Atlantic Puffin with Fresh Catch for Breakfast

Join me, Canadian Wildlife Photographer Christopher Dodds, on an exclusive Puffin photography escape. Limited to an intimate group, this is your invitation to a once-in-a-lifetime immersion. Picture this: newly renovated lighthouse accommodations a stone's throw away – less than 200 meters (220 yards)! – from the nesting birds. Indulge in gourmet meals surrounded by the symphony of seabirds, dedicating our days from dawn till dusk to capturing their captivating lives. Our focus extends beyond the stars of the show, the Atlantic Puffins. Prepare to photograph a rich tapestry of wildlife, including Razorbills, Common Murres, Savannah Sparrows, Semipalmated Plovers and Sandpipers, White-rumped Sandpipers, Black Guillemots, Common Eiders, various gulls, Grey Seals, and even the possibility of Minke Whales.

These meticulously timed expeditions coincide with the peak season, ensuring we witness the heartwarming spectacle of puffins returning with precious catches to feed their young. Having grown to the size of an adult, they need a lot of nutrition to bulk up an extra 20% before they leave the warmth and safety of their burrow.

It's not just a workshop; it's an intimate and luxurious encounter at Puffin Paradise. Secure your place for an unforgettable photographic journey.

Atlantic Puffin Fresh Catch (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 6,400, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Mist and Magic: An Intimate Encounter with Atlantic Puffins

The salt-laced air hung heavy with moisture, a thick veil of mist clinging to the tiny island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This was day two of my "Deluxe Atlantic Puffins and so much more" workshop, and already it had delivered on its promise. We'd spent the afternoon immersed in the charming, swirling chaos of puffins ferrying beakfuls of glistening fish back to their hidden pufflings – a photographer's dream.

After a productive session, the aroma of a gourmet meal lured us away from the rocky shores. Pan-seared salmon and all the delectable fixings provided the perfect fuel to recount the day's photographic triumphs. As we savoured the last bites, a dense cloud rolled in, shrouding the island in an ethereal grey.

Undeterred, and perhaps fueled by the lingering taste of salmon, we made the short 200-meter trek back down to the beach. The visibility had dropped significantly; the world was reduced to a soft, muted palette. But then, something magical happened.

Suddenly, the puffins out foraging at sea began to fly in. They materialized out of the fog, their vibrant orange feet and beaks stark against the monochrome backdrop, and landed on the rocks around us. They allowed us an incredibly close approach, offering a rare opportunity for intimate portraits.

Seizing the moment, I reached for my Sony 2X teleconverter. With a quick twist, it nestled between my trusty A9 and the powerful reach of my 600mm f/4 super-telephoto lens. The added magnification allowed me to fill the frame with the character of these remarkable birds. I edged closer, carefully navigating the slippery rocks, until I reached the lens's minimum focusing distance.

The silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves, was profound. It was a privilege to witness this scene and to capture this intimate glimpse into their lives.

This image serves as a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can emerge from challenging conditions. Initially, a potential disappointment, the heavy mist transformed into the perfect stage for a truly unforgettable encounter. It was a day that underscored the magic of wildlife photography and the incredible rewards of patience and a little gourmet salmon. What a day, indeed.

Atlantic Puffin Portrait in the mist (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine,Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/125s Manual exposure. Full Frame image.

Atlantic Puffin in flight portrait with fish

The light was magical as the fog started to lift on the morning of August 3 during my second (of five) Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Lighthouse Island Adventure Workshop in Quebec. I have previsualized this image for a very long time: a portrait of a Puffin with a load of fish made in flight with its wings back in magical light. This image is a true testament to the abilities of today’s modern cameras (precisely the Sony a9 mark III), as this bird was flying at 88km/h (55MPH) and is at the minimum focusing distance of the lens and extender combination.

“A fabulous workshop with an artistic and accomplished photographer!

This workshop exceeded all of my expectations: the technical and artistic training in photographing the puffins offered by Chris, the personalized monitoring and attention to detail while photographing the birds, the numerous puffins floating on the water, perched on the cliffs and passing a few inches over your head, the exceptional beauty of the island, the welcoming staff, the lodgings and the food and the perfect group size. Chris is a great communicator and a passionate photographer who will explain with great patience the important notions of bird photography or the settings of your camera to take the best possible shots, rephrasing his explanations in different ways if necessary, until you understand them fully. All of it with a great sense of humor! I loved my experience and would strongly recommend it to others. In addition, Chris is a very good story teller and knows how to create a very friendly group atmosphere. ”
— André Beauchesne | Québec, Canada

Atlantic Puffin in flight portrait with fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony A9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 5,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image top[ to bottom (cropped sides to 4x5 aspect ratio).

Atlantic Puffin flying with fish against golden cliffs

It takes a minute for the dust to settle before we can fully appreciate everything we witness and experience. Looking back through the memories of my recently completed five sold-out, back-to-back Deluxe Atlantic Puffin workshops, I can’t help but feel somewhat overwhelmed by them. There are those moments frozen in time by my camera, but there are also the moments standing on the beach before sunrise, waiting for the imagess to emerge from the scene. It’s not only about the images! I keep thinking about new friendships and when a client starts to understand a new technique or theory or, perhaps, realizes that exposure theory may be simpler than they thought. That’s what makes me happy!

“The Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop Photo Tour was fantastic! The island is remote, and Chris helped me with some complex travel arrangements. The location is beautiful, away from other people getting in your shots. There are many photo ops on the island, many razerbills, gulls, and my favorite, 1,000s of puffins. We were able to shoot them on land, taking off, flying, and bringing back fish. Not only is Chris an internationally renowned wildlife photographer, he is an incredible teacher. He assessed each of our photography skills and worked with us at our level, answering questions and making suggestions. We were able to shoot several times each day. He would walk around the island and let us know if there were spots that were especially good, helping us find the best opportunities. We stayed in the lightkeepers inn, which was very nice. Our French chef was fantastic, and prepared meals with several options. I especially liked the eggs Benedict and salmon. I would strongly recommend this tour to photographers at any level, beginner to advanced. Thank you Chris! ”
— Victoria Steelman | Iowa, USA | Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop 2024

Atlantic Puffin flying with fish against golden cliffs (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony A9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 12,800, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Atlantic Puffin Flying with Fish at Sunrise

Special thanks to all my clients (friends) who made my five back-to-back Deluxe Puffins Galore workshops successful. We had fantastic weather, exceptional photography, and more Puffins with fish than usual, all mixed with lots of learning and good times. Did I mention the food? Smile!

“I had a spectacular time! It is a once-in-a-lifetime, wonderful adventure with Chris on Ile Aux Peroquets, a tiny island paradise! I was able to get up-close shots of Puffins as well as many in-flight shots of these comical birds. I also learned about proper exposure! Fields of wildflowers, gourmet food and comfy accommodations were the finishing touches on this unique, cool workshop!

Thank you so much!”
— Kara Mason | New York, USA | Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop 2024

On the morning of August 9, 2024, we all waited patiently. The fog magically lifted as the sun projected its magical golden rays at sunrise. This is the first frame from that morning session:

Atlantic Puffin flying with fish at sunrise (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony A9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 12,800, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Last minute cancellation for Deluxe Atlantic Puffins and so much more workshop in Quebec

An Atlantic Puffin photographed in flight with fish at first light during my Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Lighthouse Island adventure workshop in Quebec.

I just had a last-minute cancellation for my otherwise sold-out Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Lighthouse Island Adventure Workshop in Quebec. Click below to find out more or to reserve your spot.

Atlantic Puffin flying with fish at first light (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/3,200s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Atlantic Puffin Portrait in last light

A simple yet elegant portrait of an Atlantic Puffin at last light. I made this full-frame image with the Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6 G Master OSS Lens and Sony 1.4X teleconverter (@560mm) while sitting comfortably on the beach during my Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore and so much more workshop in Quebec.

Atlantic Puffin Portrait in last light (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 100-400mm f/5.6 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X teleconverter (@560mm). ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Deluxe Puffins Galore workshop in August. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Common Raven Egg Predation

A Common Raven in flight with a stolen Razorbill egg at first light during my Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Workshop in Quebec, Canada. A pair of Ravens arrived on the beach well before sunrise as I was waiting for my group and enjoying the sound of the waves washing up on shore. After everyone was in place and the first drops of golden sunlight kissed the cliffs in the background, this Raven seemed to show off its breakfast to us.

Ravens are omnivorous and feed on everything from small mammals to nesting birds, eggs and berries. They will also eat carrion, scavenge from other predators and even from human landfills. A group, or a flock, of ravens will raid seabird colonies, consuming the eggs and young of these colonies.

Raven with Razorbill egg in golden light (Corvus corax, Grand corbeau, CORA) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X teleconverter (@1,200mm). ISO 2,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Deluxe Puffins Galore workshop in August. To learn more CLICK HERE.

Magical Atlantic Puffin flying with fish against Golden Cliffs

Almost at the end of the road along the upper North Shore of the Saint Lawrence River in The Gulf of The Saint Lawrence and almost in Labrador is a little island with a newly restored lighthouse. I charter the entire island every year for the first two weeks of August and host the most magical, fairytale-like “Puffins Galore and so much more workshops” to photograph Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills and more. The magic of the location, the quality of light, the varied backgrounds and the proximity to the birds make it the best place in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins! We sleep in the fully restored lighthouse keepers’ quarters and eat gourmet food, and our biggest commute to the Puffins once on the island is only 200 meters (200 yards).

Due to popular demand, I have just added one extra workshop from August 10 to 13, and the spots are filling quickly. Learn more about my “Puffins Galore and so much more workshops” HERE.

Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 5,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop Update

I have just added another workshop from August 10-13 due to the overwhelming popularity of my Deluxe Puffins Galore and so much more workshops.

This is a dream deluxe photography tour: Dreamlike accommodations in a newly restored lighthouse just feet away from nesting Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills on a small island in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Quebec, Canada, with gourmet food.

  • It is timed to coincide with the very best time to be at the colony when the Puffins return with fish to feed their young.

  • The group size is limited to 5-8 photographers (the price is per person in single or double occupancy, as desired, with only six rooms available).

  • Exclusive use of the lighthouse and accommodations means we will be the island’s only inhabitants.

  • The small group size means more assistance, one-on-one guidance, and coaching for every participant.

  • Long lenses are not mandatory for this tour; 200-400mm reach is adequate for an impressive portfolio.

  • Photographers of all levels are welcome; the tour pace will suit everyone’s needs and skill level. Participants should be able to comfortably walk 200 meters (200 yards) at a slow pace while carrying their equipment.

  • Owners of all camera brands are welcome. My 40 years of professional photography include the last six years as a Sony ambassador, 16 years using Canon as a Canon Northern Explorer of Light, and 16 years using Nikon before that. I can help anyone with any brand improve their photography.

  • Christopher Dodds has 40 years of experience with the Puffins in the great Canadian outdoors.

Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 10,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Atlantic Puffin a la Sony 600mm f/4 and 1.4X

Atlantic Puffin Landing in golden light (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens  with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 2,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full Frame.

KUDOS

"Puffins Galore" is a very apt name for this photography workshop with Christopher Dodds on L'Ile Aux Perroquets in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, and many shorebirds use this little island in the Mingan Archipelago as their nesting home during the breeding season and the place is alive with activity with many opportunities for images of birds in flight and birds around their burrows. Chris Dodds is acquainted with every aspect of puffin behaviour and is very generous with time and advice; he helped me improve my skills capturing images of fast-moving birds. Everyone in the group came away with images that they were thrilled with. The guest house on the island is a converted lighthouse keeper's residence and provides a very comfortable experience. The meals alone would be worth the trip. Puffins Galore and much, much more.

-Paul Ludden

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla, Bécasseau semipalmé, SESA) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens  with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/3,200s Manual exposure. Full Frame.

Here is a Semipalmated Sandpiper landing on the seaweed covered rocks at low tide during my Puffins Galore (and so much more) workshop in Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada. I got down low and installed my 2X onto the new Sony 600mm f/4 which made for an incredible 1,200mm f/8 lens when paired with the Sony a9.

Stay tuned for a mini-review of the new lens soon!

 

Atlantic Puffin CATCH OF THE DAY

Atlantic Puffin CATCH OF THE DAY (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. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS @ 400mm. Full frame image. ISO 800 f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure mode. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

Getting back to the immense number of Puffin images produced with the Sony a9 & Sony 100-400 G Master during my Deluxe Puffins Galore workshop in July/August. Here is another Puffin with Capelin image; full frame at 400mm. I have said it before, and I will say it again: The new auto-focus is unstoppable! The number of Puffins returning to their burrows with Capelin was similar to other years, but the number of tack sharp images @ 20fps was tough to edit thanks to the Sony a9.

Sony RX-10 mark IV Mini-review

I am in the midst of preparing for a bunch of presentations, but want to share that I  received my Sony RX-10 Mark IV a couple of weeks  ago, and the first results are remarkable. Although it won't fit in a pocket (I didn't expect it to, and my phone is already there and ready for those shots), the idea is to always have a camera with me that has fast auto-focus (.03 second focus acquisition), 24 frames per second and a built-in zoom that covers from 24 to 600mm at f/4. This is for those times when you see a something and wish you had brought your full camera rig. Of course, like all things in the photography world, there are trade-offs, so you shouldn't expect it to produce files like the a9 at higher ISO. Overall, the Sony RX-10 Mark IV has impressed and delivers everything promised. It is a great introduction to the Sony world for those photographers fully invested in other brands, and a great camera choice for all naturalists, birders or sports fans and parents!

Canon Lenses for Sale

Email me an offer! chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com

  • SOLD: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with Internal 1.4x
  • SOLD: Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Telephoto Lens
  • SOLD: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Zoom Lens (Version I) 
  • SOLD: Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM Lens
  • SOLD: Canon Speedlight 580EX II Flash

Atlantic Puffin TROPHY

Atlantic Puffin TROPHY (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 1DX mark II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM @400mm. ISO 400, f/5.6 @ 1/4,000s Manual exposure. PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION HERE.

I'm just back from my annual back-to-back deluxe Atlantic Puffin workshops at the Mingan Archipelago National Park of Canada. The birds (puffins and Razorbills) and the folks in my groups were awesome! We had tons of laughs, epic photographic opportunities and some incredibly delicious food while staying in the lighthouse on the island for the four day (three night) trip.

Here's a favorite "grab shot" from the trip; I was putting my camera and lens together on an otherwise quiet morning while I noticed this Puffin circling. It was making it's way into it's burrow to feed it's Puffling (baby puffin) in some pretty sweet light. I called-out that it would continue to circle to those in the group who were near me. I quickly set the manual exposure and then pre-focused my camera at the distance I thought the Puffin would fly past me. This is the first of three frames captured. Call it a lucky shot, but years of photographing and watching seabirds, learning their behaviour and ensuring that my groups have the very best dates does ensure ample opportunities - smile.

Do be sure to book early for next year, as the trips are already starting to fill! Read more about my Deluxe Atlantic Puffin trip July 29 to August 1, 2017 HERE.

KUDOS

The four days and three nights on the I'ile aux Perroquets (Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop) will go down in my mind as one of those life experiences that will stay with me forever.  That isle is a very special place. You did an incredible job.  I was thinking about you on the trip back.  What does it take to be a top notch photographer as well as a gentlemanly guide, teacher, chaperone, and friend?  You have a unique set of skills that somehow pull off the attributes necessary.  Each and every one of us that left that island felt as though we had made a personal connection with you.  That is no easy task.  Must be a Canadian thing!  Keep doing what you're doing.  A very sincere "thank you" to you.  This trip exceeded all expectations.

- Paul Treseler Massachusetts | USA