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.
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!
Watch my new video about the elements of design in nature.
Shapes, colours, lines, textures and repetition of patterns help to create bold images that evoke an array of feelings. Video by Catherine Babault, nature photographer on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
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.
I was born and grew up in France before immigrating to Canada in my early twenties. I identify as a Canadian photographer not as a French photographer living in Canada.
I received my first camera when I was ten years old for a school trip to England. When I returned home, I had more pictures of horses in a field than London’s famous landmarks. I always loved nature and animals. At 20 years old, I decided to travel abroad for a few months before settling down and getting a real job. So I bought a backpack and a plane ticket Paris-Montreal. First time on a plane, first trip on my own. In Montreal, I stayed at a friend’s place I met a few months earlier in Paris. I spent three months in Canada and the US backpacking by myself from Montreal to San Diego, California, including a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico. I have been travelling solo ever since because I enjoyed the freedom experienced on my first solo trip.
Traveling solo as a young woman makes you reflect on who you are and what you want to do with your life. No family, friends or partner are there to distract you from your thoughts or to influence your decisions. When you are in a foreign country on your own as a woman, you also have to be aware of your environment and trust yourself: no matter the situation, you will find a solution. That trip across North America set the course for the rest of my life: I decided that I wanted to keep traveling, discover other cultures and see various landscapes and wildlife.
Since I immigrated to Canada a long long time ago, I lived in four provinces but British Columbia is the place where I feel the most at home, especially Vancouver Island. The people, various cultures, landscapes and wildlife are a great source of inspiration and satisfaction. Over the past decades, I had a real job but it was not as satisfying as spending time in nature and photographing wildlife. So when I lost my job in 2018, I decided to follow my dream and become a full-time nature and wildlife photographer. One of my motto is to not have regrets when my time comes. Whether I fail or succeed in my endeavour as a professional nature photographer, at least I would have tried and put all my time and energy into it.
It has now been five years since I started my small business as a nature photographer. I have learned a lot about running a business and also the world of professional photography. The pandemic after only two years in business has definitely slowed things down and had a substantial financial impact. I also quickly realized that the most recognized and celebrated nature and wildlife photographers are men. They dominate the industry, which is already very competitive. Despite those challenges, I love my new real job.
I love learning about wildlife, planning a trip, preparing my gear for an expedition, walking in nature on my own, tracking wildlife, listening to animals in the forest, and the feeling that nature is bigger than me, than us. And when I finally meet the animal I spent all that time researching in the office and traveling and hiking and waiting for in all kinds of weather conditions, and there it is, right in front of me, what an amazing feeling!
One of my most memorable moments as a wildlife photographer was during the salmon run. It took me years to find that perfect spot for bear photography. I was on my own, far from the nearest town or human. Thick fog covered the sea, shoreline and forest. Black bears appeared and disappeared through the dense fog as they looked for a prime spot to get a salmon going up the river. They sat by the water glancing at me once in a while. I kept a respectful distance. All was quiet except for the water cascading down the rocky shoreline. I patiently waited for bears to get a salmon. They then slowly walked back to the forest to eat their meal in peace or feed their cubs. On that day, I felt privileged to be in the presence of such an amazing animal.
Following our dreams can be challenging but it has its rewards, and when my time comes, I won’t have any regrets.
(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 !
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
Sometimes we are lucky enough to be interviewed by a journalist we have admired for years. That's what happened to me when I was interviewed by Margaret Gallagher for North by Northwest, CBC Radio One in Vancouver. Despite being a little intimidated, I managed to speak more or less clearly about my Vancouver Island marmot photo book, which was released last December, and the conservation efforts to save the marmot from extinction.
I invite you to listen to the interview and order a signed copy of my book.
Parfois nous avons la chance d’être interviewé par une journaliste que nous admirons depuis des années. C’est ce qui m’est arrivé lorsque j’ai été interviewée par Margaret Gallagher pour l’émission North by Northwest, CBC Radio One à Vancouver. Malgré le fait que j’étais un peu intimidée, j’ai réussi à parler plus ou moins clairement de mon livre de photos sur la marmotte de l’île de Vancouver, paru en décembre dernier, et des efforts de conservation pour sauver la marmotte de l’extinction.
Je vous invite à écouter l’entrevue et commander une copie signée de mon livre.
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 !
The spring issue of the prestigious magazine Nature Sauvage in Quebec is off the press!
I had the honour to collaborate by writing an article on the Vancouver Island marmot accompanied by my photos. You can read it from pages 18 to 23. I am very grateful to the editor, Pierre Bonneau, for this opportunity to talk about the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species.
I invite you to order this edition or subscribe to the magazine. It is a beautiful nature magazine with breathtaking images of wildlife!
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.
I am happy to announce that three of my photographs of elk / wapiti have been published in the latest edition of the Canadian magazine Nature Sauvage (available in French only). In that edition, which covers the elk / wapiti, you will find my photographs on pages 24 & 25 (full spread) and page 26 (2 images).
Nature Sauvage is a beautiful magazine where you can read articles on the fauna and flora mainly in Quebec.
If you wish to learn more about the elk on Vancouver Island, please watch my video on my YouTube channel.
The Roosevelt Elk on Vancouver Island, by award-winning nature photographer Catherine Babault
Until August 15, take advantage of a 10% discount on my Nature Photo Workshop in Tofino, British Columbia. Use promo code TOFINO2022 at checkout.
Places are limited so sign up early!
During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to photograph the amazing landscapes and charismatic wildlife around the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet and Tofino.
Looking forward to showing you in person my favourite places for nature photography in this beautiful region of Vancouver Island!
I remember the cultural revolution when the first music videos appeared on the television in the 1980s. Today, everyone posts videos on TikTok, YouTube, etc. That's why I just produced and posted my first two videos on YouTube, which you can watch here. You will discover in particular rare photos of the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species.
Following an increase in requests from photographers in the United States and Europe, I have just added several photo workshops for 2023. There are still spaces available for the 2022 workshops. However the maximum number of participants per workshop is five, so don't wait too long to sign up.
''I took her workshop and it was very informative at the same time enjoyable. we discovered amazing part of island and shoot lots of pictures. Catherine is very professional and friendly. She opened up my eyes in different perspective of photography. She is also very patient and explain everything in detail. By end of our workshop I am more comfortable with camera settings, composition. long exposure and work on tripod 😃. I highly recommend her workshop for anyone who wants step in nature, landscape and wildlife photography.'' Mehrdad S.
I hope you take advantage of the long summer days to explore nature and photograph cute animals like this baby black-tailed deer that I briefly encountered earlier this week on Vancouver Island.
Summer is an ideal time to reconnect with nature and hone your skills as a nature photographer. Join me for a unique photo workshop in beautiful Strathcona Park, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
I have added three new workshops on weekends for your convenience:
Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!
Production and montage: Pierre Beaudoin, camera: Alexandre Lamic, CBC Radio-Canada.
Photo credit: Alexandre Lamic, Radio-Canada
Last autumn, I had the pleasure of being filmed by CBC Radio-Canada in the field on Vancouver Island. During the interview, I talk about species of special concern in the region and endangered species like the Vancouver Island marmot. I also mention the importance of ethic in nature photography to preserve the natural world; we can all do our part by keeping a safe distance from wildlife, avoiding disturbing their routines and not interfering with their habitat.
I invite you to watch the video here.
