2027 Wildlife Photography by Kayak Evening Tour

2027 Wildlife Photography by Kayak Evening Tour

Wildlife at Water Level

Some of my favourite summer evenings begin by pushing a kayak away from shore with my camera tucked safely into a dry bag.

Photographing wildlife from the water changes what you see. Instead of looking down from a shoreline, you are at eye level with the birds. The background changes. The reflections become part of the photograph. And because we can move quietly through the water, there are opportunities to watch and photograph behaviour from a completely different perspective.

The lakes around Lac La Biche are home to loons, red-necked grebes, pelicans, ducks and other water birds throughout the summer. We may find grebes carrying chicks, loons moving through the evening light, pelicans fishing or, occasionally, a beaver appearing along the shoreline.

I have spent years photographing wildlife from my kayak, and it has become one of my favourite ways to experience the Boreal Forest. There is something very different about being on the water in the evening, moving quietly, watching the light change and waiting to see what appears around the next bend.

This is a private experience for just one or two photographers. I choose where we go based on what I have been seeing, the weather, the wind and where I think we will have the best photographic opportunities that evening.

Your Camera. In a Kayak.

For many photographers, that idea comes with one immediate thought: What happens to my camera?

I understand.

Before we leave shore, I will show you how I protect and handle my own equipment on the water, how to position yourself and your gear in the kayak, and how to photograph while maintaining your balance and control.

I provide the kayak, paddle, life jacket and a waterproof dry bag for your camera equipment. The kayaks I use have been specifically chosen for the stability and access needed for photography.

Once we're comfortable on the water, the photography becomes the focus.

I will work with you on photographing from this much lower perspective, anticipating bird behaviour, working with movement and changing light, and using the water, reflections and surrounding habitat as part of your compositions.

And because there are never more than two photographers with me, I can work with you individually throughout the evening.

Wildlife First, Always

Being able to move quietly on the water does not mean we use that ability to get as close as possible.

I pay attention to the behaviour of the birds we encounter and adjust our position accordingly. This is particularly important during summer when many birds are nesting or caring for young.

The kayak gives us a wonderful perspective, but the photograph still comes second to the animal. Sometimes that means staying where we are and allowing a bird to come closer on its own. Sometimes it means changing direction or moving away.

2027 Tour Dates

July  3, 4, 19, 20, 21
August 21, 22

Costs

$400- Per participant; $150 Deposit at time of booking (maximum 2 participants per session)

Bonus: Kayak Photography Practice Sessions

Want a little extra time to build your confidence handling a kayak before we start to photograph? I offer optional practice sessions:

30 minutes - $60 per person
1 hour - $100 per person

Practice sessions can be added and occur directly before the workshop. Required for first-time kayak photographers and recommended for those who are rusty! Upon tour booking, I will reach out to you about practice sessions. 

What is covered in the cost?

• High-quality kayak, paddle, dry bag for camera gear, life jacket for use during workshop
• In-field photography tips, kayak instructions for photography and teaching

What is not covered in the cost?

• Transportation to and from Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada
• Accommodations
• Meals

What level of physical activity is required?

• Moderate - ability to paddle a kayak 

What will the weather be like?

• The weather is warm in the summer, but being Alberta, you never know, but expect temperatures to be around 20C to 25C 
• An updated forecast will be provided closer to the actual date of the tour. 
• If there are high winds on the day that causes cancellation of the tour, you will be refunded 100% of the workshop costs

What should you bring?

• Plenty of batteries
• A lens that has reach to at least 500mm 
• Clothes that can get damp 
• Sandals
• A towel
• Plenty of water to drink 

Itinerary (subject to change)

5:30 pm - meet at lake 
5:35 pm - walk to kayaks
5:40 pm - basic instruction on beach 
5:50 pm - basic instruction on water
6:00 pm - 8:45 pm photographing from kayak 
9:15 pm - return to shore
9:30 pm - arrive back at beach

NOTE: While I will make every attempt to ensure you are comfortable with your gear on a kayak, there is always a risk of losing camera equipment overboard through sudden movement, lack of attention, or careless errors. Ensure you have insurance on your gear. Neither my employees nor I are responsible for the loss of gear.