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.

Get 5 % off on the photo workshop Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island!

Sign up by 8 March and get 5% off on my photo workshop Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island! Use discount code HELLOBC5 at checkout.

Yesterday, while scouting for a private photo workshop I am giving on Saturday, I was delighted to observe several rafts of sea lions on the coast. Some of them were fishing for herring and slapping the surface of the water presumably to stun the fish, others were doing acrobatics by jumping out of the water.

Watch my video on the herring spawn to get an idea of what you could see during the workshop!

Only a few spots left, sign up now!

5 % de rabais sur l'atelier de photo Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

Inscrivez-vous d’ici le 8 mars et obtenez un rabais de 5 % sur mon atelier de photo Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island ! Entrez le code de promotion HELLOBC5 au checkout.

Hier, lors d’une sortie de reconnaissance en vue d’un atelier photo privé que je vais donner samedi, j’ai eu le plaisir d’observer plusieurs groupes de lions de mer sur la côte. Certains pêchaient le hareng et frappaient la surface de l’eau probablement pour abasourdir les poissons, d’autres faisaient des acrobaties en sautant hors de l’eau. Regardez ma vidéo sur le frai du hareng pour avoir une idée de ce que vous pourriez voir lors de l’atelier !

Il ne reste que quelques places, inscrivez-vous maintenant !

Article about the Vancouver Island marmot published in Nature Sauvage

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!

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.

10% Discount on Tofino Photo Workshop, British Columbia

Until August 15, take advantage of a 10% discount on my Nature Photo Workshop in Tofino, British Columbia. Use promo code TOFINO2022 at checkout.

Places are limited so sign up early!

During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to photograph the amazing landscapes and charismatic wildlife around the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet and Tofino.

Looking forward to showing you in person my favourite places for nature photography in this beautiful region of Vancouver Island!

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.

New workshops for this summer!

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:

• Sunday, June 19

• Saturday, July 16

• Saturday, August 20

Limited to 5 participants. Sign up today!

As seen on CBC Radio Canada...

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.

Abstract Images, Photo Tip and Spring Workshop

Hello Yellow - Abstract image

Travelling is part of my life so, after more than two years on Vancouver Island, it was time to get out.

I always plan my adventures carefully: places to visit, subjects to photograph, routes, etc., which is why I travelled to Astoria, Oregon. I wanted to photograph an old rusty wagon, abandoned boats and buildings marked by the passage of time. My preparation and the time spent on site for this project gave results beyond my expectations. You can order prints here.

As I often mention during my workshops, it is important to take your time in the field: find your subject, think about your composition, adjust your camera properly according to the expected results (framing, depth of field, shutter speed, etc.) You will achieve better results than taking lots of photos hoping that one will be good enough and then trying to correct its flaws in post-processing.

This spring, reconnect with nature and sign up for a photo adventure for yourself or with a loved one, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia! Spring is an ideal time to travel: it’s an amazing palette of colours, the snow melt swells streams to form beautiful cascades, and animals are busy caring for their offsprings: very photogenic subjects. I invite you to register for my workshop from May 27 to 29, places are limited to 5 people.

Spot Distracting Elements

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.

Repérez les éléments distrayants

Lorsque je suis en excursion photo dans forêt, les grenouilles à cuisse rouge ont tendance à apparaître quand je m’y attends le moins. Leur couleur est une excellente forme de camouflage. Bien souvent, c’est leur saut à mon approche qui attire mon attention. Lors de toute rencontre fortuite avec un animal,  il est parfois difficile de prévoir leur réaction : vont-ils s’enfuir ou bien rester sur place ? C’est pourquoi ma première réaction est de m’arrêter et anticiper leurs intentions. Ensuite je bouge avec précaution pour éviter de les effrayer et je commence aussitôt à penser à ma composition et à ma distance par rapport à l’animal.

Cherchez les éléments distrayants sur cette photo.

Je détermine d’où vient la lumière et s’il y a un contre-jour. J’identifie des éléments comme une branche devant la grenouille ou tout autre forme ou objet qui pourrait distraire l’attention de la personne qui regardera la photo. Je me déplace doucement et, une fois en position, je déploie mon trépied lentement. Une grenouille stressée va gonfler son abdomen, c’est une façon de décourager les prédateurs. Je garde donc un oeil sur mon sujet pour évaluer son niveau de comfort; si je constate qu’elle est stressée, je pars même si je n’ai pas obtenu de photo. Le bien-être de l’animal est plus important pour moi que mon portfolio. Une fois l’appareil fixé sur le trépied, j’effectue les réglages et cadre en fonction du résultat visé avant de déclencher l’obturateur. Puis je vérifie la composition et l’histogramme sur l’écran de l’appareil photo.

Comme il s’agit d’une rencontre fortuite avec un animal sauvage, tout se passe très rapidement et cependant tranquillement pour ne pas le stresser. J’évite aussi de rester trop longtemps pour ne pas déranger l’animal dans sa routine.

Résultat final après m’être repositionnée. Photo en plein format.

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.