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:
La saison des fêtes approche à grand pas ! Le temps est venu de penser à des cadeaux uniques pour vos êtres chers. Les marchés d’hiver ont ouvert leurs portes alors venez me rencontrer à :
- Campbell River Museum, le 18 novembre de 10 h à 17 h,
- Union Bay Craft Fair, le 19 novembre de 10 h à 15 h,
- Black Creek Community Centre, le 2 décembre de 10 h à 16 h.
J’aurai des exemplaires de mon livre de photos Vancouver Island Marmot et de superbes tirages d’art.
Voici quelques-uns des tirages qui seront en vente :
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.
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.
I have donated this beautiful print of a sea otter to the Fur-Bearer’s Fall Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit Canadian wildlife. You can bid until Nov. 10
Established in 1953, The Fur-Bearers is a charitable, non-partisan organization whose goals are to end the commercial fur trade and promote solutions for wildlife coexistence in communities.
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.
Free shipping in British Columbia and Alberta when you order my photo book Vancouver Island Marmot, the World’s Rarest Marmot. This offer ends on November 27, 2023. Enter promo code BCAB2023 at checkout.
Let me know if you’d like me to write a personal note when I sign the book.
Start your holiday shopping early, order a copy today!
“‘‘…Like Babault’s earlier book, this work is a feast for the eyes. The close-up images of marmots in the wild are charming, and the author’s keen artist’s eye has captured images of the steep mountain ridges, meadows and screes where the elusive rodents live that are delicate and colourful, evoking in their often fog-softened, flower-dotted beauty the works of the French Impressionists.’’”
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.
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 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!
J’ai utilisé quatre méthodes différentes pour ces photos. Lorsque je trouve mon sujet, je prends le temps de réfléchir comment je souhaite le représenter. Est-ce que je souhaite l’isoler de son environnement en utilisant une profondeur de champs réduite ou en le cadrant de très près ou est-ce qu’au contraire je souhaite le placer dans son environnement avec une grande profondeur de champs et en le photographiant en entier ? Je cherche aussi à créer une composition unique.
Format vertical, utilisation d’un téléobjectif pour isoler le sujet et éliminer les éléments distrayants comme des branches, la couleur des feuilles ressort contre l’écorce brune des arbres et l’arrière-plan bleu pâle fait ressortir le tout.
f/5.6 ISO1250 1/20 seconde
Format horizontal, utilisation d’un téléobjectif pour isoler le sujet, grande profondeur de champs, sujet non-centré, le sujet se détache de l’arrière-plan plus foncé et l’herbe jaune.
f/9 ISO3200 1/50 seconde
Plan rapproché pour éliminer les éléments distrayants et utilisation de couleurs complémentaires (rouge et vert) pour créer un effet plus intense.
f/5.6 ISO800 1/125 seconde
Plan rapproché pour éliminer les éléments distrayants et longue exposition pour que les feuilles soient floues et donnent l’impression de mouvement.
f/18 ISO200 1/2 seconde
La meilleure façon d’apprendre est de pratiquer sur le terrain avec une professionnelle. Je vous invite à vous inscrire à mon atelier Fall Colours on Vancouver Island, du 12 au 15 October 2023. Nous passerons trois jours sur le terrain, entièrement dédiés à la photographie de la nature et animalière. Vous aurez toute mon attention en faisant partie d’un petit groupe de 5 personnes. Il s'agit d'un atelier populaire, inscrivez-vous tôt !
1. Vancouver Island is an amazing region that offers unique photo opportunities on its beautiful coast and in its lush rainforest.
2. The workshop is limited to a small group of five people.
3. We spend the entire time in the field.
4. Vancouver Island has a great variety of wildlife from small birds to big mammals.
5. My time is entirely dedicated to you whether it’s to bring you to the best spots or to guide you in your photographic experience.
1. L’île de Vancouver est une incroyable région qui offre des opportunités photographiques uniques sur sa belle côte et dans sa luxuriante forêt tempérée humide.
2. L’atelier est limité à un petit groupe de cinq personnes.
3. Nous passons tout notre temps sur le terrain.
4. L’île de Vancouver a une grande variété d’animaux sauvages, des petits oiseaux aux grands mammifères.
5. Mon temps vous est entièrement consacré que ce soit vous amener aux meilleurs endroits ou vous guider dans votre expérience photographique.
(le texte en français suit)
Early bird gets a free healthy lunch and a guaranteed spot!
Spring has finally arrived on Vancouver Island with warmer and sunnier days. The tops of mountains are still covered by snow but the snowmelt has started. Streams are swelling and they provide great opportunities for photographing waterfalls in the lush temperate rainforest. In addition, at this time of the year, birds and mammals are busy caring for their young. Don’t miss this magnificent time of the year when nature regenerates and offers one of its most beautiful shows.
Only a few spots left, sign up today!
Inscrivez-vous tôt et obtenez un lunch santé gratis en plus de garantir votre place !
Le printemps est enfin arrivé sur l'île de Vancouver avec des journées plus chaudes et ensoleillées. Le sommet des montagnes est encore enneigé mais la fonte des neiges a commencé. Les ruisseaux sont gonflés et offrent de belles opportunités pour photographier les cascades dans la luxuriante forêt pluviale tempérée. En plus, à ce temps-ci de l’année, les oiseaux et les mammifères sont occupés à prendre soin de leurs petits. Ne manquez pas ce magnifique moment de l’année où la nature se régénère et offre un de ses plus beaux spectacles.
Il ne reste que quelques places, inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui !
As the owner of a small business that offers photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island, I am committed to supporting sustainable development:
During the tours, we photograph wildlife from a respectful and safe distance. The well-being and safety of wildlife has always priority over the photographic aspirations of the participants.
I educate participants about ethics in nature photography.
I share my knowledge about local wildlife and conservation projects.
I promote carpooling and limit the tours/workshops to five (5) persons.
I support local and sustainable businesses (hotels and tours operators).
I minimize waste by avoiding the use of non-recyclable containers for snacks and water.
These are only some of the activities that form part of my sustainable plan. Learn more.
On your visit to Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, join me for a photo tour or workshop. As a professional nature and wildlife photographer based on Vancouver Island, I know the best times and places to photograph nature far from the crowded touristic areas.
There are still spots available on photo workshops for this year, don’t miss your chance! You can also request a private tour or workshop at no extra cost, contact me to schedule yours. And if you like to plan in advance, I have added several photo workshops for 2024 and 2025.
Early birds get a free healthy lunch and a guaranteed spot!
Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley
In English: 13 May, 17 June, 8 July, 12 August
In French: 20 May, 19 August
Three full days photo workshops in the field
Spring on Vancouver Island: 26 to 28 May
Summer on Vancouver Island: 21 to 23 July
Four days photo workshop in the field
Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 12 to 15 October
Tofino
In French only: 18 to 22 September
In English: 2 to 6 October
Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley
In English: 8 June, 17 August
In French: 4 May, 10 August
Full-day photo workshops in the field
Herring Spawn: 10 March
Herring Spawn: 13 March
Herring Spawn: 15 March
Three full days photo workshops in the field
Spring on Vancouver Island: 17 to 19 May
Summer on Vancouver Island: 19 to 21 July
Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 18 to 20 October
Tofino: 23 to 27 September
Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley
In English: 7 June, 16 August
In French: 3 May, 9 August
Full-day photo workshops in the field
Herring Spawn: 9 March
Herring Spawn: 12 March
Herring Spawn: 14 March
Three full days photo workshops in the field
Spring on Vancouver Island: 16 to 18 May
Summer on Vancouver Island: 18 to 20 July
Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 17 to 19 October
Tofino: 22 to 26 September
Vancouver Island marmot pup touching nose with an adult coming out of the burrow.
I recently spoke with Gordon Darby, producer, Shaw TV Spotlight. We meet on a windy and cold day at a park in Courtenay to talk about my passion for wildlife photography, and particularly for the Vancouver Island marmot. You can watch the interview here.
J’ai récemment parlé avec Gordon Darby, producteur, Shaw TV Spotlight. Nous nous sommes rencontrés lors d’une journée venteuse et froide à un parc à Courtenay pour parler de ma passion pour la photographie animalière, et en particulier pour la marmotte de l’île de Vancouver. Vous pouvez voir l’entrevue en anglais ici.
Sign up by 8 March and get 5% off on my photo workshop Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island! Use discount code HELLOBC5 at checkout.
Yesterday, while scouting for a private photo workshop I am giving on Saturday, I was delighted to observe several rafts of sea lions on the coast. Some of them were fishing for herring and slapping the surface of the water presumably to stun the fish, others were doing acrobatics by jumping out of the water.
Watch my video on the herring spawn to get an idea of what you could see during the workshop!
Only a few spots left, sign up now!
Inscrivez-vous d’ici le 8 mars et obtenez un rabais de 5 % sur mon atelier de photo Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island ! Entrez le code de promotion HELLOBC5 au checkout.
Hier, lors d’une sortie de reconnaissance en vue d’un atelier photo privé que je vais donner samedi, j’ai eu le plaisir d’observer plusieurs groupes de lions de mer sur la côte. Certains pêchaient le hareng et frappaient la surface de l’eau probablement pour abasourdir les poissons, d’autres faisaient des acrobaties en sautant hors de l’eau. Regardez ma vidéo sur le frai du hareng pour avoir une idée de ce que vous pourriez voir lors de l’atelier !
Il ne reste que quelques places, inscrivez-vous maintenant !
Every year, at the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This annual event attracts a lot of mammals and birds that feed on the fish and its eggs.
Perched on tall trees, bald eagles are keeping an eye on the action, ready for an opportunity to catch a herring or something else. Minks and river otters are also on the lookout for the silver fish while gulls bicker over their biggest catch. The sea lions are also here; they are hard to ignore with their constant barking. On the shoreline, curious seals are observing the action. The presence of sea lions and seals attracts larger predators such as the orca.
Join me for a photo workshop from 13 to 15 March to photograph this spectacular event.
Only a few spots left!
At the end of the winter, the Pacific herring migrates in mass to spawn in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, bald eagles, and many other birds and mammals.
Join me for a three full-day photo excursion on the East coast of Vancouver Island. We will spend our entire time in the outdoors to photograph nature and wildlife, starting early in the morning (the best time). Before the workshop, I spend a lot of time traveling around the region to find the places where the wildlife is most active. If the spawn happens during the workshop, you’ll witness the water turning a milky turquoise and the ensuing feeding frenzy from birds and mammals. The spawn happens in shallow waters close to the shoreline where we’ll be ready with our cameras.
Dates: 13, 14 and 15 March 2023
Base camp: Courtenay, Comox Valley - Carpooling available
Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!
Vous souhaitez en apprendre davantage sur les bases de la photographie de la nature ou simplement améliorer vos capacités. Mais avant tout, vous souhaitez vivre cette expérience en français.
Contactez-moi, je suis là pour vous !
Catherine en train de démontrer les consignes de sécurité en présence d’ours noir.
Je donne des tours et des ateliers de photographie de la nature, sur le terrain sur l’île de Vancouver, à l’année longue. Le français est ma langue maternelle alors je serais ravie de partager ma passion pour la photo avec vous dans cette langue.
En plus, vous avez des options : vous pouvez vous inscrire à un atelier déjà au calendrier ou bien demander un tour/atelier à une date de votre choix, que ce soit une demi-journée, une journée entière ou plusieurs jours.
Amenez votre partenaire ou un(e) ami(e) avec vous, explorez la superbe île de Vancouver avec votre appareil-photo en mains, découvrez sa faune charismatique et repartez avec vos plus belles photos et un savoir pour votre prochain voyage.
A new year means new resolutions like traveling more or exploring new places, camera in hand.
On your visit to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, sign up for a nature photography workshop with a local photographer: me. Explore the rugged coastline and the temperate rainforest, capture unique species with your camera, and return home with compelling photos.
