A Snowy Owl coming towards you through falling snow is a good reason to spend a February day outside.
Keeping it in the frame, holding focus on its eyes and getting the exposure right takes preparation. There is a lot to think about when those wings start moving, and that is where our time together in the field can make a difference.
I have openings in the final two weeks of my 2027 Winter Owl Photography Workshops in Québec and Ontario. With another winter approaching, I went back through the testimonials guests have shared over the years.
Better photographs are a common theme, of course. But so are understanding exposure, becoming more confident with a camera, learning about the owls and enjoying the company of a small group.
Those are the things I work towards each week.
Understanding the Photograph
Mike Gotthelf put it particularly well after his owl workshop:
“What was so helpful to me was that I not only learned your recommendations for settings, but the why, in detail.”
— Mike Gotthelf, Massachusetts, USA
That matters. I want you to understand the decisions you are making so you can use what you learn long after you get home.
Why choose one shutter speed over another? What is the histogram telling you about the snow and white feathers? What happens to your exposure when an owl flies from a dark background into a pale sky?
We work through those questions with the subjects and conditions in front of us. You can try something, see the result and ask about whatever still does not make sense.
Rhett Gibson came hoping to learn how to expose properly for snow. He described leaving with a much broader understanding of how to evaluate a scene and determine exposure. His conclusion was simple:
“I finally understand exposure theory!”
— Rhett Gibson, Alabama, USA
That is knowledge you can take to your next owl encounter, your local duck pond or a trip halfway around the world.
Being Ready When the Owl Moves
Finding an owl is part of the work. Watching it carefully and preparing for what it might do next are just as important.
While we wait, we look at the light, wind and background. We check exposure and autofocus. We talk about where a bird might fly and how to give ourselves room to follow it.
You cannot predict every movement, but you can avoid spending the first few seconds of an encounter changing settings that could have been sorted out while the owl was resting.
Joe Norton described photographing Snowy Owls resting, flying and hunting during his January workshop. One short line from his testimonial says a great deal:
“Outstanding photographic results for me, better than I anticipated.”
— Joe Norton, USA
My goal is to help you make the most of the encounters we have. Sometimes that means working on flight photography. Sometimes it means noticing a portrait, a quieter moment or a better background while we are waiting for action.
Help With Your Photography
You do not have to arrive knowing everything about your camera. Bring your questions, including the ones you think you should already know the answers to.
Wink Gaines described the help during his week:
“While in the field, Chris is always on hand, offering tailored advice on camera settings, lens choices, and technical matters”
— Wink Gaines, North Carolina, USA
Groups are limited to seven photographers, and all camera brands and experience levels are welcome.
Tell me what you would like to improve. Perhaps you are struggling to keep a flying bird in focus, second-guessing your exposures or coming home with photographs that never quite match what you saw. We can work on those things together.
The learning happens in the field. Ask questions, let me know when something is not working and take advantage of our time together.
The Owls Come First
Deb Bryk wrote:
“I was pleased to see you not bait birds”
— Deb Bryk, USA
We photograph wild owls without baiting, feeding, calling, luring or using flash. We respect private property, give the birds space and let their behaviour guide our decisions.
Waiting is part of that approach. So is knowing when to leave an owl alone.
I have spent more than forty years photographing wildlife, and I still love watching an owl go about its life. Sharing that with a small group and helping someone make a photograph they are excited to take home keeps me looking forward to another winter.
There is plenty of laughter along the way, too. We spend a week together, and enjoying the company is part of the trip.
You can read these guests’ full accounts and many more in my Testimonials archive.
Looking Ahead to This Winter
Snowy Owl sighting reports have started to roll in, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the winter develops. It is still too early to call, but I’m hopeful we could be in for a promising season. After all these years, the anticipation of those first encounters never gets old!
Join Me in February 2027
My January workshops and February 1–5 session are sold out. Openings remain for:
February 8–12, 2027 — four spots available
February 15–19, 2027 — five spots available
We meet at the Montréal airport hotel on Monday morning and spend the week following the best opportunities available to us in Québec and Ontario. Weather and owl activity shape our days, and the species and encounters vary from week to week. These are wild birds, so sightings and particular photographs cannot be guaranteed.
If you have been wanting to photograph Snowy Owls, improve your flight photography and become more confident with your camera, I would love to have you join me.
Bring your questions and your warm clothes!
Join Me for the Winter Owl Workshop
Find the itinerary, pricing and registration details on the workshop page.