Five reasons to book a photo tour on Vancouver Island this fall and winter

1. Unique photo opportunities to capture black bears catching salmon, Roosevelt elk herds during the rutting period, and sea lions gatherings to feed along the coast.

2. Vancouver Island is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway whereas some birds choose to winter on the island such as trumpeter swan, long-tailed duck and surf scoter.

3. Lower light conditions are better for nature photography.

4. Fall is a display of vibrant colours in the rainforest while winter offers misty landscapes and waves crashing on the rugged shoreline during storms.

5. The shoulder season is a great time to enjoy the tranquility in the forest and take the time to create your best images. It is also cheaper to travel.

Book a tour by December 31, 2025 and save $100.

Use promocode VanIsle100 at checkout.

New Vancouver Island Photo Tours

I am delighted to announce new group tours this summer!

The long days of summer provide plenty of time to go outside and explore the coastal rainforests and shorelines of Vancouver Island. Join me for a tour in the greater region of the Comox Valley. We'll depart early in the morning from Courtenay to take advantage of the light. We'll visit beautiful locations where we could see many species of birds, river otters, black-tailed deer, seals and black bears. Each tour lasts about 8 hours. They are limited to 3 persons plus me, your host, in order to reduce our impact on the environment and wildlife, and for a better learning experience.

Group photo tours available on June 3, 11, 19, 27, July 5, 9, 22, 31, and August 9 and 15. Learn more…

If you prefer, you can book a private photo tour or workshop at a different time.

Review: ‘‘We (a couple) booked Catherine for two days to take us to some beautiful photography locations on Vancouver Island, including both landscapes and wildlife. We had two amazing days. Catherine is a true professional, with extensive knowledge of nature and wildlife. She is also very respectful of animals and takes care not to disturb them, which we greatly appreciated. She gave us helpful tips for the rest of our stay on the island as well. In addition to being an excellent guide, Catherine is a wonderful person to spend time with, and we thoroughly enjoyed her company. We can highly recommend her to anyone looking to get more out of their photography experience on Vancouver Island.’’ Irma from the Netherlands

Herring Spawn on Vancouver Island

At the end of winter, schools of Pacific herring gather off the coast of Vancouver Island to spawn in shallow waters. This spectacular event attracts a lot of wildlife such as sea lions, seals, river otters, minks, and birds that feed on the small silver fish and its eggs. This is an exciting time for any wildlife photographer! Every year, I read daily reports and regularly scout the region for any signs of spawn or an increase of wildlife activity. That preparation is key in order for me to take you to the right place at the right time so you can photograph this unique event. I am already taking bookings for 2026 so don't miss your chance to photograph this amazing event by signing up early! Each group tour is limited to 3 people to reduce our impact on the environment. You can also ask for a private tour.

My tours are given on land only (not on a boat) so we have plenty of room for ourselves and our tripods. Being on stable ground means lower shutter speeds and sharper images. We can shoot even if the sea is stormy and quickly travel from one location to another as wildlife moves along the coast.

Watch my new video about the herring spawn on Vancouver Island.

When to use a polarizing filter

A polarizing filter is used to reduce reflections and glare from surfaces such as water or glass. Reflections are almost everywhere in nature: light bouncing off wet leaves or rocks surrounding waterfalls. In addition, a polarizing filter increases colour saturation, darken skies and reduces atmospheric haze.

The disadvantage of a polarizing filter is the loss of light that comes through your lens. I recommend a high quality circular polarizing filter to reduce the loss of light between 1 and 1.5 stop. You can compensate that loss by reducing the shutter speed, using a bigger aperture or increasing the ISO. Make sure that both your lens and polarizing filter are clean and free of dust.

These photos demonstrate what a polarizing filter can do when the light bounces off the surface of wet leaves. Note that I used a telephoto lens to isolate my subject and a short depth of field to blur the background.

No tax on the photo book Wild Vancouver Island!

Starting December 14, 2024 and until February 14, 2025, there is no tax (GST) on the beautiful photo book Wild Vancouver Island.

Wild Vancouver Island reveals the beauty of the landscape and wild animals on Vancouver Island through the lens of nature photographer Catherine Babault. This book is a celebration of the extraordinary diversity of species that inhabit this region such as the coastal black bear, sea otter, humpback whale, marmot, elk, and several other mammals and birds. Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature.

Order your copy today!

Upcoming Christmas Markets

The holiday season is fast approaching. On Saturday 16 November, I will have the pleasure to be a vendor again at the Museum at Campbell River during their annual Christmas Gift Tour. Get a signed copy of my new photo book Wild Vancouver Island or choose a beautiful mated print from my collection of nature and wildlife photographs. Come and see the beautiful artwork of local artists and artisans. Open from 10 am to 4 pm.

On Sunday 17 November, I will be signing copies of my book Wild Vancouver Island at the Christmas Market at Crown Isle in Comox. Open from 10 am to 5 pm.

You can also get a gift card and give them the option to choose from a photo book, a fine art print, a photo tour or workshop.

Start your holiday shopping early!

Photographing the Roosevelt Elk mating period on Vancouver Island, BC

For several years now, I have been photographing a herd of Roosevelt elk on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I follow them through the seasons, I see the young grow and the females take care of them. I even took a rare photo of a female nursing three calves. I have always wanted to witness the rutting period, especially when the dominant male defends his harem against other males to be the sole procreator of the next generation. Since the ovulation period is short, it was important for me to be there at the right time.

This fall, I finally had the opportunity to photograph this event. When I arrived in the field, there were already about thirty Roosevelt elk: three dominant males, two immature males, females and young born this year. The dominant male kept an eye on the other males, chased them and eventually forced them across the river. He also kept a close eye on whether some females were ready for mating. His approach was simple: stroke the female's rump and neck, lick her flanks and then mate. He then lay down to rest among a few females.

I spent about 3 hours with them at a respectful distance so as not to disturb their activities. During this time, in addition to chasing rivals and copulating, some elk napped while others grazed. I eventually lost sight of them as they moved deeper into the forest.

How did I create this image

Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R

Lens: Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, with a focal length at 400 mm

f/11, 1/80 second, ISO 1600

Participants to my photo workshops often ask me about my thought process when I shoot. In this case the first thing I noticed, while walking in the forest, were the red berries and green foliage. When we look at a photograph or a painting, our eyes are unconsciously attracted to elements in red in the overall composition. In addition, red and green are opposite to each other in the wheel of colour, they are complementary colours like blue and orange, and yellow and violet. The use of complementary colours in photography creates a bold image.

My next step consisted of framing my subject so I moved around it to find the best angle. Should I look down, look up, be at eye-level, where is the light coming from? I also took into consideration distracting elements such as bright areas, leading lines, branches, damaged foliage, etc. I chose a telephoto lens to isolate my subject and I used a tripod for stability. Next I thought about the mood of my image and determined the depth of field, aperture and shutter speed. I chose to underexpose by one full stop. I also used a polarizing filter to suppress the reflection of light on the shiny surface of the berries.

In conclusion, I prefer to take my time in the field than spending hours in front of my computer screen trying to fix my mistakes. Afterall I love nature much more than my computer!

If you would like to learn more about my photo workshops, please contact me. I will be more than happy to help you hone your skills in nature and wildlife photography.

Vancouver Island Photo Tours for Women

I am thrilled to announce new photo workshops for women in 2024 and 2025!

Join fellow women photographers on a unique journey in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a region known for its great biodiversity. It is home to the coastal black bears, wolves, Roosevelt elks, bald eagles, river otters, sea lions, minks, and many bird and mammal species. Explore the temperate rainforest with its moss-covered trees, giant cedar and Douglas fir, connect with nature, and hone your photography skills in the field with me.

Sign up for one of the three photo tours below. Limited to 5 participants per workshop.

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from September 24 to 26, 2024

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from May 6 to 8, 2025

Book a Vancouver Island Photo Tour for Women from September 23 to 25, 2025

Photographing the coastal black bear

As a wildlife photographer, I enjoy learning about wild animals and observing them in their natural environment. While some photographers are interested in birds, I prefer mammals. Big mammals, like bears. Their large size, curvy shape and thick fur make them both attractive and intimidating.

I saw my first black bear in Manitoba during a solo road-trip across the country. I was driving on a rural road when suddenly a chunky bear crossed the road and dashed into the woods. It was a brief encounter but I was delighted. After settling on Vancouver Island, I became aware that bears are everywhere. They frequent the mountains, coastal rainforests and towns. I also learnt that black bears can swim, climb trees, and break into homes and vehicles. I had moved to bear country.

After learning about bear safety, my next step was to capture their natural behaviour in their natural habitat. However, I had to find the right balance between reaching my goal and minimizing my impact on the animals, which meant I had to keep a safe distance and avoid disrupting their activities. The other factors I had to consider were the location and accessibility, the time of the year, the light, and the setting. After spending an extensive period of time researching at home and exploring in the field, I found a remote prime fishing spot used by black bears during the salmon run. By the time I first visited that spot, I had encountered many black bears around Vancouver Island, so I was familiar with their behaviour and I knew how to read their body language.

Mama bear and her cub on a foggy morning, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

One morning, when I arrived at that fishing spot, it was entirely wrapped in thick fog and the visibility was greatly reduced. I could see dark rounded shapes here and there on the shoreline, but I could only determine whether it was a bear or a big boulder when it started to move. It was a surreal experience. One by one, bears came out of the rainforest and nonchalantly walked to a pool of water filled with salmon. Once they caught a fish, they walked back to the forest where they ate their tasty meal in peace. They mostly came alone but sometimes a mother bear was accompanied by her cubs. The time passed slowly as I waited for them to appear and disappear through the dense fog. I felt privileged to be in the presence of such an incredible animal.

A coastal black bear during the salmon run on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

There were other extraordinary moments. One day, I watched a teenage bear challenging authority. He reminded me as a teenager. He wanted access to the best fishing spot but a dominant sow was already there. Determined to get a salmon, he approached the spot knowing perfectly well that he was challenging her dominant place in the hierarchy. She ignored him so the intrepid yearling decided to get even closer. Annoyed by his persistence, she got up and briefly chased him. Startled, he ran away but he had forgotten where I was and he was coming towards me. So I had to tell him to back off in a stern voice. Surprised to find me in his way, he stopped, turned around and walked away.

I like observing the different characters in animals, especially bears. Some are shy, others are bold and curious. They are not that different from us. I have witnessed cubs fighting over a big salmon their mother had caught for them. At only a few months old, they were already demonstrating distinctive traits.

There are more stories like these in my book Wild Vancouver Island. It features several species such as Roosevelt elk, Vancouver Island marmots, sea otters, humpback whales and many other mammal and bird species. Working as a wildlife photographer has its challenges but it is also rewarding. When I have the privilege of having a glimpse into the lives of wild animals in their natural environment, I tend to forget all the time I spent waiting for them in the rain, fog or cold. Every year, I look forward to the salmon run and my trip to that special place, where I can spend days watching and photographing the coastal black bear.

Earth Day - Jour de la Terre

I had the honour to talk with Lyne Barnabé, Art reporter at Radio-Canada, for Earth Day. As you already know, I promote ethics in nature photography and her article details my approach in that regard. Whether we photograph nature and wildlife at home or abroad, it is important to respect wild animals and their habitat: keep a safe distance, use a telephoto lens, do not disturb their activities, never feed wildlife, do not call them or destroy their habitat to get a better photo. I encourage you to read Lyne Barnabé’s article (in French) and check the photos.

J’ai eu l’honneur de parler avec Lyne Barnabé, journaliste culturelle à Radio-Canada, pour le Jour de la Terre. Comme vous le savez déjà, je promeus l’éthique en photographie naturaliste et son article détaille bien mon approche. Que nous photographions la nature et la faune à la maison ou à l’étranger, il est important de respecter les animaux sauvages et leur habitat : garder une distance sécuritaire, utiliser un téléobjectif, ne pas déranger leurs activités, ne jamais les nourrir, ne pas les appeller our détruire leur habitat afin d’obtenir une meilleure photo. Je vous invite à lire l’article de Lyne Barnabé et regarder les photos.

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.

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