On August 9, 2021, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents of the United States, currently residing in the U.S., will be permitted to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel. On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders for discretionary travel by travellers from any country who have been fully vaccinated.
Read more from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
À compter du 9 août 2021, les citoyens et résidents permanents entièrement vaccinés des États-Unis, qui vivent actuellement dans ce pays, pourront entrer au Canada pour un voyage discrétionnaire (non essentiel). Le 7 septembre 2021, à condition que l'épidémiologie de la COVID-19 au Canada le permette, le gouvernement entend ouvrir ses frontières aux voyageurs qui se déplacent pour un motif discrétionnaire, peu importe le pays d'où ils arrivent, s'ils ont été entièrement vaccinés.
En apprendre davantage sur le site de l’Agence de la Santé publique du Canada.
On 4 July, I had the pleasure of talking to Geneviève Murchison, host of the television program Connexion on Radio-Canada, about my passion for nature photography. What a great way to start the summer!
In case you missed it, you can watch it here. It’s in French and starts at the 17:00 mark.
Le 4 juillet, j’ai eu le plaisir de parler avec Geneviève Murchison, animatrice du programme de télévision Connexion sur Radio-Canada, de ma passion pour la photographie de nature. Quelle superbe façon de commencer l’été!
Si vous avez manqué l’émission, vous pouvez la revoir ici. Ça commence à la 17e minute.
Earlier this spring, I noticed a nest in a second-growth forest that had been slightly damaged by the wind and the rain this winter. I wondered if it was going to be restored and used again. When I returned to this location this week, I found the nest which seemed to be in better condition. Yet no bird was sitting on it. I walked away a bit and waited to see if a bird was coming in order to find out what type of bird it was.
Then a female yellow warbler appeared in a tree a few meters from the nest. My attention immediately fell on her and, without moving so as not to frighten her, I tried to photograph her through the leafy branches. Not getting satisfactory results, I ended up walking away. Then I wondered if this was a diversionary tactic on the part of the warbler. I was then about ten meters away and the foliage was obstructing the nest, but I saw a small yellow dot on it and, using my telephoto lens, I zoomed in to find the warbler was sitting on her nest.
Delighted with my discovery, I left because I did not want her to abandon her nest after being disturbed.
Plus tôt ce printemps, j’ai remarqué un nid dans une forêt de seconde venue qui avait été un peu endommagé par le vent et la pluie cet hiver. Je me suis demandée si il allait être restauré et utilisé à nouveau. Lorsque je suis retournée à cet endroit cette semaine, j’ai retrouvé le nid qui semblait en meilleure condition. Pourtant il n’y avait pas d’oiseau qui couvait. Je me suis éloignée un peu et j’ai attendu de voir si un oiseau allait venir afin de découvrir de quel type d’oiseau il s’agissait.
Puis une paruline jaune est apparue dans un arbre à quelques mètres du nid. Mon attention s’est aussitôt portée sur elle et, sans me déplacer pour ne pas l’effrayer, j’ai essayé de la photographier au travers des branches feuillues. N’obtenant pas de résultats satisfaisants, j’ai fini par m’éloigner. Puis je me suis demandée si il s’agissait d’une tactique de diversion de la part de la paruline. J’étais alors à une dizaine de mètres et le feuillage obstruait le nid mais j’ai distingué un petit point jaune dessus et, à l’aide de mon téléobjectif, j’ai zoomé pour découvrir que la paruline couvait son nid.
Ravie de ma découverte, je suis partie car je ne voulais surtout pas qu’elle abandonne son nid après avoir été dérangée.
2021 is off to a good start! I have the pleasure of having my image of kelp published on the cover of EVENT magazine, issue 49-3.
‘’For 49 years, EVENT has published the very best in contemporary new poetry and prose. We are one of Western Canada’s longest-running literary magazines, and welcome submissions written in English from around the world. Each issue of EVENT includes high quality fiction, poetry, non-fiction and book reviews, and we feature emerging and established writers side-by-side in our pages.’’
EVENT magazine is published three times a year.
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.
One of my best qualities is stubbornness but I prefer to call it determination. Last autumn, I was determined to photograph the Roosevelt elk in its natural habitat. As a wildlife photographer, I had envisioned some compositions, light conditions, behaviours, etc. In order to achieve my goal, I gathered information from different sources, tracked several herds all over the island, stepped in piles of dropping, snow-shooed in mountains and bush-walked with mosquitoes, but I kept on going because dreams do come true when you put the effort.
Earlier this month, I found a herd of cows with calves in a field. Calves were feeding from their mothers. The light and the scenery were perfect. These are my first images, I intend to get more this summer for my upcoming photo book.
While wildlife photography is very rewarding (sometimes), I respect animals and their environment: I use a telephoto lens, I don’t harass animals and I don’t overstay. The last thing I want is to stress them, prevent them from feeding or losing precious energy while fleeing from a pesky photographer. I apply this rule to all animals and I hope you do too.
Remember that you can support my small business during these challenging times by getting gift cards, ordering prints online or signing up for a workshop if you live in British Columbia.
I have been reading about frogs’ habitat and behaviour in the past months for my book project. Yesterday I returned to a marsh in my area where I had previously heard some frog calls (this is mating season). As I was quietly waiting for some action, frogs started calling each other. It became quite loud as more of them joined the chorus. It was a surreal moment because I was completely surrounded by frogs, some very close to me, yet I could not see any of them. Listen and tell me if you can identify them.
Update: They have been identified as Pacific Treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla) by Brent Matsuda, co-author of Reptiles and Amphibians of British Columbia.
Reflection at the marsh
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve located near Tofino is a popular destination for nature photographers, that’s why I prefer to go there later in the year because it’s less crowded and there is also a possibility of viewing winter storms. Although the weather was calm last week, waves from the Pacific were rolling up the shore in a beautiful display of green and blue tones. I saw a big group of Steller sea lions basking in the morning sun on a small island visible from the beach. I hiked a lot of deserted trails during my stay, which allowed me to immerse myself in my work without being distracted.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of my favourite places on Vancouver Island for its natural beauty and unique character. If you’re ready to explore this incredible place, get in touch with me so we can arrange for a workshop.
I recently returned from Yuquot, a historic village located on Nootka Island, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The land has been inhabited by indigenous peoples since time immemorial. In 1778, Captain James Cook became the first known European to land in the area. Colonization ensued with its lasting impact on local communities. Today Yuquot is a permanent home to a few people only.
I reached my destination by floatplane. Weather was poor and landing was not guaranteed but we made it safely. After dropping my bags at the rented cabin, I immediately headed out with my camera despite the heavy rain and wind. I wanted to explore the area and find potential photo opportunities in preparation for the next few days.
During my stay in Yuquot, I had the opportunity to witness sea otters feeding on sea urchins and a mink running along the shore. I was hoping to see more wildlife and photograph sea wolves (and black bears) but I didn’t see any signs, tracks or droppings. Although I had to sometimes work with hard light and I captured only a few images of what I had envisioned, I liked my adventure. I realized that I was well prepared for the challenging conditions such as starting a fire with soaked logs! I enjoyed the amazing ocean view from my rustic cabin, the sound of crashing waves at night and the floatplane journey over Muchalat inlet.
Three elements constitute the triangle of exposure: aperture, shutter speed and ISO:
Aperture (f/N): light passing through the lens
Shutter speed: how long the shutter stays open
ISO: image sensor’s sensitivity to light
A small aperture (i.e. f/16) gives a deep depth of field and is usually used for landscape.
A fast shutter speed (i.e. 1/1000 sec) is used to freeze motion, like birds in flight or action shots. It also gives a shallow depth of field.
A slow shutter speed (i.e. 1/4 sec) is great for motion blur like milky water effect or rain streaks. Slow shutter speed is also used for night photography or poorly lit areas. In any case, a tripod is highly recommended for long exposures.
Before you adjust the aperture, shutter speed and ISO on your camera, you need to ask yourself: What effect do I wish to create? What is the mood of my image? What am I trying to tell?
Use the light meter in your camera to help you get the proper exposure. Light is measured in Exposure Value (EV) and typically displays in cameras from - 3 EV to + 3 EV
-3 _____ -2 _____ -1 _____ ∆ _____ 1 _____ 2 _____ 3
under exposed correct expo. over exposed
Once you’ve taken your shot, check the histogram and readjust your exposure if necessary.
Time to practice. Let me know how it goes!
If you’re in the Comox Valley in August, check out my solo exhibition at The Hub, 545 Duncan Ave, Courtenay, BC. I will be showing some of my best images in big format! 24 x 36 inches, the perfect size for that empty wall in your living-room or office.
I am also featured in the Comox Valley Record, page 19, issue of 30 July 2019.
Composition can be daunting. The good news is you can learn about it and get better with time and practice!
When I’m in the field, I always look for interesting shapes, patterns, lines and texture. Once I find a potential subject, I evaluate the intensity of the light, its direction and the need to use filters or not. I identify distracting elements, determine my focal point and move around to find my composition. I establish the depth of field, what should be in focus and which lens to use. Then I set up my tripod, which is essential in order to get sharp images. After taking my shot, I check the histogram and the clarity of my image on the back screen. From there I can adjust my composition accordingly. I find that seeing my image on the small screen tells me right away if the composition is good or not.
I believe that a poor image cannot be fixed with a software so I prefer to take the time to compose my images while I am in the field. I also prefer to spend my time outside rather than in front of my computer!
If you’re ready to learn how to get better images, sign up for an upcoming workshop or ask for a private workshop.
Just added 3 workshops in English and 3 in French, all in the Comox Valley, and on Saturdays afternoon.
Learn how to use your camera on manual mode
Learn about exposure, depth of field, focus, and key elements of composition
Use technical and creative elements together to improve your images
Get more confident with your camera and your skills
Get more one-on-one time by being part of a small group of 5 participants
Take your newly acquired knowledge to your next trip
First look around and make sure no-one else is here. And then roll in the moss!
River otter, Lontra canadensis
Spring has sprung and things are moving for Catherine Babault Photography!
An article about Catherine Babault Photography was published in the March edition of the magazine L’Entr’aînés, a monthly publication of l’Assemblée Francophone des retraités et des aînés de la Colombie-Britannique. You can read it here.
In April I had an interview on Radio Victoria to talk about my workshops and my passion for photography. Listen here.
Vancouver Island Nature Photography Workshops
Eight multi-day workshops have just been added for this summer: 4 in English and 4 in French. They will be given in the greater region of the Comox Valley, in a radius of 60 km. We will cover the art of composition, use of light, creativity and workflow. I will take participants to some of my favourite spots to photograph nature and wildlife. This should be fun!
Check for upcoming workshops and new fine art prints or follow me on Twitter for the latest news!
After weeks of anticipation, the Pacific herring has spawned in shallow waters along the coastline of the Salish sea. Birds, mammals and humans have been competing for it since the controversial fishery opened last week.
I witnessed wildlife feeding, and even fighting, for the little silver fish. They could do with some good fish to fatten them up before their offspring are born in the coming weeks. They will certainly need a lot of energy at that time. I also saw a courageous mink running back and forth to get herrings from the shoreline, while keeping an eye on eagles perched on tall trees. It was going so fast, I had a hard time to keep track of it with my big lens. The light was great for photography as the sky was overcast and it was very early in the morning.
Enjoy these few images and if you wish to see more, go to my portfolio or in my stock images.
I always go in the field prepared and with intent. However my mind is also open for the unexpected.
One morning, I went to the Oyster River estuary with the intention to photograph ducks. I arrived very early in order to avoid the dog walkers, dogs being a major deterrent to wildlife observation and photography. The fog was starting to dissipate as I quietly entered the woods. Every few steps, I stopped, listened and looked for birds and other wildlife. That’s when I had the chance to spot a heron resting on a branch by the trail. The branch was low, which was perfect for an eye-level shot. I slowly approached the heron from the side, warning him of my presence. I quickly set up my camera and took a series of shots. I didn’t overstay because herons have a low tolerance level towards human presence and I didn’t want to disturb him any longer than necessary.
Heron on a branch, Oyster River
On that morning, although my intention was to photograph ducks in the estuary, I had the chance to observe a sleepy heron on a branch and come back with some great images. In nature photography, be prepared for lucky shots!
