Joe Norton Eagles Galore Testimonial

“I have finally been able to make time to sit down to thank Christopher Dodds for a wonderful Bald Eagle Photography Trek on Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska this past March, 2023! What a glorious, wonderful trip this was. I can highly recommend this if you are a fan of Bald Eagles and Photography. I have been fortunate to capture images of Bald Eagles across the “lower 48”, but never have I had an experience with eagles like this! One again, Chris’s experience and knowledge about wildlife and bird photography, as well as about our target subject, the majestic Bald Eagle, made this an experience I will never forget. He is a highly professional photography trek leader, with a constant aim of not stressing our target wildlife as well as a focus on the safety and well being of his trek participants. As this trek involved travelling twice a day across Kachemak Bay to various shore landings via “water taxi” (think miniature landing craft with bow ramps) on sometimes steep rocky shores, this was paramount to ensure neither participant nor photography equipment went swimming. As a no longer young photographer with what might be considered some mobility limitations, I remain highly appreciative of the support and assistance of Chris, our boat captain and his mate in this regard. The weather gods smiled on us this trip and gave us fantastic dawns, sunrises and afternoons with wonderful light. In addition, we never found ourselves without Eagles to photograph. I came home with a more than large portfolio of outstanding images of Eagles flying, diving, chasing, striking fish, twisting, turning, flipping and even “posing for portraits”! It is only recently that I have trekked with Christopher Dodds, this being my second trip with him. My highest recommendation is that I will be looking forward to trekking with Chis again.”
— Joe Norton Illinois, USA

Bald Eagle Fishing

American Bald Eagle with fresh catch (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  ISO 2,500, f/2.8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

He is dedicated to doing everything he can to make sure you come home with lots of amazing photographs!

 

There are a lot of photographers to choose from when deciding to take a workshop.  I had come across Christopher Dodds Photography on Facebook and really like his photographs.  I read about Chris’ workshops.  They all sounded well organized and he has years of experience going to various places.

I love Alaska and had been dreaming of taking an Eagle photography workshop and decided to sign up with Chris.  I am so glad I chose Chris for a lot of reasons.  The workshop was very well organized.  Chris provides the attendees with a list of suggested clothing to be sure you are comfortable in the Alaskan winter weather.  He provided us with a list of suggested equipment so that we knew exactly what was needed to get the kind of photos posted on his workshop page.  The group was limited to 5 attendees, so we each had ample opportunity to get feedback and suggestions from Chris. Chris is extremely knowledgable about Kachemak Bay and knows where to go to get the best shots depending on the wind and the weather, and whether there is sun or snow.  Chris uses the same boat and captain for this workshop, so the captain knows exactly what Chris wants to do and how to get us into those best areas…. Chris believes in safety above all else, but snow, sleet and rain did not keep us from going out.  In fact, it made for some great photos depicting the Alaskan winter eagle environment.  It was an amazing trip and I got a lot of great photos and learned so much!  I would definitely choose Chris for another birding workshop as he is dedicated to doing everything he can to make sure you come home with lots of amazing photographs!   Thanks, Chris, for a fantastic workshop and wonderful adventure!


 Jessica Duke Eagle Nest, NM, USA

Bald Eagle Silhouette II

American Bald Eagle SILHOUETTE II (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, EF 200-400mm F4 L IS USM @400mm. ISO 400, f/5.6 @ 1/4,000s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

KUDOS:

There are a lot of photographers to choose from when deciding to take a workshop.  I had come across Christopher Dodds Photography on Facebook and really like his photographs.  I read about Chris’s workshops.  They all sounded well organized and he has years of experience going to various places.

I love Alaska and had been dreaming of taking an Eagle photography workshop and decided to sign up with Chris.  I am so glad I chose Chris for a lot of reasons.  The workshop was very well organized.  Chris provides the attendees with a list of suggested clothing to be sure you are comfortable in the Alaskan winter weather.  He provided us with a list of suggested equipment so that we knew exactly what was needed to get the kind of photos posted on his workshop page.  The group was limited to 5 attendees, so we each had ample opportunity to get feedback and suggestions from Chris. Chris is extremely knowledgable about Kachemak Bay and knows where to go to get the best shots depending on the wind and the weather, and whether there is sun or snow.  Chris uses the same boat and captain for this workshop, so the captain knows exactly what Chris wants to do and how to get us into those best areas…. Chris believes in safety above all else, but snow, sleet and rain did not keep us from going out.  In fact, it made for some great photos depicting the Alaskan winter eagle environment.  It was an amazing trip and I got a lot of great photos and learned so much!  I would definitely choose Chris for another birding workshop as he is dedicated to doing everything he can to make sure you come home with lots of amazing photographs!   Thanks, Chris, for a fantastic workshop and wonderful adventure!

Jessica Duke Eagle Nest, NM, USA

Learn more about my Bald Eagle Workshops HERE.

Bald Eagle The SCREAMIN' EAGLE

Bald Eagle The SCREAMIN' EAGLE (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DXS Mark III, 500mm f/4 L IS USM and Canon 2X and 1.4X Tele-converters II. ISO 400, f/13 @ 1/400s Manual. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's an old favorite from my 2009 Eagles Galore Photo Tour. Posting today, as I prepare for my back-to-back Saint Paul Island and Coastal Brown Bear Boat charter in Alaska.

To me, apart from the incredible detail in this image, I really like the way we can see all of that detail in the mouth. I avoided the deep shadows of harsh light by working on an overcast day (with snow changing to rain and sleet), and avoided using a flash (which would have also created some pretty strong and distracting shadows). My collapsible 22" white reflector did a fantastic job of illuminating the inside of the Eagle's mouth (I won't mention the brand, just get the cheapest one available; the bigger it is, the softer the light).

Bald Eagle STARE

Immature American Bald Eagle STARE (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM @400mm and Canon EF 25mm Extension tube II. ISO 400, f/13 @ 1/400s Manual. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

I always carry extension tubes so I can physically connect both my Canon Extender EF 1.4X and 2X (Version III) when I want a really close image, they also reduce the minimum focusing distance when I get really close. During my Bald Eagles Galore Photo Tour in March, I used the new Canon 100-400mm II lens for most of the trip. When this immature Bald Eagle landed right beside me, I instinctively crouched-down, and attempted a really close portrait, but realized that the bird had landed slightly within the minimum focusing distance of the lens; it was closer than 38.4" or 980mm (do note this is the distance from the sensor, not the front element of the lens). I quickly added my Canon  EF 25mm Extension Tube to be able to focus without moving away from the inquisitive Eagle.

Bald Eagle TOP OF THE DIVE

American Bald Eagle TOP OF THE DIVE (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM @400mm. ISO 400, f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s Manual. Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Here's another image from my Bald Eagles Galore Photo Tour in March. If you want to come home with a portfolio full of Bald Eagle images, then this is the trip of a lifetime for you. I have guided more photographers in Kachemak Bay than anyone else and know where to be in any given weather, wind and light conditions. I know where to find flat dark water when it's snowing, and I work very hard at getting us the very best opportunities. No matter if you are a beginner, or seasoned professional, this is the right trip for you.

Be sure to book your EPIC Bald Eagles Galore Photo Tour spot before it's too late; March 2017 dates are live. Get more information HERE.

Bald Eagle FREE SPIRIT

American Bald Eagle FREE SPIRIT (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DX, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM @312mm. ISO 320, f/5.6 @ 1/3,200s Manual. Full Frame. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Yet another Bald Eagle from my Bald Eagles Galore Photo Tour in March. Having so many Eagles fising so close to us provides some great opportunities to photograph them during their acrobatic approaches. Here's the top of a cartwheel dive in nice light.

Do notice the exposure is an equivalent to Sunny 16, less a third of a stop to preserve all of the details in the white feathers. Read more about the Sunny 16 rule HERE.

Be sure to book your EPIC Bald Eagles Galore Photo Tour spot before it's too late; March 2017 dates are live. Get more information HERE.

Eagles Galore in Alaska with Christopher Dodds

Adult American Bald Eagle REGAL (Hailiaeetus leucocephalus, Pygarge a tete blanche, BAEA) Kachemak Bay (near Homer), Alaska ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1D mark III, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM (version 1) @ 210mm  Hand Held ISO 250, f/7.1 @ 1/250s Manual mode. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

It's not too late to join me, Canon Canada Northern Explorer of Light and X-rite Photo coloratti, Christopher Dodds, for the premier Bald Eagle photography photo tour:

March 7-11, 2016 (5 full Days)

ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!

March 12-16, 2016 (5 full Days)

ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT!

March 17-21, 2016 (5 full Days) 

ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT!

 

Based in Kachemak Bay, near Homer, AK, this is where all of my famous Eagle images were made. This is your chance to make a truly awesome portfolio of Eagle images; dramatic flight shots, dynamic portraits and there is truly no prettier place than this for Eagles in their environment with mountains as the background. Get more information about my Bald Eagles Galore Workshop HERE.

Kudos:

I’ve long been wary about joining a workshop with a “big name” pro.  I’ve heard (and witnessed) a litany of workshop horrors, ranging from egomaniac leaders to unwieldy, unhappy groups.  Plus, as a professional photographer, I did not think that I would learn much from a workshop.  Indeed, I teach photography and postproduction.

Chris Dodds’ Eagles Galore workshop changed my mind.   Although he is a supremely talented photographer, Chris is approachable and friendly, and he works tirelessly to make sure that everyone in the group has a fantastic experience.  He limits the workshops to a small, manageable size.  And, in spite of my I’m-a-professional-and-don’t-need-help attitude, I am a better photographer for having joined the workshop. After spending a week with Chris, my flight photography is materially improved. (Chris is an expert on the nuances of servo autofocus, for example.)  Chris also taught several useful post-production techniques that I now use routinely in my workflow.

The true measure of any photo trip, however, is the photos.  Chris’ stated goal is for every workshop participant to go home with images that Chris would be proud to call his own. He means it.  The eagle photography was fantastic.  I came home with several dozen “portfolio grade” images, plus thousands of strong shots. Indeed, the single biggest complaint from my fellow workshop participants is the number of eagle shots that they had to sort through when they got home.

I’ve already registered for another workshop with Chris.

Andrew Kelley Denver, Colorado USA

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 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

Used Camera Gear for Sale

 

American Bald Eagles THE TANGO (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. Click HERE to order a print or license image for publication.

FACEBOOK

If you've been following my Christopher Dodds Nature Photographer Facebook fan page, you have probably noticed that you can view more of my work there than is posted here to my blog. Be sure to stop-by and LIKE my Fanpage HERE to see more.

MARCH BALD EAGLES WORKSHOP

Believe it, or not; there's still space for my Bald Eagle workshop in March. This workshop is designed to ensure that you will return with an impressive portfolio of Bald Eagle images. Be sure to check it out:

Bald Eagles of Homer, AK Photographic Expeditions / workshop / safari March 18-22, 2013 Five full days.

USED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

I have a few items for sale as follows:

Canon 1Ds Mark III - used professionally with box and everything that came in  it. Perfect working order and minimal wear. 15 day guarantee CAD$4,500.00 OBO

Canon 1D Mark IV - used professionally with box and everything that came in  it. Perfect working order and minimal wear. 15 day guarantee CAD$3,500.00 OBO

Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular fisheye for Canon - Like new and hardly used.  15 day guarantee CAD$800.00 OBO

A friend has the following for sale:

2 x Canon 1D Mark IV - used with brassing (wear). Perfect working order. CAD$3,200.00 OBO each

Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS USM - used with box and everything that came with it. Optically perfect. CAD$3,900.00 OBO

SOLD - Canon 500mm f/4 EF IS USM Version I - used with box and everything that came with it. Optically perfect. CAD$5,500.00 OBO

Email me chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com if interested.