Immature Merlin in Flight — Backlit Birds in Flight at a Puffin Workshop

The first of five back-to-back Deluxe Puffin trips last summer started exactly how you’d hope.

Birds moving well, puffins coming in with capelin, and it didn’t take long before everyone settled into it. You could feel the group starting to lock in—picking up flight lines, timing things a bit better with each pass.

We were right in the middle of that when Hugh Smith called it out.

“Merlin!”

I remember pulling off a puffin mid-track and just trying to find it. By the time I did, it was already on us. Fast, low, and coming straight in.

Bright sky behind it, backlit, no time to think. If you start messing with exposure at that point, it’s over.

I didn’t touch anything.

Exposure was already set for the light falling on the subject. I had checked the histogram earlier and knew where I was. So when it came through, it was just track and shoot.

One quick moment—wings up, feet down—and then it was gone.

That was it.

We all kind of reset, picked the puffins back up, and carried on as if nothing happened. Another bird came in with a bill full of capelin a few seconds later, and the rhythm was right back.

But that one sticks with you a bit.

Not because it was a Merlin—but because there was no time to fix anything if it wasn’t right already.

There’s one room left for this year’s Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop. We’ll be based on a remote lighthouse island, with hundreds of puffins flying right over us and landing just 200 metres from where we’re staying.

If that kind of experience has been on your list, this is your chance.

“To say the puffin experience was enjoyable would be an understatement!  It was amazing!  Being on a small island, living in a lighthouse keeper’s house, with a puffin colony close in our midst gave us a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the plentiful puffins combined with many other sea and song birds!    Seeing the puffins bringing capelin to feed their “pufflings” was a highlight!   Being on site offered us different lighting conditions, including the warm morning and evening hues, with Chris offering us great guidance on camera settings for optimum results!   I knew puffins flew fast, often flying over our heads where you could feel the wind of their wings!  How cool is that!?   Photographing them to freeze the action with crisp, in focus images was truly fun, especially when puffins arrived with “fish on”!   Chris’ extensive photographic expertise was greatly appreciated, and it paid off as we all came back with wonderful images!    I highly recommend this excursion!”

 - France Boutilier Nova Scotia | Canada Aug. 2025 Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop

The Art of Waiting: A Lesson from Photographing Atlantic Puffins with pleasing backgrounds

One of the ongoing challenges I face while leading my Deluxe Atlantic Puffin photography workshops is helping participants understand a simple but powerful concept: waiting for the right moment often beats settling for a bad shot.

When puffins finally appear and perch out in the open, it's incredibly tempting to start clicking away. After all, we've come a long way to see them, and there they are—right in front of us. The instinct is to fill memory cards with images of these charismatic birds, even if the lighting is poor or the background is cluttered with dirt, rocks, and vegetation.

But here's the thing: just because a shot is available doesn't mean it's worth taking.

Personally, I'd rather take far fewer photos if it means waiting for the right opportunity—the one where the composition, lighting, and background all come together. Instead of shooting puffins in deep shadow against a distracting near background, I look for a different angle. I position myself along the cliff, where I can shoot with a more distant background. Often, this means a dreamy wash of out-of-focus buttercups and soft greens—something that adds beauty and atmosphere to the image rather than pulling focus away from the subject.

This approach requires patience and restraint—two traits not always easy to practice in the excitement of seeing puffins up close. But when that magical moment happens and everything aligns, the results speak for themselves.

Great wildlife photography isn't just about the subject—it's about telling a story through light, background, and timing. And sometimes, the best story is the one you wait for.

Atlantic Puffin Foggy Buttercups (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds.. Sony a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Atlantic Puffin in Flight with Fish at Last Light & The Artistic Power of a Black Background

During my recent Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop, a puffin broke out of the shadows at last light. It was a beautiful, adrenaline-inducing sight for everyone. The setting sun cast a radiant, golden spotlight on the bird as it flew, illuminating its distinctive white chest and vibrant beak. In that rich, warm light, its bill full of freshly caught fish gleamed—a powerful testament to a successful hunt.

More than just a meal, that bountiful catch is nourishment for a puffling waiting safely in the burrow. The little one needs to gain weight and fat stores before following its instincts to learn to swim, fish, and fly on its own after its parents leave.

The Artistic Merit of a Black Background

The high-contrast black background is the secret to what makes this image so compelling. It's a key technique in bird photography that elevates the subject by making it stand out from the distractions of the environment. By simplifying the image, this method focuses the viewer's attention solely on the bird's shape, texture, and details. The result is a more dramatic and elegant scene that highlights the bird as the star of the show.

More Kudos

Thank you so much for the images and for sharing your time and knowledge with us! To single out a single favourite thing would be impossible, as the entire Workshop was truly wonderful. Everything from the setting, and being amongst so many puffins in their natural habitat, to the freedom to wander and explore with each other or on our own, to the excitement of forever searching the skies for a puffin with a mouth full of fish...  it was truly an incredible and unforgettable experience. I will never forget the wondrous feeling of standing on the beach, as countless puffins flew overhead (in arms reach!) into their burrows on the cliffs, knowing that this is all part of their annual journey and that most of the time they will be out at the sea, on their own... How lucky are we?!! Technically, my biggest takeaway is the focus (no pun intended) on getting everything right "in-camera" the first time, and getting to feel more comfortable trusting my histogram without stressing about ISO numbers. Clearly, from the feedback on my images, it was a very valuable lesson. 

I will forever have cherished memories of these whimsical and adorable seabirds, as well as new friendships with others I never would have had the opportunity to have met. 

I highly recommend this Workshop for anyone interested in a magical experience and opportunity to photograph puffins with an incredible, professional photographer and guide. Thank you again! It would be wonderful to be able to take part in another workshop, as all of them sound beyond extraordinary and you, as a guide and mentor along the way, make all the difference! - Randi Najac Arizona | USA Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop August 2025

Atlantic Puffin Golden Light Flight with Fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @644mm ISO 3,200, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Happy World Photography Day! B&W Atlantic Puffin

Today, we're getting back to the basics of photography: light and shadow. Forget the gear, the software, and the filters—at its core, a great photo is a dance between these two fundamental elements. As I always say, it’s all about “light and the absence of light.”

Light reveals and shadow defines. Every stunning portrait, breathtaking landscape, and candid street shot begins with this balance. Light illuminates an object's colours and textures, while shadow gives it form, depth, and three-dimensionality. Without shadows, our visual world would be flat and lacking detail. Together, they create mood and emotion.

Modern digital cameras are incredible, with their ability to record detail in even low-contrast, flat light. This advanced technology allows us to capture stunning images in once impossible conditions, making it easier than ever to create compelling visual art. It's a testament to how far we've come since I first dreamed of being a National Geographic photographer before my 16th birthday. For more than four decades, photography has been a part of my everyday life.

Recently, the power of these fundamentals was on full display in a shot I captured of an Atlantic puffin. The bird sat perfectly still on the glass-like water of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, its form in beautiful contrast to the stark, foggy backdrop. Stripped of colour and shrouded in a dreamy haze, the image proves that the most captivating stories are sometimes told with nothing but a subject, the mood created by light and shadow, and the absence of colour.

Photography is more than just a button click. It's an art, a craft, a tool for storytelling, a passionate hobby, and a rewarding career. On this day, let’s appreciate the power of an image to freeze a moment in time, tell a story without words, and connect us all.

Kudos from Facebook:

“I had the best time on this trip (Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop Aug. 2025) He is an excellent, knowledgeable photographer. Chris knows where to go for the best angles and light.

I had some food issues and the 2 women there were so fantastic and friendly it made the experience so much better than some other places I have been to.

I have picked up some really great tips that helped with birds in flight. I have never seen so many puffins in 1 place it was incredible. The best were when they flew in with fish in their mouth OMG. I’m still going through thousands of pictures that I can’t believe I got. This trip is a must if you love puffins. Just go you won’t be sorry”

Thank you Chris - Francine Dollinger Thornton | CO | USA

Atlantic Puffin Black & White (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Fog, Feathers, and Farewells: The Final Morning of Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop Season

August 13th marked the last morning of my fifth Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop, and my final sunrise on the island for the year.

The day began in silence, wrapped in a dense fog that softened every sound. The usual buzz of seabird activity was muffled, leaving us waiting quietly with cameras in hand, watching as the coastline disappeared into mist.

Then, slowly, the fog began to lift.

Like a curtain rising, it revealed the stage once more—puffins in flight, wings slicing through the clearing sky, bills overflowing with silver fish for their hungry chicks. It was one of those rare mornings where a quiet, uncertain beginning gives way to something truly unforgettable.

This season has been nothing short of extraordinary. I had the privilege of welcoming so many wonderful guests to the island—many of them repeat clients who’ve become friends. There was a shared sense of community, curiosity, and mutual awe for these charismatic little birds that made each workshop feel like more than just a trip—it felt like a reunion.

We experienced it all:
☁️ dramatic fog
🌤️ breathtaking light
🐦 unforgettable wildlife encounters
📸 and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the gear is packed away

Each day offered something unique, but always something beautiful.

As I packed up for the last time this season, I felt that familiar blend of gratitude and wistfulness. The puffins will carry on their ancient rhythms without us now, and we’ll carry their stories home—not just through the images, but through the memories.

Until next time.

Atlantic Puffin Golden Flight with Fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm. ISO 3,200, f/4.5 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Image captured vertically; full-frame on the width & cropped slightly to a 4X5 Aspect Ratio from the top.

UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL

I will be as straightforward as I can be. If you are looking for a photographic opportunity of a lifetime, take this trip and work with Christopher Dodds. I have never been more pleased with a purchase in my life.

The location is idyllic: a small island with a lighthouse and a couple of warm and inviting buildings where you stay. The puffins are amazingly plentiful and fly in from dawn to dusk, which coincides with the photography opportunities that you will experience with Christopher Dodds.

I have always wanted to go on a photography expedition where I could interact with a professional photographer, who could teach me about the essence of photography: light, light angle, compositions, and technique. I would describe myself as an advanced amateur who has been learning about photography since I was a teenager, over 5 decades ago. My technical knowledge would likely be described as solid, and I have some top-end equipment. But in a few short hours, I took the information from Chris and transformed my shooting approach. Those tips resulted in an amazing increase in my "keepers" and a massive decrease in my post-processing work. As they say, "When you get it right in the camera…" The group is limited to 8 individuals who met at dawn, after breakfast, around 3 p.m., and after dinner to learn from Chris or shoot on our own. (The meals, 8 a.m. breakfast, noon lunch, and 5 p.m. dinner, were prepared by excellent chefs using food from the nearby onshore community and were excellent.) You were free to shoot all over the island on your own at any time, but I would highly advise trying to get as much information as you can from Chris while you are there. It will last a lifetime.

I am so pleased with the experience that I am looking to book my next trip with Chris, probably the snowy owls or a bear trip.

If you are thinking about doing something like this like I was and are not sure if this is the one for you, I will give you this advice… just book it. You will be very happy that you did.

- Alan Lesse NY | USA

Atlantic Puffins in Perfect Light – Quebec Deluxe Atlantic Workshop Report

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.

Atlantic Puffin Golden Light Flight with Fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Puffins, Fog, and an Unforgettable Start to the Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshops

What a way to kick off the first of five back-to-back Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshops—we're off to a truly incredible start. What a fantastic group! I'm thrilled to have four familiar and friendly participants from previous workshops join the mix.

We were greeted with calm, flat seas and a thick blanket of fog, which added a soft, moody and ethereal backdrop to the images. Conditions like that might sound challenging, but they're fantastic for photography—diffused light, no harsh shadows, and a peaceful atmosphere. We had exceptional opportunities right off the bat, with Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins floating just offshore. Everyone was in the zone, lying low, long lenses ready, soaking in every moment.

One of the absolute highlights was watching the puffins preen and then shake & stretch. They're incredibly diligent about keeping their feathers clean—preening isn't just about looking good (though they certainly do). It's how they maintain the waterproofing and insulation they need to thrive in the cold North Atlantic. Plus, it's a behaviour that adds life and personality to a photo. It was a joy to watch and photograph them so close, entirely at ease in their element and undisturbed by us.

Next year's workshops are already filling up: this place, these birds, and the whole experience are unforgettable. If you've been thinking about joining me for an up-close, small-group puffin adventure with guidance every step of the way, now's the time to grab your spot. I'd love to have you along.

Atlantic Puffin Wing Stretch (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/2,500s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Tufted Puffin Portrait OUT OF THE SHADOWS

There are few experiences as captivating as observing wildlife in their natural habitat, and for me, one of the most profound is on the remote cliffs of Saint Paul Island, Alaska. As a workshop leader, guiding participants to the very edges of dramatic cliff faces, we're often privileged to witness a breathtaking spectacle: seabirds, silhouetted in the dramatic shadows cast by their towering homes, bustling with life.

Saint Paul Island is a jewel among the Pribilof Islands, a small archipelago nestled in the vast expanse of the Bering Sea, a watery frontier between Alaska and Russia. This isolation is precisely what makes it such a vital haven for millions of migratory birds, transforming its rugged cliffs into bustling, cacophonous cities of feathers and squawks during breeding season.

Among the many species that call Saint Paul Island home, the Tufted Puffin stands out as a true icon. With their distinctive bright orange bills, white facial plumes, and human-hair-like "tufts" of golden feathers streaming back from their eyes, they are beautiful and fun to photograph. Saint Paul Island boasts significant breeding colonies of these charismatic birds, offering unparalleled opportunities for observation and photography.

Of course, getting to such a remote and wild place presents its own set of challenges. Air travel to Saint Paul Island has been an adventure in recent years. But for those dedicated to experiencing this extraordinary ecosystem firsthand, the rewards are immeasurable.

And speaking of rewards, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm working on something truly special for 2026 to make these incredible cliffside encounters even more accessible. Stay tuned for details – Saint Paul Island is calling, and I can't wait to share its wonders with you.

Tufted Puffin Vertical Portrait(Fratercula cirrhata, Macareux huppe, Frailecillo coletudo, TUPU) Saint Paul Island, AK ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE 400 f/2.8 GM OSS with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @800mm. ISO 1,600, f/16 @ 1/800s Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Saint Paul Island, AK workshop next July to learn more CLICK HERE.

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Don't Miss Out! Last Chance for Atlantic Puffin Photography in Quebec!

Two spots have unexpectedly become available due to cancellation for my highly sought-after and consistently sold-out Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore workshop, taking place from August 10 to 13, 2025, in beautiful Quebec! Due to last-minute cancellations, this is your rare opportunity to join an unforgettable photography experience.

This workshop is perfectly timed to maximize your chances of capturing those iconic shots of Atlantic Puffins with their beaks absolutely brimming with fish. Imagine filling your portfolio with incredible, dynamic images!

As always, this deluxe experience includes charming lighthouse accommodations and gourmet meals, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment throughout the trip. Click the image below to learn more.

Atlantic Puffin Flying with Fish at Sunrise

Last-Minute Opening: Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop in Quebec!

Dreaming of capturing stunning images of Atlantic Puffins? Due to a couple of last-minute cancellations, two exclusive rooms have opened up for our highly sought-after Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop in Quebec. Join us from August 10-13, 2025, for an unforgettable photography experience.

Your Island Retreat

Imagine spending four incredible days "nesting" in a beautifully restored lighthouse keeper's home on a tiny island. You'll be right in the heart of a bustling wildlife haven, surrounded by thousands of Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Murres, and Guillemots. Keep an eye out for majestic Grey Seals and even various species of whales that frequent these waters.

Unlike typical crowded photography trips, convenience is key here. Your comfortable accommodations, featuring delicious gourmet meals, are just 200 meters from where we'll be photographing the puffins. That means more valuable time behind your lens and less time commuting!

Capture Puffins at Their Peak

This workshop is perfectly timed for prime puffin action. The first two weeks of August are when these charming birds are most active, diligently bringing back impressive catches of fish to their growing pufflings. This is your chance to build a stunning portfolio of unique and intimate images, showcasing these charismatic birds during a crucial stage of their breeding cycle.

Master Your Bird Photography Skills

Beyond just incredible photo opportunities, this workshop is designed to significantly enhance your photography skills. You'll delve into every aspect of bird photography, from understanding avian behaviour and mastering exposure and composition to conquering the challenging art of birds-in-flight photography. Our expert guidance and masterful hands-on instruction will ensure you return home not only with breathtaking images but also with a deeper understanding and improved techniques that will benefit all your future photography adventures.

Don't miss this rare chance to immerse yourself in Atlantic Puffin country and refine your skills. These last two spots will go quickly!

Ready to seize this incredible adventure? Contact us today to secure your place!

Atlantic Puffin Golden Light and background with fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 12,800, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Atlantic Puffin Out of the Fog

In my previous post (Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish & Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Update), I shared our initial disappointment when a thick blanket of clouds and fog obscured the glorious morning light we'd hoped for during one of last summer's Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshops. However, as often happens on foggy mornings when the temperature climbs above the dew point, things began to change, and they did change quickly!

Shortly after capturing those first foggy images, the fog started to lift. The sun's golden light broke through, while hundreds of Puffins began returning to their burrows, their beaks laden with fish for their hungry young. It was a moment that gifted us with an abundance of unforgettable images to complete our already bursting portfolios.

The dew point is a crucial atmospheric measurement, representing the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapour and condensation begins. When the air temperature cools down to meet the dew point, the invisible water vapour in the air transforms into tiny liquid water droplets. If this condensation happens at ground level, we experience it as fog. As the sun rises and warms the air, the temperature often climbs above the dew point, causing these tiny water droplets to evaporate back into vapour, and the fog dissipates, revealing clearer skies and, as in our case, incredible photographic opportunities.

Atlantic Puffin Out of the Fog with fish (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm ISO 3,200, f/4 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.