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.
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.
I was born and grew up in France before immigrating to Canada in my early twenties. I identify as a Canadian photographer not as a French photographer living in Canada.
I received my first camera when I was ten years old for a school trip to England. When I returned home, I had more pictures of horses in a field than London’s famous landmarks. I always loved nature and animals. At 20 years old, I decided to travel abroad for a few months before settling down and getting a real job. So I bought a backpack and a plane ticket Paris-Montreal. First time on a plane, first trip on my own. In Montreal, I stayed at a friend’s place I met a few months earlier in Paris. I spent three months in Canada and the US backpacking by myself from Montreal to San Diego, California, including a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico. I have been travelling solo ever since because I enjoyed the freedom experienced on my first solo trip.
Traveling solo as a young woman makes you reflect on who you are and what you want to do with your life. No family, friends or partner are there to distract you from your thoughts or to influence your decisions. When you are in a foreign country on your own as a woman, you also have to be aware of your environment and trust yourself: no matter the situation, you will find a solution. That trip across North America set the course for the rest of my life: I decided that I wanted to keep traveling, discover other cultures and see various landscapes and wildlife.
Since I immigrated to Canada a long long time ago, I lived in four provinces but British Columbia is the place where I feel the most at home, especially Vancouver Island. The people, various cultures, landscapes and wildlife are a great source of inspiration and satisfaction. Over the past decades, I had a real job but it was not as satisfying as spending time in nature and photographing wildlife. So when I lost my job in 2018, I decided to follow my dream and become a full-time nature and wildlife photographer. One of my motto is to not have regrets when my time comes. Whether I fail or succeed in my endeavour as a professional nature photographer, at least I would have tried and put all my time and energy into it.
It has now been five years since I started my small business as a nature photographer. I have learned a lot about running a business and also the world of professional photography. The pandemic after only two years in business has definitely slowed things down and had a substantial financial impact. I also quickly realized that the most recognized and celebrated nature and wildlife photographers are men. They dominate the industry, which is already very competitive. Despite those challenges, I love my new real job.
I love learning about wildlife, planning a trip, preparing my gear for an expedition, walking in nature on my own, tracking wildlife, listening to animals in the forest, and the feeling that nature is bigger than me, than us. And when I finally meet the animal I spent all that time researching in the office and traveling and hiking and waiting for in all kinds of weather conditions, and there it is, right in front of me, what an amazing feeling!
One of my most memorable moments as a wildlife photographer was during the salmon run. It took me years to find that perfect spot for bear photography. I was on my own, far from the nearest town or human. Thick fog covered the sea, shoreline and forest. Black bears appeared and disappeared through the dense fog as they looked for a prime spot to get a salmon going up the river. They sat by the water glancing at me once in a while. I kept a respectful distance. All was quiet except for the water cascading down the rocky shoreline. I patiently waited for bears to get a salmon. They then slowly walked back to the forest to eat their meal in peace or feed their cubs. On that day, I felt privileged to be in the presence of such an amazing animal.
Following our dreams can be challenging but it has its rewards, and when my time comes, I won’t have any regrets.
(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!
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 !
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!
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
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
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
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.
The spring issue of the prestigious magazine Nature Sauvage in Quebec is off the press!
I had the honour to collaborate by writing an article on the Vancouver Island marmot accompanied by my photos. You can read it from pages 18 to 23. I am very grateful to the editor, Pierre Bonneau, for this opportunity to talk about the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species.
I invite you to order this edition or subscribe to the magazine. It is a beautiful nature magazine with breathtaking images of wildlife!
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.
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!
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.
I am happy to announce that three of my photographs of elk / wapiti have been published in the latest edition of the Canadian magazine Nature Sauvage (available in French only). In that edition, which covers the elk / wapiti, you will find my photographs on pages 24 & 25 (full spread) and page 26 (2 images).
Nature Sauvage is a beautiful magazine where you can read articles on the fauna and flora mainly in Quebec.
If you wish to learn more about the elk on Vancouver Island, please watch my video on my YouTube channel.
The Roosevelt Elk on Vancouver Island, by award-winning nature photographer Catherine Babault
Je suis contente d’annoncer que trois de mes photographies de l’élan / wapiti sont publiées dans la dernière édition du magazine canadien Nature Sauvage (disponible en français seulement). Lors de cette édition qui couvre, entre autres, le wapiti, vous trouverez mes photographies en pages 24 et 25 (full spread) et page 26 (2 photos).
Nature Sauvage est un beau magazine où l'on peut lire des articles sur la faune et la flore principalement du Québec.
Si vous souhaitez en apprendre davantage sur le wapiti de l’Île de Vancouver, regardez ma vidéo sur ma chaîne YouTube.
The Roosevelt Elk on Vancouver Island, by award-winning nature photographer Catherine Babault
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.
Summer is an ideal time to reconnect with nature and hone your skills as a nature photographer. Join me for a unique photo workshop in beautiful Strathcona Park, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
I have added three new workshops on weekends for your convenience:
Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!
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.
When I am on a photo excursion in the forest, the red-legged frog tends to appear when I least expect it. Their colour is an excellent form of camouflage. Often, it is their leap at my approach that catches my eye. During any chance encounter with an animal, it is sometimes difficult to predict their reaction: will they run away or stay put? That’s why my first reaction is to stop and anticipate their intentions. Then I started moving cautiously to avoid frightening them while I think about my composition and my distance from the animal.
Spot the distracting elements in this image.
I determine where the light is coming from and if there is a backlight. I identify elements such as a branch in front of the frog or any other shape or object that might distract the attention of the person looking at the photo. I move slowly and, once in position, I carefully deploy my tripod. A stressed frog will puff up its abdomen to deter predators. I therefore keep an eye on my subject to assess their level of comfort; if I notice that they are stressed, I leave even though I have not got a shot. The animal wellbeing is more important to me than my portfolio. Once the camera is mounted on the tripod, I adjust the settings and frame based on the intended result before releasing the shutter. Then I check the composition and histogram on the camera screen.
Because it is a chance encounter with a wild animal, everything happens very quickly and yet quietly so as not to stress it. Also I don’t overstay to avoid disturbing the animal in its routine.
Final result after I repositioned myself. Photo in full format.
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!
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 !
Pierre Beaudoin, producer at CBC - Radio-Canada, Alex Lamic, videographer at CBC - Radio-Canada and Catherine Babault.
Back in October, I had the pleasure of being interviewed and filmed by a wonderful team from Radio-Canada (also known as the French CBC). Pierre Beaudoin, producer, and Alex Lamic, videographer, came from Vancouver to meet me on Vancouver Island.
The video was broadcast this week on the youth program ONIVA dedicated to photography. I talk about my work as a nature photographer and my encounters with wildlife.
In case you missed it, you can watch it here. It starts at the 9:00 mark.
(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.
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.
