Snowy Owl in Flight at Sunset: Light & Shadow

Last January, we were graced by the presence of a truly special Snowy Owl. For days, it became a familiar silhouette in the fields, a silent sentinel amidst the fresh snow. There were afternoons of quiet observation, of simply being in its presence, feeling the magic of the wild. Then, just when we least expected it, a shift. With a graceful turn, this majestic creature would relocate, perhaps to a nearby telephone pole, offering a new perspective, a fresh opportunity.

And for those with the patience to truly immerse themselves in the moment, the rewards were extraordinary. I vividly recall one particular afternoon. After hours of serene stillness, the owl took to the sky. It wasn't just the bird we captured, but its dramatic shadow stretched long and dark against the brilliant snow – a poignant reminder of how light and shadow intertwine to create true photographic art. These are the moments that stir the soul, the ones you carry with you long after the last snowflake has melted.

While the memory of that particular owl remains bittersweet, having tragically succumbed to avian flu, its spirit lives on in the quiet beauty of our winter landscapes. And it's this very spirit of discovery, of patience, and of profound connection with nature that I invite you to experience.

This winter, come and join me. Let's chase the whispers of the wind, seek out the silent hunters of the snow, and together, capture the ethereal beauty of owls in their natural wonderland. It's more than just a workshop; it's an invitation to fall in love with winter's hidden treasures.

Ready to capture your unforgettable moments? Discover more about the Winter Owls Galore Workshops and reserve your spot today.

Snowy Owl Light & Shadow (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, Búho nival, SNOW) from my Snowy Owl Workshop in Ontario, Canada. Sony a1 Camera body, Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens. F/4 ISO 1,000 1/5,000s.

Atlantic Puffin Pink Sky at Night

Last-Minute Opening: Your Chance to Photograph Atlantic Puffins in Quebec!

Sometimes, things align perfectly! I'm thrilled to announce that, due to a last-minute cancellation, a few coveted spots have opened up for my otherwise sold-out Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Workshops on Quebec's picturesque Lighthouse Island from August 10 to 13, 2025.

Not just any puffin workshop; it's an opportunity to visit what I believe is the best place in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins. Imagine spending your days on a charming island, surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, all while capturing stunning images of Atlantic Puffins in their natural habitat. And when I say "just outside the door," I mean it! There are hundreds of puffins right there, with only about a 200-meter walk to our prime photography spots. It doesn't get any easier or more spectacular. Accommodations are truly special in a fully restored lighthouse keeper's house, and the gourmet food is off the charts!

On the last night of last year's workshops, after an incredible dinner and dessert, we set up our gear in anticipation of a spectacular sunset. And let me tell you, we were not disappointed! The colours that painted the sky were simply magical, providing a perfect backdrop as a grand finale.

If you've been dreaming of photographing Atlantic Puffins, this is your chance. These spots won't last long!

Atlantic Puffin Pink Sky Delight (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 Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 8,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish at sunset

One of my favourite Atlantic Puffin images of all time; We were set up on the beach in perfect conditions with the wind blowing from our backs and the sun behind us. The storm cleared quickly, and the pastel colours in the sky were fabulous as sunset quickly approached. The tide was about to turn, but no Puffins were flying in. We waited patiently, and suddenly, there was a flurry of activity, and Puffins started bringing fish back to the babies in their burrows. This image was made with my Sony 200-600mm zoom lens @472mm.

Join me at the best place in the world to photograph Atlantic Puffins! The included recently renovated lighthouse accommodations on a small private island are what dream adventures are made of. Learn more about my DELUXE ATLANTIC PUFFINS GALORE AND SO MUCH MORE WORKSHOP HERE.

Sandhill Crane FLYING OUT OF THE STORM

I mentioned the record-breaking rain that we had during my Best of Bosque workshop in an earlier post. This is the kind of dramatic image that can be made if the sky clears in the Southwest as the sun sets. The sky in the Northeast East was still full of clouds over the Sandia Mountains.

Say's Phoebe

Say’s Phoebe at sunset during my Better than Bosque workshop last December. Just a simple image in beautiful light with a beautiful background.

The Say's Phoebe breeds farther north than any other flycatcher and is seemingly limited only by the lack of nest sites. Its breeding range extends from central Mexico all the way to the arctic tundra.

Atlantic puffin with fish silhouette

Here is a silhouette of an Atlantic puffin returning to its nest with some Capelin for dinner. I absolutely love the light shining through the translucent fish tails and the little parts of the Puffin’s primary feathers where the red shines through.

Atlantic puffin Sunset Silhouette

Here is another silhouette of an Atlantic puffin from my recently concluded Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Adventure. Spots are filling very quickly for next year :) Learn more HERE.

Atlantic Puffin Post Sunset Stretch

An Atlantic Puffin stretches against a magical magenta sky after sunset during my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop.

Do you like Puffins? Gourmet food? uber cool accommodations? Join me from August 10 to 13, 2022 for an exceptional adventure in a lighthouse on a little island in the Gulf of the Saint Lawrence. This is a truly deluxe adventure with some of the very best Puffin photography in the world. Learn more about my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop HERE.

“The Puffins Galore Workshop on I’ile aux Perroquets exceeded my expectations. Chris is an exceptional photographer, teacher, and all around good guy. He was quick to point out the best photographic opportunities for the group, taking into account the constantly changing weather, light and tides. He was always available to answer questions and give tips, catering to all levels of experience in the group. The accommodations were excellent and the food was first rate. Our chefs/housekeepers/hostesses, Louise and Johanne, were amazing. The photographic opportunities were endless with an unbelievable number of puffins as well as razorbills, guillemots, gulls, whales and seals. This was my first photography workshop and I am looking forward to my next adventure with Chris.”

— Mark Adkins Rochester| MN