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

The story behind these images - L'histoire derrière ces photos

Earlier this spring, I noticed a nest in a second-growth forest that had been slightly damaged by the wind and the rain this winter. I wondered if it was going to be restored and used again. When I returned to this location this week, I found the nest which seemed to be in better condition. Yet no bird was sitting on it. I walked away a bit and waited to see if a bird was coming in order to find out what type of bird it was.

Then a female yellow warbler appeared in a tree a few meters from the nest. My attention immediately fell on her and, without moving so as not to frighten her, I tried to photograph her through the leafy branches. Not getting satisfactory results, I ended up walking away. Then I wondered if this was a diversionary tactic on the part of the warbler. I was then about ten meters away and the foliage was obstructing the nest, but I saw a small yellow dot on it and, using my telephoto lens, I zoomed in to find the warbler was sitting on her nest.

Delighted with my discovery, I left because I did not want her to abandon her nest after being disturbed.

Plus tôt ce printemps, j’ai remarqué un nid dans une forêt de seconde venue qui avait été un peu endommagé par le vent et la pluie cet hiver. Je me suis demandée si il allait être restauré et utilisé à nouveau. Lorsque je suis retournée à cet endroit cette semaine, j’ai retrouvé le nid qui semblait en meilleure condition. Pourtant il n’y avait pas d’oiseau qui couvait. Je me suis éloignée un peu et j’ai attendu de voir si un oiseau allait venir afin de découvrir de quel type d’oiseau il s’agissait.

Puis une paruline jaune est apparue dans un arbre à quelques mètres du nid. Mon attention s’est aussitôt portée sur elle et, sans me déplacer pour ne pas l’effrayer, j’ai essayé de la photographier au travers des branches feuillues. N’obtenant pas de résultats satisfaisants, j’ai fini par m’éloigner. Puis je me suis demandée si il s’agissait d’une tactique de diversion de la part de la paruline. J’étais alors à une dizaine de mètres et le feuillage obstruait le nid mais j’ai distingué un petit point jaune dessus et, à l’aide de mon téléobjectif, j’ai zoomé pour découvrir que la paruline couvait son nid.

Ravie de ma découverte, je suis partie car je ne voulais surtout pas qu’elle abandonne son nid après avoir été dérangée.

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)

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.

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!

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

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 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: 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

Photo Technique: Expose to the right

We expose to the right with a digital camera because of the way digital image sensors record information: they record more detailed information in bright areas than in dark areas, which means you see fine details and smooth ranges of tone and colour in bright areas and can see noise in dark areas.
In order to maximize the amount of recorded information, brighten your exposure without blowing out the highlight details. Exposing to the right means the histogram display is pushed to the right, in the brighter values.
This fine-tuning is key to achieve the best image quality.

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.

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

Autumn Vibes on Vancouver Island

Change of season can mean a change of subject for nature photographers. During the autumn on Vancouver Island, I turn my attention to local forests with deciduous trees like maple trees. They produce various shades of yellow, orange and red and are some of my favourite subjects to photograph at this time of year. I often return to the same woodlands several times during the season to capture the progression of the colour change. I visit these spots during the day, at night, and in various weather conditions: wind, fog, light rain or cloud covered. Each situation tells a different story.

When I walk in the forest, I look for patterns, shapes and texture. I look up, down, I lay on the ground, get on my knees, stand on boulders, as I look for a unique perspective on my subject. I like simple compositions. When I frame my subject, I make sure that they are no distracting elements and no lines leading the viewer’s eye out of the frame. Only then I press the shutter-release button.

I hope you find your own inspiration in the woods.

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