LOCATION
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
TRIP LEADERS
Jess Findlay & Connor Stefanison
MAX GROUP SIZE
4-5 Photographers
2025 DATES
• May 5–9 JUST 1 SPACE REMAINING!
• May 11–15 SOLD OUT
IF YOU‘RE INTERESTED IN EARLY ACCESS TO 2026 REGISTRATION, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO JOIN THE WISHLIST.
2024 (SOLD OUT)
2023 (SOLD OUT)
FEE
$4,195 CAD + 5% GST
Includes 4 Nights Accommodation
(Approximate Price in USD - $3,080)
Deposit – $750 CAD
Join myself and Connor Stefanison for this unique five-day photo workshop in one of Canada’s premier birding locations: the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Located in south central British Columbia, this remarkably biodiverse part of the province is home to many species found nowhere else in the country – owing in large part to its unique climate. Low-lying valleys tucked along the leeward side of the tall coastal ranges are sheltered from heavy precipitation, creating a semi-arid, desert-like landscape that’s directly adjacent to montane forest full of lakes and wetlands. At the height of spring, both the diversity and abundance of birds here is truly impressive. In addition to the many avian highlights, the stunning scenery, distinctive plant life, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, are sure to capture our attention throughout our travels.
It’s a place close to my heart that I’ve enjoyed exploring since I was a kid, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to share it with other passionate photographers.
Highlights are likely to include…
Opportunities with nesting pairs of several species of owls: Northern Saw-whet, Western Screech, Great Horned, and Northern Pygmy
Displaying Ruffed Grouse from blinds at a drumming log
A wide variety of songbirds
Close encounters with Canada and USA’s smallest bird: the Calliope Hummingbird
Spending time in some of the country’s most uniquely beautiful and rare ecosystems
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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This workshop tends not to involve any particularly technical or strenuous hiking, and the majority of our shooting locations will be a short distance from the vehicles. Keeping in mind your safety and comfort, our pre-trip scouting will always prioritize the shortest and most straightforward approach. With that said, we never know what we'll come across, and a particularly excellent opportunity may justify a longer or more arduous hike. The ability to comfortably carry your gear on relatively flat terrain (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 tend not to be very restrictive during our workshops.
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One of the many aspects that sets our trips apart is the meticulous attention given to each and every one of our participants. Other than to demonstrate angles and techniques, it’s rare that Connor and I take our own photographs during our workshops.
Photographing wildlife is our passion too, but we save that for our own time, and always prioritize maximizing your enjoyment and productivity. -
A high level of instruction is offered to all those registered. Some participants may solely be interested in our guidance to the best sites for their target species, others may be seeking greater education on the ins and outs of nature photography, wildlife, ecology, etc.
We’re confident in our ability to exceed your expectations, whatever those may be.
JOIN THE WISHLIST
This year’s trips already full? Interested in participating during a forthcoming year?
Click the button below and enter your details.
You’ll be notified of any cancellations and of early registration for future trips.
Register
If you're ready to reserve a space for the 2025 workshop, or would simply like to receive more information about it, please provide your details in the form on the right. If you have any questions, please include them in the message portion of the form.
Due to changes in availability, submitting a form does not guarantee your registration — an email will be sent confirming the reservation of your space. Details will be provided on how to send secure payment for the required non-refundable deposit. Additionally, a release of liability waiver and all other requisite paperwork will be sent, which you will be required to read and sign.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our policies which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Thanks very much for your interest!
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Deposits are considered non-refundable. If a cancellation is made prior to 60 days before the start date, the remaining amount (•not including the deposit•) will be eligible for refund, minus a 5% administrative fee.
We pride ourselves on operating our workshops with tact and consideration for our valued participants. We will do our very best to fill your space and reimburse you, should you be met with extenuating circumstances. Our expectation is that same consideration be extended to us, as small business owners — consequently, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to ensure you can be reimbursed for costs ineligible for refund, and unjust losses aren't imposed on us.
* The workshop fee (including deposit) will be eligible for refund should restrictions surrounding COVID-19 prevent us from operating the trip, or prevent your participation - including prohibition of cross-border travel, and interprovincial travel. This does not include complications surrounding COVID testing prior to flights, or other unforeseeable matters pertaining to travel. This also does not include prevention of participation due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, or any other illness (if within the 60-day limitation). *