VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA

  • DATES:  March 7-11, 2011 (5 Days/ 4 Nights)
  • MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 4 Participants
  • FROM: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
  • WORKSHOP LEADERS: Glenn Bartley

AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE

Vancouver Island is without question one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Home to majestic mountains, lush temperate rainforests and miles of breathtaking coastline it seems that natural beauty can be found anywhere you look.  In addition to its scenic beauty Vancouver Island possesses a variety of wildlife including numerous species of birds, ocean mammals such as seals and killer whales, bears, otters and a fantastic selection of butterflies. 

Highlights may include:

  • Unbelievable opportunities to capture waterfowl in flight.
  • Shorebirds and Harlequin Ducks along the waterfront.
  • Majestic temperate rainforest landscapes.
  • Killer Whales!

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

On this photo adventure we will focus on the following opportunities:

Waterfowl:  Vancouver Island is a haven for a variety of species of waterfowl.  Workshop participants will develop the skills needed to create stunning and dynamic images of waterfowl in flight as well as exquisite and intimate portraits.  Likely species include: Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Lesser Scaup, American Coot as well as others.

Shorebirds:  The Vancouver Island shoreline is home to several species of shorebirds at this time of year including Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Surfbird and Dunlin.  Also along the shoreline we are likely to find Harlequin Ducks and Hooded Mergansers as well as a variety of gulls.

Temperate Rainforest and Birds:  The forests of Vancouver Island are truly majestic.  Towering Douglas Fir trees dominate these mossy sanctuaries.  We will spend one morning/afternoon focusing on capturing images of these spectacular places.  While in the forest we will also look for Winter Wren, Varied Thrush, Bald Eagle and American Dipper.

Killer Whales:  The waters around Victoria are home to a resident pod of Orcas – or Killer Whales as they are more commonly called.  Participants will have an opportunity to head out in a small zodiac boat to locate these incredible animals and try to capture some photos (additional cost).  

Digital Workshops:  During the evenings for those who wish to participate, we will have image review sessions and talk about techniques and what we can expect to see the next day.  In these post processing workshops participants will have ample opportunities to improve skills in Adobe Photoshop.  Guided by David and Glenn, participants can learn how to take their images from straight out-of-the-camera RAW images to stunning final works of art (ready for printing or websites).
On the last evening, we will give out prizes for the top 3 images of the workshop!

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On this photo adventure participants will focus on the following learning objectives:

  • Learn to photograph birds in flight from one of the world’s top professionals.
  • Learn to capture stunning portraits of waterfowl and shorebirds.
  • Learn techniques for photographing majestic rainforest landscapes.
  • Discuss the use flash and set up your own backyard for bird photography.
  • Learn basic Photoshop skills or improve those that you already posses.

 WHY TRAVEL WITH NATURES PHOTO ADVENTURES?

  • We have 2 professional photographer workshop leaders for more personalized attention – groups can be split into two separate destinations within a workshop and have personalized instruction and guidance.
  • David and Glenn are 2 of the world’s top photographers in bird portrait and flight photography.
  • Our workshops are suited to photographers of ALL levels.  We do everything we can to make sure that each participant gets the absolute most out of the nature photography workshop.
  • We utilize local guides with years of experience in their home areas.
  • We have more experience.  We have been to the places we will take you – not for a week or two – but for months!!  We know where to get the best possible images and can show you how to achieve them. 
  • We are environmentally and socially aware.  When we visit communities around the world we give something back to these places and the people who live there.  We also offer guests the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint made during the trip.
  • At the end of each of our workshops we hold a final nights “banquet” where we share images, stories and give away prizes for best images, most improved, and other categories.

LOGISTICS

This workshop/tour is limited to 4 participants to ensure the best photographic opportunities and instruction possible.

Price:

  • The cost of this photo workshop is U.S. $2,599.00 / person.
  • Payment can be made through paypal below or by check or money order.
  • Accommodations are designed to be one person per room.
  • We offer a non-photographer discount for nature lovers, spouses or guests: $300.00
  • Once we have received your deposit we will send you a confirmation invoice and registration package.

Prices include:

  • All expert photo instruction
  • All accommodations, based on single occupancy
  • Land transportation during workshop
  • Airport transfers to and from hotels
  • Bottled water for the duration of the workshop

PAY IN $USD

Payment Options USD $

PAY IN $CAD

Please Note: All Canadian residents must pay 5% GST (Included in price below)

Payment Options CAD $

Price does not include:

  • International airfare to place of tour origin
  • Meals
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Any additional nights accommodation outside of the tour dates
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
  • Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
  • Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

Suggested Equipment:

It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:

  • A digital SLR and a lens of 300mm or greater.
  • A tripod is recommended
  • A wide angle lens
  • A flash

Payment Terms:

A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on this tour.  The balance of the payment is due before January 1st 2010 for both workshop dates.

Please see our complete booking and refund policy by clicking the link below.

HOW TO JOIN THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT?

We like to keep our workshops small, so space is extremely limited. Once the workshop seats are full – that’s it…  If this exciting photo adventure sounds like fun to you, then now is the time to register.

Click on the paypal link to reserve your place or send us an email to register by mail (via check or money order).

If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to:

Once you have signed up we will send you specific registration details re. What to bring and help you arrange any travel details that you need assistance with (e.g. flights, visas).

Please note:

  • Natures Photo Adventures strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
  • All funds are quoted in US dollars and subject to exchange rate fluctuation and gas surcharge if we are billed additionally.
  • We will attempt to stay true to this itinerary. However, certain unforeseeable conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may require changes to the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will do our absolute best to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible.

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