Vancouver Island Photo Tour this summer

A few places are still available for my Summer on Vancouver Island photo workshop. The long days of summer provide plenty of time to explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Wildlife is busy caring for their offspring and protecting their territory.

Join me for a unique photo workshop, make new friends and create your best images!

Sign up by June 15 and get a free signed copy of my new photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

Contact me if you would like to book a private photo tour or workshop at another date. I still have some availability this summer and I also offer private photo tours and workshops all year round, in English or in French.

Speaking event - Arrowsmith Naturalists

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.

Wild Vancouver Island officially published!

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!

Wild Vancouver Island - Discount on Pre-orders

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.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

2024 Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

This year again I am keeping a close eye on the herring spawn in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island. This is an exciting time for wildlife photographers as many species such as orcas, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and many other birds gather for the feast.

Join me on a daily tour in March. This is a popular photo tour, book early or ask me for a private photo tour at a time convenient for you.

We will start early in the morning and spend the day on the shoreline when we could see lots of wildlife. Last year, we saw a pod of orca close to shore and also sea lions, seals, a mink and river otters as well as many birds.

I look forward to sharing this incredible event with you!

Photograph the Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island with professional photographer Catherine Babault

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops for 2024

I have been giving photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island since 2018 and had the pleasure to meet photographers of all levels from North America and Europe.

As a professional nature photographer, I spend a lot of time in the field all year round tracking and photographing the great variety of wildlife and landscapes in this unique part of the world. I know the best places and times for nature photography and I’d love to show them to you.

Private nature photography tours and workshops all year round

If you’d like to book a private tour or workshop on Vancouver Island, contact me, I’ll be more than happy to prepare an itinerary for you based on your interests and experience in photography. I organize private tours and workshops (half day, full day, and multiple days), in English and in French (I am fluent in both languages).

Upcoming photo workshops in the field in 2024

Herring Spawn - Daily photo tours during the herring spawn. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife on the coast. If you are a keen wildlife photographer, this workshop is for you. We could see sea lions, seals, whales (from the coast), minks, river otters, many many bird species such as bald eagles and great blue herons. Limited to 5 people per day. Sign up early!

Spring on Vancouver Island - Spring is a time of migration for thousands of birds and mammals on the island. During this three-day workshop, we’ll visit the shoreline, estuaries and forests with moss-covered trees where we could see a variety of wildlife such as owls, bald eagles, beavers, black-tailed deers, seals, sea lions, river otters and many other species. Sign up today.

Summer on Vancouver Island - The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of the island. Wildlife is busy caring for their offspring and protecting their territory in the lush rainforest and on the coast. Limited to 5 participants, sign up today.

Tofino, Vancouver Island - Join me for a unique photo workshop in Tofino, on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. Explore the amazing landscape of the Pacific Northwest: old-growth forests, moss covered trees in the temperate rainforest, stunning bluffs, and sandy beaches. Limited to 5 participants. Sign up early.

Fall on Vancouver Island - Fall is an exciting time for photographers and wildlife. Many birds pass through the region on route to their winter grounds or make Vancouver Island their temporary home. The salmon returns to its native springs to spawn and black bears take advantage of it to fatten up for winter. Meanwhile deciduous trees in the lush forests turn yellow, orange and red to the delight of photographers. This is a popular workshop, sign up early.

Meet me at Winter Markets!

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:

Venez me rencontrer aux marchés d'hiver !

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 :

Christmas Day Nature Photography Excursion

No plans for Christmas day? Spend it with nature-loving photographers like you!

On December 25, join me for an amazing nature photography excursion in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Capture the light at sunrise, explore the beautiful landscape of the Valley, its coastline and lush forest while refining your photography skills. Spend the day with a small group of enthusiastic nature photographers and let me guide you in your photographic experience.

Limited to 5 participants, carpooling available. Book today.

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Pas de plans pour le jour de Noël ? Passez-le avec des photographes amoureux de la nature comme vous ! Le 25 décembre, rejoignez moi pour une incroyable excursion photographique dans la vallée de Comox sur l'île de Vancouver. Capturez la lumière du lever du soleil, explorez le magnifique paysage de la vallée, son littoral et sa forêt luxuriante tout en perfectionnant vos compétences en photographie. Passez la journée avec un groupe de photographes de la nature enthousiastes et laissez-moi vous guider dans votre expérience photographique.

Limité à 5 participants, covoiturage disponible. Réservez dès aujourd’hui.

Silent auction for the Fur Bearers until November 10, 2023

I have donated this beautiful print of a sea otter to the Fur-Bearer’s Fall Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit Canadian wildlife. You can bid until Nov. 10 


Established in 1953, The Fur-Bearers is a charitable, non-partisan organization whose goals are to end the commercial fur trade and promote solutions for wildlife coexistence in communities.

Photo Workshop - Fall Colours on Vancouver Island

Join Catherine for an unforgettable Fall Colours Photo Workshop from October 12 to 15. Vancouver Island is renowned for its wild landscapes, lush rainforest, and a big variety of wildlife. Hone your photo skills in the field with a small group of 5 participants who share the same passion for nature and photography.

Spend four days in the field entirely dedicated to nature photography and capture the warm and vibrant colours of the autumn.

Sign up now!

Limited Time Offer - Free Shipping

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.’’”

— Vancouver Sun

Finding your composition

I used four different methods for these photos. When I find a subject, I take the time to think about how I want to represent it. Do I want to isolate it from its environment by using a short depth of field or by framing it closely or on the contrary do I want to place it in its environment with a wide depth of field and framing it in full? I also look for a unique composition.

Subject in its environment

Vertical format, use of a telephoto lens to isolate the subject and eliminate distracting elements like branches, the colour of the leaves pops against the brown bark of the trees and the light blue background makes it all stand out.

f/5.6 ISO1250 1/20 second

Horizontal format, use of a telephoto lens to isolate the subject, large depth of field, subject off centre, the subject stands out against the darker background and the yellow grass.

f/9 ISO3200 1/50 second

Close-up

Close-up to eliminate distracting elements and use of complementary colours (red and green) to create a bold effect.

f/9 ISO3200 1/50 second

Close-up to eliminate distracting elements and long exposure to blur the leaves and give the impression of movement.

f/18 ISO200 1/2 second

The best way to learn is to practice in the field with a professional. I invite you to register for my workshop Fall Colors on Vancouver Island from 12 to 15 October 2023. We will spend three days in the field, entirely dedicated to nature and wildlife photography. You’ll have my full attention by being part of a small group of 5 people. This is a popular workshop, sign up early!

Design in Nature

Watch my new video about the elements of design in nature.

Shapes, colours, lines, textures and repetition of patterns help to create bold images that evoke an array of feelings. Video by Catherine Babault, nature photographer on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Five reasons to attend the Summer on Vancouver Island Workshop

1. Vancouver Island is an amazing region that offers unique photo opportunities on its beautiful coast and in its lush rainforest.

2. The workshop is limited to a small group of five people.

3. We spend the entire time in the field.

4. Vancouver Island has a great variety of wildlife from small birds to big mammals.

5. My time is entirely dedicated to you whether it’s to bring you to the best spots or to guide you in your photographic experience.

Sign up today!

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28, 2023

(le texte en français suit)

Early bird gets a free healthy lunch and a guaranteed spot!

Spring has finally arrived on Vancouver Island with warmer and sunnier days. The tops of mountains are still covered by snow but the snowmelt has started. Streams are swelling and they provide great opportunities for photographing waterfalls in the lush temperate rainforest. In addition, at this time of the year, birds and mammals are busy caring for their young. Don’t miss this magnificent time of the year when nature regenerates and offers one of its most beautiful shows.

Only a few spots left, sign up today!

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops: Spring on Vancouver Island, May 26 to 28 2023

Inscrivez-vous tôt et obtenez un lunch santé gratis en plus de garantir votre place !

Le printemps est enfin arrivé sur l'île de Vancouver avec des journées plus chaudes et ensoleillées. Le sommet des montagnes est encore enneigé mais la fonte des neiges a commencé. Les ruisseaux sont gonflés et offrent de belles opportunités pour photographier les cascades dans la luxuriante forêt pluviale tempérée. En plus, à ce temps-ci de l’année, les oiseaux et les mammifères sont occupés à prendre soin de leurs petits. Ne manquez pas ce magnifique moment de l’année où la nature se régénère et offre un de ses plus beaux spectacles.

Il ne reste que quelques places, inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui !

Vancouver Island Photo Tours and Workshops for 2023, 2024 and 2025

On your visit to Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, join me for a photo tour or workshop. As a professional nature and wildlife photographer based on Vancouver Island, I know the best times and places to photograph nature far from the crowded touristic areas.

There are still spots available on photo workshops for this year, don’t miss your chance! You can also request a private tour or workshop at no extra cost, contact me to schedule yours. And if you like to plan in advance, I have added several photo workshops for 2024 and 2025.

Early birds get a free healthy lunch and a guaranteed spot!

2023

Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley

In English: 13 May, 17 June, 8 July, 12 August

In French: 20 May, 19 August

Three full days photo workshops in the field

Spring on Vancouver Island: 26 to 28 May

Summer on Vancouver Island: 21 to 23 July

Four days photo workshop in the field

Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 12 to 15 October

Tofino

In French only: 18 to 22 September

In English: 2 to 6 October

2024

Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley

In English: 8 June, 17 August

In French: 4 May, 10 August

Full-day photo workshops in the field

Herring Spawn: 10 March

Herring Spawn: 13 March

Herring Spawn: 15 March

Three full days photo workshops in the field

Spring on Vancouver Island: 17 to 19 May

Summer on Vancouver Island: 19 to 21 July

Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 18 to 20 October

Tofino: 23 to 27 September

2025

Half-day photo workshops in the Comox Valley

In English: 7 June, 16 August

In French: 3 May, 9 August

Full-day photo workshops in the field

Herring Spawn: 9 March

Herring Spawn: 12 March

Herring Spawn: 14 March

Three full days photo workshops in the field

Spring on Vancouver Island: 16 to 18 May

Summer on Vancouver Island: 18 to 20 July

Fall Colours on Vancouver Island: 17 to 19 October

Tofino: 22 to 26 September

Interview on CBC, North by Northwest

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.

Interview on Shaw TV Spotlight

I was recently invited by Shaw TV for their program Spotlight to talk about my work as a nature and wildlife photographer. I also spoke about my keen interest for the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species which is endemic to the Island, and my time spent photographing them in the alpine meadows somewhere on Vancouver Island. That work in the field resulted in a photo book to raise awareness about the marmot’s plight and the recovery efforts undertaken to save it from extinction.

I invite you to watch the interview.

Book Review in Vancouver Sun

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.

Order your signed copy today.