Frequently Asked Questions

General photo club help

Canada Geese Bathing 1

Even geese need to bathe, as shown by this pair of Canada Geese.

Portrait of a Piper

The beautiful details of a dunlin in soft morning light.

Merlin

Caught a merlin with a meal

Surrounded

A bald eagle sits high on a piling next to the sea where it favors hunting. A mob of crows is harassing it, cawing, diving at it, goading it to move on. Crows will aggressively hassle eagles to drive them out of their territory as eagles are known to prey on their young. The eagle is irritated, letting out a series of high-pitched chirps.

Mallard Duck

Duck jumping off log creating splash.

the little Jumping Spider

Difficult to photograph, because it plays hide and seek. The colors are false, to enhance the visual impact and the separation of the joints of this arthropod. Nikon D3200 with a 40mm macro lens, 1/320 sec f/11 on a monopod, in the wild.

After the Dip

It was an unusually warm day for early spring, the sun was shining brightly, and I was camped along Oyster River in Black Creek, BC. After having watched this bald eagle enjoy a splash in the river, it flew and landed on a nearby stump where it preened and sat in the sun drying off.

Backlit male Northern Harrier

On April 21st, I was out before sunrise. I arrived at a small wetland and spotted this male Harrier hunting. Sitting and watching I got some images as he kept circling the marsh.

Splish Splash

It was an unusually warm day for early spring, the sun was shining bright, and I was camped right along Oyster River in Black Creek, BC. Some splashing in the river caught my attention, and what a treat to spot this eagle that seemed to be taking joy in frolicking and cooling off in the rushing water. I grabbed my camera from my RV and quietly watched and snapped pictures of this delightful moment.

Golden Hour Sentinel

Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, this marmot rises upright, scanning its surroundings along a quiet coastal landscape in Western Canada. Known for their vigilance, marmots often stand tall to watch for potential threats—this moment captures that instinct perfectly, blending behavior with beauty. The low-angle light accentuates the texture of the animal’s fur, creating a natural halo that separates the subject from the softly blurred background. Surrounding foliage and subtle foreground elements add depth, while the distant shoreline dissolves into shimmering highlights, emphasizing the calmness of the scene. This photograph reflects the quiet, fleeting moments found in nature—where light, timing, and patience come together to reveal the character of wildlife in its natural habitat.

Prairie Sentinel

Captured on the open grasslands of Western Canada, this image features a pronghorn standing alert along a rural fence line. Known for being the fastest land mammal in North America, the pronghorn is uniquely adapted to wide, open spaces where speed and awareness are key to survival. The composition emphasizes the vastness of the prairie ecosystem, with soft winter tones and layered depth drawing attention to the subject without overpowering its natural environment. The fence subtly introduces the intersection of wildlife and human presence, while the animal’s direct gaze creates a powerful sense of connection. This photograph aims to highlight both the beauty and resilience of prairie wildlife, and the importance of preserving these expansive natural habitats.

Vigor in Grace: Wings of the High Country

Captured as the world awakes, this photograph presents a Trumpeter Swan soaring with purpose. The soft pink and blue of the dawn sky create a serene canvas, contrasted by the sharp definition of the swan’s wings as they catch the first intense rays of light. This image embodies a rare blend of quiet dignity and dynamic power, showcasing the inherent artistry of a master's hand in both capture and composition. It is a moment of pure, raw elegance.

Eyes on the Horizon: Dawn Patrol

Bathed in the first intense rays of a Canadian high-country sunrise, this powerful frame captures a pair of Trumpeter Swans with unwavering focus. By carefully managing the low-angle morning light, the catchlight in their eyes is preserved, infusing the ivory giants with a vital spark. Their bodies aligned in perfect formation, they soar with determined velocity, embodying the resilient and forward-looking spirit of the wilderness. This is not just a portrait of flight, but a testament to the unyielding vigor of life.

Angry Birds!

Angry Birds! Apparently the lagoon is not big enough for this juvenile Cooper's hawk (I think!) Two crows chased it from the ocean side to the opposite bank. Colwood, Vancouver Island. April 24th/2026 Canon R5 II RF200-800mm 1/2500 F11 3200 ISO.

The proposal in the wild.

Went out to photograph eagles and blue herons at Pitt Lake… and instead stumbled onto a moment that truly defines why I carry a camera everywhere. In the quiet of nature, surrounded by mountains and stillness, a beautiful proposal unfolded — raw emotion, surprise, and a story that will last a lifetime. Sometimes the best images aren’t planned… they simply find you.

Heading To the dock.

Golden hour along the Fraser River is a reminder of how light can transform an everyday moment into something special. As the sun dipped low, its warm glow lit up the shoreline and reflected softly across the calm water. A dragon boat crew makes its final push back to home port, their wake creating a perfect pattern across the river’s glassy surface. After the rhythm and intensity of practice, this is the quiet reward — the peaceful paddle home under a painted sky. Moments like this show the beauty of life along the Fraser River, where sport, nature, and light all come together for just a few perfect minutes.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

the breathtaking interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The Big Boss

There’s a presence in the wild that doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it. They call him the boss.A grizzly that roams the Canadian Rockies with quiet authority, moving through the landscape like he owns every inch of it… because in many ways, he does. No roar. No rush. Just power, patience, and purpose. Moments like this remind me why I chase these frames. Not just to photograph wildlife—but to witness something raw, untamed, and real. A fleeting connection to a world that still belongs to them. Respect the wild. Admire from a distance. And never forget… we are only visitors here.

Peek a Boo Grizzly

Peek-a-Boo Known as “The Boss,” this powerful grizzly bear peers playfully through the dense branches of a spruce tree in a quiet winter forest. Soft light highlights the rich texture of his thick fur, while patches of snow and evergreen needles frame the scene. Partially hidden yet unmistakably present, The Boss’s steady gaze brings a mix of curiosity and quiet authority, capturing an intimate moment in the wild.

Silent Flyer

A Great Horned Owl glides silently through the trees lining the local trail. I had spotted it from the path perched atop a branch, a few moments later it decided to change vantage points and I caught it taking off and in flight from the path!

Photo contests and competitions

Canada Geese Bathing 1

Even geese need to bathe, as shown by this pair of Canada Geese.

Portrait of a Piper

The beautiful details of a dunlin in soft morning light.

Merlin

Caught a merlin with a meal

Surrounded

A bald eagle sits high on a piling next to the sea where it favors hunting. A mob of crows is harassing it, cawing, diving at it, goading it to move on. Crows will aggressively hassle eagles to drive them out of their territory as eagles are known to prey on their young. The eagle is irritated, letting out a series of high-pitched chirps.

Mallard Duck

Duck jumping off log creating splash.

the little Jumping Spider

Difficult to photograph, because it plays hide and seek. The colors are false, to enhance the visual impact and the separation of the joints of this arthropod. Nikon D3200 with a 40mm macro lens, 1/320 sec f/11 on a monopod, in the wild.

After the Dip

It was an unusually warm day for early spring, the sun was shining brightly, and I was camped along Oyster River in Black Creek, BC. After having watched this bald eagle enjoy a splash in the river, it flew and landed on a nearby stump where it preened and sat in the sun drying off.

Backlit male Northern Harrier

On April 21st, I was out before sunrise. I arrived at a small wetland and spotted this male Harrier hunting. Sitting and watching I got some images as he kept circling the marsh.

Splish Splash

It was an unusually warm day for early spring, the sun was shining bright, and I was camped right along Oyster River in Black Creek, BC. Some splashing in the river caught my attention, and what a treat to spot this eagle that seemed to be taking joy in frolicking and cooling off in the rushing water. I grabbed my camera from my RV and quietly watched and snapped pictures of this delightful moment.

Golden Hour Sentinel

Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, this marmot rises upright, scanning its surroundings along a quiet coastal landscape in Western Canada. Known for their vigilance, marmots often stand tall to watch for potential threats—this moment captures that instinct perfectly, blending behavior with beauty. The low-angle light accentuates the texture of the animal’s fur, creating a natural halo that separates the subject from the softly blurred background. Surrounding foliage and subtle foreground elements add depth, while the distant shoreline dissolves into shimmering highlights, emphasizing the calmness of the scene. This photograph reflects the quiet, fleeting moments found in nature—where light, timing, and patience come together to reveal the character of wildlife in its natural habitat.

Prairie Sentinel

Captured on the open grasslands of Western Canada, this image features a pronghorn standing alert along a rural fence line. Known for being the fastest land mammal in North America, the pronghorn is uniquely adapted to wide, open spaces where speed and awareness are key to survival. The composition emphasizes the vastness of the prairie ecosystem, with soft winter tones and layered depth drawing attention to the subject without overpowering its natural environment. The fence subtly introduces the intersection of wildlife and human presence, while the animal’s direct gaze creates a powerful sense of connection. This photograph aims to highlight both the beauty and resilience of prairie wildlife, and the importance of preserving these expansive natural habitats.

Vigor in Grace: Wings of the High Country

Captured as the world awakes, this photograph presents a Trumpeter Swan soaring with purpose. The soft pink and blue of the dawn sky create a serene canvas, contrasted by the sharp definition of the swan’s wings as they catch the first intense rays of light. This image embodies a rare blend of quiet dignity and dynamic power, showcasing the inherent artistry of a master's hand in both capture and composition. It is a moment of pure, raw elegance.

Eyes on the Horizon: Dawn Patrol

Bathed in the first intense rays of a Canadian high-country sunrise, this powerful frame captures a pair of Trumpeter Swans with unwavering focus. By carefully managing the low-angle morning light, the catchlight in their eyes is preserved, infusing the ivory giants with a vital spark. Their bodies aligned in perfect formation, they soar with determined velocity, embodying the resilient and forward-looking spirit of the wilderness. This is not just a portrait of flight, but a testament to the unyielding vigor of life.

Angry Birds!

Angry Birds! Apparently the lagoon is not big enough for this juvenile Cooper's hawk (I think!) Two crows chased it from the ocean side to the opposite bank. Colwood, Vancouver Island. April 24th/2026 Canon R5 II RF200-800mm 1/2500 F11 3200 ISO.

The proposal in the wild.

Went out to photograph eagles and blue herons at Pitt Lake… and instead stumbled onto a moment that truly defines why I carry a camera everywhere. In the quiet of nature, surrounded by mountains and stillness, a beautiful proposal unfolded — raw emotion, surprise, and a story that will last a lifetime. Sometimes the best images aren’t planned… they simply find you.

Heading To the dock.

Golden hour along the Fraser River is a reminder of how light can transform an everyday moment into something special. As the sun dipped low, its warm glow lit up the shoreline and reflected softly across the calm water. A dragon boat crew makes its final push back to home port, their wake creating a perfect pattern across the river’s glassy surface. After the rhythm and intensity of practice, this is the quiet reward — the peaceful paddle home under a painted sky. Moments like this show the beauty of life along the Fraser River, where sport, nature, and light all come together for just a few perfect minutes.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

the breathtaking interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The Big Boss

There’s a presence in the wild that doesn’t ask for attention—it commands it. They call him the boss.A grizzly that roams the Canadian Rockies with quiet authority, moving through the landscape like he owns every inch of it… because in many ways, he does. No roar. No rush. Just power, patience, and purpose. Moments like this remind me why I chase these frames. Not just to photograph wildlife—but to witness something raw, untamed, and real. A fleeting connection to a world that still belongs to them. Respect the wild. Admire from a distance. And never forget… we are only visitors here.

Peek a Boo Grizzly

Peek-a-Boo Known as “The Boss,” this powerful grizzly bear peers playfully through the dense branches of a spruce tree in a quiet winter forest. Soft light highlights the rich texture of his thick fur, while patches of snow and evergreen needles frame the scene. Partially hidden yet unmistakably present, The Boss’s steady gaze brings a mix of curiosity and quiet authority, capturing an intimate moment in the wild.

Silent Flyer

A Great Horned Owl glides silently through the trees lining the local trail. I had spotted it from the path perched atop a branch, a few moments later it decided to change vantage points and I caught it taking off and in flight from the path!