There are few experiences more exhilarating for a wildlife photographer than capturing Atlantic Puffins in flight — especially when the conditions line up just right. This morning, on the first day of the second (of five) Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop here in Quebec, we enjoyed golden light spilling over the sun-washed cliffs and calm winds — a golden recipe for clean, crisp flight shots.

We spent the morning focused on Puffins returning to their burrows with bills full of Capelin, a telltale sign of successful offshore fishing. Although the lack of wind meant less overall flight activity, it forced us to slow down and be more intentional with our compositions, honing in on those magical moments when Puffins banked toward us in the perfect light. It was a magical morning, and the results were truly spectacular.

One of the most heartening trends that we have observed over the years is the continuing nesting success of Atlantic Puffins in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Conservation efforts and protected breeding sites are paying off — more Puffins are successfully raising chicks, which means more opportunities to witness these iconic seabirds returning with food, mid-flight, at just the right angle for that dream shot.

Next year’s Deluxe Puffin workshops are already filling up fast, and it’s easy to see why. This location offers unparalleled access to Puffins, guided instruction in a small group setting, and the kind of light and backdrop that turns a good photo into a great one. If you’ve ever wanted to photograph these charismatic seabirds in flight — beak full of fish, framed by glowing cliffs — now is the time to reserve your spot.

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