Black-legged kittiwake Love Nest

Black-legged Kittiwake LOVE NEST (Rissa tridactyla,  Mouette tridactyle, BLKI) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens  with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @560mm ISO 6,400, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Here's a simple enough composition of a Black-legged Kittiwake in its nest on the cliffs of Bonaventure Island on the Gaspe Penninsula in Quebec. I photographed this from one of the Zodiac cruises during my Gannets Galore workshop last June. I love studying the rocks and looking for patterns and shapes - If you look long enough, you will see the heart shape in the upper right-hand corner :)

It's not too late to join me at one of my favourite places on earth! No one has spent as much time photographing on Bonaventure Island as I have. I have hosted many hundreds of photographers there of all levels of photographers from pros like Arthur Morris who wanted expert logistics and local knowledge to complete amateurs who want to learn the basics; many of whom have won photography competitions with the images made there with me. I know where to be in any given weather or light to get you the very best images possible.

Learn more about my June 5-7, 2019 Gannets Galore (and so much more) workshop HERE.

Gannets Galore: A recent trip to the gannet colony on the Gaspe’s Ile Bonaventure with Chris Dodds proved to be all that I could have hoped for.  The colony is large, active and readily accessible, Chris’ familiarity with the birds and how they would react to the frequent changes in weather and wind direction gave us access to some pretty unique shooting opportunities, and his knowledge of the area and personal connections within the local community allowed us to get to the island when construction on the town’s only pier could easily have prevented us from getting there.  This, combined with Chris’ almost unique ability to teach the principles of photography at the simplest and most complex levels, making this a trip that should not be missed. 

 

Steve Goodman Denver, Colorado, USA

Glaucous-winged gull

Glaucous-winged gull (Laurus glaucescens, GWGU) from my BALD EAGLE WORKSHOP in Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens  ISO 2,000, f/2.8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Here's a Glaucous-winged Gull from my recent back-to-back Bald Eagle photo tours. Sony A9 Auto Focus performance continues to impress, with unimaginable gains with the newly released Firmware V5.0. Be sure to update your firmware HERE.

Bald Eagle Fishing a la Sony 400mm f/2.8

American Bald Eagle FISHING (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) from my BALD EAGLE WORKSHOP in Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 G Master OSS Lens Full Frame image. ISO 640, f/2.8 @ 1/5,000s Manual mode.

Here's a Bald Eagle fishing in golden light from my recent sold-out back to back Bald Eagle photo tours on the beautiful Kachemak Bay near Homer, Alaska. This is a full frame image made with the new and much lusted after Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master prime lens. I worked wide open at f/2.8 for most of the trip and was blown away by the incredible speed at which the Sony a9 achieves accurate auto-focus while using this lens (Learn more about why it can focus so quickly with its linear movement HERE).

I continue to be blown away by the Sony a9 since switching from Canon in August 2017;  there is no better system for flying birds out there!

Parakeet Auklet PORTRAIT

Parakeet Auklet PORTRAIT (Aethia psittacula, Starique perroquet, PAAU).  Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS with 2X Tele-extender @ 800mm. Full frame image. ISO 2,000, f/11 @ 1/2,500s Manual exposure mode.

Razorbill and Puffin Silhouette

Atlantic Puffin & Razorbill SILHOUETTE (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU, Alca torda, Petit Pingouin, RAZO). From my DELUXE PUFFIN WORKSHOP in Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS with 1.4X Tele-extender @ 560mm. Full frame image. ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/2,500s Manual exposure mode.

As I was carefully tracking the Razorbill with my camera vertically, when I got photobombed by an Atlantic Puffin :) 

Atlantic puffin SILHOUETTE

Atlantic Puffin SILHOUETTE (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU). From my DELUXE PUFFIN WORKSHOP in Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS with 1.4X Tele-extender @ 560mm. Full frame image. ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/4,000s Manual exposure mode.

Brown Bear Cub

Coastal Brown Bear Spring Cub (Ursus arctos) Kukak Bay, Katmai National Park, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS with 2X Tele-extender @ 800mm. Full frame vertical image cropped to square. ISO 2,000, f/13 @ 1/640s Manual exposure mode.

KUDOS

I am writing to express my gratitude for the great help with my photography that I have received participating in Chris Dodds’ photographic workshops, which are enjoyable and in interesting places. Most of the workshops are places to which Chris has been going for many years so he is intimately familiar with the details and best opportunities of each location.  He goes out of his way in an attempt for participants to get images that are the best they can possibly get to take home with them. His knowledge of photographic technique translates into suggestions that are tailored to each participant’s needs.  He encourages attendees to ask any question and is patient in answering to try to make sure the questioner understands the answer thoroughly.  His knowledge of the technical aspect of photographic equipment and the computer equipment and programs needed in post-processing has always amazed me, and he is eager and willing to share this knowledge with all of the participants. In the first workshop I learned that the manual setting was preferable for photographing nature and as I have mastered this technique, I am forever grateful.  Chris is excellent at teaching the best light angle and reminding the participants to watch the light angle when they are repositioning themselves for a better composition.

The biggest benefit to me personally of Chris’ photographic experience was the purchase of my own Sony A9 camera after he made the switch form Canon to Sony in August 2017. This new camera and lens combination enables me to hand-hold 400mm, 560 mm, and 800 mm, and the camera focuses with both teleconverters. Because I no longer need such heavy photo equipment, I can use a smaller camera bag that fits in any airline overhead bin and allows quicker and more comfortable travel through the airport.  The Sony has improved my photography and made it easier and more enjoyable.

I would encourage you to consider one of Chris’ workshops, because they are fun and in such diverse locations.  I have never failed to come home with better images than I had imagined prior to the experience.  I have found the other participants to be interesting and nice people, and because the workshops are so excellent, there are a lot of repeat customers who have been in previous workshops.  Each workshop is a highlight of my year. Chris is a positive person who makes the experience as enjoyable as possible even with early morning and late afternoon hours to take advantage of the best light of the day.  Thanks Chris for helping me become a better photographer.

Dennis Stone Indiana, USA

Parakeet Auklet THE FOOT

Parakeet Auklet THE FOOT (Fratercula cirrhata, Macareux huppé, TUPU) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds.  Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS with 1.4X Tele-extender @ 560mm. Full frame image. ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/4,000s Manual exposure mode. 

Savannah Sparrow with Caterpillar Mind the Background

Savannah Sparrow with Caterpillar (Passerculus sandwichensis, Bruand des prés, SASP) From my DELUXE PUFFIN WORLKSHOP in Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS @ 400mm @ minimum focusing distance. Full frame image. ISO 640, f/8 @ 1/640s Manual exposure mode.

Mind the background

Aside from getting close to your subject, one of the more difficult things to accomplish is aligning the subject with the light source (The Sun) and a pleasing background. All too often I see photographers fill albums of photos of the same subject with the same backgrounds. The key to achieving a complete portfolio of a particular subject is to include many backgrounds and poses. Here I carefully manoeuvred myself so the sundried seaweed on the rocks below at low tide became my background of choice.

Speckled Perch and the Osprey

Osprey with fresh Speckled Perch (Crappie) (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, OSPR) Lake Blue Cypress, Florida ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE100-400mm F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X tele-extender @ 540mm Full Frame image. ISO 2,000 f/8 @ 1/2,000s Manual mode.

Just back from Florida after hosting two wonderful groups of photographers on Lake Blue Cypress for my Ospreys Galore workshop. There was no shortage of Ospreys returning to their nests with fish. The Speckled Perch (also known as a Crappie or Speck) were the prize catch for both the Ospreys and the photographers - smile! Ospreys often stop and eat the head of their catch before returning to the nest to feed the babies but I have so much experience on the lake, that I know which pairs are more successful gatherers and those more likely to return with whole fish.

Join me next April for my Ospreys Galore Workshop on Lake Blue Cypress in Florida. CLICK HERE to learn more and sign-up.

Bald Eagle HANGNAIL

American Bald Eagle HANGNAIL (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE100-400mm F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS Lens @ 333mm Full Frame image. ISO2,500, f/5.6 @ 1/4,000s Manual mode.

More Eagles Galore

Here's another favorite from the last day of my Eagles Galore Photo Tour earlier this month. We had some great fun in the snow with the Eagles. I love the variations in their plumage. Learn more about my March 5-9, 2019 Eagles Galore Photo Tour HERE

Ospreys Galore Last Chance

I only have two spots left for my April 5-7, 2018 Ospreys Galore Photo Tour, and the April 8-10 trip sold out months ago. Please visit my Ospreys Galore Page HERE to learn more and sign-up.

Special Thanks

I recently joined Chris on his Osprey Galore tour in southern Florida.  Not having been on this type of photo tour before, I did not know quite what to expect.  I can honestly say it was well worth the time and money and one of the best photographic experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.  Chris runs a very organized photo experience to say the least, but keeps the pace and daily routine very relaxed and informal, making everyone feel comfortable and able to get the most out of their photographic experience.    His body of work and experience in the field,  has made him not only a world class photographer, but an extremely knowledgeable outdoorsman, greatly adding to the entire experience.  I particularly enjoyed how instruction, tips, and techniques were tailored to the experience level of each photographer individually.  There was no pressure to compare images, nor did Chris spend a great deal of time taking his own shots.  Instead he devoted his efforts to not only putting us in the very best position to achieve a meaningful shot, but continually answered any and all questions throughout the day, reminding us of small details that were very helpful, regardless of anyone’s level of expertise.  It is rare to find this level of photographic expertise coupled with such a comprehensive knowledge of the natural surroundings, all shared in a very friendly and engaging manner.  I learned a lot, enjoyed my time thoroughly, and came home with some incredible images I would never have achieved on my own.  You can’t ask for much more than that.  I will be joining Chris again in the near future for another photo tour.  Five stars!!

 

Brian Shul Gallery One

Bald Eagle SNOWDRIFT

American Bald Eagle SNOWDRIFT (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE100-400mm F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS Lens @ 400mm Full Frame image. ISO2,500, f/5.6 @ 1/4,000s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Eagles Galore

This is the very last image I made during my Eagles Galore workshop in Alaska. I decided to travel light, and took only two Sony a9 camera bodies, my Sony 100-400mm G Master lens with both the 1.4X & 2X Tele-converters.

We had some great sessions with the Eagles, despite the small craft advisory interrupting our photography on the second to last day (best to stay safe, and heed the warnings from the Coast Guard, Weather Office and our Captain; High winds and big seas are not to be messed with).

The last day was a real treat, with the forecast snow delivering a beautiful canvas and backdrop for my group. I love the "Snow as fill" that reflects the ambient light and illuminates the underside of the dark wings, revealing all of the wonderful rich details in the Eagles feathers.

Remarkably, this is the third workshop in a row where Sony photographers outnumbered both Canon and Nikon shooters. Do note that all brands are welcome on my workshops; I can teach in any language - smile! 

Join me for my March 5-9, 2019 Eagles Galore Workshop. Read more and sign-up HERE.

Northern Gannet a la Sony a9

Northern Gannet BOUQUET (Morus Bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS  @176mm. ISO 640 f/5.6 @ 1/4,000s Manual exposure mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's a Northern Gannet from a rare opportunity to photograph alone on Bonaventure Island while I was testing the new Sony a9 mirroless camera with the new Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS lens. I was blessed with a cloudy bright day, which is my absolute favorite lighting for my all-time favorite bird photography place where I have spent more than a year of my life since falling in love with the Gannets there! (If you were to add up all of the days spent teaching workshops there over the years).

I still have a couple of spots available for my June 5-7, 2018 Gannets Galore workshop there. Read more about the workshop I host there every year HERE.

Bald Eagle a la Sony a9

Bald Eagle JUVINILE Landing on Lake Ontario Ice (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Lake Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS  @371mm. ISO 2,500 f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s Manual exposure mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's a Juvinile Bald Eagle that we photographed while waiting for a ferry during last week's Winter Owl Workshop. We were trying for Mergansers in flight as they would congregate in the chanel that the ferry had carved through the ice. It looked like the Eagle would land on the dock beside us, but ended-up landing below the dock on a dead duck that it must have been snaking on before being scared away from by the previous ferry.

Bald Eagle Workshop update

It's not too late to join me for my Bald Eagle Workshop. I have just had another cancellation for the March 5-9, 2018 slot in Homer, Alaska due to illness. Find out more about my Eagles Galore Workshop HERE.

Bald Eagle FOCUS

American Bald Eagle FOCUS from my Bald Eagle Photographic Expedition (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX mark II, EF600mm IS II USM. ISO 4,000 f/4.5 @ 1/2,000s Manual exposure mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

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No matter what your level of experience you can learn from Chris!

I have been a registered NPS Nikon Pro for years and am now a registered Canon CPS pro photographer.  I have had the privilege of photographing wildlife and landscape for years.  When I found Chris’ web site I was super impressed with the quality of images so I signed up for his Homer Alaska eagle trip for early March 2017.

Chris has a wonderful warm personality whom cares about his fellow photographers on his trips.  I learned additional trips and traps from him and he assisted my conversion knowledge from Nikon to Canon gear.  His help was thoughtful, accurate and delivered in a manner that assists one getting the very best of images.  His approach to using manual exposure is brilliant and one that any bird photographer should embrace for improved outcomes.  He also very focused on the important light directions which can make or break your image outcomes.  If you travel the London England underground tube system you cannot get the safety message “mind the gap” off your mind – when you travel with Chris you will now have the message in your mind “mind the shadow direction”.  The techniques and tools Chris instills will serve you well in all your photographic moments.      

I came home from this trip with stunning images that are impressive!  Chris makes his duty that you obtain the type of images you hoped to achieve.  Wildlife is unpredictable but Chris will assist you going home with more than you thought possible.  His knowledge of the photo industry is very deep.  You will find you will enjoy the fireside chats, learn from every moment, and enjoy his company.  

Chris also spends considerable time on scene to ensure that his location he determines for his photo workshop choices provide the photo opportunities you want.   His pre-trip information is one of the best I have experienced for assisting your planning to the very smallest detail.  I have already booked my next trip with Chris which confirms he is truly a person that you should meet and create wonderful images together.

Wynne Powell - British Columbia, Canada 

Bald Eagle FISHING FRENZY

American Bald Eagle (with Pacific Saury) FISHING FRENZY from my Bald Eagle Photographic Expedition (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX mark II, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 IS II USM @234mm ISO 1,000 f/5.6 @ 1/4,000s manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication

This year's Eagles Galore workshops were a huge success. We were blessed with EPIC light and more Eagles than I have ever seen in all of my years leading workshops to Alaska (and I thought we had a record turn-out in 2003). We were across Katchemak Bay and on the beach well in advance of sunrise and the wind was blowing perfectly from behind us. There were at least 150 Eagles fishing right in front of us! The Eagles were close, the action was hot & heavy, light golden and memory cards were smoking!  

This image is made with the new Canon EOS 1DX mark II and Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM @234mm! What can I say? This combo is easy to hold for long periods of time, has amazingly reactive auto-focus, and seems so good it is impossible to put down!

Be sure to learn more about my March 5-9, 2018 Eagles Galore Photo Workshop HERE and read my testimonials HERE.

Bald Eagle DREAM CATCHER

American Bald Eagle DREAM CATCHER from my Bald Eagle Photographic Expedition (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX mark II, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 IS II USM @300mm ISO 800 f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

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Knowing where to find flat water, getting low on the beach and being out before the sun rises usually results in some EPIC images in Alaska - smile. Join me in Alaska next March for a pretty exciting (and well rehearsed) Eagle photography workshop. Read more about the March Eagles Galore Photo Tour HERE. 

Bald Eagle Deadliest Catch

American Bald Eagle DEADLIEST CATCH from my Bald Eagle Photographic Expedition (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX mark II, EF600mm IS II USM. ISO 400 f/5 @ 1/3,200s Full Frame, manual exposure mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Announcing March 2018 Bald Eagle Workshop dates

Due to popular demand, I've added another Eagles Galore Photo Tour from March 5-9, 2018. This is one of the most exciting workshops I offer. Based in Homer, Alaska, we will focus on making an epic portfolio of Bald Eagle images! Be sure to learn more about my March 5-9, 2018 Eagles Galore Photo Workshop HERE and be sure to read my testimonials found HERE.

Snowy Owl FLIGHT IN LAST LIGHT

Snowy Owl FLIGHT IN LAST LIGHT  (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, SNOW) Ontario, Canada ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm f/4 L IS II USM with 1.4X III. ISO 4,000, f/5.6 @ 1/2,500s Manual. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

KUDOS:

What can I say? Your Winter Owl Photo Tour was an absolute sensory overload of owls, knowledge and fun! A smashing success! I have to say this was the very best photo trip I have ever joined (and I have joined many). It was an EPIC adventure, and it was a huge success; with your help, I managed to pull off an incredible portfolio of Owl images that was miles better than I could have imagined! Just like your stated goal; I can attest to the fact that the single most important objectives for you as the leader is for your clients to achieve an EPIC portfolio that you would have been proud to call your own, and for everyone to learn. Mission accomplished, my friend…many fold. I would have been thrilled with just one of the hundreds of EPIC images that I created under your wise guidance. You will see me again on another workshop soon. I can offer anyone considering this trip the following advice: DO IT! You won’t regret it. Chris works extremely hard for you to get the very best images; images that will impress everyone. He’s fun and eager to teach anyone, regardless of their abilities. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Peter Frost London | England

Learn more about my Snowy Winter Owl Workshops HERE.

Snowy Owl DAWN SILHOUETTE

Snowy Owl DAWN SILHOUETTE Bubo scandiacus (Harfang des neiges) Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DsMKII, 500mm F4 IS ISO 250, F7.1 1/1600s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PRINT OR LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

KUDOS:

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Chris photographing snowy owls.  

Chris’s knowledge of the location of the owls each day was key to all the participants getting great opportunities to photograph the owls.

What made the trip a great success for me was Chris’s easy and informative style in communicating camera settings and techniques for best results.

I would highly recommend a trip with Chris.

Ian Brennan Ireland

Learn more about my Snowy Winter Owl Workshops HERE.