On December 1st, 2024, I had the honour to talk with Jennifer Palma on Global TV News about my book Wild Vancouver Island. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my passion for nature and wildlife photography. To me being a wildlife photographer means learning as much as I can about each species that I have the privilege to photograph. In addition, it is essential for me to keep a safe distance from wildlife, respect their environment and avoid disturbing them.
Where can I purchase the photo book Wild Vancouver Island?
If you are looking for a unique gift for a nature lover, photographer, wedding, birthday, anniversary, or retirement, Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature.
I am happy to announce that you can now purchase Wild Vancouver Island at these beautiful gift shops on Vancouver Island:
The Book Nook at Cafe Guido, Port Hardy, BC
The Museum at Campbell River, Campbell River, BC
Bough & Antler, Campbell River, BC
Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo, BC
Comox Valley Visitor Centre, Courtenay, BC
You can also order a copy on this website. Let me know if you’d like me to add a personal note.
Book Review: Wild Vancouver Island
I am thrilled to announce that my new photography book Wild Vancouver Island has received an outstanding review in the Vancouver Sun. Tom Sandborn wrote: ''She has clearly mastered the technical aspects of her art, and that mastery frees her to bear witness to the spirit of joy, discovery and delight that informs her engagement with the creatures and elements she portrays.'' Read more…
Wild Vancouver Island is the perfect gift for the photographer or nature lover in your life, or for yourself. You can order a copy here.
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.
Book launch of Wild Vancouver Island
Image credit: Museum at Campbell River
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book Wild Vancouver Island at the Museum in Campbell River on April 21.
Get a signed copy for you or for a gift to the photographer or nature lover in your circle. The book features photos of coastal black bears, sea otters, whales, ravens, eagles and more.
The museum will celebrate Earth Day on Sunday with native plant garden tours and demos with Shirts to Bags.
Come and join us there from noon to 5 pm!
Wild Vancouver Island - Discount on Pre-orders
Nature photography book Wild Vancouver Island by Canadian wildlife photographer Catherine Babault
I’m thrilled to announce my new photography book Wild Vancouver Island. I have been working on this beautiful book for the last few months and I can’t wait to show it to you! Wild Vancouver Island is a celebration of the beautiful landscapes and extraordinary diversity of species that inhabit this region. As you may know, I have a fondness for bears. Last fall, I had the privilege of photographing coastal black bears up close during the salmon run and I selected my best shots for the book, which also features many other species such as sea otters, humpback whales, Roosevelt elk, and several birds and mammals.
Wild Vancouver Island is a book for gifting, to you or a loved-one, perhaps as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the importance of biodiversity.
Get a 10% discount on pre-orders. I sign each copy! Let me know if you’d like me to add a personal note. For those of you who live in the Comox Valley, enter COMOXVALLEYFS at checkout for a free delivery at your doorstep.