. For this project, my challenge was to take candid shots of elusive species, such as the Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti). I remember looking for them in Strathcona park in snowshoes, stepping over their tracks, and finally, months later, finding a herd of females caring for their young.

On Vancouver Island, many species are of special concern, threatened or endangered like the Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis). Given the fact that there is only a few marmots in the wild, the same size as a domestic cat, and dark brown in colour, it is quite rare to spot them in the alpine regions. However, I was able to photograph marmots at Mount Washington.

My goal was also to photograph the fragile ecosystems where these animals live to raise awareness about our collective responsibility in the sustainable development of this amazing part of the world, as well as its preservation and restoration for future generations.

I hope that you will enjoy this journey in the heart of Vancouver Island wilderness.

Je suis fière de vous annoncer la parution de mon livre Vancouver Island Wildlife, A Photo Journey. Un livre qui, j’espère, ouvrira une fenêtre sur une région unique de la côte ouest du Canada.

Au cours de la dernière année, j’ai voyagé à pied, en raquettes, en hydravion et par bateau afin de photographier quelques uns des animaux charismatiques qui peuplent ou fréquentent l’Île de Vancouver. Pour ce livre, je m’étais lancé le défi de capturer des moments candides chez des espèces élusives, comme le wapiti de Roosevelt (Cervus elaphus roosevelti). Je me souviens l’avoir pisté en raquettes dans le parc Strathcona, avoir marché dans ses pas pour enfin, des mois plus tard, tomber sur une harde de femelles en train d’allaiter leurs petits.

Sur l’Île de Vancouver, bien des espèces sont en situation préoccupante, menacées ou bien en voie de disparition comme la marmotte de l’Île de Vancouver (Marmota vancouverensis). Son petit nombre fait qu’il est très rare de la rencontrer sans compter qu’il est difficile de la repérer dans le paysage alpin car elle est de la grosseur d’un chat et de couleur brun foncé. Cependant j’ai pu la photographier au Mont Washington.

J’ai souhaité aussi photographier les fragiles écosystèmes dans lequel vivent ses animaux afin de nous rappeler notre responsabilité collective dans le développement durable de cette incroyable région du monde, ainsi que sa préservation et restauration pour les futures générations.

J’espère que vous apprécierez ce voyage au coeur du monde sauvage de l’Île de Vancouver.

Book Release: Vancouver Island Wildlife - A Photo Journey

As you all know, over the last year, I have been working hard to photograph interesting species that call Vancouver Island home, such as the elusive Roosevelt elk and the rare Vancouver Island marmot. The result is the creation of my book Vancouver Island Wildlife - A Photo Journey, which is being released in early October.

Divided into two sections, On the Coast and In the Forest, this photographic journey features over 150 stunning images of Vancouver Island’s biodiversity and wild landscapes. This books presents rare and candid moments featuring charismatic animals, such as the black bear, sea otter, Roosevelt elk, sea lion, bald eagle, and the rare Vancouver Island marmot as well as intimate portraits of flora species found in the rainforest and in subalpine meadows. Splendid images of moss-covered trees in autumn foliage complete this compilation of impressive photographs. Captioned with anecdotes, and conservation and photographic techniques information, this beautiful book invites you into a natural world with unique ecosystems, and is certain to capture the interest of photographers, travellers and nature-lovers.

Pre-order your signed copy today! Books are shipped worldwide.

An amazing photographic journey in the wilderness of Vancouver Island that presents compelling images of elusive wildlife, stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems.

Polarizing Filter

Not the greatest images but perfect to demonstrate what a polarizing filter does. It allows you to:

• Suppress glare from shiny surfaces such as water, windows, leaves, etc.,

• Manage reflections,

• Darken skies, and

• Protect your lens.

I love it when my models are as cooperative as this lovely frog.

Update on Nature Photo Workshops

Great news! My photo workshops are now open to anyone living in British Columbia.

The day prior to the start of the workshop, you will be asked whether you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and have travelled outside British Columbia in the last 14 days. During the workshop, participants and the instructor will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering (please bring your own mask). Contact me if you would prefer to schedule a photo workshop with members of your circle only.

It’s time to get out of the house, enjoy nature on beautiful Vancouver Island and refine your photo skills!

Catherine

Photo Technique: How to use colours for dramatic effect?

Red, yellow and blue are primary colours for pigment. Violet, orange and green are secondary colours. To create a bold image, use complementary colours: orange and blue, green and red, yellow and purple. Complementary colours opposite each other on the wheel of colours.

Wheel of colours

Orange against dark blue

Photo Technique: What is the triangle of exposure?

It allows you to control the exposure by setting up the shutter speed, lens aperture and ISO based on the intended mood of your photograph. A slow shutter speed will change rain or snow in streaks; it can also be used to isolate the subject. A small lens aperture gives a wide depth of field, where all elements of the image are in focus. Low ISO can be used for a long exposure.

Slow shutter speed

Small lens aperture

Photo Technique: What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

Red, green and blue (RGB) are the primary colours of light. Blue, red and yellow are the primary colours for pigment. Professional printing services use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, k is for black). Before sending your big photo project to the printer, convert your images from RGB to CMYK on your computer and adjust them accordingly. You will notice a difference since CMYK has a smaller colour gamut than RGB.

Did you know that Adobe RGB has a greater colour gamut than sRGB, which has a greater colour gamut than CMYK? Adobe RGB > sRGB > CMYK

Adobe RGB colour gamut (original image)

Image converted to CMYK

Photo Technique: How to create a strong black and white photograph?

A simple composition associated with a careful use of geometry, lines, curves, contrast and negative space.

Photo Technique: How to reduce noise in an image?

There are a few actions you can take:

• Expose to the right by either opening up the lens aperture or by using a slower shutter speed. An underexposed image later brightened on a computer will result in a lot of noise and other artefacts.

• Determine your camera’s high ISO capability by conducting a simple test. Place your camera on a tripod and take the same photograph of a subject with dark areas, at various ISO starting at 100 all the way up by increment of full stops. Verify the progression in the amount of noise by enlarging each image on your computer screen.
  

Photo Technique: What makes a compelling image?

Many factors are to be considered but professional photographers, photo editors and jury members on photo competitions agree that what makes a compelling image is a unique perspective on the subject, sharpness and good composition. How to create a good composition? Keep it simple! Isolate your subject by getting rid of distracting elements, determine your source of light and use the elements of design: lines, pattern, shape and texture.

Photo Technique: Depth of Field

A narrow depth of field isolates the subject. It makes it stand out against a blurred background because the viewer’s eye is naturally attracted by a sharp subject. A wide depth of field put the subject into context. The entire picture is sharp so the viewer tends to look at the subject in relation to its surroundings.

Narrow depth of field

Wide depth of field

Narrow depth of field

Wide depth of field

Photo Technique: How to use the White Balance?

The colour temperature is measured in Kelvin degrees (k):
- Daylight: 5200 k
- Shadow: 7000 k
- Cloudy, sunrise and sunset: 6000 k
- White light or fluorescent: 4000 k
- Candlelight: 2000 k
Depending on the source of light illuminating the scene, adjust the white balance on your camera by choosing either the preset for Kelvin degrees or the symbol for Cloudy, Sunny, Fluorescent light, etc.

Cold Colour Temperature

Warm Colour Temperature

Photo Technique: Expose to the right

We expose to the right with a digital camera because of the way digital image sensors record information: they record more detailed information in bright areas than in dark areas, which means you see fine details and smooth ranges of tone and colour in bright areas and can see noise in dark areas.
In order to maximize the amount of recorded information, brighten your exposure without blowing out the highlight details. Exposing to the right means the histogram display is pushed to the right, in the brighter values.
This fine-tuning is key to achieve the best image quality.

Photo Technique: : How to obtain maximum focus?

Use a small aperture such as f/16, low ISO, make sure the back of your camera is parallel to your subject and use your tripod.

The Basics of Photography

Composition, exposure, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, opening up, spotlighting, centre-weighted meter: you might be familiar with some of these terms but it’s not always obvious how to adjust your camera accordingly. I offer half-day and multi-days workshops to help you understand and practice the fundamentals of photography. Once you master the basics, you’ll be able to take manual control of your camera and get better results.

All my workshops are given in the field for a hands-on experience. Get in touch so we can arrange for a workshop.