“Hi Chris: As you know, I attended the Gannets Galore Workshop in June 2014 in Quebec and wanted to drop you a note and let you know what a profound experience it was for me, in terms of both the Gannets themselves, and the opportunity to work with a true professional. I learned many things on this trip regarding not only the technical aspects and capabilities of my camera and lens, but also in my approach to understanding what I really hoped to obtain as a final photographic image. This trip, coupled with your patient guidance, have truly changed the way that I use my equipment and forced me to think about what I really hope to accomplish as an end result – and I finally understand the importance of the “Histogram” – hooray! The Gannets themselves were breathtakingly wonderful and I shall never forget this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks again for a really great workshop. I’m saving my pennies so that hopefully I can take another trip with you in the future.”
— Jake Jacoby, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
Chris is not only an excellent teacher but an outstanding host
My teenage son (an avid youth nature photographer) and I just came back from Chris' Puffin trip. We had a day of pouring rain, a day of cloud cover and a day of sunshine and Chris gave practical advice on how to get great images no matter what the weather. Chris is skilled at meeting each photographer where they are as he gives individual customized attention out in the field. Chris uses a variety of teaching strategies (including great metaphors!) to make complex information concrete and understandable. My son came back with incredible images - puffin portraits in beautiful golden light, puffins and razorbills with fish in flight, beautiful groupings, single puffins in grass, flowers and rocky cliffs. He also came back with a wealth of tips, tools and strategies. And amidst all of the superb photography instruction and individualized attention, there was also lots of camaraderie and great stories. Chris is not only an excellent teacher but an outstanding host. Can't wait for our next Chris Dodds adventure!
- Deborah & Christopher Graham Ontario | Canada
It was an enjoyable week!
My Niece and I went to Point Pelee with Chris Dodds Photo and it was a terrific experience. He is very knowledgeable with birds, their species, their calls and is quite witty. If you listen when he tells you to bring certain things on your trip and when he talks about camera usage etc you will gain so much from your time with him! He knows his clientele very well and try’s to cater to them. He has a good analogy on some things and makes you focus on the details. It was an enjoyable week!
- Karen Galati Ontario, Canada
Chris delivers a premium product, in every way.
I’m an experienced wildlife photographer and I’ve had puffins on my bucket list for several years. Around my Colorado home, I scout my own sites and work my network of photography buddies, so I know what it takes to find good sites, get in and then have the wildlife cooperate, to get good pictures. I’ve even been a scout for a leading professional photographer, looking for superior deer and turkey subjects and locations.
Regarding puffins, I’d considered renting hide times, but most involved day-trips on boats. Most importantly, time in the hide is limited and you won’t necessarily be able to shoot when they’re feeding, nor will you likely shoot in the ideal light. The angle of view is often not ideal from a hide.
I don’t know how, but I ran across Chris’ Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop at the Mingan Archipelago National Park of Canada. It sounded too good to be true. You can shoot ALL DAY and have gourmet meals morning, noon and night. Hang on.
The “galore” part of the title is entirely true. I took over 13,000-shots in my three-days. It required merciless culling to get down to under 200 for sharing. I have many worthy of framing and the culls contain many shots that I might have been happy with, had I not had so many superior shots.
There are rules, to protect the birds, about where you can go on the islet, but that in no way excludes you from puffin activity. For example, every evening, we sat in chairs as puffin filled our frames landing, taking off, kibitzing, posing, all in the ideal light. By the end of the first day, I didn’t know how I’d possibly improve my shots, but I did, indeed, add to my archive.
Importantly, Chris is an affable and professional guy, but he pays close attention to safety, respect for our subjects, and the comfort of his guests. Everyone in my group was experienced, with good equipment. In fact, I was the only newbie. All had shot with Chris before. Guess what, I’ve signed up for his Snowy Owl Adventure, next January. I suspect that won’t be my last.
Chris delivers a premium product, in every way. Planning information was thorough and detailed, making it crystal clear what you needed to get there, to wear, etc.. The only thing left was to take the pix.
This is a premium product and a photographer’s dream. This is THE way to shoot Atlantic puffin.
Dave Stephens Colorado | USA
No matter what your level of experience you can learn from Chris!
I have been a registered NPS Nikon Pro for years and am now a registered Canon CPS pro photographer. I have had the privilege of photographing wildlife and landscape for years. When I found Chris’ website I was super impressed with the quality of images so I signed up for his Homer Alaska eagle trip for early March 2017.
Chris has a wonderful warm personality who cares about his fellow photographers on his trips. I learned additional trips and traps from him and he assisted my conversion knowledge from Nikon to Canon gear. His help was thoughtful, accurate, and delivered in a manner that assists one in getting the very best of images. His approach to using manual exposure is brilliant and one that any bird photographer should embrace for improved outcomes. He also very focused on the important light directions which can make or break your image outcomes. If you travel the London England underground tube system you cannot get the safety message “mind the gap” off your mind – when you travel with Chris you will now have the message in your mind “mind the shadow direction”. The techniques and tools Chris instills will serve you well in all your photographic moments.
I came home from this trip with stunning images that are impressive! Chris makes his duty that you obtain the type of images you hoped to achieve. Wildlife is unpredictable but Chris will assist you in going home with more than you thought possible. His knowledge of the photo industry is very deep. You will find you will enjoy the fireside chats, learn from every moment, and enjoy his company.
Chris also spends considerable time on scene to ensure that the location he determines for his photo workshop choices provides the photo opportunities you want. His pre-trip information is one of the best I have experienced for assisting your planning to the very smallest detail. I have already booked my next trip with Chris which confirms he is truly a person that you should meet and create wonderful images together.
Wynne Powell - British Columbia, Canada
I had no idea how much I would learn from you when I decided to sign-up
Your Better than Bosque trip was a real eye-opener for me. I thought I had a handle on my photographic techniques, and thought I was at the top of my game. Wow, was I wrong! I had no idea how much I would learn from you when I decided to sign-up; I thought you would show us your secret spots and that would justify the tuition for me. I made a great friend, learned more than I could have imagined and got the best images I have ever made (thousands of them). Thank you for an EPIC trip. I will be back for another of your amazing workshops soon.
Chris Smith England
I would highly recommend a trip with Chris
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip with Chris photographing snowy owls.
Chris’s knowledge of the location of the owls each day was key to all the participants getting great opportunities to photograph the owls.
What made the trip a great success for me was Chris’s easy and informative style in communicating camera settings and techniques for best results.
I would highly recommend a trip with Chris.
Ian Brennan Ireland
I enjoyed every minute and highly recommend this to colleague nature photographers that like to explore and enjoy the best Nature can offer
Deep knowledge of animal behaviour and their habitats combined with photographic talent, knowledge and years of experience are the ingredients of trips/workshops guided by Chris Dodds! I had the privilege to join Chris on various trips and experienced unique tailor made experiences, enabling creative and artistic photography. I enjoyed every minute and highly recommend this to colleague nature photographers that like to explore and enjoy the best Nature can offer.
Jan van der Greef The Netherlands
I feel fortunate to have had the experience of learning from one of THE BEST
Hi Chris, Great trip, EH!!
Seriously, I want to thank you for a wonderful week. Great company, wonderful opportunities on the Snowy Owls and lots of fun.
I have been on quite a few photo workshops, and what sets yours apart (aside from the fun), is your knowledge of the natural history of the subjects, and your encyclopedic knowledge of nature photography and photography in general. You seemed to know what the Owls would do before they did, and thus we got great shots.
I profited as much from the down time between shots as from the shooting time. What was so helpful to me was that I not only learned your recommendations for settings, but the why, in detail. You have a depth of knowledge such that when I challenged assumptions (which is natural for me as a physician), there was always a firm explanation leading back to a scientific or photographic principle. As a result I understand exactly why I am using that particular technique, and am completely comfortable with it. I learned a ton!!!
The focus was always on us getting the shots (after the welfare of the wildlife), on learning, and thirdly on fun.
I would go on another workshop with you in a minute, because no matter where it was I know I would learn something.
I really appreciate your scientific approach to photography, your having researched and tested your choices!
I feel fortunate to have had the experience of learning from one of THE BEST. Thanks for a great week.
Until next outing.
- Mike Gotthelf Fitchburg | MA | USA
This workshop was a 10+ without a doubt
I attended Christopher Dodds’ “Gannets Galore” workshop in Perce, Quebec, Canada. I have attended many wildlife photo workshops over the years and this workshop was a 10+ without a doubt. The trip was exactly as he described on his web site; no overpromising and under delivering.
Chris provided access to a colony of 63,000 nesting pairs of Northern Gannets (and at least as many non-breeding birds) and his relationships with the local park staff allowed us to get to locations in the park that were closed to the public. Throughout the trip he was cheerful, very well organized and took care of all those details (and this was a complicated location) that can ruin an experience.. I was able to concentrate on what I came to do…..photography.
As a professional photographer I know my field, but it is a major bonus to find someone who can provide instruction to me. My flight shots improved dramatically! Chris has an uncanny understanding of composition and light and presented me with many opportunities to test my skills. He understands creativity in photography as well as being a technical master. This trip was perfect for a beginner or a professional and he gives as much instruction and guidance as you need without arrogance, attitude or making you feel too shy to ask. I would encourage any photographer, no matter what level, to sign up for Chris' workshops."
Terry Turrentine San Francisco, California USA
For seabird lovers, Ile Bonaventure is a must and the way to experience it is with Chris Dodds who has nearly 30 years of experience on this island
In June 2011, I joined Chris Dodds on one of his Gannets Galore Workshops on Ile Bonaventure in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Quebec. Wow! What a place. Not only is the area surprisingly beautiful, the sheer number of Gannets nesting on this island is mind boggling - several hundred thousand Northern Gannets. In addition to Gannets there are other species photographable along the sea cliffs which Chris's participants get to experience like no others. Under a special clause, exclusive to Chris's workshop a zodiac with the participants is allowed to get up close to the sea cliffs to photograph Razorbill, Common Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake, Harlequin Duck and much more in their habitat. In addition, we spotted Blue Whale and Minke Whale and photographed Gray Seal and Humpback Whale. Nice touches like transportation of photo gear the 1.8 miles to and from the nesting colony really make this a worthwhile and productive trip. For seabird lovers, Ile Bonaventure is a must and the way to experience it is with Chris Dodds who has nearly 30 years of experience on this island." - E.J. Peiker, Nature Photographer
You will be guaranteed a good time and have plenty of photos and memories to take home with you after the trip
I have known Chris for a few years and in July 2010 I attended Chris’s workshop for Coastal Brown Bears. The trip will always hold very special memories for me as I can honestly say it was the most enjoyable and productive trip I have ever made, and the most exhausting :o)) As a professional photographer I tend to try and put together my own trips but when I heard Chris was organizing this trip I had no hesitating in contacting Chris and booking. I would advise anyone else to do the same.
From the moment I landed at Kodiak airport, we were out shooting literally within a few hours. Every day we made the most of early morning and late evening light. Photographing some days till 11 pm. The number of subjects we captured was unbelievable: Fox Cubs, Song Birds, Eagles, Seals, Sea Otters, Wolves and… BEARS!
After spending three days on Kodiak Island we headed for the Katmai Coast by floatplane and stayed on the Coastal Explorer, which was our home for a week. Almost every day we had a different location to go to and made the most of the weather. At times it rained non-stop and at others, I was walking around in just a t-shirt. Getting up close and personal with the bears was the ultimate thrill and having an enormous boar run, at what seemed directly at me whilst chasing salmon, was a heart-thumping moment I will never forget; Though our safety was Chris's primary concern.
Life on the Coastal explorer was fun and we were all well looked after with meals ready for us at all times. The downtime was relaxed and we watched movies and even spent one-afternoon fishing where I caught Halibut and a silver salmon. Plus I landed the biggest Halibut, don’t let Chris tell you otherwise :o)) As you can tell even when we were not photographing we were having fun.
If you are considering such a trip or one of Chris’s other workshops my advice is not to hesitate and to book straight away. You will be guaranteed a good time and have plenty of photos and memories to take home with you after the trip.
Thanks for a great time Chris and I look forward to the next one!!
Best Wishes- Darren Holloway (FMPA FBIPP QEP) Smallfield | Surrey | UK
If you want personal attention or just a guide who knows where and when to go, what to look for and the best way to photograph it then Chris is your man!
He's a note I received from Gill Arden (and Bob Zarnke) after my Eagles of Homer Workshop back in March 2009:
We have just returned from our third trip with Chris, it will not be the last. We enjoy being part of a small group and as there were four of us including Chris, and we got the attention and help we didn’t think we needed! After months of anticipation, being delayed by a snowstorm in Minneapolis, and the drive from Anchorage I was in a state of excessive excitement as we waited for the feeding of the eagles. Suddenly there were so many flurries of birds, swooping, diving, and retreating every which way, that I became overwhelmed. Chris appeared alongside me, calmed me down, reminded me that we were there for 5 more days, and suggested I just stand, watch and enjoy. Then return to my camera, not chase everything that moved but to pick a zone and wait for action. Still bewildered I followed his instruction and to my amazement took many keepers. Although Chris was only one of many photographers he carried on Jean’s legacy of respect for the birds and local people. He quietly suggested alternative parking spots to those who happened on private property, he organized helpers to unload fish and he called in help for an injured otter stranded on the beach. He had suggestions for our downtime and took us on several drives to enjoy the locale and he took us to excellent eating places. Oh yes, he enabled us to raise our photography standards to yet another level. He’s answered many questions since we returned and is always ready to help. We look forward to our next trip with him. If you want personal attention or just a guide who knows where and when to go, what to look for, and the best way to photograph it then Chris is your man!
I heartily recommend Chris to other organizations looking for a speaker on photography or nature photography
April, 2009
To whom it may concern
At our April monthly meeting we invited Christopher Dodds to gave a presentation on bird photography. There were about 60 people in attendance including numerous of our membership interested in bird photography.
It was evident very quickly that Chris has a complete command of his profession. He is clearly a gifted photographer, with an artistic eye, and considerable knowledge and interest in birds. He used his superb photography, detailed discussion of his photographic technques in obtaining his shots, and his engaging presentation style to gain the attention of all the audience, photographer and non-photographer alike. The crowd that gathered around him to ask questions after his presentation is testament as to how well it was received. I even had two people email me after about how much they liked his presentation, which is an unusual occurance.
I heartily recommend Chris to other organizations looking for a speaker on photography or nature photography.
Jeff Harrison (Vice-President, Bird Protection Quebec)
Thanks for your kind words, Jeff.
I most admired Chris Dodds’ active coaching
My recent trip (Dec. 2016) with Chris Dodds to the Bosque del Apache reserve was a roaring success! Five full days of shooting opportunities were exactly what I bargained for, and great lessons were learned. Specifically, high-quality results come with time, patience, and attention to detail. My experience with Chris gave me a taste of all three in a truly relaxed and fun atmosphere. Each and every one of our five days working primarily with snow geese and sandhill cranes offered welcome variation in conditions to provide a broad package of opportunities. I left the workshop with a full portfolio of portraits, flight shots, behaviors, and great shots of those magnificent “blast offs” of thousands of white geese and elegant cranes, all under excellent light conditions for bird photography. Chris is a master at choosing and teaching about the best positioning for photos (clouds, sun, wind, behavior etc.) It was a busy time, with all the instruction I wanted, and that’s exactly how it should be! I most admired Chris Dodds’ active coaching combined with openness to questions at any time. Chris was often right next to us shooting away and teaching-by-example, but his clear priority was to boost the abilities of each participant, no matter whether they were beginners or pros. It is a rare ability to coach a well-experienced photographer one moment, and then patiently help a newbie with a point-and-shoot learn how to set up their tripod! I’m busily planning another trip or two with Chris!
Darrell Vodopich Waco | Texas
An incredible leader and instructor
With health issues and possessing few skills in tracking birds in flight, I headed to Montreal with a good share of trepidation about having any success on the Winter Owl Safari. Chris Dodds is not only a master photographer, but I soon discovered that he is an incredible leader and instructor who is quick to give suggestions, share his vast knowledge and patiently answer any question. As a result, I was successfully capturing more and more action shots each session as the days went by. Chris went out of his way to make sure each one of his clients was safe and as comfortable as possible in the extreme conditions in which we were photographing. Aware of my health issues, he was continually monitoring me to make sure that I wasn't over doing it. Chris is fun to work with and is spoken very highly of by the landowners who he deals with, which in turn, makes many private tracts of land where the owls are located accessible to him and his groups. He seemingly has an inexhaustible level of energy that ensures that his clients will have the most productive experience humanly possible. Returning home with many stunning photographs and memories of such a delightful experience, I am looking forward to the time when I can do another one of Chris Dodd's workshops with great anticipation.
John Michael Fuller Duanesburg | NY
Learn more about my Snowy Winter Owl Workshops HERE.
an amazing week of owls
Thank you again for an amazing week of owls. I came home with some of my favourite images of all time. I was very impressed with many things throughout the week. Most notably, your concern for our groups’ comfort, your knowledge of the owls we were there to photograph, your technical ability, your advice/instruction, and your ability to always make things fun. Spending some time with you and seeing the amount of effort, time and processing that goes in to capturing your images was an eye-opening moment for me. It was an awesome experience and I am already looking forward to next year’s workshop. Thank you again for everything.
Andrew Feiler Las Vegas | Nevada | USA
Learn more about my Snowy Winter Owl Workshops HERE.
the very best photo trip I have ever joined
What can I say? Your Winter Owl Photo Tour was an absolute sensory overload of owls, knowledge and fun! A smashing success! I have to say this was the very best photo trip I have ever joined (and I have joined many). It was an EPIC adventure, and it was a huge success; with your help, I managed to pull off an incredible portfolio of Owl images that was miles better than I could have imagined! Just like your stated goal; I can attest to the fact that the single most important objectives for you as the leader is for your clients to achieve an EPIC portfolio that you would have been proud to call your own, and for everyone to learn. Mission accomplished, my friend…many fold. I would have been thrilled with just one of the hundreds of EPIC images that I created under your wise guidance. You will see me again on another workshop soon. I can offer anyone considering this trip the following advice: DO IT! You won’t regret it. Chris works extremely hard for you to get the very best images; images that will impress everyone. He’s fun and eager to teach anyone, regardless of their abilities. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Peter Frost London | England
EPIC, Exhilarating Pictures, Instructional Colossus
Thank you so much for a memorable week during your Snowy Owl Workshop, I have enjoyed it immensely.
The week has been EPIC, Exhilarating Pictures, Instructional Colossus, what more can I say.
It has been a long held ambition of mine to photograph Snowy Owls and in choosing your trip all my expectations have been filled and some. The company has been an important and enjoyable part of the trip and I will recall with great fondness many of the hilarious moments we have shared together.
I appreciate all the hard work that you have put in to ensure the success of our trip and I wish to thank you for that.
I hope the season continues to go well for you and I wish you happiness in your life.
Again a heartfelt thanks.
John Sheppard Banbury | England
The winter owl workshop was excellent
The winter owl workshop was excellent. From the pre-planning through the last spectacular day with the snowy owls. In addition to the skills and nature experience Chris brings to the workshop, he also brings his passion of nature photography as well as a genuine focus on the safety of the owls and wildlife. The group size was great and the team composition was excellent, travel was pleasant, safe and comfortable. It was great to be able to peak into Chris's personal life, spending time with Chris opened up a new world for me that I want to explore. I learned value insights and lessons related to exposure, histograms and the habitats and behaviours of owls. It was great being out in the nature and cold, learning not only to capture razor sharp images, but how to do so in extreme weather. Most americans will not know the excitement of seeing a Tim Horton's in the distance or the comfort of fresh Poutine, I can say I am now a fan.
Kim Ringeisen Flying Monkey Photography North Carolina | USA