PRIVATE GUIDING & PHOTOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION
I am located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — an area renowned for its natural beauty. No matter the time of year,
this part of the world has something special to offer photographers. From glacier-capped peaks in the surrounding Coast Mountains, pristine lakes, temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and the expansive Fraser River Delta,
the various habitats and the diversity of wildlife that dwell within them are remarkable.
Using my extensive knowledge of the area, I cater my private guiding and photographic instruction not only to your ability, but also to your interests; working with you to plan experiences that will help you learn, while interacting with the subjects that appeal to you most. Whether you're a local looking to improve your skills behind the camera, a seasoned shooter seeking guidance to target specific images, or a traveller wishing to visit our most special locations, I'm very confident in my ability to provide you with a valuable experience! Having guided all over the world — working with people of varying backgrounds, physical ability, and experience level — I’m eager to continue passing on what I’ve learned
in a fun, educational, and accessible way.
Rates
$500.ºº CAD — Per full day for a single person
$300.ºº CAD — Per half day for a single person
$300.ºº CAD per person — Per full day for groups of 2-3 people
$250.ºº CAD per person — Per full day for groups of 4-5 people
What you’re paying for…
During my 30+ years living in the Vancouver area, spending nearly all of my free time in the outdoors, I’ve accrued a wide breadth of knowledge of the region, its ecosystems, and its wild inhabitants. I’ve grown up right here along the BC Coast with an insatiable curiosity to understand the ecology of my own backyard — this is what I’m most passionate about. This motivation to discover the innumerable natural treasures in this beautiful corner of Canada has resulted in a unique knowledge base and skillset.
For the past 15 years, exploring natural areas with camera in hand has been my primary pursuit, and for 10 years, I’ve been working full-time as a professional photographer and instructor/guide. Concurrently, I’ve been deeply involved with conservation biology efforts pertaining to species and ecosystems at risk throughout British Columbia.
Within my own photography pursuits, I strive for strong aesthetics, with considerations of light and composition being of utmost importance. Certain images are also highly technical, employing the use of remote cameras, external flashes, motion sensors, blinds, etc. The ability to produce large format prints has long been a motivating factor as well, causing me to work fastidiously to maximize sharpness and general file quality. This amalgam of artistic and technical expertise offers value to photographers, no matter their level of experience or personal motivations. I’ve been fortunate to guide and instruct north of 100 different photographers from all over the world, and greatly enjoy the opportunity to share my experience and help others to progress.
*** It’s important to note that the experiences I intend to offer aren’t necessarily wildlife safaris where one can expect to tick off all the area’s most charismatic wildlife in a day— this is simply not the reality of wildlife photography. However, my expertise in the area offers my guests a distinctive experience, and meticulous scouting at certain times of year affords unique, quality encounters. I aim to establish any priority species or learning objectives a photographer should have, prior to our time together, in order to offer a uniquely tailored experience. ***
Day Trips in the Vancouver Area
Basing out of the Vancouver area, the most practical option for a day trip is to spend time exploring the Lower Mainland. Ample green spaces, parks, beaches, and ponds within the city itself offer remarkably good opportunities for birding and wildlife watching in general, despite the close proximity to urban sprawl. Travelling further afield, one has access to a number of different habitats in more secluded environments, less than an hour from the city’s core.
Highlight Species & Experiences By Season
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Late October – Late March
Here in southwestern BC, we’re fortunate to have some of the best raptor photography opportunities in the world, right on our doorstep. Not only are there seven regularly occurring species of owls, but the world’s largest congregations of Bald Eagles can also be found here during late fall and early winter. Add to that list abundant Northern Harriers, Peregrine Falcons, Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks. You’d be hard-pressed to find many other winter photo opportunities in Canada that rival this.Owls are one of my strongest focuses for my own photography. As a result, I’ve spent an enormous amount of time searching for and learning about them. Most of the sites I visit and share during my workshops are unique and isolated away from popular areas.
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Year round. Nesting activity begins mid Feb.
Many people are surprised to learn that hummingbirds can be found year-round here along BC’s south coast. In fact, during late winter and early spring, Anna’s Hummingbirds can often be one of the most numerous and conspicuous birds throughout the city. Once only a resident of the Baja Peninsula and California north to the San Francisco Bay area, the advent of ornamental gardens and hummingbird feeders is responsible for a dramatic range expansion; and amazingly, this hardy species is now seen regularly as far north as Southeast Alaska.
The dazzling displays of males, as they flash their vibrant iridescent gorget feathers to rivals and nearby females, is something that I’ll never tire of seeing, and one of the local bird experiences I love sharing most. Though abundant, their often frenetic behaviour and penchant for perching up high can make them a challenge to photograph. That’s where local knowledge and the right approach really makes the difference. -
Late November – Late March
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Late March – Early July
Spring brings life back to our temperate rainforests in the form of bird song. Each year I look forward to the return of the many species of passerines that spend the winter in warmer, more southerly climes. This brings about a whole host of photographic possibilities.
The forests, grasslands, and marshes of southwestern British Columbia host dozens of species of songbirds each spring - too many to list here. In the slideshow and list below, you’ll find a selection of highlights. Arrival times differ between species, so if you have specific targets in mind, or have questions about additional species, please don’t hesitate to contact me. -
Mid April – Late July
At the height of spring, the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest boast the greatest biomass on earth - surpassing even the Amazon. In certain special places, every surface is covered in mosses, lichens, ferns, and for most of the year, raindrops. The annual winter rains are what gives this area life and its unique character; defined by towering coniferous trees that shelter an impossibly lush understory and swollen creeks. Doing this environment justice in a photograph is no easy feat. Join me and I’ll take you to my favourite spots and share my tips on camera technique and composition, to help you come away with excellent results. -
Mid April – Mid May
During their bi-annual journeys to and from their more northerly breeding grounds, numerous species of shorebirds utilize both the expansive mudflats of the Fraser River Delta, and the beaches of Vancouver Island’s west coast to rest and refuel. Excellent photo opportunities can be enjoyed at these locations, particularly during spring, when the birds are freshly moulted into their striking breeding plumage.Successful shorebird photography tends to be more physically demanding their other types of guided wildlife photography opportunities I offer. Expect to be laying down in the sand, crawling through the muck, and just generally behaving like your subjects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To make the most of your time and utilize the best quality of light, my time is yours from sunrise to sunset. How much of that time you wish to spend together is up to you. Midday breaks can be taken during periods of harsh light and low wildlife activity. Depending on the time of year, this could be as long as a 17 hour day.
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Exact timing will of course depend on the time of year and our shooting plans. Generally, a half day includes an early morning shoot that ends around midday, or a shoot that begins around midday and finishes up around dusk.
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Transportation can be provided. An additional fee for fuel may apply for travel outside of the Metro Vancouver area.
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In terms of physical demand, outings can range from casual walks on flat, groomed paths, to as strenuous an adventure as you’d like. By communicating your expectations and capabilities, we can organize a plan to maximize your comfort and productivity.