On your visit to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, let a local professional photographer guide you and learn about the ecosystems and wildlife of this beautiful part of the world.

Each season brings great photo opportunities on Vancouver Island. At the end of winter, herrings congregate in mass to spawn in shallow waters on the coast, which attracts sea lions, seals, bald eagles, otters, mink... Spring is a time of migration for thousands of birds and mammals. Wildlife moves from their wintering habitats to breed and care for their offsprings. The long days of summer provide plenty of time to explore the coastal rainforest and shoreline where young animals are discovering their home. At the end of summer, salmon returns to its native springs to spawn and black bears take advantage of it to fatten up for winter. In the fall, deciduous trees in the lush forests turn yellow, orange and red to the delight of photographers. Many birds pass through the region on route to their winter grounds or make the island their temporary home while herds of wapitis gather for the rut. Winter brings some spectacular sea storms on the west coast of the island while the calmer east coast provides shelter to migratory species such as trumpeter swans and long-tailed ducks.

Whether you are a seasoned photographer looking for great photo opportunities or an amateur photographer looking to hone your skills in the field with a professional, Catherine will be delighted to show you some of her favourite places for nature photography and share her knowledge about photography and wildlife on Vancouver Island.

Nature photography tours and workshops are customized for photographers of all levels and based on your level of knowledge and interests, such as birdwatching, wildlife or landscape photography. Expect a friendly atmosphere. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife encounters, I know the best times and places for sightings. I also check many places prior to each tour.

We usually start early in the morning to take advantage of the light and wildlife activity. We spend the day in the field and take breaks for meals and snacks. The level of physical effort is moderate, which includes walking a few kilometres per day on uneven terrain, carrying your own gear, snacks and water bottle. The terrain can be slippery, muddy, dusty, with tree roots and loose gravel. Good hiking boots, warm, comfortable and waterproof equipment is highly recommended for your own comfort. Tours and workshops run no matter the weather conditions and are only cancelled if Environment Canada has issued a severe weather alert, in which case we can either reschedule or issue a refund.

Photo tours and workshops depart from Courtenay (Comox Valley) on Vancouver Island. You can fly to Comox airport (YQQ) or take a ferry from Vancouver.

Photo tours are available every day of the year (civic holidays included), in English and French.

• Half-day photo tours and workshops take place in the forest and / or the shoreline in the Comox Valley, which comprises the municipalities of Cumberland, Courtenay and Comox.

• Full-day photo tours and workshops take place in the greater region of the Comox Valley and anywhere between Qualicum and the Campbell River area. They last around 8 hours or a bit longer depending on wildlife activity and photo opportunities. If we are experiencing an amazing photo opportunity at a location (great light, big wildlife activity…), we’ll make the most of it and stay longer. We decide together how the day goes.

• Multi-days photo tours and workshops take place in mid-island (in the greater regions of the Comox Valley and Campbell River), in north Island (Port Hardy, Port McNeill…) and on the west coast of the island (Ucluelet, Tofino). The itinerary depends on your interests: what you’d like to see and do, wildlife activity and the season.

For a small group (single photographer, a couple, or a group with 3 persons), we travel in my vehicle (Sport Utility Vehicle), which has a first aid and emergency kit in addition to big jugs of water in a cooler also used to store our food and snacks. I organize tours and workshops for a maximum of five photographers so for a group of five we carpool to reduce our impact on the environment.

Photo tour or photo workshop?

The main focus of a photo workshop is to learn while a photo tour is designed to maximize photo opportunities with minimum instructions. During my photo workshops, you will learn about the fundamentals of nature photography, the art of seeing, ethical photography, how to prepare for photo outings, how to improve your vision and creativity, and you’ll get to know your camera and lenses better. The price is the same for a tour or workshop.

Let me know when you’ll be visiting Vancouver Island and what you’d like to photograph so that I can prepare a customized plan for you. Pricing varies based on location, activities (i.e. added boat tour), number of participants (maximum 5) and duration. Your booking will be confirmed once full payment is received.

You are a local amateur photographer who would love to improve your skills in nature photography? Contact me to schedule a half-day or full-day workshop.

Gear needed

A camera, wide angle and/or telephoto lenses. Recommended: a tripod, ND filters, polarizing filters, cable release, extra batteries and memory cards.

Included

Transportation during the workshop, services of a local professional photographer, photographic instructions, and demonstrations in the field.

Not included

Meals, personal expenses, travel insurance (1), travel cost and transportation to the Comox Valley (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.

Reviews

''Catherine facilitated the most wonderful day of memories for me. She listened to my aims for the day and my background in photography, and shaped it into a day rich in learning, understanding the wildlife and their habitat, helping me to gain new skills. She was conscientious in keeping me safe and comfortable throughout the day. She is passionate about how we can capture the beauty of nature without impacting on it. And I got my photo of a bear!'' Graeme, Tasmania, Australia

''Even as a non-beginner photographer, I learned so much from Catherine. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and generous with her insights — from composition and camera settings to seeing light and color in new ways. I might have some winners from this trip. Catherine packed an amazing amount into three days: we explored mountains, forests, and beaches, and photographed a wide range of subjects, including elk, bald eagles, and other wildlife. A truly inspiring and well-organized workshop — highly recommended!'' Larry, Ontario

''I’ve just returned from a holiday on Vancouver Island, including a 3-day private photography tour with Catherine which was the highlight of the trip. Even before I arrived, we had agreed not only the itinerary for our tour, but Catherine also kindly provided some fantastic suggestions for other places for me to visit later. The tour itself was excellent; Catherine is passionate about her photography but also about the landscape and environment in which she is working. With her excellent local knowledge, we were able to photograph the animals I was hoping to see, in their natural surroundings and without disturbing them. For Catherine, the welfare of the subject comes first, along with her passion for the environment. For anyone seeking an engaging and meaningful adventure, I cannot recommend Catherine Babault’s private tours highly enough; this is an experience that will linger in your memory long after you return home.'' Alan, Scotland

''I had a three day photo tour with Catherine and it would be hard to find a better guide. Catherine was considerate and attentive at all times as well as being great company. Her in-depth knowledge of the area and its wildlife coupled with her professionalism and passion for her subject, made each day exciting and enjoyable. I cannot recommend Catherine too highly.'' Susan, England

‘‘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

‘‘Catherine was absolutely great. Very knowledgeable and extremely patient. I learnt so much in just one day and am starting to apply new techniques to my photography. Around Courtenay is a very beautiful part of the world, with amazing wildlife and a great guide. Merci encore!’’ Mark, Quebec

‘‘Catherine was a pleasure to work with. Our outing was on a very rainy and windy yet her warmth and attentiveness to details made it truly enjoyable. Before the trip, she had asked me about my objectives and scouted the spots we could visit. Her prep allowed us to get great shots despite the weather. Time well spent, good guidance on shots and pleasant company. I would recommend her to anyone interested in nature photography. She's a pro, no questions about it.’’ Mark, Ontario

‘‘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

‘‘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’s easy going personality made for a relaxed, fun atmosphere where we could just have fun taking photos and learning. I really enjoyed that it was hands on from start to finish to get the most out of our time, and it was great to learn some of the secrets of a pro. I walked away with a better understanding of outdoor and wildlife photography, more confidence overall, and it got me excited to get back out there and practice what I learned.’’ Peter, British Columbia

‘‘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, British Columbia

‘‘She is very knowledgeable about wildlife on Vancouver Island and is clearly dedicated to providing excellent service for her clients.’’ Ron, British Columbia

‘’Knowledgeable instructor, attuned to the wants and specific needs of the client. Able to alter plans in real time and a most caring attitude towards student, photography and the value of our natural environment. Excellent teaching skills and patience.’’ Brian, Saskatchewan

Read more reviews on Google

Catherine Babault Photography ethics

As an ethical nature photographer, Catherine Babault is committed to reduce our impact on the unique ecosystems of Vancouver Island and beyond: participants to tours and 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. In addition, when Catherine hires the services of local guides (boat excursions), she makes sure that they share the same respect for the environment and well-being of wild animals.

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 year-round 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 environment for everyone regardless of your 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.

• I am a certified first aider.

• Catherine Babault Photography is a licensed and insured business.

Where to stay?

Bayview Hotel 2200 Cliffe Ave Courtenay, BC V9N 2L4 Reservations: 778-225-0010 - Direct line: 778-225-0013 - groups@bayviewvi.com - www.bayviewvi.com

Renseignez-vous sur les ateliers de photo sur l’Île de Vancouver, en français seulement.