Capture The Magic
Whales and Wildlife Photography Workshops
I’m excited to announce my 2024 Capture the Magic Photography Workshop on the Salish Sea! These spectacular photo workshops will take place in the beautiful Pacific Northwest off the San Juan Islands, a location National Geographic calls, “A biologically rich environment filled with some of our planets greatest marine mammals.” An impressive claim, but just a few hours on the water is enough to make a believer out of any skeptic. In fact, I think the National Geographic statement may not do it justice, this place is absolutely stunning and provides an excellent backdrop for jaw dropping photos!
As a full-time wildlife photographer, I’ve been to more than a few incredible locations, but I have to tell you – I’ve never experienced an environment that was so incredibly target rich and diverse as these waters. If you are looking for the chance to capture beautiful images of whales and other marine wildlife this is the workshop for you. This is truly a workshop experience that you will always remember! When I went to evaluate the location for a potential workshop I knew right away this was the place it had to be!
I am excited to share my knowledge with our participants and help set us up for capturing the best possible images during our time on the water. I have spent many years here in the Pacific Northwest, several of those living along the shores of the Salish Sea. This place is dynamic and captivating--forged in fire and carved by ice and home to some of the most charismatic megafauna in the world. I have found that storytelling—through photography—can be one of the best ways to protect the animals and I am excited to share that with my fellow photographers.
As a naturalist and photographer I have spent countless hours with whales and other marine wildlife that call the Salish Sea home. With that time has come a deep awakening to the fact that everything is connected and protecting one things means protecting many things.
Photography is about advocacy and storytelling. It's about learning from our past to better direct our future into one that is sustainable for all. Every photo I capture I hope will inspire someone somewhere to speak out for the health of our planet and the myriad of creatures that call it home.
What can you see and photograph? Although there are never any guarantees with wildlife, it’s very likely you’ll see quite a few of the species listed below – heck, you may see them all and then some! In fact, the San Juan Island have cetaceans, primarily Killer Whales, all year round. There are hundreds of species including marine mammals, birds, terrestrial species, fish and other marine goodies. – think of it as one of the ultimate destinations for marine wildlife photographers! For just a small sample of what I captured, check out the Fine Art Galleries of this site.
As for the workshop itself, the goal is twofold. First, we want YOU to fill your memory cards with as many incredible shots as possible in the time we have and we will do everything in my power to make that happen. Second, we want to teach you as much as I can about wildlife photography.
As a dedicated wildlife photographer, more than 90% of the images I capture each year are of wildlife. I’m a specialist, and when it comes to getting critters on your memory cards, I have a wealth of tips and tricks up my sleeve that will help you accomplish that goal. Also, and as many of you already know, teaching photography is what I do – just check out my extensive collection of photos and videos to get an idea of how I convey myself and my information.
In this workshop, I’ll not only help you get the shot, but I’ll also share tips and tricks you can use to capture the special moments of any wildlife encounter. You will leave this workshop a more skilled wildlife photographer. We’ll look at everything from camera and tech settings to creative techniques – it’s the whole package, and I think you’ll really enjoy it. At each wildlife encounter, I’ll be there to guide you and assist in capturing those wall-hangers! Also, while I may take a shot here and there, during the workshop, I’m NOT there for my own photos, but for YOUR photos. I’ve heard of nightmare workshops where the instructor was more interested in his or her own photos than that of the participants – that is NOT the case here. YOUR images are the priority for everyone involved.
In addition, we’ll also have professional captains who are marine naturalist along to help locate wildlife – and let me tell you, their ability to find wildlife borders on the supernatural (you’ll see for yourself that last line isn’t just marketing hype). I pride myself on my ability to spot wildlife, but these guys put me to shame. I have spent thousands of hours on the water and they still know this area better and can consistently locate and hone in on wildlife of all sorts. Plus, they are super-knowledgeable about every aspect of the Salish; from fauna to flora, they can tell you all about it. Oh, and they are a blast to hang out with – you’re gonna love ‘em!
Finally, our home base will be Friday Harbor – and it’s just fantastic! The island itself is beautiful, and the truth is, you can see a lot of the marine animals from shore from certain places around the island if you’re lucky . Some of my best shots were captured right there on the Westside of the Island, and I highly encourage you to spend some time there in the early morning or sunset.
Questions and Answers:
What are the dates available in 2024
April 27th and 28th! Limit Spots Available
May 1st!
June 29th and 30th!
July 27th and 28th!
September 7th and 8th!
October 5th and 6th!
Note, although these wildlife tours sell out, there are often times a booking falls through. I highly recommend signing up for the waitlist using the form below – there’s still a good chance you’ll get in. However, this too is first come, first serve, so the earlier you get on the waitlist, the better your chances.
What’s the price?
Each day is $679.00 per person plus tax and includes all any marine/sanctuary fees and any fuel surcharges. (Note, if you book within 90 days of the trip, the entire payment is required upon booking.)
Do I receive a discount for booking multiple days?
I really wish I could offer a discount for multiple days out on the water with us. Unfortunately with the limited space we have on the boat for each tour the price is per day per person. I really appreciate your understanding.
What if I need to cancel?
We have a 90-day cancellation policy. If you cancel outside of the 90 day window then your fee is fully-refundable. Within 90 days the fee is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell your seat. If you end up needing to cancel we ask for as much notice as possible. This helps all of us as we will do everything in our power to sell your spot. If we are able to resell your spot we will refund your workshop fee in full.
What about trip insurance?
Trip insurance is not required but is highly recommended in the event of an emergency that keeps your from attending last minute or other uncontrollable factors (i.e. adverse weather, etc.).
What should I bring for photo gear?
Keep in mind this is a dedicated wildlife trip, so you’ll definitely want your large zoom lens. Using full frame, you’ll want at least 100-400mm and possibly bringing a teleconverter for extra reach. One of the super zooms is a good choice like the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, Tamron 150-600, or Canon 100-400. If you happen to have a big prime that’s awesome, however I find those to be to bulky and heavy to be handholding all day out on the water. Fixed prime lenses can be challenging as you are locked into a certain focal length and acquiring your target within the perfect frame might not be possible.
Tripods and Monopods are not allowed onto the boat as they can create a tripping and safety hazard but bring them along to the island as there can be a fantastic opportunities for a killer sunset landscape image!
I also highly recommend taking a short zoom for snapshots and it’s always possible a good landscape opportunity will crop up. Something like a 24-70 would be just fine.
Since it can be rainy at times, you also may want some sort of “rain jacket” for your gear (or at least borrow a towel from your hotel room).
When it comes to cameras, you’ll want as new of a DSLR as you can muster, preferably something from the last 3~4 years. We end up in a lot of tricky lighting scenarios, often requiring good dynamic range and good high ISO. So, the newer, the better. Any current Nikon or Canon is just fine.
You can always rent lenses and other gear before you send thousands of dollars on bigger glass. I recommend taking a look at rental sites like lensrental.com which offer affordable equipment rentals for photography workshops just like this. Oh, and don’t forget extra memory cards and batteries!
How many participants are in the workshop?
We only have 12 seats available for each day out on the water.
Do you guarantee whales and wildlife?
If there were two things I could control on every wildlife photography tour it would be weather and gaurantees of wildlife sightings. Unfortunately I can’t but keep in mind every time we head out into this dynamic ecosystem we have about an 80% chance of seeing cetaceans (whales), especially Orcas. The San Juan Islands are truly an incredible place where you can reliably find Orcas and other marine species all year. I imagine a lot of you would like to join in hopes of capturing images of orcas and I will do everything in my power and skillset to set you up for those opportunities. I offer these workshops May through September as those months have the greatest odds of finding the most species. Please understand these whales can travel well over 100 miles in a single day and we simply do not just head over to “whale cove” to view and photograph these incredible mammals. Our captain will also be chatting with other boats out on the water that day sharing recent sightings too.
Do you provide food and beverages?
Yes! We will have a variety of snacks and beverages on the boat as well as a section of lunch options for you to choose from a week or so before the workshop. I will email/contact you before you arrive to make your selection for the day. We will have lots of snacks of you to munch on, we dont want you to get hungry over the 6 plus hours we will be out on the water. Please bring any snacks or beverages you like. Alcohol is not permitted.
What type of vessel are we one?
With plenty of elbow room and unobstructed views, Our boats, J1 and J2, are the newest and most comfortable vessels from San Juan Island. Our boats feature theater-style seating and a cabin for comfort in all conditions. There is excellent viewing from the outdoor bow and stern viewing decks, as well as unparalleled indoor visibility through the large cabin windows that fully open up. You are never seat-bound and can move freely between the cabin and all viewing areas. These boats have been specifically designed for wildlife photography tours all while keeping you incredibly comfortable!
Are Tips Included?
If you feel like Sara and Myself have provided an excellent workshop tips are always appreciated but never expected. I would ask that you consider our Captain first as they are the ones that have kept us safe out on the water and have the wealth of knowledge when it comes to photographing these critters we came to see!
Is any of this subject to change?
Yes. We may choose to rearrange / modify the schedule based on weather, unforeseen circumstances, or just better opportunities for you to get a better selection of images. The primary goal is for YOU to get as many great images as possible, and any schedule change will be based on meeting that goal.
Are Drones Allowed?
Drones are not allowed on this photography tour. There are strict guidelines to fly drones around marine mammals in US waters and even stricter ones over the boarder in Canada. Please don’t ask for exceptions.
How do I get to the San Juan Islands?
There are several ways to get here from Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria and the surrounding areas. Each of them are a beautiful adventure in their own right.
The most economical way to get here is on the Washington State ferry. The ferry departs from Anacortes, which is about a two hour drive north of Seattle and about two hours south of Vancouver. The ferry is a beautiful one hour ride through the San Juan Islands. You can drive your car onto the ferry or walk on.
If you are just coming to San Juan Island for the day, we highly recommend that you leave your car at the ferry terminal in Anacortes and walk onto the ferry. The ferry lands in downtown Friday Harbor and our tour departure location and all of the amenities in the town of Friday Harbor are walkable from the ferry landing. If you are bringing your car on the ferry we strongly encourage making a vehicle reservation. Walk-on passengers do not need a reservation.
The fastest way to get here is on a commuter plane or float plane with a company like Friday Harbor Sea Planes, which offer one way and round trip flights to Friday Harbor. It is a quick, gorgeous 25-30 minute flight up through Puget Sound and the islands.
Flights are also available from other mainland and Vancouver Island locations by regional operators such as Kenmore Air, San Juan Airlines, Westwind Aviation and Rite Bros.
Feel free to ask us if you have questions about the best way to get here from where you are starting your journey.
Where should I stay?
San Juan Island has many great hotels and accommodations right in town. My favorite place to stay is Friday Harbor House. They offer beautiful rooms, some looking over the harbor and have a great restaurant. If you are looking for something a little more budget friendly, I recommend Earth Box or Web Suites. Friday Harbor also has some very charming Bed and Breakfast, one of my favorite being the Trumpeter Inn! You can also find some great AirBNB’s too! Most of these accommodations are within walking distance of our meeting place and the dock from which we depart.
What else can I do On the Island?
If you have some extra time or love getting up early for some of our feathered friends, there are some great opportunities for wildlife photography all over the island. First I’d make my way down to the south end of the island and check out Cattle Point Lighthouse and Jacksons Lagoon. There you can find active foxes looking for their next meal and many different bird species hanging around the small lagoons. There are also great hikes in the area, all relatively flat with stunning views. If you find yourself on the south end at sunset, its a great place to have a beach fire in one of the fire pits at South Beach. If your looking for the best sunset on the island, I’d head to the westside to Lime Kiln State Park. There you can photograph the lighthouse and the setting sun and maybe even get a glimpse of whale out on the water. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the area and the island, visit the San Juan Historical Museum in Friday Harbor, the interpretive centers at American Camp and English Camp National Parks and Lime Kiln State Park. The island is very bike friendly and has some great routes to explore. The island shuts down for the most part pretty early but has some great dinning options. I love Down Riggers and Coho for dinner and Friday Harbor House and Madrone Cafe for lunch. There are plenty of small coffee shops and bites to eat in town. One of the most fun activities you can do on the island is at night! There are several outfitters that do bioluminescence kayak tours that can be a real treat to see. This is dependent on weather and the time of year so be sure to check when the best time is for an awesome evening out kayaking!
What should I wear?
It is always cooler on the water, even when it feels warm on shore, and especially in the late afternoon and evening. In the Pacific Northwest, we believe in layers! Even for summer adventures, bring layering options such as a sweatshirt, jacket and long pants. For evening tours you will want to bring that extra layer. For Spring, Fall and Winter tours, bring heavier layers; a heavier warm jacket, hat, gloves and close-toed shoes. You will be more comfortable having too many layers than not enough.
With an average of 247 days of sunshine, we always recommend that you bring sunglasses.
What if it Rains?
We go out rain or shine, but our tours are weather dependent. We do not go out in excessively heavy rain, big seas or thick fog. We are inland from the Pacific coast and in a rain shadow, so we rarely need to cancel tours. In the event it does rain during your tour, our boat has an enclosed cabin with indoor seating and wrap around windows for viewing.
Do people often get Sea Sick?
The waters around the San Juan Islands are inland and protected from the ocean swells of the open Pacific. And with hundreds of islands in the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands, we are in sight of land throughout our tour. Because of these two factors, sea sickness is generally not an issue. If you are especially prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking your preferred remedy prior to your tour. In the event someone needs a little extra support, we also carry ginger candy, ginger tablets and sea-band acupressure bracelets onboard.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes! The vessel has a head, or marine bathroom, for your convenience.
Do I need to bring a Passport?
If we have wildlife reports in Canadian waters the day of your tour you will not need your passport to enter while we are on the boat. We are allowed into Canadian waters but if you do plan on spending some time on land in Canada before or after your workshop be sure to bring your passport along.
What if I have questions?
Send ’em to me via our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as you can. Note that this is only for questions – to sign up please click the BOOK YOUR TOUR button found on above. I generally answer questions within 24 hours.