Join wildlife photographer Jared VanderMeer on the ultimate 3-day bird photography workshop – focused on showcasing Vancouver Island’s amazing bird species found in the areas around Victoria, BC.
Visit one of the most beautiful small cities in the world and experience the local wildlife. Every year a phenomenal number of bird species both thrive locally, as well as migrate through Vancouver Island. All locations visited will be within a 30-minute drive of Downtown Victoria. In this workshop, you will go through 6 half-day training sessions focussed specifically on improving your bird photography skills.
In this guided workshop we will take you to all the local hotspots, searching for birds such as the Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Anna’s Hummingbird, Hairy and Pileated Woodpecker, Redtail Hawk, Northern Flicker, Barred Owl and maybe even some Peacocks 😉
*Note that individual bird species viewing are not guaranteed. Each time of year focuses on hotspots and species that are the most likely to be found, and we will adapt the locations and itinerary based on the weather and groups photography goals.
Meet at 6:00am Sharp near Beacon Hill Park
Skills Session: Picking a Location
Look for American Wigeon, Anna’s Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Great Blue Heron and Peacocks.
Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm
Move to Dallas Road coastline hotspots
Skills Session: Camera Setup
Look for Harlequin Duck, Double-crested Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants, Bald Eagles and Black Oystercatchers.
Close the day out Around 5:00pm
Meet at 6:00am Sharp near Esquimalt Lagoon
Skills Session: Shutter Speed
Look for American Wigeon, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Northern Pintail, Red-necked Grebe, Black Oystercatcher, Double-crested Cormorants and Belted Kingfisher.
Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm
Move to Goldstream Park
Skills Session: Planning Light
Look for Bald Eagles, Barred Owls, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Spotted Towhee and Red-tailed Hawk .
Close the day out Around 5:00pm
Meet at 6:00am Sharp near Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Skills Session: Capturing Detail
Look for Anna’s Hummingbird, Barred Owl, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch and more.
Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm
Move to Christmas Hill or another near-by location based on Group Goals
Skills Session: Editing
Look for birds that have eluded us on the first 5 sessions of the tour.
Close the day out Around 5:00pm
Adult price from $2,000.00* CAD plus fees and taxes.
This workshop runs with a maximum group size of 8 guests.
Jared VanderMeer is a Victoria, BC based wildlife photographer who focuses primarily on documenting the rich wildlife and bird species that Vancouver Island has to offer.
NearMe discussion with the guide:
Tell us about your photography style? “I often describe my photography style as being colourful.. What I mean by this, is that I focus on exposing the image and editing it in colours that are true to nature.”
Describe to potential attendees your photography process? “My process is quite simple. Be in the right spot, be patient for the right moment, be ready, and don’t miss! Yes, I know easier said than done. I snap often on burst mode and then edit the images the same day. trying to capture my memories best recognition of the moment and colours in the edit that I produce.”
What style of workshop do you run? “I tend to run with the goals of the group, working on a constant QandA style Tour. While we will have specific goals and skills to work on each day together, if a question or situation comes up, we will tackle that challenge head-on and learn together from each other.”
A guide to all Things To Do in Victoria and throughout Vancouver Island. Plan, Learn and Explore your Island. Content, Local Listings & Blog
A guide to all Things To Do in Victoria and throughout Vancouver Island. Plan, Learn and Explore your Island. Content, Local Listings & Blog
