Canon Northern Explorers of Light Presentation in Halifax

Great Grey Owl OLD MAN WINTER  (Strix nebulosa, Chouette Lapone, GGOW) Gatineau, Quebec ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 500mm f/4 L IS USM with Jobu L-Bracket and Jobu Jr. 3 Deluxe  ISO 3,200, f/4 @ 1/3,200s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Here's one from a very cold and windy day during last winter's Winter Owl Prowls. There is still two spots available for the winter 2014 season - more information about my Snowy Winter Owl Photographic Expeditions HERE

HELLO HALIFAX

I'm thrilled to announce yet another Canon Northern Explorers of Light event. On Friday, November 22, 2013 at 7:30PM I will be presenting to the Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia. Everyone is welcome and I hope to see you there if you are around the Halifax, Nova Scotia area next Friday evening. Lots of great door prizes and tons of valuable photo techniques!

Tickets are $15.00 at the door and only $10.00 if you order them in advance from Dean Hirtle tresurer@photoguild.ns.ca Get yours now to avoid disappointment.

Get more information HERE.

Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6400 review

World Wildlife Photographer and Canon Northern Explorer of Light Christopher Dodds with Canon imagePROGRAF iPF6400. There's nothing like seeing a big print of one of your favorite images! Notice the X-Rite Colorchecker Passport in the background to help with color accuracy.

Canon IPF6400 Review

As a master printer in the traditional darkroom, I've been working hard over the last decade to master the art of the digital print; often struggling to squeeze every ounce of colour gamut out of the printer and paper I was using. I have owned more inkjet printers than I care to admit, and have spent an inordinate amount of time finding workarounds to each of their weaknesses. My quest to make the very best print has been a very long and often  frustrating journey.

It's no secret that I'm a perfectionist; I push myself to be better at my passion and craft each and every time I am out with my camera; from capture through to the print. I don't feel the image is finished until I have experienced the big picture; my own tactile response to my own work is, perhaps, the most rewarding part of the image making process to me.

Canon Canada sent me their flagship 24" Image PROGRAF IPF6400 printer back in August and I have been to the Canon LFP (Large Format Printing) Lab in Toronto for some training and product familiarization by some of the best in the business. I want to share a little about the printer with you, without re-writing the technical specification sheet (which can be found HERE); I wanted to write a hands-on review of the printer, it's extraordinary colour gamut, ease of use and the masterful prints it creates; Let's just say I have been blown-away by my first Canon LFP; this is an industry changing printer that truly is a turn-key solution for excellent prints without needing to be an expert print maker. I have finally found the perfect printer!

The unboxing and set-up was quick and easy, thanks to the single page set-up instructions. The included stand with built-in wheels makes it easy to move out of the way when not in use. The design is well though-out, with built-in paper bin and it certainly looks great in the studio/office.

The included software is, quite frankly, brilliant and easy to install and use; Canon was wise to develop a dedicated plug-in for Photoshop to facilitate easy 16 bit printing and a stand-alone software to manage print media called the MCT (Media Configuration Tool). The MCT allows you to add both custom and Canon paper types which will appear on the printer's LCD display when loading new media. Canon has made it easy to find profiles for their media HERE and compatible third party papers HERE.

The included ImagePROGRAF Layout Plug-in includes some pretty useful tools to minimize paper waste. If you print canvas and make gallery wraps, then the image expansion tool does a fabulous job of easily extending the edge of the image along the sides with choices that include black border, soft (or blurred) reflection; minimizing image loss during the wrapping process.

As a Mac user, I was disappointed to learn that the Accounting Manager was only available for the Windows platform; though more out of curiosity than needing to know the exact job cost (ink & media). This is much more useful to a print production house than a fine art studio - If you are a photographer trying to calculate exact print costs, then you are most likely not charging enough for your work!

The industry leading 12-color Lucia EX ink offers the widest colour gamut, finest detail and best print quality I have ever seen. The built-in sub-ink tanks built into the printer allow you to change ink tanks without interrupting printing and the new 330ml replacement tanks are a welcome change when doing large print runs.

The new PF-05 printheads have eliminated both clogging and banding; this, alone, is worth the investment. Optimized for speed and ink savings, the driver maintains the highest print quality while reducing ink use by ensuring fewer print head passes; resulting in a much faster print time.

Available features, upgrades and other models:

iPF 6450 - 24" Printer with built-in hard drive and optional X-Rite SU-21 spectrophotometer with automatic colour calibration and colour accuracy across multiple printers and multiple geographic locations.

iPF 8400 - 44" Printer

iPF 9400 - 60" Printer

Because these printers all use the same ink, print heads and mechanics; this review is relevant to them all.

Here is an overview of the printer from the Canon website:

The imagePROGRAF iPF6400, 24-inch large format printer was designed for professionals in the graphic, fine art, photography and proofing markets that seek the highest possible standards for quality-control and image reproduction. An incredibly large color spectrum is produced by the 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink set, which also provides better scratch resistance and smoother gradations. The new Multi-sensor included with this printer provides improved color density detection and allows for a full calibration to be completed within 15 minutes, with the ability to use non-Canon branded media. A new Color Calibration Management System allows for color calibration targets to be created using the iPF6450 with optional spectrophotometer and shared across all new iPFX400 12-color printers, and the included software allows for all printers on the network to be monitored from one central location. The printer supports ink tank sizes of 130ml and for the first time, 300ml, and the new sub-ink tank keeps some ink in reserve to allow for tanks to be changed without interrupting a print. In highest print mode, the order of ink application and layering is optimized to maintain the highest print quality with fewer passes, making this mode twice as fast compared to previous models.

To expand printing options and capabilities, the iPF6400 printer comes bundled with a Print Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, Digital Photo Professional, and Microsoft Office. The enhanced Print Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop includes a new Adjustment Pattern Setting which allows for multiples of an image to be printed at once with different color values implemented and displayed. Gallery wraps for canvas prints can now be created using the new Gallery Wrap Feature. To improve versatility, the iPF6400 has a media configuration tool which allows customers to not only utilize existing Canon-branded media, but also with third party media. Designed for efficiency, reliability, and above all quality, the iPF6400 is the professionals answer to superior quality large format prints.

Disclaimer: I am a Canon Northern Explorer of Light; paid and sponsored by Canon Canada. I do not write reviews of products that I do not use every day, and do not endorse products in lieu of sponsorship or payment. This review and endorsement is strictly my personal view.

Bald Eagle Photo Tour update

American Bald Eagles HOT PURSUIT (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Pygargue à tête blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay, Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1D MKIII, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Tele-Extender, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 1,250, f/5.6 @ 1/1,2500s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE for PUBLICATION HERE.

Bald Eagle Photo Tour Update

Just a quick note today to let you know that both of my Bald Eagle Photo Tours are sold out; Thank you! I have added a third Bald Eagle Photo Tour from March 7-11, 2014 which has only 4 seats left. If you are looking to build an awesome portfolio of Eagle images and love a little adventrue, then this is the trip for you. Read all about my Bald Eagle Photo Tour HERE.

Chris, Thanks for another great photo adventure to Alaska during your Eagles of Alaska photograpic Expedition!!!!!!
This is the third trip with you and they keep getting better. Always challenging. Always easy-going. Always taking my photography forward. (Take a look at my site for a few new pictures from Alaska.) Your instruction is the best I've experience in taking these kinds of trips. You always seem to know where to put us in the absolute best place. Top Notch!!!! Can't wait till the next one.....wherever that might be. Thanks again!!!!!!!  

Jeff Moore Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA

Be sure to check-out many more TESTIMONIALS HERE

Bat Photography Workshop Announced

Pallid Bat THIRST (Antrozous pallidus Chauvre-souris blonde) Amado, Arizona, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, Canon 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 Photo Trap and four flash set-up. ISO 400, f/16 @ 10 second exposure in Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's a Pallid bat from my recent trip to Arizona. Pallid bats have the some of the largest eyes of the North American bats and their large ears help them hear the footsteps of the insects they hunt for food. Be sure to check-out my last post, HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH BATS WITH THE PHOTOTRAP to learn how I set-up exposure for this image.

2014 High-speed Bat Photography Workshop

September 9-11, 2014 (3 full Days)

September 12-14, 2014 (3 full Days)

Join me, Christopher Dodds, at "The Pond at Elephant Head" for an incredible high-speed bat photography workshop. Bats are some of the most misunderstood creatures on earth and there aren't many photographers out there photographing them. I've designed this workshop with only three participants and have enlisted the help of Phototrap inventor, Bill Forbes, to ensure you get the images I would be proud to call my own. Learn how to use the Phototrap and high-speed flash photography to create stunning action images on your own.

This workshop includes the use of all of the required high-speed flashes and Phototraps, and you don't need the latest or greatest super duper telephotos to make stunning jaw-dropping images! Amazing images can be made with every focal length from 100 to 1,200mm! Having two camera bodies will be useful to work two set-ups at the same time, but lenses like 70-200, 70-300, 100-400, 200-400, 50-500, 300, 400, 500 or 600mm all work well here. You will need a tripod and a remote release which can be set, or locked, in the on position so the camera will continue to fire when set to continuous mode.

This workshop is highly recommended for any level photographer. Whether you are completely new to nature photography, an experienced amateur, or a seasoned pro. There will be something to photograph and we will have plenty of time to tailor your instruction to your abilities. The seasoned pro can take full advantage of the logistics, my site and subject knowledge. Even if you have no desire to learn the technical side of this type of shoot, and simply want to come home with some fabulous images, then we can take care of your set-up for you!

Learn More about the High-speed Bat Photography Workshop HERE

How to photograph bats with the PhotoTrap

Big Brown Bat Drinking from a pond (Eptesicus fuscus, Grande Chauvre-souris brune) Amado, Arizona, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 Photo Trap and four flash set-up. ISO 400, f/16 @ 10 second exposure in Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

I'm back from hosting a five day private workshop to Amado, Arizona where we set-up to photograph bats drinking from The Pond at Elephant Head with Phototrap inventor Bill Forbes.

Among our projects, we set-up the photo trap's infra-red beam to trigger a four flash array to illuminate the bats as they skimmed the pond to drink at night. We arranged our cameras for the best angle of view, the four flashes to properly light the subjects and adjusted our manual exposure to f/16, ISO 400 at 10 seconds. Once set-up, we installed our intravalometers which engaged the shutter release to continually take ten-second exposures; one after another. The flashes would fire every time a bat broke the beam; relying on the flash duration to freeze the action was the key to successfully producing well exposed and sharp images.

Be sure to learn More about the High-speed Bat Photography Workshop HERE

Bald Eagle Workshop and Kudos

American Bald Eagle FISHING DREAMS (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 300mm F2.8 L IS USM with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 2,000, f/2.8 @ 1/3,200s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

He's an Eagle fishing in a rather dreamy snowfall from my Bald Eagle Workshop last March. If you would like to have the opportunity to learn the skill set to reliably get the shot timed, framed and exposed properly, then do consider joining me for the adventure of a lifetime. I'm never completely satisfied until you get the images I would be proud to call my own. Only a few seats left! For more information or to sign-up, CLICK HERE

Montreal Camera Club Northern Explorers of Light Presentation

On Monday September 9th, 2013, I had the pleasure of making my third presentation to the Montreal Camera Club; my first visit there since becoming a Canon Northern Explorer of Light.  It was truly a great evening for me to meet-up with some old and talented friends.

Last night (Sept. 9, 2013) Christopher Dodds was our guest speaker at The Montreal Camera Club's opening meeting of our 2013-14 season. The club over the years has had many guest speakers, but last night was something extra special. We had a full house and for a little over 2 hours everyone was just hanging on to every word that was spoken and in awe of every images that was shown. I can't ever remember all the people in the hall being so quiet. It is a tribute to Christopher and his speaking ability and the way he shares his knowledge of photography and the equipment he uses. It was a great evening I wish everyone could have been there.

Thank you Canon Canada for making all this possible. I am sure that I won't be the only one to tell you that you have a gem on your Canon Northern Explorer of Light team in Christopher Dodds.

Thank you once again.

John Zimmerman Past President, Montreal Camera Club

How to Stack Extenders for Mega Reach

Atlantic Puffin CLOWN OF THE SEA (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Canon 25mm Extension Tube II, Canon 12mm Extension Tube II, Canon 1.4X Extender III. Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 3,200s, f/16 @ 1/200s Manual mode & manual focus. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

After spending so much time with Atlantic Puffins, I've come to realize that few portraits of them truly reflect their true character. I love getting close and making portraits that truly represent my subject, in this case these comical and animated seabirds or Clowns of the sea.What do you think, did I suceed?

How to stack extenders

The idea is to use my super-telephoto 600mm f/4 IS II with both the 1.4X and 2X (version III) Extenders (or tele-converters). In order to physically connect everything together, you need to add at least an extension tube between both extenders; I use both the Canon 25 and 12mm Extension tubes (version II) connected together because they reduce the minimum focusing distance of the lens and allow me to get even closer to my subject. As far as I can tell from the images, it does not matter which order I install the extenders.

There are a few technical considerations:

• A sturdy tripod and tripod head are required
  
• Working at these extreme focal lengths so close to your subject will severely limit the depth of field, so do remember to stop-down.
• All of this stacked equipment does cost some light, so remember to add 1 & 1/3 stop if you are shooting in manual mode.
• Although we have some pretty amazing cameras, the only way to focus this monster is fully manual.

Bird Photography Quick Tip ANGLE OF VIEW

Razorbill VERTICAL PORTRAIT (Alca troda, petit pingouin, RAZO) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Canon 25mm Extension Tube II, Canon 12mm Extension Tube II, Canon 1.4X Extender III. Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 2,500s, f/16 @ 1/250s Manual mode & manual focus. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Quick Tip

Here's a simple Razorbill portrait which also uses the same technique as described in my last post. Want to know the simplest, but most often missed trick to creating engaging and intimate portraits in nature? Simply get down to, or below, your subject's eyes; it's a simple and effective way to connect the subject to the viewer.

TESTIMONIALS

I found Chris via the strong images on his web site.
 
Having now taken two of his photo workshops, I have seen a significant improvement in my images due to improved capture and post processing techniques.  Having taken many other wildlife photo workshops, Chris stands out for his top notch instruction. His workshops provide many excellent photo opportunities.
 
If you are serious about your photography and want to get better, Chris can help you in many ways.  He is willing and able to explain what he is doing and why he is doing it.  He emphasizes not only the vision but also the execution in the field and the post processing.  
 
It was fun shooting with and learning from Chris.  I give a hearty recommendation to anyone considering a photo workshop with Chris, a recommendation I plan to follow.

Carl Zanoni Connecticut, USA

I want to thank you again for one of the best photo workshops I have ever attended.  The trip to Northern Quebec to photo Puffins was truly an adventure.  I was very impressed with the planning you put into ever aspect of the tour.  Everything ran smoothly and the opportunity to photograph these amazing birds was an experience I will not soon forget.  I also appreciate the time you spent with each of us to make sure we got the best possible result from whatever equipment we were using.  Your technique for reducing noise while maximizing detail when shooting at high ISO's was particularly helpful.  No one had ever explained the science behind this and now it makes a lot of sense.  This trip was everything I had hoped for and I look forward to joining you again in the future.

Chuck Raines Camarillo, California

Tele-compression Explained

Atlantic Puffin POP-UP PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 2,000s, f/9 @ 1/1,600s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's an Atlantic Puffin from my recent Puffin Photo Tour. I love the out of focus foreground and background grass which isolate, and frame, the Puffin so well in this image. Using the super sharp 600 f/4 IS L USM II with the 2X III Extender compress those elements and helps render them so perfectly out of focus and smooth; the painterly quality I was after. The effect is known as tele-compression. At a given aperture, a telephoto lens has a smaller depth of field than a wider lens. Had I used a wider lens and got closer, then the depth of field would have been much larger, there would have been much more details in the grass and the result would have been much less appealing and much more like an average "snapshot".

TESTIMONIAL

Chris’ skills go far beyond photography.  It’s one of the reasons I enjoy working with him!  Sure, he is able to provide advice on lensing, and framing and exposure, but his lectures go far beyond this.  His knowledge of wildlife is encyclopedic!    He teaches you how to observe and reposition in anticipation of that next great shot.  And when it comes to tweaking your photos, his mastery of colour, light and texture truly becomes evident.  If you can, take one of his lectures or wilderness photography workshops.  It will help up your game!

Graham Peddie Product Strategist, Canon Canada Inc.

LensCoat RainCoat Pro2 mini-review & Black Guillemot with meal

Black Guillemot with dinner (Cepphus grille, Guillemot à miroir, BLGU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 3,200s, f/9 @ 1/2,000s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Getting close enough for head shots of Black Guillemots was a ton of fun each morning during my Atlantic Puffins & more workshop. We had a few hick-ups with wind and waves which forced us to evacuate the island early on the first two days, but we all came away with some great images. I would be eternally grateful if anyone can help identify this fish or eel.

LensCoat® RainCoat 2 Pro

Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds using LensCoat RainCoat Pro 2 in South Texas. Image Copyright & courtesy Jory Griesman (thanks, Jory!) Canon S-95 in Program mode.

Mini Review: I have been using my new LensCoat RainCoat Pro 2 since I first started to test it in April. I was using a very complex raincoat that required a dedicated eyepiece for each camera body and became quite a nuance to use; it was bulky and the clear window often fogged-up after placing my wet hand inside the cover. Changing tele-converters or adding extension tubes was nearly impossible with the rain cover physically attached to the camera via the dedicated eyepiece. It did the job and was the best I used until discovering the LensCoat RainCoat Pro2.

Installation of the LensCoat RainCoat Pro2 is a breeze and being able to quickly flip the cover out of the way when adding, or changing, extension tubes or tele-converters (Extenders) is a huge selling point. The whole deal takes just about 10 seconds for me to install, folds into a small pouch and makes the whole process much simpler and appealing to use - even when I would skip the complex set-up of my old cover during light drizzle. I must admit that I am also thrilled with the design with the added foldaway left sleeve which makes it easier to keep your left hand on the lens and focus manually; both "sleeves" are long enough to slide over your rain jacket's arms to keep water out of your elbow when standing in the rain all day.

Finally a rain cover for my camera that is easy to use, keeps my gear dry and doesn't interfere with camera function or operator dexterity!

Description from the LensCoat site: LensCoat® RainCoat 2 provides protection for your camera and lens from the elements like rain, snow, salt spray, dirt, sand and dust while allowing you easy access to the camera and lens controls. It has all same great features as the original RainCoat but adds an additional integrated pocket with foldaway arm sleeve on the left side for easier access to zoom and focus. The RainCoat 2 comes in two sizes Pro (for DSLRs with lenses from 200-400/300mm 2.8 - 800mm) and Standard (for DSLRs with small lenses up to 100-400/400mm f5.6). The RainCoat 2 is constructed from a lightweight waterproof, breathable poly tricot material. Available in Black, Green, Navy, Realtree® Max4, Realtree AP Snow, Digital Camo, and Forest Green camouflage pattern. The seams are tape sealed for maximum protection. NO dedicated eyepiece required. The RainCoat 2 goes on quickly and easily. Its versatility through the use of the cinch straps allows you to adjust the length of the cover and to keep it snug around your lens. It has 2 fold out arm sleeves from its integrated pockets for access to the camera and lens controls. You can also access the camera through the rear opening and the lens through the hook & loop bottom closure.

Please support this site and order yours by clicking on the banner below. 

Snowy Owl from Saint Paul Island Workshop

Male Snowy Owl SAINT PAUL BLAST-OFF (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, SNOW) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 4,000s, f/9 @ 1/3,200s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

We had an awesome time photographing the beautiful male Snowy Owl one morning during my Saint Paul Island workshop. The owl was much more tolerant of our presence than I expected, and kept taking-off to hunt Least Auklets along the shore, only to return to perch near us each time it failed. Finding this, and the Lesser White-fronted Goose the next day is a testament to the diverse and rare birds of Saint Paul Island.

It's not too late to learn bird photography!

If you want to learn bird photography at the very best place in the world for me to teach it, then it's not too late. I have just announced that I'll be returning to Bonaventure Island to teach another Gannet Galore workshop from August 21-23, 2013. This is the best time to photograph the babies and all of the usual Gannet behaviour. Do take the time to read one of the many testimonials from this workshop - if I could recommend a single workshop for you to learn the most, this is it! There is something to photograph from dawn to dusk and the birds in flight opportunities will not disappoint! Click the link for more information or to sign-up: Gannets Galore August 21-23, 2013

Testimonial

My very first birding workshop (Gannet Galore on Bonaventure Island) with a new lens AND camera was filled with much anxiety until the thorough briefing prior to our 1st shoot. After meeting Chris for the introduction to exposing to the right, the Sunny 16 rule and its variances, and the promise of capturing some bird images HE would be proud to call his own my mind was set to rest. I have only been in photography for 3 years and still struggle with exposure, composition, and sharp focusing(especially when bobbing in a Zodiac) but there I was actually able to come away with some great images of Razorbills on the fly! Chris is one of best teachers of photography and wildlife habits I have ever had the pleasure to be around, his knowledge of the Northern Gannets Colony and Bonaventure Island is exceptional. I have already signed on for my next workshop with him, his enthusiasm for wildlife is contagious!

Mel Geer Saint Simons Island, Georgia, USA

Lesser White-fronted Goose from Saint Paul Island Workshop

Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus, Oie naine, LWFG) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 3,200s, f/8 @ 1/500s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus, Oie naine, LWFG) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 3,200s, f/8 @ 1/500s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus, Oie naine, LWFG) Saint Paul Island, The Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Canon EOS Canon EOS 1DX, 600mm F4 L IS II, 2X Extender III, Tripod & Jobu Jr. 3 ISO 3,200s, f/8 @ 1/500s Manual mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

A SUPER RARE Treat for my Saint Paul Island Workshop Participants

After spending some incredible time photographing a gorgeous male Snowy Owl (see my next post) during my Saint Paul Island Workshop, everyone in my group were thrilled to spend a few hours getting some awesome images of this rare Goose. The Lesser White-fronted goose was only ever reported once before in North America on Attu in June of 1994 (an Island in the bering Sea which is part of the near islands group of the Aleutian Islands). On June 22, 2013, Laura Lestenkof gave me the heads-up that she had called Scott Schutte and told him about the unusual Goose. Scott later confirmed it was, indeed, a Lesser White-fronted Goose. We quickly headed out to the pond in the rain and had an awesome time getting our feet wet while wading around and photographing this rare beauty. The Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus, Oie naine, LWFG) is listed as "Vulnerable" on the ICN RED LIST and it's global population is currently thought to be decreasing and currently at about 28 to 30 thousand individuals. This was only the 2nd North American record of this species - what a thrill!

More testimonials

I recently had the pleasure to join Chris on one of his Gannets Galore workshops on Bonaventure Island, and it is very quickly obvious why this trip is a favourite among many photographers. Reading the many glowing testimonials really did not prepare me for how amazing the experience is - truly a spectacle of nature. The photo opportunities abound, and with over 20 years experience there, Chris knows where to be, and when. And should you need help or guidance with settings, etc. he is a patient and informed instructor.  Most important to me, his experience with the local businesses and park service is amazing, which help to make sure that your time spent there is a great on.  A perfect example of this relationship he has built arose when there was the potential that we might not be able to make it to the island one day to circumstances beyond his control (government closing the pier that anyone going to the island for construction work) and Chris was not only able to make alternate arrangements with the ferry service to bring the group out, but also was able to make arrangements for the park service to be on the island as well so that we wouldn't lose a day of shooting on the island. 
Without a doubt, Chris is one of the best out there, and I hope to be able to join him on another workshop soon.

Christopher Ciccone Woburn, Massachusetts, USA

Bonaventure Island GANNETS GALORE with Christopher Dodds (June 2013).  This location and subject matter was challenging, photographically superb, and an outstanding learning opportunity.  I’ve been on several tours similar to this format — a well-known photographer, great location, and variable learning opportunities.  

Christopher is by far the best at teaching the fundamentals of photography such as achieving correct exposure using manual settings, introducing the best locations for photography, and giving honest feedback in a non threatening manner.   He was willing to repeat technical instructions and show me how to use the techniques he discussed.  Furthermore he took the additional step of being ‘present’ when needed for information and facilitated my getting the most out of this wonderful location.  I recommend Christopher Dodds without reservation - the very best.

Dwight Tomes Grimes, Iowa, USA

Even More Testimonials

Be sure to take the time to read many more TESTIMONIALS HERE

Canon Northern Explorers of Light Presentation in Montreal

American Bald Eagle MAJESTY (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 300mm F2.8 L IS USM with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 1,250, f/2.8 @ 1/3,200s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Another Bald Eagle image from my epic Bald Eagle Photography Workshop in Alaska this past March. Seats are selling quickly for 2014, so I've added another session; limited space is available from March 12-16, 2014 and March 17-21, 2014. This truly is the very best Alaska has to offer and we spend more time out on the water than anyone else. Do consider joining this opportunity to photograph hundreds of Eagles fishing within 300mm lens working distance. This is only for those who love high volume opportuniies and shooting at a furious pace!

Canon Northern Explorer of Light Presentations at Photo Service in Montreal

I'm thrilled to announce yeat another series of Canon Northern Explorers of Light seminars at Photo Service in Montreal (222, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Vieux-Montréal near Métro Place-d'Armes). They are sponsored by the Canon Northern Explorers of Light program and are free to attend. Each session will be about two hours long and I will cover a huge amount of tips and techniques in French. This is an awesome way to learn the tips & techinques I use every day in the field - all for free (thanks Canon). Click the link below to register:

June 27, 2013 @ 2:00 PM SOLD OUT

June 27, 2013 @ 4:30 PM

June 27, 2013 @ 7:00 PM SOLD OUT

Canon EOS 1D X Firmaware Version 1.2.4 and Gannets Galore Bonaventure Island mini report

Northern Gannets LOVING  (Morus bassanus, Fou de Bassan, NOGA ) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D X, 70-300mm F4-5.6 L IS USM @ 277mm Hand Held ISO 800, f/7.1 @ 1/1,600s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

I'm just in the door from my Gannets Galore workshops and can honestly say that the Northen Gannet colony on Bonaventure Island is better than ever! We had a mix of weather and I enjoyed some fabulous company from the wonderful participants. The conditions are so good that I have decided to return and have just announced an August 21-23, 2013 Gannets Galore workshop / photo safari. If you want to experience a true photographer's paradise and learn tons about bird photography while there, then this is the trip for you - I guarantee it! This is one of those workshops that 500 or 600mm lenses are not obligatory to make some killer images! No one on earth knows the place better than I do! Do consider joining me and read more about the August 21-23, 2013 Gannets Galore Workshop on Bonaventure Island, Quebec HERE.

TESTIMONIALS

Thanks again for a great workshop. The gannets were awesome and I am really, really happy with my pictures. You did a great job of making sure everything went smoothly and I appreciated your help with camera settings, techniques, etc. I had high expectations going into the workshop and I can honesty say that my expectations were exceeded and then some.

Ian Nicholson Fredericton, NB, Canada

I had a wonderful time on your Northern Gannet workshop on Bonaventure Island. I only wish I could go back now, knowing what I learned from you and using it to produce even better and memorable images. You were an inspiration and very patient with me. It has whet my appetite for more and I'm thinking of your Texas workshop next.
I especially like the way you showed respect for the gannets and the park in general. I haven't stopped talking about my experience and the not-so-difficult climb to the colony, about the zodiac on the sea, about the Kawasaki mule taking our gear up so we didn't have to, about the beauty of Perce, about our leader; a kind and expert photographer.

John L. Block Dollard des Ormeaux, QC, Canada

Canon EOS 1D X Firmaware Version 1.2.4 released

Canon has released a firmware update Version 1.2.4 for the EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera. It incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.
2. Reduces the time it takes to display the metering result on the LCD or Viewfinder when the meter has been activated.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which a “Caution 02” message is unnecessarily recorded in the camera status log.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which continuous shooting pauses when using a Canon Speedlite.
5. Fixes a phenomenon, when the Canon GP-E1 is attached, in which the GPS device settings are reset to default settings when the camera has been powered off.

Download the new firmware HERE

All about Watermarks: Visible and Invisible

Great Grey Owl SPRING SHOWERS  (Strix nebulosa, Chouette Lapone, GGOW) Île Bizard, Montreal, Quebec ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D Mark II, 100-400mm F4-5.6 L IS USM @ 360mm Hand Held ISO 1400, f/6.3 @ 1/800s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Here's an old favourite from 2005. I have re-processed the image using my current workflow after negotiating a generous licensing fee after the image was found by a legitimate buyer in a blog that had "re-posted" my image. This kind of thing happens almost every day to my images and I maintain a vigilant watch for them and quickly follow-up with invoices that are usually paid in full quite quickly.

I'm bringing this to your attention after reading several rants from a couple of "famous" photographers who regularly try to make you believe that you should be posting your images on-line without any watermarks; be they visible or not. This despite my not remembering many artists who didn't sign their work.

Here's my thoughts; those of a professional who does still post to the web, my blog, Facebook, Google Plus and 500px. It's fun and it's good for business.

All of my images are posted with a huge visible watermark and they all contain a digital watermark in the event that someone decides to remove the visible watermark before they share them without my permission. The visible watermark is there to build my brand and inform the viewer that it is my work; the invisible watermark to protect myself from image theft and the possibility of the work being rendered an orphan work.

An orphan work is a copyrighted work for which the copyright owner cannot be contacted. That's what happens after someone strips your image of the visible watermark …. or, if you never put one on the image in the first place.

Why is this all important? Once you post an image without a watermark, or, if someone re-posts your image without your watermark, then a legitimate buyer doesn't know who to buy the rights from. It could be the editor of a very prestigious magazine, or an advertising agency representing a very prestigious brand; there are still people out there right now who pay large sums of money to licence an image.

How to prevent this from happening to you? Simple, place a visible watermark somewhere on your image with your name or website address AND be sure to Watermark your image with an invisible, digital watermark by running it through the Digimarc for images filter  in Photoshop.

A digital watermark embedded in your image carries a unique ID and can link to contact information or a website for viewers interested in learning more about you or purchasing your artwork. The watermark stays with your image regardless of the path it travels across the Internet. No matter where your digital image ends up, others will be able to determine your copyright ownership and find you. If anyone finds your image on-line and wants to contact you, they need only read the Digimarc invisible watermark to either find your co-ordinates via the Digimarc site, or be directly connected to your website.

As an added bonus, Digimarc for images also offers premium services which searches for, and index all of the images it finds on-line with a Digimarc invisible watermark; it's a search engine for protected images - now you can see who has been stealing your work and pursue them.

Find out more about Digimarc for Images and Save 30% off your subscription to Digimarc for images by using the coupon code "naturephotography" at www.digimarc.com/digimarc-for-images

Winter DreamScape and TravelCoat by LensCoat review

American Bald Eagle WINTER DREAMSAPE (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 300mm F2.8 L IS USM with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 2,000, f/2.8 @ 1/3,200s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Here's another Bald Eagle fishing image from my EPIC Bald Eagle Photography Workshop/Safari in March. Yet again, the conditions were some of the very best Eagle photography on the planet. Looking at the results from everyone who joined the workshop; I'd have to say I achieved my goal of making sure everyone went home with images I would be proud to call my own. My years of experience there put us all in the right place at the right time and Mother Nature gracefully co-operated and added a sprinkle of icing sugar every now and than when it snowed. Join me in March 2014 for my Bald Eagle Photography Workshop / Safari - there's still a few spots up for grabs.

Canon 600mm f/4 L IS USM II with TravelCoat and Hoodie Lens Cap by LensCoat & replacment foot by Jobu Designs (use coupon code NATURE at the Jobu store to save 15%)©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 85mm f/1.2 L USM with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 1,000, f/2.8 @ 1/125s Manual mode.

TravelCoat by LensCoat

I travel an awful lot with camera gear and have seen everything while clearing airport security. Although I have never had anything broken by the airport security agents, I have seen my share of big lenses take tumbles while they have opened my camera bag in awkward positions. Once, I saw my 500 f/4 IS L USM almost hit the floor while they were swabbing my open camera bag; the agent flipped the cover closed and turned the bag over to swab the harness without zipping it closed. When I lunged forward and caught my lens ... well, you can imagine the outcome was a little over-the-top with guns out of holsters. Both my lens and I survived the ordeal when everyone realized what had happened; phew!

I have only just recently discovered the TravelCoat by LensCoat and am now comforted knowing my expensive lenses are protected so very well for so very little. The TravelCoat for my 600mm f/4 L IS USM II is only US$64.99. Well designed, custom fit and made of 3mm thick closed cell neoprene, the TravelCoat is a tiny investment to protect your ulta expensive lenses. Once in the field, the TravelCoat stows nicely in my camera bag and my LensCoat and Hoodie Lens Cap take-over the job of protecting my lens when I'm out & about.

Do consider suporting this site and purchase your TravelCoat, LensCoat and Hoodie Lens Cap by clicking on this banner:

Osprey Workshop Testimonials Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware V 1.2.1

Osprey with Fish (Pandion haliaetus, Balbzard pêcheur, OSPR) Lake Blue Cypress (near Vero Beach), Florida ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 500mm f/4 L IS USM with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 1,600, f/4.5 @ 1/800s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Osprey Workshop Kudos

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Dodds a few weeks ago in Florida when I signed up for his Osprey workshop. The sign up process and pre workshop communication was excellent and concise. I must admit that as I drove over from Tampa to the hotel I was a bit uneasy after looking at Chris's images wondering if he was approachable, patient, and a good teacher with someone like me who didn't have a lot of experience shooting wildlife before. We met in the hotel lobby , chatted for 30 minutes or so and thankfully Chris put my concerns to rest. I went to bed that night knowing that the next few days would be an adventure.

I can honestly say that Chris Dodd's workshop for Ospreys far exceeded my expectations. Chris is a great guy, very happy to answer your questions and the best thing of all, fun to shoot with. I learned a lot, met a new friend and best of all was blown away at the quality of my images because of Chris's help/techniques. I cannot wait to meet Chris somewhere else in the wild and experience another awesome outdoor shooting experience. Thank you Chris, I hope to see you again soon! 

Mark Weaver - Tampa, Florida, USA

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I recently joined Chris on his Ospreys Galore Photo Safari and Expedition. This was actually the second year in a row that I have joined Chris for this photo safari. Including myself, there were three repeat clients for this experience. All three repeat clients are from Florida. I have a chance to photograph ospreys year round but I have found this to be THE BEST EXPERIENCE to photograph ospreys in their natural environment. I agree with Chris that Lake Blue Cypress is one of the most beautiful places in Florida. The lake is surrounded by land that is designated as  conservation land. That means no development and pristine environment around the lake. Cypress trees ring the lake and I have never seen as many ospreys in one place.

One of the things I particularly like about being with Chris is his genuine concern for the safety and well being of his clients. On this last trip we had some weather passing through the area. Chris delayed going out in the pontoon boat until the stronger weather had passed. He also talked about the possibility of rain showers and made sure everyone was prepared even though it did not rain on us while we were out.

Chris’ knowledge and expertise was evident in getting us close to the ospreys. Most of my images taken during the three days were taken at less than 300mm. I was able to get in-flight and very close up images hand holding a 500mm lens, but most of my images were taken with a 70-200mm lens with a 2X extender. I didn’t need the big lens to get very good images.

While we were all shooting Chris would be keeping an eye out for all of us. He tailored his field instruction for each individual. His insight into the latest thinking on shutter speeds with DSLRs was especially invaluable to getting crisp images. Chris even shared his camera equipment with people to give them some experience with the latest equipment.

I have joined Chris on several trips and look forward to future adventures with him. 

Jim Boland - Titusville, Florida, USA

CANON EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Version 1.2.1 Available

Canon EOS 5D Mark III users should be thrilled to learn that has just released exciting new free firmware. The highlight for nature photographers is that Canon has enabled centre AF point auto-focus when extender/lens combinations have combined maximum aperture of f/8. If AF point expansion is selected with an f/8 maximum aperture lens/extender combination, the four AF points surrounding the center point will act as AF Assist points. This option effectively expands the size of the AF detection area to enhance autofocus performance with subjects that appear small in the viewfinder and difficult to track, such as small animals and birds in flight. AF points above and below the center will be sensitive to vertical contrast, while points to the left and right will be sensitive to horizontal contrast.

Check-out the comprehensive list of fixes and other improvements and download Firmware V. 1.2.1 HERE

Canon Northern Explorers of Light Press Release

American Bald Eagle Fishing Silhouette (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM @ 300mm with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 1,000, f/5.6 @ 1/1,250s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

We had a blast photographing hundreds of Bald Eagles that were fishing along the shores of Kenai Peninsula National Park in Kachemak Bay during my recent Bald Eagle Photo Tour. The flat water and amazing light produced some incredible silhouettes for everyone. The trip was a huge success and my many years of leading small groups there had us in the right place at the right time every time. My March 2014 Bald Eagle Photo Tour details are on-line and live; do consider joining me for what is always a photographic trip of a liftime for all who attend.

Canon Canada Officially Launches the Northern Explorers of Light

I am thrilled and honoured to officially become the very first CANON NORTHERN EXPLORER OF LIGHT. Canon Canada has now issued a press release outlining the program, it's other members and launching their new Canon Pro website. Congratulations go out to Canon and all of the others who received the great honour!

New program and website inspire amateur photographers to shoot like the pros.

PRESS RELEASE: MISSISSAUGA, ON, 17 April 2013 - Canon Canada Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions celebrating its 40th anniversary, announced today the launch of the Northern Explorers of Light program and its accompanying website www.canon.ca/pro. The Northern Explorers of Light are a prestigious group of seven Canadian imaging professionals who serve as ambassadors for the Canon brand and share their photographic passions and technical expertise with aspiring photographers.

The Northern Explorers of Light program is an extension of Canon USA’s popular Explorers of Light program, created in the mid-1990s. The new Northern members join the ranks of more than 50 Explorers whose specialties and styles span a wide range of photographic disciplines including photojournalism, travel and wildlife photography, portraiture, and television and film production. The Explorers’ use of Canon EOS photographic equipment allows them to capture stunning images in unrivalled clarity and detail. Many Explorers also use Canon’s large format printers and high-resolution REALiS projectors to produce and display their art. The Northern Explorers of Light will share their knowledge and enthusiasm with Canadians through workshops, speaking engagements, appearances at industry events, and social media outreach.

“The Northern Explorers of Light are some of the most gifted and influential imaging professionals in Canada,” said Ian Macfarlane, Senior Vice-President and General Manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group and Market Development Group, Canon Canada. “This program provides a unique resource for creativity and inspiration among photo enthusiasts, giving them access to the unsurpassed talent and skill of Canada’s elite photographers, and allowing them to improve their own techniques.”

The seven Northern Explorers of Light are:

• Todd Korol Calgary, AB
• John Lehmann  Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Patrick Nichols – Toronto, ON
• Camille Fortin Bensler and Chadwick Bensler (JONETSU STUDIOS) - Vancouver, BC
• Ed O’Neil – Toronto, ON
• Christopher Dodds – Huntingdon, Quebec.

To support the program, Canon Canada is also launching www.canon.ca/pro, the online home of the Northern Explorers of Light and a forum for interactive discovery and discussion about photography. Targeted to curious and aspiring photographers and cinematographers, the site showcases the Northern Explorers and the tools they use to produce their work. Visitors can browse photo galleries and read articles written by the Northern Explorers about the stories behind some of their most iconic images. The site also features technical information about the professional Canon EOS equipment used to capture and display the photos and videos.

For more information on the Northern Explorers of Light, please visit www.canon.ca/pro

Worse Weather = Better Bird Photography

American Bald Eagle Fishing in light snow  II (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 300mm F2.8 L IS USM with Jobu L-Bracket  Hand Held ISO 2,000, f/2.8 @ 1/3,200s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

Worse Weather = Better Bird Photography

Here's another from my recent Bald Eagle Photography Photo Tour. I'm still an advocate of getting out in worse weather to make better and more dynamic images. Here, the pose, action, low angle of view, dark reflection of the nearby steep shoreline, flat water all came together with the snow as the icing on the cake. Do consider joining me for my Bald Eagle Photo Tour & Workshop next March; it's perfectly timed for perfect weather conditions!

Songbirds of Pelee Photo Tour May 9-13, 2013

It's not too late to join me at Point Pelee National Park in Leamington, Ontario (Canada); the most renowned inland location in North America to photograph spring migrants, including colourful warblers, tanagers and orioles. Located in Southern Ontario, Pelee is a small peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, and is first landfall for waves of northbound songbirds crossing the Great Lakes. Birders regularly see more than 100 bird species in a day in the Pelee area, including 25 species of warblers!
This is the kind of place that birding legends about epic fallouts are made. We will also visit Rondeau Provincial Park where we will be setting-up feeders and perches to round-out our portfolios. Register for the Point Pelee Photo Tour Here.

Two Canon EOS 1D Mark IV cameras for sale

Long time friend and multiple Photo Tour participant John Z is selling both of his Canon 1D Mark IV cameras at the incredibly low price of only $2,500.00 each. contact John directly and quickly if interested or for more details: 2010photoman@gmail.com

Saint Paul Island Photo Tour Invitation

 

Saint Paul Island

Photo Tour Safari & Expedition

June 16-23, 2013 (8 Days/7 Nights)

SPACE AVAILABLE!

Join me, Christiopher Dodds for the photographic adventure of a lifetime to Saint Paul Island in the Bering Sea between Alska and Russia.

St Paul is the largest of four volcanic islands which make up the Pribilof Islands in the middle of the Bering Sea (Otter, Walrus, St. George and St. Paul) between Alaska and Russia. It's one of the few places left in the world where you can sit quietly for hours and watch the birds fly past without hearing or seeing any human influence. Along with the small community of Aleut and the seasonal employees at the Trident seafood factory, St Paul is home to over 248 species of birds, the vast majority of the world's population of Northern Fur Seals, blue fox and reindeer.

Nestled amongst the island's vertical cliffs are many thousands of nesting Horned and Tufted Puffins, Least, Crested and Parakeet Auklets, Red-faced Cormorants, Red-legged and Black-legged Kittiwakes, Northern Fulmars, Thick-billed and Common Murres and Glaucous-winged Gulls. Winter Wrens, Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Ruddy Turnstones, Rock Sandpipers and the Island's own race of the Grey-Crowned Rosy Finch all nest on Saint Paul Island.

Our small group of only six participants is the key to gaining access to the island's very best offerings, and our exclusive transportation and guide ensure we get where we want to when we want for the absolute best photography. This photographic adventure is all about being out there with our cameras; we have travelled too far to spend time indoor in front of a computer or projector! Our days will be long and rewarding with our time split between seabirds, songbirds and shorebirds, and safe access to the Northern Fur Seal blinds.

$4,995.00 includes return air transportation from Anchorage, Alaska, all ground transportation while on Saint Paul Island, profession photographic instruction, our own private guide and sightseeing services and shared accommodations (single supplement is $800.00). Price does not include food or drinks ($50.00 per person per day. payable in advance), gratuities for local guides ($10-$15 per day suggested), souvenirs or items of a personal nature.

Sign-up for the Saint Paul Island Photo Tour / Photographic Expedition of a lifetime HERE

Please scroll down the page to the sign-up form at the bottom.