We joined up with two other Photographers Dick from Massachusetts and Joe from Georgia. Also Local Photographer Connor Stefansion shot with us on our first morning there and several times there after. His knowledge of the area led hugely to our success and also Matthews organization and pre scouting paid of big in allowing Images from the get go.
The weather was not in our favor with Heavy fog for the first 4 days of the 6 day trip. Light conditions and locating the Owls in the heavy fog and mist were challenging at best.
Upon locating our first Owl on a pleasing perch and creating some images, We quickly realized the fog created a mystique and sense of mood in our images that made them unique and different from the normal images you see. The Image below is one of the first Image we created from the area.
The fog remained heavy the entire Day making flight images impossible, so the First several days we focused on creating pleasing static Images on interesting perches.
This next Image was captured at Brunswick Point also located in the Boundary Bay area.
This time we were photographing this perched Snowy when another photographer was approuching from the opposite side we were shooting the bird, his presence caused the bird to fly allowing me to capture this image as it was lifting off tis perch.
As this bird flew off we monitored its direction and refound it a few hundred yards away as it re roosted on a beautiful piece if timber. I really liked this image from the trip with the leading lines taking you to to the bird, also the mystical fog creating a misty mood within the scene. We played with Compositions but felt this worked best.
Later that Day we once again Joined up with Connor Stefansion and also Jess Findlay, Both extremely talented young Photographers who both have won some great awards and accomplished allot in there young careers.
This time to locate a Barred Owl near his home, We were not having much success then as we were leaving the bird appeared from the forest shadows allowing some great photo opportunities in the fading light of day. We visited this bird on 2 occasions, hoping to get some better light as the forests there are very dark with the tall conifers.
We were able to create some great static images, I had to use a remote trigger as shutter speeds were in the 1/20th-1/40th area and even a 2 second timer would not stabilize the camera enough it seemed. Here are a few images from the time spent with the Barred Owl.
We had a break in light which allowed for some diffused light 4 1/2 days into the trip, We then attempted some flight photography in the area of the snowy Owls moving from the marsh areas and bay to building tops of a tomatoe greenhouse located nearby.
We also had some fun opportunities with Short Eared Owls and Even a Barn Owl, The area was amazing for raptors and all owls. Truly an Amazing place!
This Barn Owl We happened to spot on the way In, It perched in someones yard, Matthew asked permission and the homeowner granted us permission where we were all able to capture some Images.
W even had some time to Photograph waterfowl, there are some tremendous location in the area with Burnaby Lake and Reiffel Bird Sanctuary all close by. The weather was not sooperative but we still managed some images.
Also with Connors guidance he turned us onto some resident Oystercatchers and Turnstone in the area, both life birds for me and new species to photograph. our time was limited but we tried to make the best of it.
All in all it was a terrific trip, I will certainly make it back at some point, the image opportunities are endless, I certainly appreciated the invite from my friend Matthew Studebaker, He has been a huge influence in my photography and I will be forever thankful.
Until next time!!! Dan
