2026 Dates
Feb 16th - Feb 20th, 2026
Feb 22nd - Feb 26th, 2026
March 1st - March 5th, 2026
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Guides / Instructors
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Price
$2950 CAD + 5% GST ( Approximately $2050 USD) | Deposit: $600 CAD
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Workshop Summary
This instructional photo workshop focuses on the winter/early spring avian highlights of southwestern British Columbia. During an intensive four days of shooting, following an introductory dinner and presentation, our travels will take us throughout the Greater Vancouver Area, and also to Vancouver Island, which is accessed by a scenic ferry crossing. Throughout the trip, our focus will be on creating images of utmost quality, while exploring the many factors that play into successful bird photography. No matter if you're relatively new to this pursuit, and are seeking out guidance to learn the fundamentals, or you're a more seasoned shooter interested primarily in the excellent photo opportunities, we're confident this trip will be a great fit. With two guides, and a maximum group size of only 5 participants, ample time will be afforded for 1-on-1 instruction.
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About the Area
Situated between the Salish Sea, the North Shore Mountains and the Fraser River Delta, Vancouver is often touted as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Surrounded by nature, it's no wonder why it's also one of the best major cities in the world for wildlife photography.
Throughout the winter months, the relatively mild climate of southwestern British Columbia hosts a higher diversity of birds than anywhere else in Canada. South of the city's core, where the river meets the sea, the bulk of the region's migratory birdlife seek refuge from the chill of winter that consumes the rest of the country. These marshy, fertile lands are comprised of agricultural fields, mudflats, and a large network of sloughs and salt marshes. Thousands upon thousands of birds rely heavily upon this area - much of which has been set aside as an international Important Bird Area.
Within the city itself, abundant green spaces, an extensive waterfront, and numerous lakes and ponds serve as habitat for a surprising assortment of birds as well. Mosses and lichens drape seemingly every surface in the towering coniferous forests interspersed with bigleaf maples. Travelling up slope, these forests slowly transition into subalpine, and eventually give way to the glacier-capped peaks that this part of the world is known for.
Easily visible from Vancouver is our namesake island; home of British Columbia's capital city of Victoria. Here we'll spend a day, just scratching the surface of this massive island that stretches northward nearly 500km. The trip to and from takes us on a scenic 1.5 hour ferry ride through the Gulf Islands.
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Accommodations
For those travelling from outside the Vancouver area, our recommendation is to stay at the Best Western Plus Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre. This is central to many of our photography locations and will be our meeting point each morning. Several other hotels and Airbnb rentals are available throughout the immediate area.
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Transportation
Group transportation is not provided during this workshop. Why?
Simply put, multiple people piling in and out of a cramped passenger van with tripods, large backpacks, and potentially wet clothing is no fun. Travelling in separate vehicles allows for the following:
You won't be obligated to adhere to all group plans. If you're feeling low on energy, or need to return to your accommodations for any reason, you'll be able to do so at any point in the day, without worrying about affecting the experience of other participants.
With much more space available, your camera gear won't have to be fully broken down after each shoot, and can be left mostly assembled and ready to go at a moment's notice. This allows us more time in the field, and ultimately, more images.
If you live in the Vancouver area, there will be no need to commute each morning to the accommodations to meet up with the group. You can save time by simply meeting us at our first photography location, and return directly home in the evening.
Having your own vehicle allows you to explore the area in the evening - taking advantage of the many amazing restaurants Vancouver has to offer. Also, should you wish to extend your stay either before or after the workshop – as many participants do – you'll be able to travel to other worthwhile destinations surrounding Vancouver, such as the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
How we'll get around...
We will be convoying together to our shooting locations. As we move about throughout the day, we'll be sending out location pins by group text. In the rare event we become separated on the road, this Google Maps pin will direct you to exactly where we're headed next. Participants should be familiar with navigating using their smart phone, which we are happy to assist with.
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Daily Schedule & Meals
Prior to the workshop, you'll be sent an introductory video presentation, outlining what to expect during our time together. We'll go over gear and clothing recommendations, key-learning objectives, and all other considerations.
Our workshop will begin with an introductory dinner and meeting, where we'll have a chance to socialize and get acquainted with our plans for the following days.
The next four days will be spent in the field, photographing an assortment of exciting birds throughout the Vancouver area. Taking a scenic ferry ride, we'll also make a day trip to the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, where more fantastic photo opportunities await.
To take advantage of the best light and bird activity, we'll begin each day at around 7:00am – with the exception of our Vancouver Island day, which will require an earlier start. We'll shoot throughout the day until sunset at around 6:00pm.
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Breakfast
The breakfast buffet at our recommended hotel opens at 6:30am. Depending on our schedule for a given morning, there may be an opportunity to dine here. If our photography plans dictate otherwise, we'll arrange to stop somewhere along the way. For our trip to Vancouver Island, we'll have the opportunity to dine together during our morning ferry ride.
Lunch
As we'll be travelling to and from shooting locations throughout the day, making the most of the light, we'll usually grab a quick lunch on the go. However, time can be allotted for sit down meals, should the group prefer this option.
Dinner
A variety of restaurants serving dinner are within walking distance, or a short drive, from our recommended hotel. On our Vancouver Island day, dinner will be available on the ship during our trip home.
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Instruction
One particular aspect of our workshops that we take great pride in, and that sets us apart from many other outfits, is the high level and amount of photographic instruction that we provide. You are not here to pay for our photo holiday. You are here to learn, and to experience tremendous wildlife encounters. As such, our time belongs to you for the duration of the workshop. In fact, it is rare that we take our own images, other than to demonstrate angles or check exposure settings.
Naturally, level of experience and learning objectives differ from person to person. Through email dialogue prior to the workshop, and in-field discussions, we aim to establish areas where each participant may hope to improve. Our low participant to instructor ratio allows us ample time for one-on-one teaching.
Topics discussed in detail and exercised in the field include the following: selecting the proper shooting perspective, assessing light angle, approaching/stalking birds, attaining a proper exposure, achieving pleasing backgrounds, eliminating distracting elements, capturing sharp detail, photographing birds in flight, low light techniques, etc.
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Physical Requirements
This workshop tends not to involve any technical or serious hiking, and the majority of our shooting locations are a short distance from the vehicles. The ability to comfortably carry your gear on relatively flat trails (some of which may be rooty, rocky, and muddy) for 1 - 2 km (0.6 - 1.2 miles) will be beneficial, though not imperative. Age and physical limitations do not tend to be at all restrictive during this workshop.
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Equipment Recommendations
Camera Gear
The following are our recommendations for the most critical pieces of equipment. Should you have any questions regarding gear, don't hesitate to contact us.
- One or more Mirrorless or DSLR camera bodies
- Telephoto lens of at least 400mm (on a crop body – 500mm or 600mm preferred on full frame bodies)
- For those also using a prime super telephoto, a secondary mid-range telephoto lens (e.g. 100-500mm, 200-600mm)
- Wide-angle lens with circular polarizing filter for landscape images- *Optional*
- Lens plates and the tools for installation
- A sturdy tripod and head (smaller travel tripods not recommended)
- A cable release (or another way to trigger your shutter remotely) *Important*
- Rain covers for cameras and lenses
- Flash (not essential)
- Microfibre cleaning cloth
- Air blower for clearing lens of water droplets
- Spare batteries and ample memory cards
- Laptop and external hard drive for storing images
Clothing
Vancouver's weather is often very dynamic, so being prepared with the proper clothing is important. We schedule this workshop to coincide with the driest period of Vancouver's winter, though it is likely that we will experience some sort of precipitation during the workshop, whether rain or snow. Forecasts are very regional and often change quickly. The average daytime high should be approximately 8°c (46°f) and the nighttime low 2°c (36°f). With that said, it is not uncommon for Vancouver to experience temperatures well below freezing during this time of year.
You'll stay comfortable by dressing in layers. Here is what we recommend...
Top
- Long sleeve base layer (moisture wicking, merino wool or polyester)
- Mid layer (fleece or polyester)
- Warm outer layer (insulated, down or synthetic)
- Waterproof shell jacket
Bottom
- Long underwear (moisture wicking, merino wool or polyester)
- Quick dry soft shell pants
- Rain pants
Other Articles
- Outer layer of clothing you don't mind getting dirty, for shooting on the beach, edges of ponds, etc.
- Thin gloves (good dexterity for operating camera controls)
- Thicker pair of gloves for overtop
- Warm hat
- Warm socks
- Neck gaiter
- Rubber boots (highly recommended) or waterproof high ankle hiking boots
- Knee pads (*Optional* - can come in handy during waterfowl shoots)
- Chest waders (*Optional* - you may have the opportunity to enter the water to achieve eye-level images of water birds)
- Avoid denim jeans or other fabrics that hold water and don't dry out
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Subjects
Waterfowl
Approximately 30 species of waterfowl are possible in the Vancouver area during the winter. While we focus on quality encounters over quantity, our trip is designed with diversity in mind, with participants coming away with a large portfolio of waterfowl, including several tough to photograph species. We'll have excellent waterfowl flight photography opportunities in a beautiful setting. Also, at one particular site where the birds have become very accustomed to humans, we can enjoy close-up opportunities with up to 12 species.
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Raptors
As waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines inundate the region, with them comes a host of predatory birds. Exploring the agricultural areas throughout the Fraser River Delta, it isn't uncommon to encounter many hawks and harriers, and hundreds of eagles. Also, if you know where to look, eight species of owls can be found in the Vancouver area during the winter months. A few other atypical species may wander into the region as well.
As many species of owls are nomadic, there may be years when a certain species is altogether absent from the region, and abundant the next. Each year brings different opportunities and we work hard to maximize your success; scouting for many weeks to find off the beaten track, unique locations.
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Songbirds
Even during February and early March, a nice variety of songbirds call the area home. Spring tends to come quite early to this part of the country, and as a result, a number of our resident species become territorial, long before most spring migrants arrive back to the region. This presents some great opportunities to capture singing and courtship behaviours.
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Feeder Setups
Supplementing our time in the field, we'll spend time at a feeder setup, targeting West Coast specialities, such as Steller's Jay and Chestnut-backed Chickadee, among others.
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Anna's Hummingbirds
It's hard to believe that in a part of the world that can reach -10°c during the winter months, a bird weighing no more than 4 grams is the first to begin nesting. As early as late January, female Anna's Hummingbirds begin to build their nests using strands of spider web, moss, lichen, and even the feathers of other birds. Not only does our workshop period coincide with this process, it's also the very best time to photograph the incredibly beautiful males, as they display to potential mates.
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Shorebirds
No trip to the Vancouver area would be complete without a visit to the coastline. Both the estuarine habitats of expansive tidal mudflats and the more exposed rocky headlands give life to an assortment of shorebirds. From thousands of wintering sandpipers and plovers, to the resident Black Oystercatchers, some great photography opportunities can be had.
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What participants are saying...
" The Winter Birds of Vancouver Photo Workshop was an incredible experience, not only the photographic opportunities presented but it was also an immersive nature experience. It is clear that Jess and Connor have invested extensive time and effort into learning and understanding the behaviour and habitat for the wildlife we photographed. Both Jess and Connor worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our daily outings; maximizing our shooting time every day, depending on the weather and the habits of the birds. Neither of them shot photos during the workshop, which is not typically the norm, and they focused 100% on their clients. During the workshop they offered helpful photography tips, taught us about natural history, and best practices in the field. It is clear that they know their craft inside and out and are passionate teachers. This workshop far exceeded my expectations."
"The Winter Birds of Vancouver workshop led by Jess Findlay and Connor Stefanison was super fun! I thoroughly enjoyed learning from these two world-class photographers each day. Not only are they master photographers but they are also skilled teachers and expert guides. We saw many wonderful and beautiful birds during this workshop including five different kinds of owls, numerous raptors and eagles, sapsuckers and a myriad of duck and shore bird species. I highly recommend this workshop with Jess and Connor, A+++"
“Jess and Connor are not only expert photographers who share their tips with respect to composition and exposure, they’re incredible scouts, finding raptors in their natural habitat in places you would surely miss even if you knew they were there. Every expectation was exceeded in this workshop"
"I just returned from the Winter Birds of Vancouver Photo Workshop. Jess and Connor are so extraordinary in their ability to find the birds we wanted to photograph and to help us improve our photography skills hour after hour. Can't wait for my next trip with them!"
"It was an amazing 4 days. I am so happy to have been part of this workshop with all of you. This was a first for me and it will not be my last."
"Jess and Connor, you both have incredible skills and knowledge of the wildlife in the Vancouver area. I was really impressed with how much you knew of our photo subjects. The workshop was a fantastic experience that exceeded my expectations. You both were very patient and did not rush us, the workshop was well paced and packed with opportunities from sun rise to set. I also particularly enjoyed the suggestions on composition and your artistic abilities to turn wildlife into works of art. I definitely would take another of your workshops and I really had a good time and enjoyed myself."
"Thanks so much for everything you guys did to make the workshop so memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learned a great deal and came away with some new friends."
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Get To Know Your Guides
Jess Findlay and Connor Stefanison grew up together in the city of Burnaby—just outside Vancouver, British Columbia. Having both struck up an interest in photography during their mid teen years, they began exploring locally with cameras in hand; eventually joining a photography club. As this hobby started to bring them further afield, their focus gravitated towards exploring and documenting the area's diversity of wildlife as well as their adventures in the British Columbia backcountry. This was only natural, having grown up in families passionate about the outdoors - with childhoods spent birdwatching, hiking, fishing, skiing, and mountain biking.
Gaining notoriety in local competitions, Jess and Connor began taking this hobby more seriously and it soon consumed the bulk of their time. It wasn't long until a demand for sharing their skills and local knowledge spurred on a career guiding workshops and photo tours.
Since 2008, their travels have taken them across the globe. Several successes in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and the Nature's Best Photography Windland Smith Rice Awards have garnered them international commendation. Their work has been displayed on numerous occasions in the London Natural History Museum, Royal British Columbia Museum, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.
Connor has photographed several editorial assignments for Audubon Magazine and has assisted on several film projects with both National Geographic and BBC – including Planet Earth. His travels have taken him to the Canadian Arctic, remote areas of Norway, the rainforests of Panama, and throughout western Canada and the United States.
For the past several years, Jess has been guiding photography workshops in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Peru. Working as a naturalist, bird guide and photographer aboard a charter vessel, his travels have also taken him to remote regions of Alaska's Aleutian Islands and Katmai Coast. Jess also spends part of the spring/summer field season working on conservation biology projects as an ecological consultant.
With science backgrounds, Jess and Connor bring a unique perspective to their teaching; emphasizing the importance of understanding animal behaviour, and their connection to habitats, in efforts to find, photograph, and better respect their subjects.
A collective passion for their native province of British Columbia drives both their own photographic pursuits and their enthusiasm of sharing it with those who visit.
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How To Register
If you'd like to register for this workshop, please click here to navigate to the workshop webpage, scroll down and fill out the form.
Hope you can join us!
© Jess Findlay & Connor Stefanison 2025