Victoria BC Whale Watching Photography Workshop 2024

Join wildlife photographer Jared VanderMeer on the ultimate 3-day whale photography workshop – focused on showcasing Vancouver Island’s surrounding whale species found in the waters around Victoria, BC.

Visit one of the most beautiful small cities in the world and experience the local wildlife. Every year a phenomenal number of humpback whales and transient orcas travel through and feed in the Salish Sea. All tours related to this trip will depart from downtown Victoria, BC. In this workshop, you will go through 4 tour/training sessions focussed specifically on improving your wildlife photography skills.

In this guided workshop tour, large covered vessels will take us to wildlife hotspots on the Salish Sea to view, Humpback Whales, Transient Orca, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, and a host of other ocean life that we may encounter along the way.

*Note that individual species viewing is not guaranteed. Each time of year focuses on hotspots and species that are the most likely to be found, and we will adapt the locations and itinerary based on the weather and groups photography goals. Contact us with your goals and we will aim to get you on a tour with the optimum chances of success.

What is included in this Tour:

Photography Guide during the Whale Watching Adventures
4 Whale Watching Trips on a Large Covered Vessel
Lunch is provided
Snacks and Water
4 Half-Day Whale Photography Skill sessions focussed on: Camera Setup, Planning Light, Capturing Detail and Editing

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
Knee Padding
A minimum of 200mm Lens, 400-600mm is recommended
Sunscreen
Rain Jacket and Camera Cover if needed
Reusable Water Bottle

Sample Workshop Itinerary

Day 1: Activity Details

Meet at 10:00am Sharp near the Farimont Empress

Skills Session: Camera Setup

Break for Lunch 11:00am-11:30am

Move to Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Camera Setup Continues

Boat Tour Orientation 12:00pm

Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Camera Setup Continues

Whale Watching Tour 12:30-3:30pm

Looking for Humpback Whales, Transient Orca Whales, and other ocean life on the tour.

Skills Session: Camera Setup Continues

Close the day out Around 4:30pm

Day 2: Activity Details

Meet at 10:00am Sharp near the Farimont Empress

Skills Session: Planning Light

Break for Lunch 11:00am-11:30am

Move to Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Planning Light

Boat Tour Orientation 12:00pm

Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Planning Light

Whale Watching Tour 12:30-3:30pm

Looking for Humpback Whales, Transient Orca Whales, and other ocean life on the tour.

Skills Session: Planning Light

Break for Dinner 4pm-5pm

A selection of local restaurants in the region.

Reconvene 5:30pm

Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Capturing Detail

Sunset Whale Watching Tour 6:00pm-8:30pm

Looking for Humpback Whales, Transient Orca Whales, and other ocean life on the tour.

Skills Session: Capturing Detail

Close the day out Around 9:00pm

Day 3: Activity Details

Meet at 10:00am Sharp near the Farimont Empress

Skills Session: Editing

Break for Lunch 11:00am-11:30am

Move to Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Editing

Boat Tour Orientation 12:00pm

Inner Harbour Boat Launch Docks

Skills Session: Editing

Whale Watching Tour 12:30-3:30pm

Looking for Humpback Whales, Transient Orca Whales, and other ocean life on the tour.

Skills Session: Editing

Close the Workshop out Around 4:30pm

Adult price from $2,750.00* 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 15 days before the Tour.
– No refund for cancellation 14 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.”