Five reasons to book a photo tour on Vancouver Island this fall and winter

1. Unique photo opportunities to capture black bears catching salmon, Roosevelt elk herds during the rutting period, and sea lions gatherings to feed along the coast.

2. Vancouver Island is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway whereas some birds choose to winter on the island such as trumpeter swan, long-tailed duck and surf scoter.

3. Lower light conditions are better for nature photography.

4. Fall is a display of vibrant colours in the rainforest while winter offers misty landscapes and waves crashing on the rugged shoreline during storms.

5. The shoulder season is a great time to enjoy the tranquility in the forest and take the time to create your best images. It is also cheaper to travel.

Book a tour by December 31, 2025 and save $100.

Use promocode VanIsle100 at checkout.

Save 50% on matted prints!

Save 50% on selected prints of nature and wildlife. Prints are 8 x 12 inches, the matte is 12 x 16 inches, offwhite and slightly textured. Each print is signed by Catherine Babault.

There is only one of each selected print on sale so first come, first served!

Go to the sale!

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New Vancouver Island Photo Tours

I am delighted to announce new group tours this summer!

The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Join me for a tour in the greater region of the Comox Valley. We'll depart early in the morning from Courtenay to take advantage of the light. We'll visit beautiful locations where we could see many species of birds, river otters, black-tailed deer, seals and black bears. Each tour lasts about 8 hours. They are limited to 3 persons plus me, your host, in order to reduce our impact on the environment and wildlife, and for a better learning experience.

Group photo tours available on June 3, 11, 19, 27, July 5, 9, 22, 31, and August 9 and 15. Learn more…

If you prefer, you can book a private photo tour or workshop at a different time.

Review: ‘‘We (a couple) booked Catherine for two days to take us to some beautiful photography locations on Vancouver Island, including both landscapes and wildlife. We had two amazing days. Catherine is a true professional, with extensive knowledge of nature and wildlife. She is also very respectful of animals and takes care not to disturb them, which we greatly appreciated. She gave us helpful tips for the rest of our stay on the island as well. In addition to being an excellent guide, Catherine is a wonderful person to spend time with, and we thoroughly enjoyed her company. We can highly recommend her to anyone looking to get more out of their photography experience on Vancouver Island.’’ Irma from the Netherlands

Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

At the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This spectacular event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, seals, river otters, minks, and birds that feed on the small silver fish and its eggs. This is an exciting time for any wildlife photographer! Every year, I read daily reports and regularly scout the region for any signs of spawn or an increase of wildlife activity. That preparation is key in order for me to take you to the right place at the right time so you can photograph this unique event. I am already taking bookings for 2026 so don't miss your chance to photograph this amazing event by signing up early! Each group tour is limited to 3 people to reduce our impact on the environment. You can also ask for a private tour.

My tours are given on land only (not on a boat) so we have plenty of room for ourselves and our tripods. Being on stable ground means lower shutter speeds and sharper images. We can shoot even if the sea is stormy and quickly travel from one location to another as wildlife moves along the coast.

Watch my new video about the herring spawn on Vancouver Island.

When to use a polarizing filter

A polarizing filter is used to reduce reflections and glare from surfaces such as water or glass. Reflections are almost everywhere in nature: light bouncing off wet leaves or rocks surrounding waterfalls. In addition, a polarizing filter increases colour saturation, darken skies and reduces atmospheric haze.

The disadvantage of a polarizing filter is the loss of light that comes through your lens. I recommend a high quality circular polarizing filter to reduce the loss of light between 1 and 1.5 stop. You can compensate that loss by reducing the shutter speed, using a bigger aperture or increasing the ISO. Make sure that both your lens and polarizing filter are clean and free of dust.

These photos demonstrate what a polarizing filter can do when the light bounces off the surface of wet leaves. Note that I used a telephoto lens to isolate my subject and a short depth of field to blur the background.

2025 Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

At the end of winter, Pacific herrings congregate in mass to spawn on eelgrass in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, seals, bald eagles, ducks, river otters and minks. Orcas and humpback whales can be seen from the shore.

Join me for a photo excursion during the herring spawn on the East coast of Vancouver Island! We spend our entire time in the outdoors to photograph nature and wildlife.

Before the workshop, I scout the region to find places where wildlife is the most active. Although the exact moment of spawning is unpredictable (it usually happens between the end of February and April), wildlife activity during this period is intense. When the spawn happens, you can observe the water turning a milky turquoise and the ensuing feeding frenzy from birds and mammals. At low tide, we can see herring eggs deposited on eelgrass and rocks. Note that we keep a safe and respectful distance from wildlife at all times and are very careful not to step on the herring eggs. They are part of a complex ecosystem that we must respect and protect.

Avoid seasickness on a boat tour and enjoy nature on land.

Daily tours on March 9, 12 and 14. Limited to 3 persons. Sign up early and get a free photo book!

Contact Catherine for a private tour or workshop.

No tax on the photo book Wild Vancouver Island!

Starting December 14, 2024 and until February 14, 2025, there is no tax (GST) on the beautiful photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

Wild Vancouver Island reveals the beauty of the landscape and wild animals on Vancouver Island through the lens of nature photographer Catherine Babault. This book is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of species that inhabit this region such as the coastal black bear, sea otter, humpback whale, marmot, elk, and several other mammals and birds. Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature.

Order your copy today!

Interview on Global TV News with Jennifer Palma

On December 1st, 2024, I had the honour to talk with Jennifer Palma on Global TV News about my book Wild Vancouver Island. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my passion for nature and wildlife photography. To me being a wildlife photographer means learning as much as I can about each species that I have the privilege to photograph. In addition, it is essential for me to keep a safe distance from wildlife, respect their environment and avoid disturbing them.

You can watch the interview here.

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops in 2025

I offer photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island all year round since 2018, in English and French. I had the pleasure to meet amateur and professional photographers from North America, South America, Europe and Australia. I'd love to show you some of my favourite places on Vancouver Island for nature and wildlife photography. I offer both group tours/workshops and private tours/workshops all year round. Contact me for more information.

Private nature photography tours and workshops

Contact me if you would like to book a private tour or workshop on Vancouver Island. I am more than happy to prepare a customized itinerary based on your interests and experience in photography. The private tours and workshops range from half a day to a full day or several days.

Group photo workshops in the field for 2025

Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island - Daily photo workshops during the herring spawn. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife on our shore. If you are a keen wildlife photographer, this workshop is for you. We could see sea lions, seals, whales from the shore, minks, river otters, many many bird species such as bald eagles and great blue herons. Avoid seasickness on a boat tour and enjoy nature from land! Limited to 3 people per workshop. Sign up early.

Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women in May - Join fellow women photographers on this unique journey in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a region known for its great biodiversity. It is home to the coastal black bears, wolves, Roosevelt elks, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions, minks, and many bird and mammal species. Explore the temperate rainforest with its moss-covered trees, giant cedar and Douglas fir. Limited to 3 participants. Learn more.

Spring on Vancouver Island - Spring is a time of migration for thousands of birds and mammals on the island. During this three-day workshop, we will visit the shore, estuaries and forests with moss-covered trees where we could see a variety of wildlife such as owls, bald eagles, beavers, black-tailed deers, seals, sea lions, river otters and many other species. Sign up today.

Summer on Vancouver Island - The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shore on the island. Wildlife is busy caring for their young and protecting their territory in the lush rainforest and on the coast. Limited to 3 participants, sign up today.

Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women in September - Join fellow women photographers on this unique journey in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a region known for its great biodiversity. It is home to the coastal black bears, wolves, Roosevelt elks, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions, minks, and many bird and mammal species. Explore the temperate rainforest with its moss-covered trees, giant cedar and Douglas fir. Limited to 3 participants. Learn more.

Fall on Vancouver Island - Fall is an exciting time for photographers and wildlife. Many birds pass through the region on route to their winter grounds or make Vancouver Island their temporary home. The salmon returns to its native springs to spawn and black bears take advantage of it to fatten up for winter. Meanwhile deciduous trees in the lush forests turn yellow, orange and red to the delight of photographers. This is a popular workshop and it is limited to 3 participants, sign up early.

Where can I purchase the photo book Wild Vancouver Island?

If you are looking for a unique gift for a nature lover, photographer, wedding, birthday, anniversary, or retirement, Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature.

I am happy to announce that you can now purchase Wild Vancouver Island at these beautiful gift shops on Vancouver Island:

The Book Nook at Cafe Guido, Port Hardy, BC
The Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River, BC
Bough & Antler, Campbell River, BC
Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo, BC
Comox Valley Visitor Centre, Courtenay, BC

You can also order a copy on this website. Let me know if you’d like me to add a personal note.

Book Review: Wild Vancouver Island

I am thrilled to announce that my new photography book Wild Vancouver Island has received an outstanding review in the Vancouver Sun. Tom Sandborn wrote: ''She has clearly mastered the technical aspects of her art, and that mastery frees her to bear witness to the spirit of joy, discovery and delight that informs her engagement with the creatures and elements she portrays.'' Read more…

Wild Vancouver Island is the perfect gift for the photographer or nature lover in your life, or for yourself. You can order a copy here.

How did I create this image

Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R

Lens: Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, with a focal length at 400 mm

f/11, 1/80 second, ISO 1600

Participants to my photo workshops often ask me about my thought process when I shoot. In this case the first thing I noticed, while walking in the forest, were the red berries and green foliage. When we look at a photograph or a painting, our eyes are unconsciously attracted to elements in red in the overall composition. In addition, red and green are opposite to each other in the wheel of colour, they are complementary colours like blue and orange, and yellow and violet. The use of complementary colours in photography creates a bold image.

My next step consisted of framing my subject so I moved around it to find the best angle. Should I look down, look up, be at eye-level, where is the light coming from? I also took into consideration distracting elements such as bright areas, leading lines, branches, damaged foliage, etc. I chose a telephoto lens to isolate my subject and I used a tripod for stability. Next I thought about the mood of my image and determined the depth of field, aperture and shutter speed. I chose to underexpose by one full stop. I also used a polarizing filter to suppress the reflection of light on the shiny surface of the berries.

In conclusion, I prefer to take my time in the field than spending hours in front of my computer screen trying to fix my mistakes. Afterall I love nature much more than my computer!

If you would like to learn more about my photo workshops, please contact me. I will be more than happy to help you hone your skills in nature and wildlife photography.

Vancouver Island Photo Tours for Women

I am thrilled to announce new photo workshops for women in 2024 and 2025!

Join fellow women photographers on a unique journey in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a region known for its great biodiversity. It is home to the coastal black bears, wolves, Roosevelt elks, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions, minks, and many bird and mammal species. Explore the temperate rainforest with its moss-covered trees, giant cedar and Douglas fir, connect with nature, and hone your photography skills in the field with me.

Sign up for one of the three photo tours below. Limited to 5 participants per workshop.

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from September 24 to 26, 2024

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from May 6 to 8, 2025

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from September 23 to 25, 2025

Vancouver Island Photo Tour this summer

A few places are still available for my Summer on Vancouver Island photo workshop. The long days of summer provide plenty of time to explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Wildlife is busy caring for their offspring and protecting their territory.

Join me for a unique photo workshop, make new friends and create your best images!

Sign up by June 15 and get a free signed copy of my new photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

Contact me if you would like to book a private photo tour or workshop at another date. I still have some availability this summer and I also offer private photo tours and workshops all year round, in English or in French.

Book launch of Wild Vancouver Island

Image credit: Museum at Campbell River

I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book Wild Vancouver Island at the Museum in Campbell River on April 21.

Get a signed copy for you or for a gift to the photographer or nature lover in your circle. The book features photos of coastal black bears, sea otters, whales, ravens, eagles and more.

The museum will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday with native plant garden tours and demos with Shirts to Bags.

Come and join us there from noon to 5 pm!

Wild Vancouver Island - Discount on Pre-orders

Nature photography book Wild Vancouver Island by Canadian wildlife photographer Catherine Babault

I’m thrilled to announce my new photography book Wild Vancouver Island. I have been working on this beautiful book for the last few months and I can’t wait to show it to you! Wild Vancouver Island is a celebration of the beautiful landscapes and extraordinary diversity of species that inhabit this region. As you may know, I have a fondness for bears. Last fall, I had the privilege of photographing coastal black bears up close during the salmon run and I selected my best shots for the book, which also features many other species such as sea otters, humpback whales, Roosevelt elk, and several birds and mammals.

Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, to you or a loved-one, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of biodiversity.

Get a 10% discount on pre-orders. I sign each copy! Let me know if you’d like me to add a personal note. For those of you who live in the Comox Valley, enter COMOXVALLEYFS at checkout for a free delivery at your doorstep.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

Meet me at Winter Markets!

The holiday season is fast approaching. The time has come to think about unique gifts for your loved ones. Winter markets are starting to open their doors so come and meet me at:

- Campbell River Museum, on November 18, from 10 am to 5 pm;

- Union Bay Craft Fair, on November 19, from 10 am to 3 pm; and

- Black Creek Community Centre, on December 2, from 10 am to 4 pm.

I will have copies of my photo book Vancouver Island Marmot and some beautiful fine art prints like those below:

Christmas Day Nature Photography Excursion

No plans for Christmas day? Spend it with nature-loving photographers like you!

On December 25, join me for an amazing nature photography excursion in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Capture the light at sunrise, explore the beautiful landscape of the Valley, its coastline and lush forest while refining your photography skills. Spend the day with a small group of enthusiastic nature photographers and let me guide you in your photographic experience.

Limited to 5 participants, carpooling available. Book today.

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Pas de plans pour le jour de Noël ? Passez-le avec des photographes amoureux de la nature comme vous ! Le 25 décembre, rejoignez moi pour une incroyable excursion photographique dans la vallée de Comox sur l'île de Vancouver. Capturez la lumière du lever du soleil, explorez le magnifique paysage de la vallée, son littoral et sa forêt luxuriante tout en perfectionnant vos compétences en photographie. Passez la journée avec un groupe de photographes de la nature enthousiastes et laissez-moi vous guider dans votre expérience photographique.

Limité à 5 participants, covoiturage disponible. Réservez dès aujourd’hui.

Photo Workshop - Fall Colours on Vancouver Island

Join Catherine for an unforgettable Fall Colours Photo Workshop from October 12 to 15. Vancouver Island is renowned for its wild landscapes, lush rainforest, and a big variety of wildlife. Hone your photo skills in the field with a small group of 5 participants who share the same passion for nature and photography.

Spend four days in the field entirely dedicated to nature photography and capture the warm and vibrant colours of the autumn.

Sign up now!

Finding your composition

I used four different methods for these photos. When I find a subject, I take the time to think about how I want to represent it. Do I want to isolate it from its environment by using a short depth of field or by framing it closely or on the contrary do I want to place it in its environment with a wide depth of field and framing it in full? I also look for a unique composition.

Subject in its environment

Vertical format, use of a telephoto lens to isolate the subject and eliminate distracting elements like branches, the colour of the leaves pops against the brown bark of the trees and the light blue background makes it all stand out.

f/5.6 ISO1250 1/20 second

Horizontal format, use of a telephoto lens to isolate the subject, large depth of field, subject off centre, the subject stands out against the darker background and the yellow grass.

f/9 ISO3200 1/50 second

Close-up

Close-up to eliminate distracting elements and use of complementary colours (red and green) to create a bold effect.

f/9 ISO3200 1/50 second

Close-up to eliminate distracting elements and long exposure to blur the leaves and give the impression of movement.

f/18 ISO200 1/2 second

The best way to learn is to practice in the field with a professional. I invite you to register for my workshop Fall Colors on Vancouver Island from 12 to 15 October 2023. We will spend three days in the field, entirely dedicated to nature and wildlife photography. You’ll have my full attention by being part of a small group of 5 people. This is a popular workshop, sign up early!