Les ateliers de photo de nature maintenant ouverts aux Canadiens de partout au pays!

À partir du 1er juillet 2021, la Colombie-Britannique ouvre ses portes aux voyageurs venant du Canada. Pour les voyageurs internationaux, la frontière canadienne reste fermée pour les voyages jugés non-essentiels, même pour les voyageurs vaccinés.

Nos ateliers de photo de nature sont donnés en plein air seulement et nous prenons toutes les mesures nécessaires pour assurer votre sécurité en temps de pandémie. Le port d’un masque n’est pas requis à l’extérieur, toutefois nous demandons à tous ceux qui participent à l’évènement en plein air de respecter une distance physique de 2 mètres, à moins que vous ne viviez ensemble. Nous fournissons du gel désinfectant pour les mains.

N’hésitez pas nous faire parvenir vos questions et commentaires durant cette période de transition vers un retour à la normale.

En savoir plus sur les ateliers offerts cet été.

Directives du Gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique (en anglais seulement) : https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions

The story behind these images - L'histoire derrière ces photos

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.

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)

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

Gear

I use a Lowepro camera bag for my gear. I had it for years and it’s still in very good condition. It comes with a rain cover tucked in a pocket underneath.

My camera is a Canon EOS 5DS R. My go-to lenses are Canon EF 24-70 mm f/2.8L II USM and Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. I use polarizing filters and ND filters. My tripod is a Manfrotto. I use a ThinkTank rain cover, it fits my biggest lens and the sleeves keep my hands dry and warm. It is also very light. I highly recommend to invest in a high-quality rain cover. I carry fully-charged extra batteries and extra memory cards. As soon as I get back home, I recharge the batteries. I am always ready to go!

Safety tips

I carry my bear spray on the right side-pocket of my camera bag at all times so I can quickly reach out for it. If a wild animal rushes toward you, you only have a few seconds to react. I watched online videos to learn how to properly use the bear spray. How to use bear spray, video by Parks Canada

I prepare for all my field trips because I often go on my own. In my bag, I bring printed maps, a compass, a pen and a pencil, a whistle, a headlamp, a pocket knife, a first aid kit, an extra pair of gloves and a hat (tuque), high energy bars and a cell phone (although I don’t always have reception in isolated areas). I have a change of clothes and shoes, water, blankets, shovel, flares, etc. in my vehicle. Best to be prepared!

Nature Photography Workshops and Virtual Lectures

Spring is finally here, which means my workshops in the field will resume as soon as restrictions are lifted. For those of you who can’t make it to Vancouver Island, my Creative Nature Photography online course is now available on demand. Contact me to schedule a day and time.

Lately I have been giving a lot of virtual presentations. Last week, I even broke a personal record with 80 people attending my virtual presentation with the Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society! If you would like me to give a talk to your local club, library or workplace, wherever you are in the world, feel free to contact me. Note that I can give the lecture in English or in French.

On that note, don’t miss my presentation with the Vancouver Island Regional Library on 15 April! It is open to everyone (see details).

Wishing you a beautiful Spring!

Vancouver Island Regional Library virtual presentation

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.

Nature Photo Exhibition in Vancouver

I am happy to announce that my artwork will be exhibited at the Centre culturel francophone in Vancouver, from 21 January to 4 March 2021. This is a great opportunity to see my photographs in big format and get a better appreciation of my work as a nature and wildlife photographer. During your visit, you will see intimate portraits of fauna and flora, and wild landscapes of the West Coast. Details here.

The ban on events in British Columbia has been extended until 5 February at midnight, which means I won’t be giving workshops for the moment. In the meantime, if you are looking for inspiration and photo tips, I invite you to order a signed copy of my book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey.

Once workshops resume, only local residents will be able to sign up since non-essential travel is not recommended at this time in British Columbia.

Follow me on Twitter for the latest news, images and photo tips!

Wishing you all the best in 2021!

Latest news!

Since my book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey was released in early October, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Marc Fournier (Culture et Confiture, Radio-Canada), Jacques Dufresne (Boulevard du Pacifique, Radio-Canada), Pierre Chauvin (Radio Victoria), and Sheryl McKay (North by Northwest, CBC). Newspapers, such as the Comox Valley Record, and online media have kindly covered my book release.

Since October, I gave virtual presentations, in English and in French, to several organizations in British Columbia and beyond, and I have many more planned for the coming weeks and months. Follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates. Feel free to contact me if you wish to schedule a virtual presentation.

During the month of December, you are invited to see 15 of my photographs on exhibit at the Bayside Café in Courtenay. From 21 January to 4 March 2021, my photographs will be on display at the Centre culturel francophone in Vancouver.

Also my image of a Bald eagle eating a halibut has been published in the 50th edition of Nature Sauvage, a beautiful magazine issued in Quebec. My work will be on the cover of another magazine in January.

The holiday season is fast approaching. If you are looking for a unique gift for the nature lover or photographer in your life, consider getting a fine art print. Choose from a variety of prints featuring charismatic wildlife, beautiful landscapes or abstract art, and check a few names off your list! Prints come in various sizes from 12x18’’ to 24x36’’. And of course, there is always my book that will fit nicely under the Christmas tree.

Best wishes,

Catherine

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.

Roosevelt elk on Vancouver Island

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.

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

Gift Cards

Not sure which print to get for that special person? Get a gift card and send it in a card or by email! The gift card can be used for prints or nature photo workshops with Catherine. It never expires. The gift card recipient can enter a unique code at checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total.

Make someone happy today!

Frog calls at the marsh

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

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: 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: : 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.