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

Watch the herring spawn off the coast of Vancouver Island, BC

Every year, at the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This annual event attracts a lot of mammals and birds that feed on the fish and its eggs.

Perched on tall trees, bald eagles are keeping an eye on the action, ready for an opportunity to catch a herring or something else. Minks and river otters are also on the lookout for the silver fish while gulls bicker over their biggest catch. The sea lions are also here; they are hard to ignore with their constant barking. On the shoreline, curious seals are observing the action. The presence of sea lions and seals attracts larger predators such as the orca.

Join me for a photo workshop from 13 to 15 March to photograph this spectacular event.

Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island - Photo Excursion from 13 to 15 March 2023

Only a few spots left!

At the end of the winter, the Pacific herring migrates in mass to spawn in shallow waters on the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This spectacular annual event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, bald eagles, and many other birds and mammals.

Join me for a three full-day photo excursion on the East coast of Vancouver Island. We will spend our entire time in the outdoors to photograph nature and wildlife, starting early in the morning (the best time). Before the workshop, I spend a lot of time traveling around the region to find the places where the wildlife is most active. If the spawn happens during the workshop, you’ll witness the water turning a milky turquoise and the ensuing feeding frenzy from birds and mammals. The spawn happens in shallow waters close to the shoreline where we’ll be ready with our cameras.

Dates: 13, 14 and 15 March 2023

Base camp: Courtenay, Comox Valley - Carpooling available

Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!

Book a Nature Photography Workshop on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

A new year means new resolutions like traveling more or exploring new places, camera in hand.

On your visit to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, sign up for a nature photography workshop with a local photographer: me. Explore the rugged coastline and the temperate rainforest, capture unique species with your camera, and return home with compelling photos.

Register for an upcoming workshop or request a private one.

2023 Photo Workshops and New Videos

I remember the cultural revolution when the first music videos appeared on the television in the 1980s. Today, everyone posts videos on TikTok, YouTube, etc. That's why I just produced and posted my first two videos on YouTube, which you can watch here. You will discover in particular rare photos of the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species.

Following an increase in requests from photographers in the United States and Europe, I have just added several photo workshops for 2023. There are still spaces available for the 2022 workshops. However the maximum number of participants per workshop is five, so don't wait too long to sign up.

''I took her workshop and it was very informative at the same time enjoyable. we discovered amazing part of island and shoot lots of pictures. Catherine is very professional and friendly. She opened up my eyes in different perspective of photography. She is also very patient and explain everything in detail. By end of our workshop I am more comfortable with camera settings, composition. long exposure and work on tripod 😃. I highly recommend her workshop for anyone who wants step in nature, landscape and wildlife photography.'' Mehrdad S.

I hope you take advantage of the long summer days to explore nature and photograph cute animals like this baby black-tailed deer that I briefly encountered earlier this week on Vancouver Island.

Nature Photography Workshops on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, in 2022

Whether you are already on Vancouver Island or planning to visit this year, here is a list of my photo workshops in 2022:

• 29 January - Strathcona Park

• 26 February - Strathcona Park

• 21-23 March - Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

• 27-29 May - Spring on Vancouver Island

• 19-23 September - Tofino (in French only)

• 3-7 October - Tofino

• 13-16 October - Fall Colours on Vancouver Island

• Half-day photo workshop, Comox Valley (in English only) : 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August

• Half-day photo workshop, Comox Valley (in French only) : 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August

If you prefer, you can request a private workshop that ranges from one day to several days. Book early as I am already starting to get requests for this summer.

I look forward to showing you my favourite places on Vancouver Island for nature photography and helping you improve your photography skills!

Ateliers de photographie de nature sur l'Île de Vancouver, Colombie-Britannique, en 2022

Que vous soyez déjà sur l’Île de Vancouver ou que vous prévoyez de la visiter cette année, voici une liste de mes ateliers photo en 2022 :

• 29 janvier - Strathcona Park

• 26 février - Strathcona Park

• 21-23 mars - Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

• 27-29 mai - Spring on Vancouver Island

• 19-23 septembre - Tofino (en français seulement)

• 3-7 octobre - Tofino

• 13-16 octobre - Fall Colours on Vancouver Island

• Ateliers photo d’une demi-journée, Vallée de Comox (en français seulement) : 7 mai, 4 juin, 2 juillet, 6 août

• Ateliers photo d’une demi-journée, Vallée de Comox (en anglais seulement) : 14 mai, 11 juin, 9 juillet, 13 août

Si vous préférez, vous pouvez demander un atelier privé qui va d’une journée à plusieurs jours. Réservez tôt car je commence déjà à recevoir des demandes pour cet été.

Au plaisir de vous montrer mes endroits préférés sur l’Île de Vancouver pour la photographie de nature et de vous aider à améliorer vos techniques en photographie !

What makes my photo workshops different from others?

(Le texte en français suit)

• I live on Vancouver Island. As a local, I know the area very well. I spend a lot of time in the field, all year long, no matter the weather, tracking wildlife and looking for the best places and times to photograph nature.

• As an ethical nature photographer, I respect the environment: fauna and flora. The well-being and safety of wild animals always has priority over the participants’ aspirations. We limit our impact on their habitat as much as possible.

• I offer a safe and friendly learning environment for everyone no matter their gender, sexual orientation, identity, background, culture, age or abilities. I am part of a minority myself.

• During the workshops, my time is entirely dedicated to the participants, not to my own shots.

• I am fluent in both English and French.

• Learning does not stop at the end of the workshop. I am always available for follow-up questions.

En quoi mes ateliers de photo sont-ils différents des autres ?

• Je vis sur l'île de Vancouver. En tant qu’habitante, je connais très bien la région. Je passe beaucoup de temps sur le terrain, toute l'année, quelle que soit la météo, à pister la faune et à chercher les meilleurs endroits et moments pour photographier la nature.

• En tant que photographe de la nature éthique, je respecte l'environnement, la faune et la flore. Le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux sauvages ont toujours priorité sur les aspirations des participants. Nous limitons au maximum notre impact sur leur habitat.

• J'offre un environnement d'apprentissage sûr et convivial pour tout le monde, quel que soit son sexe, son orientation sexuelle, son identité, ses origines, sa culture, son âge ou ses capacités. Je fais moi-même partie d'une minorité.

• Pendant les ateliers, mon temps est entièrement dédié aux participants, pas à mes propres prises de vue.

• Je parle couramment l'anglais et le français.

• L'apprentissage ne s'arrête pas à la fin de l'atelier. Je suis toujours disponible pour les questions de suivi.

Television Interview - Entrevue à la télévision

On 4 July, I had the pleasure of talking to Geneviève Murchison, host of the television program Connexion on Radio-Canada, about my passion for nature photography. What a great way to start the summer!

In case you missed it, you can watch it here. It’s in French and starts at the 17:00 mark.

Le 4 juillet, j’ai eu le plaisir de parler avec Geneviève Murchison, animatrice du programme de télévision Connexion sur Radio-Canada, de ma passion pour la photographie de nature. Quelle superbe façon de commencer l’été!

Si vous avez manqué l’émission, vous pouvez la revoir ici. Ça commence à la 17e minute.

Nature Photo Workshops now open to Canadians across the country!

As of 1 July 2021, British Columbia is ready to welcome travellers from across Canada. For international visitors, the Canadian border remains closed for non-essential travel, including those who have been vaccinated.

Our nature photo workshops are given in the great outdoors only and we take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety during the pandemic. Masks are not required in the outdoors where the workshops are given, however we ask everyone attending the outdoor event to maintain a physical distance of 2 metres between one another, unless you reside together. We supply hand sanitation gel.

Please feel free to send us your questions and comments during this time of transition to normalcy.

Learn more about the nature photo workshops offered this summer.

Government of British Columbia guidelines: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

Graduated ND filters

Graduated neutral density filters, or graduated ND filters, are used by photographers to control very bright areas of a scene. A graduated filter is made of glass which is half dark and half clear with a soft or hard edge between the two parts. Graduated ND filters come in different density, typically from one to 10 f-stops.

Fix or hand-held the filter in front of your lens. Place the darker area over the part you wish to darken (i.e. bright sky). The clear part of the filter will keep its normal brightness. You’ll notice that once you have placed the filter in front of your lens, you’ll need to re-adjust the exposure. You can use a graduated filter to emphasize an area of your image by darkening a less important area, knowing that the viewer’s eyes are naturally attracted by lighter areas in a photograph.

Note: The transition between the dark and clear parts of a filter can create an unnatural line in your image so use the proper density filter.

Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA

24-70 mm, ISO 100 f11 1/6 s

Olympic Peninsula, WA, USA

24-70 mm, ISO 100 f11 1/2 s

8 New Nature Photography Workshops on Vancouver Island

Spring has sprung and things are moving for Catherine Babault Photography!

An article about Catherine Babault Photography was published in the March edition of the magazine L’Entr’aînés, a monthly publication of l’Assemblée Francophone des retraités et des aînés de la Colombie-Britannique. You can read it here.

In April I had an interview on Radio Victoria to talk about my workshops and my passion for photography. Listen here.

Vancouver Island Nature Photography Workshops

Eight multi-day workshops have just been added for this summer: 4 in English and 4 in French. They will be given in the greater region of the Comox Valley, in a radius of 60 km. We will cover the art of composition, use of light, creativity and workflow. I will take participants to some of my favourite spots to photograph nature and wildlife. This should be fun!

Check for upcoming workshops and new fine art prints or follow me on Twitter for the latest news!