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

Update on workshops during COVID-19

I have some good news: Photo workshops will resume on 19 May 2020 for local participants only.

Provincial and Federal Health Authorities do not recommend non-essential travel at this time. When we get to Phase 3, from June to September, people could begin travelling throughout the Province of British Columbia if transmission rates remain low or in decline. At that time, people living in British Columbia will be able to participate to my workshops. At the moment, workshops will be given to people living in the Comox Valley region only.

When booking, 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 Vancouver Island in the last 14 days. If you answer yes to any to these questions, we will reschedule the workshop. During the workshop, both the student and the instructor will maintain physical distancing of 2 metres and both will be required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering (please bring your own mask.) My workshops are always given in the outdoors, which is less risky than in a classroom and more fun anyway!

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay safe!

*Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing

Stuck at home

The pandemic triggered unexpected reactions in some people like stockpiling on food and, for some obscure reason, toilet paper. Having fun outside our home has been restricted. After days spent locked in, the concept of time has been altered. We are now finding ways to escape our new reality.

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!

Photo workshops during COVID-19 pandemic

While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect us all worldwide, federal and provincial authorities have implemented preventive measures such as social-distancing and putting travel plans on hold. Small towns on Vancouver Island, like Tofino and Ucluelet, are asking visitors to postpone their visit.

As a photographer who gives workshops in person, I keep a close eye on the situation because my priority is to keep my workshops’ participants safe. At this time, I have postponed all workshops for April. Workshops scheduled after April are still on. I will reevaluate the situation over time and follow recommendations from national and provincial authorities. Workshops will be rescheduled as necessary and I will keep participants informed. For any workshops, I always recommend travel insurance with a trip cancellation clause.

This situation has quite an impact on my small business and I thank you in advance for your understanding and support during these uncertain times. We’ll get through this together. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay safe!

WHO
Public Health Canada

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 use colours for dramatic effect?

Red, yellow and blue are primary colours for pigment. Violet, orange and green are secondary colours. To create a bold image, use complementary colours: orange and blue, green and red, yellow and purple. Complementary colours opposite each other on the wheel of colours.

Wheel of colours

Orange against dark blue

Photo Technique: What is the triangle of exposure?

It allows you to control the exposure by setting up the shutter speed, lens aperture and ISO based on the intended mood of your photograph. A slow shutter speed will change rain or snow in streaks; it can also be used to isolate the subject. A small lens aperture gives a wide depth of field, where all elements of the image are in focus. Low ISO can be used for a long exposure.

Slow shutter speed

Small lens aperture

Photo Technique: What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?

Red, green and blue (RGB) are the primary colours of light. Blue, red and yellow are the primary colours for pigment. Professional printing services use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, k is for black). Before sending your big photo project to the printer, convert your images from RGB to CMYK on your computer and adjust them accordingly. You will notice a difference since CMYK has a smaller colour gamut than RGB.

Did you know that Adobe RGB has a greater colour gamut than sRGB, which has a greater colour gamut than CMYK? Adobe RGB > sRGB > CMYK

Adobe RGB colour gamut (original image)

Image converted to CMYK

Photo Technique: How to create a strong black and white photograph?

A simple composition associated with a careful use of geometry, lines, curves, contrast and negative space.

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: What makes a compelling image?

Many factors are to be considered but professional photographers, photo editors and jury members on photo competitions agree that what makes a compelling image is a unique perspective on the subject, sharpness and good composition. How to create a good composition? Keep it simple! Isolate your subject by getting rid of distracting elements, determine your source of light and use the elements of design: lines, pattern, shape and texture.

Photo Technique: Depth of Field

A narrow depth of field isolates the subject. It makes it stand out against a blurred background because the viewer’s eye is naturally attracted by a sharp subject. A wide depth of field put the subject into context. The entire picture is sharp so the viewer tends to look at the subject in relation to its surroundings.

Narrow depth of field

Wide depth of field

Narrow depth of field

Wide depth of field

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