Victoria BC Birding Photography Workshop 2024

Join wildlife photographer Jared VanderMeer for the ultimate 3-day bird photography workshop on Vancouver Island, centered around the vibrant bird species in the Victoria, BC area. Discover one of the world’s most beautiful small cities and immerse yourself in local wildlife. Vancouver Island is a hotspot for both resident and migrating bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

This workshop includes six half-day training sessions designed to enhance your bird photography skills. All locations are within a 30-minute drive from Downtown Victoria, ensuring you make the most of your time. You’ll visit top birdwatching spots to capture stunning images of species like the Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Anna’s Hummingbird, Hairy and Pileated Woodpecker, Redtail Hawk, Northern Flicker, Barred Owl, and even Peacocks.

Please note that specific bird sightings cannot be guaranteed, but we tailor our itinerary to focus on the most promising hotspots and species for the season. This adaptable approach ensures the best possible bird photography experience, regardless of weather conditions or group goals.

Join us for an unforgettable bird photography adventure on Vancouver Island and elevate your skills in one of the most picturesque settings in the world.

What is included in this Tour:

Photography Guide during the Daily Photography Hours of 6:00am – 5:00pm
Lunch is provided
Snacks and Water
6 Half-Day Bird Photography Skill sessions focussed on: Picking a Location, Camera Setup, Shutter Speed, Planning Light, Capturing Detail and Editing
Location scouting and planning prior to the Tour

What is not included in the Tour:

Hotels and Accommodation
Transportation to and from the Daily Site
Breakfast and Dinner
Photography Equipment

What we recommend bringing to the Tour:

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Ground Padding
A minimum of 200mm Lens, 400-600mm is recommended
Camouflage Clothing
Rain Jacket and Camera Cover if needed
Reusable Water Bottle

Sample Workshop Itinerary

Day 1: Activity Details

Meet at 6:00am Sharp near Beacon Hill Park

Skills Session: Picking a Location

Look for American Wigeon, Anna’s Hummingbird, Northern Flicker, Great Blue Heron and Peacocks.

Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm

Move to Dallas Road coastline hotspots

Skills Session: Camera Setup

Look for Harlequin Duck, Double-crested Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants, Bald Eagles and Black Oystercatchers.

Close the day out Around 5:00pm

Day 2: Activity Details

Meet at 6:00am Sharp near Esquimalt Lagoon

Skills Session: Shutter Speed

Look for American Wigeon, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Northern Pintail, Red-necked Grebe, Black Oystercatcher, Double-crested Cormorants and Belted Kingfisher.

Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm

Move to Goldstream Park

Skills Session: Planning Light

Look for Bald Eagles, Barred Owls, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Spotted Towhee and Red-tailed Hawk .

Close the day out Around 5:00pm

Day 3: Activity Details

Meet at 6:00am Sharp near Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

Skills Session: Capturing Detail

Look for Anna’s Hummingbird, Barred Owl, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch and more.

Break for Lunch 11:30am-12:30pm

Move to Christmas Hill or another near-by location based on Group Goals

Skills Session: Editing

Look for birds that have eluded us on the first 5 sessions of the tour.

Close the day out Around 5:00pm

Adult price from $2,000.00* CAD plus fees and taxes.
This workshop runs with a maximum group size of 8 guests.

Tours Dates

Notes:

Cancellation policy:

– Full refund available for cancellations 30 days or more before to the Tour.
– 50% refund for cancellation between 29 and 8 days before the Tour.
– No refund for cancellation 7 days or less prior to the Tour.

Or email info@nearmevictoria.com to reserve your spot today.

About the Tour Guide

Jared Vandermeer

Jared VanderMeer is a Victoria, BC based wildlife photographer who focuses primarily on documenting the rich wildlife and bird species that Vancouver Island has to offer.

NearMe discussion with the guide:

Tell us about your photography style? “I often describe my photography style as being colourful.. What I mean by this, is that I focus on exposing the image and editing it in colours that are true to nature.”

Describe to potential attendees your photography process? “My process is quite simple. Be in the right spot, be patient for the right moment, be ready, and don’t miss! Yes, I know easier said than done. I snap often on burst mode and then edit the images the same day. trying to capture my memories best recognition of the moment and colours in the edit that I produce.”

What style of workshop do you run? “I tend to run with the goals of the group, working on a constant QandA style Tour. While we will have specific goals and skills to work on each day together, if a question or situation comes up, we will tackle that challenge head-on and learn together from each other.”