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)

The story behind the image - L’histoire derrière l’image

Between 8,000 and 10,000 black bears inhabit Vancouver Island. The opportunities to meet one are high so it is better to learn more about the species. I recommend building a network of specialists such as conservation officers, biologists and knowledgeable local wildlife photographers. The best time of the year to observe bears is during the salmon return when bears converge to estuaries and rivers to fatten up on salmon before hibernation.

I took this image at a popular hatchery. In order to avoid the big crowds, I started early in the morning. It was technically challenging because the light was strong so there was a lot of contrast between the bright and dark areas. I used a telephoto lens to keep a safe distance and a polarizing filter to reduce the light reflection on the water and leaves. There may be long periods of time between bear appearances: some go straight back to the forest after getting a salmon, others laze around to the delight of photographers.

Entre 8 000 et 10 000 ours noirs vivent sur l’Île de Vancouver. Les opportunités d’en rencontrer un étant élevées, il vaut mieux en apprendre davantage sur l’espèce. Je suggère d’établir un réseau de spécialistes comme des officiers de la conservation, des biologistes et des photographes animaliers locaux bien informés. La meilleure période de l’année pour observer les ours est lors de la fraie du saumon lorsque les ours convergent vers les estuaires et les rivières pour s’engraisser de saumon avant l’hibernation.

J’ai pris cette photo dans une station d’alevinage de saumon populaire. Afin d’éviter la foule, j’ai commencé tôt le matin. C’était un vrai défi technique car la lumière était forte donc il y avait beaucoup de contraste entre les zones d’ombre et de lumière. Je me suis servie d’un téléobjectif pour garder une distance sécuritaire et j’ai utilisé un filtre polarisant pour réduire les reflets de la lumière sur la rivière et les feuilles. Il peut se passer de longues périodes de temps entre les apparitions des ours, certains retournent directement dans la forêt après avoir pris un saumon, d'autres se prélassent pour le plus grand plaisir des photographes.

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.

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.

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

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: 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: 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

The Basics of Photography

Composition, exposure, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, opening up, spotlighting, centre-weighted meter: you might be familiar with some of these terms but it’s not always obvious how to adjust your camera accordingly. I offer half-day and multi-days workshops to help you understand and practice the fundamentals of photography. Once you master the basics, you’ll be able to take manual control of your camera and get better results.

All my workshops are given in the field for a hands-on experience. Get in touch so we can arrange for a workshop.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

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.

Upcoming workshops

How to take better images

No matter our level in photography, we all strive to become better at it. Once we get an amazing shot and recognition from our peers, we feel the pressure to surpass that image or, at least, maintain the same level of quality in our work. Here are a few basics to remember:

Find your subject

Ask yourself what makes you pick up your camera in the first place, what you’re interested in: puppies, bears, birds, people, derelict places…

Do your research

Find out more about your subject’s behaviour, the best times and places to photograph them. Study maps, wildlife life cycles, animal tracks and droppings, almanach, tides tables, local news… Explore your area on foot and note your observations. Determine the most favourable type of weather based on the intended mood of the image. Visualize your shot. Evaluate travel time to location and preparation time in the field. Keep all your notes in a notepad.

Know your camera

Make the most of your camera. No matter the (limited or extensive) range of settings, you have to know their function, location on the menu and how to quickly adjust them. Read the manual. That’s right, read the entire camera manual. The more you know about your camera, the most you’ll get out of it.

In the field

With all that knowledge in hands, you get to location, find your subject, frame it and press the shutter button. Next, check the strength of your composition, the sharpness of your image and verify the exposure on the histogram. It’s important to take your time in the field because mistakes cannot be fixed at home, even with the best photo editing program. An out-of-focus image is an out-of-focus image. A badly composed image will remain a badly composed image - forever.

Back at home

Once you display your images on a bigger screen, study them closely and judge their quality. What worked, what didn’t? Why? What can be improved? How? Find resources that can help you improve your techniques or artistic vision. The best way to progress is to learn from your mistakes and practice a lot. The more you practice, the better you’ll become, just like an athlete.

Be unique!

Get inspiration from your favourite photographers but avoid copying their style. Find your own voice. It’s okay to be different and not follow the latest trend. Your images will be more meaningful if they reflect your own vision and sensibility towards the subject.

Upcoming workshops

Photo Adventure in Yuquot, BC

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.

Triangle of exposure

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!

f/13, ISO 200, 1/25 sec

f/5.6, ISO 800, 1/500 s

f/11, ISO 100, 1 sec

f/5.6, ISO 800, 1/800 s

f/9, ISO 800, 1/30 s

Solo Exhibition at The Hub

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

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.

Get off Auto, create your best images this summer!

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

Book now!

What wildlife really does when humans are away...

First look around and make sure no-one else is here. And then roll in the moss!

River otter, Lontra canadensis