The gift shop at the Campbell River Museum has the last copy of my first book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey and the last copies of my second book Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot.
If you would like to complete your collection of my photo books, be the first to contact them because these two books are no longer available and I won't do a reprint!
Contact the Campbell River Museum gift shop at https://crmuseum.ca/
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.
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.
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.
As a wildlife photographer, I enjoy learning about wild animals and observing them in their natural environment. While some photographers are interested in birds, I prefer mammals. Big mammals, like bears. Their large size, curvy shape and thick fur make them both attractive and intimidating.
I saw my first black bear in Manitoba during a solo road-trip across the country. I was driving on a rural road when suddenly a chunky bear crossed the road and dashed into the woods. It was a brief encounter but I was delighted. After settling on Vancouver Island, I became aware that bears are everywhere. They frequent the mountains, coastal rainforests and towns. I also learnt that black bears can swim, climb trees, and break into homes and vehicles. I had moved to bear country.
After learning about bear safety, my next step was to capture their natural behaviour in their natural habitat. However, I had to find the right balance between reaching my goal and minimizing my impact on the animals, which meant I had to keep a safe distance and avoid disrupting their activities. The other factors I had to consider were the location and accessibility, the time of the year, the light, and the setting. After spending an extensive period of time researching at home and exploring in the field, I found a remote prime fishing spot used by black bears during the salmon run. By the time I first visited that spot, I had encountered many black bears around Vancouver Island, so I was familiar with their behaviour and I knew how to read their body language.
Mama bear and her cub on a foggy morning, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
One morning, when I arrived at that fishing spot, it was entirely wrapped in thick fog and the visibility was greatly reduced. I could see dark rounded shapes here and there on the shoreline, but I could only determine whether it was a bear or a big boulder when it started to move. It was a surreal experience. One by one, bears came out of the rainforest and nonchalantly walked to a pool of water filled with salmon. Once they caught a fish, they walked back to the forest where they ate their tasty meal in peace. They mostly came alone but sometimes a mother bear was accompanied by her cubs. The time passed slowly as I waited for them to appear and disappear through the dense fog. I felt privileged to be in the presence of such an incredible animal.
A coastal black bear during the salmon run on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
There were other extraordinary moments. One day, I watched a teenage bear challenging authority. He reminded me as a teenager. He wanted access to the best fishing spot but a dominant sow was already there. Determined to get a salmon, he approached the spot knowing perfectly well that he was challenging her dominant place in the hierarchy. She ignored him so the intrepid yearling decided to get even closer. Annoyed by his persistence, she got up and briefly chased him. Startled, he ran away but he had forgotten where I was and he was coming towards me. So I had to tell him to back off in a stern voice. Surprised to find me in his way, he stopped, turned around and walked away.
I like observing the different characters in animals, especially bears. Some are shy, others are bold and curious. They are not that different from us. I have witnessed cubs fighting over a big salmon their mother had caught for them. At only a few months old, they were already demonstrating distinctive traits.
There are more stories like these in my book Wild Vancouver Island. It features several species such as Roosevelt elk, Vancouver Island marmots, sea otters, humpback whales and many other mammal and bird species. Working as a wildlife photographer has its challenges but it is also rewarding. When I have the privilege of having a glimpse into the lives of wild animals in their natural environment, I tend to forget all the time I spent waiting for them in the rain, fog or cold. Every year, I look forward to the salmon run and my trip to that special place, where I can spend days watching and photographing the coastal black bear.
On April 25, 2024, at 7 pm, I’ll have the pleasure to talk about my experience photographing the Vancouver Island marmot for my book, with the members of the Arrowsmith Naturalists in Parksville, British Columbia. Details here.
The Arrowsmith Naturalists was founded in 1970 to know, enjoy, and preserve nature. We are affiliated with B.C. Nature and Nature Canada. Our members are a knowledgeable, committed, and welcoming group who enjoy monthly meetings, field trips, and stewardship activities.
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 is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of wild animals on Vancouver Island. The book features coastal black bears, sea otters, humpback whales, Roosevelt elk, marmots, and several other mammals and birds.
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.
On April 21, from noon to 5 pm, I will be signing copies of my new book at the Museum at Campbell River. The museum is organizing a special event with many guests in celebration of Earth Day. Meet me there!
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.
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 :
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.’’”
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.
My photo book Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot received an incredible book review in this weekend edition of the Vancouver Sun. It is ‘‘highly recommended’’!
I am very grateful to Tom Sandborn for his kind words. Read his review.
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.
On 21 December 2022, I will release my new photo book titled Vancouver Island Marmot, The World’s Rarest Marmot.
The Vancouver Island marmot is the most endangered mammal in Canada. Endemic to British Columbia, this marmot lives in the mountains on Vancouver Island.
In 2003, there were less than 30 marmots recorded in the wild. Thanks to the efforts of a team of dedicated experts, there are now 250 marmots roaming the mountains on the island. Through the captivating words of experts and stunning photographs, this book invites you to learn more about the Vancouver Island marmot, its plight, and the efforts that have been made to save this amazing species from extinction.
The book can only be ordered on this website.
It is the time of the year to find the perfect gift!
For a thoughtful and beautiful holiday gift, choose from a variety of fine art prints, a workshop (online or in the field) or a signed copy of my award-winning photo book Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey. Or give them the option with a gift card!
And to make your shopping experience even better, get 25% OFF on fine art prints from 25 to 28 November, by using the promo code BLACKFRIDAY2023 at check-out.
Happy shopping!
C'est le moment de l'année pour trouver le cadeau parfait !
Pour un beau cadeau des fêtes bien attentionné, choisissez parmi une variété de tirages d'art, un atelier (en ligne ou sur le terrain) ou un exemplaire signé de mon livre primé Vancouver Island Wildlife, a Photo Journey. Ou bien donnez-leur le choix avec une carte-cadeau !
Et pour améliorer votre expérience d’achat, obtenez 25 % de rabais du 25 au 28 novembre, en utilisant le code de promotion BLACKFRIDAY2023 au check-out.
Bon shopping !
Réalisation et montage : Pierre Beaudoin, caméra : Alexandre Lamic, CBC Radio-Canada
Photo : Alexandre Lamic, Radio-Canada
L’automne dernier, j’ai eu le plaisir d’être filmée par CBC Radio-Canada sur le terrain sur l’Île de Vancouver. Au cours de l’entrevue, je parle d’espèces menacées dans la région et d’espèces à risque d’extinction comme la marmotte de l’Île de Vancouver. Je mentionne aussi l’importance de l’éthique dans la photographie de nature pour préserver le monde naturel; nous pouvons tous faire notre part en gardant une distance sécuritaire avec les animaux, en évitant de les déranger dans leur routine et en n’interférant pas avec leur habitat.
Je vous invite à regarder la vidéo ici.
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.
