Join fellow women photographers on this 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 with a local nature photographer.

What to expect

• Immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience with a local photographer who knows the right times and places for nature photography.

• Learn about the fundamentals of nature photography and the art of seeing with a small group of women who share the same interests for nature and photography.

• Improve your vision and creativity.

• Get the most from your camera.

• Get more one-to-one time by being part of a small group of 3 participants.

• Learn about the diversity of species in the region.

• Expect a friendly atmosphere.

The workshop is designed for women photographers of all skill levels and focus on landscape, nature, wildlife, and abstract photography. It takes place in the outdoors only. Each day, we will take short hikes on uneven terrain in the forest and the coast. Itinerary is subject to changes based on weather condition, wildlife behaviour and interests from the group. We start early in the morning to take advantage of the light and wildlife activity.

Itinerary

Day 1 to 3: Meet and greet at 8 AM on Day 1 in Courtenay (Comox Valley), on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. During the next three days, we’ll visit the shoreline and lush forests where we could see a variety of wildlife such as owls, black bears, bald eagles, minks, beavers, black-tailed deers, Roosevelt elks, seals, sea lions, river otters, and many other bird and mammal species. The workshop ends by 4 PM on Day 3.

Packing list and further details will be provided to participants. We depart from Courtenay each day.

Gear needed for the workshop

A camera and lenses (wide angle and/or telephoto). Optional but recommended: a tripod, neutral density (ND) filters, polarizing filters, cable release, extra batteries and memory cards.

Reviews

‘‘What an incredible day spent in the company of the friendly Catherine Babault. I highly recommend her tours or workshops. She will take you to discover the beauties of the region while giving you lots of information both on photography and on the place where you will be. Attentive to your interests or your requests, she will plan a day for you that you will not soon forget.’’ Nadia, Quebec (translation from French)

‘‘Catherine is a master photographer and a fantastic, patient and excellent teacher. She shared her knowledge in a way that I could finally understand some of the features of my camera that I've never known how to use. We went to stunningly, stunningly beautiful areas - an Island, a mountain top, the ocean side and a lush forest. She knew the natural history of all of the flora and fauna and shared this as she instructed me how to capture those the detailed and clear shots. (...) Catherine really supported my whole experience as a learner and as a visitor to that beautiful part of Vancouver Island. She was professional, organized, super pleasant and friendly and shared tips that will change the way I take pictures forever.’’ Cindy, British Columbia

‘‘We had a wonderful photo workshop with Catherine today! She is very knowledgeable and was able to clearly explain the concepts behind good nature photography. She was extremely helpful and patient with us as new and inexperienced photographers. Catherine is passionate about her work which made for a very enjoyable session.’’ Linda, California

‘‘I have just completed a 3-day photography workshop with Catherine and I cannot express how terrific the experience was. The forests, beaches, estuaries, and islands we visited were stunning and provided ample opportunity to explore composition with the camera. Catherine’s technical skills with the camera and her artistic perspective helped me to better understand how ‘to be quiet’ in nature in order to really think about the image you really want to make! Thanks Catherine for a truly lovely experience.’’ Sandra, Newfoundland

''Catherine is a great guide and photographer. I spent a 1/2 day with her recently and really appreciated her knowledge of the area, respect for wildlife, and depth of photography experience. She spent time figuring out what I wanted and delivering it. I look forward to returning.'' Sarah, British Columbia

''I participated in a 1/2 day session with Catherine recently and really appreciated her knowledge of the local area, respect for wildlife, and depth of photography knowledge. She encouraged the "take a quiet step, look and listen" throughout our nature walk, and spent time with me to figure out what I required to further my learning in photography. I feel more motivated and confident with on manual mode now! I look forward to a return trip.'' Leanne, British Columbia

''I had a 3 hour private photo work shop with Catherine and it was an amazing 3 hours! I learned a lot and Catherine takes her time to explain everything. I highly recommend anyone that wants to learn more about photography and how to get the most from your camera to take one of Catherine’s workshops.'' Ruth, British Columbia

''I took a beginner's nature photo workshop with Catherine Babault. The workshop was informative and very well-organized. I learnt good techniques and tips that I was able to replicate later. Catherine was very professional, well-prepared and friendly!'' Archana, British Columbia

Included

Services of a local professional photographer, photographic instructions, demontrations in the field, transportation during the tour, taxes, and snacks.

Not included

Meals, personal expenses, travel insurance (1), travel cost and transportation to the Comox Valley YQQ (which comprises the municipalities of Cumberland, Comox and Courtenay), travel visa fees (if applicable), and accommodations. You’re free to choose your preferred type of accommodation based on your budget. Contact us if you require help with booking lodging. Gratuities are customary in Canada and are at your discretion.

(1) Health insurance (including hospitalisation and medical treatment) and travel insurance (including flights cancellation) are highly recommended.

Catherine Babault Photography ethics

Catherine Babault Photography is an environmentally-friendly business committed to limiting its impact on the unique ecosystems of Vancouver Island and beyond. As an ethical nature photographer, Catherine is committed to reduce our impact on the environment: participants to workshops stay on designated trails where indicated and maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife by using a telephoto lens. We avoid as much as possible to disturb the animals’ routine.

What make my workshops different from others?

• 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.

• I have been giving photo tours and workshops on Vancouver Island, all year round, since 2018.

• 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 regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural background, 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.