This Workshop Was Definitely Out of My Comfort Zone—and I’m So Glad I Went

“I prefer to shoot mostly landscape photos. It's what I enjoy but more importantly, the scenery doesn't move! That means there's lots of time to figure out composition, lighting and focusing. Then I attended Chris's Atlantic Puffin Workshop. Boy, was I out of my depth!

The first day my photos were either empty of flying subjects or out of focus. Chris encouraged me to try a number of things: Instead of using the display screen to compose (my standard landscaper's option), he suggested using the viewfinder. That took some getting used to for these old eyes. He pointed me towards reviewing my manual for specific auto-focus settings (Canon's ‘Whole Area Tracking Servo AF’ and ‘Subject to Detect’). We talked a lot about how to track flying birds and the importance of practice.

After incorporating these changes, I was capturing puffins focused and completely in the frame more often than not. One of his last suggestions, but one with the most impact, was to customize a button to switch back and forth between the display screen and the viewfinder. So simple but an enormous help when switching from shooting to reviewing. And all these suggestions were for a camera system that was not what Chris currently shoots. He sure knows his stuff!

I also loved the picturesque, small island abundant with colorful wildflowers. At first glance, it appears there's not much to photograph other than birds but if you slow down, breathe and explore, I found there was a lot of beauty to discover & capture. The lighthouse was absolutely breathtaking in the early morning fog! I came home with wonderful landscape photos that recorded my time there in addition to some amazing puffin shots (FISH). The lightkeeper's house was rustic and charming, the food was amazing (best breakfast sandwich EVER) and the staff wonderful and kind. Chris was also very engaging and entertaining at the meal table so lots of laughter.

I highly recommend Chris's workshop to anyone of any skill level as he tailors his help according to each person's skill level and equipment. I did not have the best long lens (100–400mm), nowhere near the size of my fellow participants, but I came home with some amazing photos that I am very pleased with. This workshop was definitely out of my comfort zone and I'm so glad I went. Thanks, Chris, for a great few days.”

— Joanne Johnson Ohio | USA
Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Photography Workshop, August 2026

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Barbara Fleming

Everything Christopher Dodds described about his Puffin Galore Workshop proved true when I participated this summer. He has found the perfect spot for photographing the Atlantic Puffin.

Each day, we walked a short distance to the beach to photograph puffins, with fish in their beaks — flying at speeds of up to 55 mph! It was quite challenging to capture these speedy little birds on camera, but Christopher patiently gave us personalized tips to help us get the best shots. I was genuinely impressed.

My goal for the trip was to get flying images of puffins with their catch, and Christopher truly made it happen. Not only did he find an ideal location for these charming ocean birds, but his wide knowledge also helped him choose the best times to guarantee puffin shots with fish in their beaks.

When he says “Mission Accomplished, I have found Puffin Paradise,” he genuinely means it.

— Barbara Fleming | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop 2026

Atlantic Puffin returning with fish © Barbara Fleming — made during the 2026 Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop.

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — William Kelly

“A belated thank you for a great trip! I had a great time on the puffin tour. Your expertise was apparent, and the food and stories were top-notch. I also appreciated the reverence for nature and photo tips.

I strongly caution anyone considering this photo tour—you will have too many puffin photos!!

During our time in the Mingan Archipelago, I appreciated Chris's professional—but not didactic—attitude. By the end of the trip, I was comfortable tracking fast-moving puffins with 800mm and even 1120mm. We were also fortunate to have some great silhouette opportunities, which unlocked a new style of photography for me.

When I first saw in the advert that the food would be exceptional, I was a bit skeptical about how good the food could be on a 100m by 350m crag. Pleasantly wrong. The food was A+ and kept our energy high. The cabins were clean and comfortable, so you had good recovery after long days.

Outside of photographing was memorable, too. Chris is a real cosmopolitan, but very approachable and keeps a good reverence for nature. It made for an entertaining but relaxed environment.

I enter nearly every photography trip with the goal of a single print-quality photo. I walked away from this photo tour with a backlog of puffin action shots, portraits, silhouettes, environmental shots, behavioral pics, and more. I've casually photographed puffins in Iceland and the Farne Islands, and was not granted the same fortune. Additionally, we got to capture some nice images of Savannah Sparrows and other shorebirds.

I highly recommend this trip to anyone with an itch for puffins. Most of my next year is booked out, but I will definitely consider future workshops with Chris!”

 — William Kelly | Austin, Texas, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop 2026

Atlantic Puffin returning with fish © William Kelly — made during the 2026 Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop.

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Susan Goudge

From Nervous About Birds in Flight to This

One of the most rewarding parts of leading these workshops is watching photographers surprise themselves.

Susan Goudge joined us from Apache Junction, Arizona, and admitted afterward that she had been nervous before arriving because she didn't consider herself a bird photographer. Her original hope was simply to come home with some cute photographs of puffins sitting still.

Instead, she made the wonderful head-on flight photograph shown here, with the puffin flying directly toward her and its wings stretched beautifully across the frame.

Here's what Susan had to say about her experience:

“I was a little nervous about attending Chris’s Deluxe Puffin Workshop, because I am definitely NOT a bird photographer, and I knew those little guys moved very quickly—but hoped at least I could get some cute photos of them at rest….

With Chris’s guidance and patience, I was actually able to capture them in flight, in focus—a dream for me!! The island itself is an incredible setting, and the staff is welcoming and helpful. I understand why so many people are repeat attendees—Chris has created a truly a special experience!

Hope this helps, Chris. Just loved the experience—thanks again for your patience!!”

— Susan Goudge, Apache Junction, Arizona, USA

I think Susan's photograph says the rest.

And I think Susan deserves some serious credit for this one. Photographing an Atlantic Puffin flying directly toward the camera is no easy task. They're fast, the distance is changing rapidly and keeping focus exactly where it belongs can be a real challenge. She nailed it, with the puffin coming straight at her, wings beautifully extended and eyes sharp.

Not bad for someone who arrived hoping she might just get a few cute photographs of puffins sitting still!

Watching someone arrive unsure whether they'll be able to photograph these extraordinarily fast little birds in flight—and then seeing them make an image like this—is one of my favourite parts of what I do.

Atlantic Puffin flying directly toward the camera with wings fully extended, photographed by workshop participant Susan Goudge during the Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop. © Susan Goudge

Atlantic Puffin Workshop Review | Cindy Kassab

“I'm absolutely thrilled to have joined Christopher Dodds' wonderful Puffins Galore workshop once again. I had such an incredible experience last year that I couldn't resist returning to the beautiful Île-aux-Perroquets Lighthouse in Quebec's Mingan Archipelago.

One of the joys of wildlife photography is that no two trips are ever the same. Even when returning to the very same location, nature always offers something new.

Thank you, Christopher, for another outstanding workshop and for your passion in helping photographers capture moments like this.”

— Cindy Kassab | Vancouver, Washington, USA | Repeat Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop Participant

Atlantic Puffin returning with fish for its chick on Île aux Perroquets. Photograph by repeat workshop participant Cindy Kassab during my Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop.

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — Cindy Kassab

“After some time, I was finally able to share an image of an osprey from the workshop with Christopher Dodds in Vero Beach, Florida. Chris is an incredible leader who carefully selects the best boat captain to ensure a great experience on the water. As we gently glided along in the small boat, he had an amazing eye for opportunity—pointing out scenes and moments that helped us capture the strongest, most meaningful images.

I’ve also had the privilege of joining him on other workshops, including Eagles Galore in Homer, Alaska, and Puffins Galore in Quebec. I often tell my friends that whenever I sign up for one of Chris’s workshops, I know I’ll come home with some of my best images. His many years of wildlife photography experience are clearly reflected in the stunning work throughout his portfolio. I’m already looking forward to participating in more of his workshops in the future.”

— Cindy Kassab | Washington, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography Workshop

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — Tony Pianalto

“This was my 3rd workshop with Chris and as always Chris improvised to make it happen for us.  Anyone who photographs outdoors and especially wildlife knows that weather and lighting are key to having good results.  We can’t control the weather but we can adjust to the lighting we’re given.  What Chris did on all three of my trips is adjust to both of these for every morning and afternoon shoot.  The Osprey trip was a perfect challenge - the first two days wind and storms prevented us from being on the lake to photograph the ospreys so Chris shifted our location for both the morning and afternoon shoots to minimize the weather impact of rain and wind.  Not to say we didn’t have to wait out a deluge of rain for an hour but 20 minutes after it blew by we were back out for the last 45 minutes of perfect light. For the first two days we got to shoot a wide variety of cranes, spoonbills, egrets, storks, anhingas, limpkins, ibis, hawks, swamp hens, terns and stilts.  Both days we were treated with the brilliant roseate spoonbills flying in towards us to pick up nesting material. But then the prize for me was Friday morning on the lake at sunrise for the osprey. In a mile and a half stretch we saw over 100 nests and at least 150 osprey.   Between Chris and the boat owner they held the boat at the best angle for the osprey to be lit perfectly.  After filling 2-1/2 128GB cards it was time to leave the perfect osprey shoot. In the last 20 years of my photography this was by far the most photos I’ve taken over a three day period.  If you want to get your absolute best excellent bird photography opportunities I highly recommend the Birds of Pelee and Ospreys of Florida.  I own the 300,400 and 600mm lenses but I used the Sony 400-800mm lens for both trips and the zoom capability, excellent stabilization and weight make it the perfect lens for both these workshops.  Thanks Chris!”

— Tony Pianalto | Kansas, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography Workshop

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — George Schlossnagle

“This is my second workshop with Chris. Chris is a great instructor and a fantastic trip leader. He combines an encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife with more than 40 years of experience photographing it, which allows him to consistently put you in the right place at the right time—with the right guidance—to capture exceptional shots.

Just as importantly, Chris genuinely cares about his participants and their success; he’s always looking for ways to make your experience more productive and rewarding. Florida, in particular, is an incredibly target-rich environment. While this workshop focuses on ospreys (and I came away with many fantastic osprey images), I also left with great exposure to dozens of other species.

5/5 — would absolutely do it again.”

- George Schlossnagle | Maryland, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography

Florida Osprey Photography Workshop Testimonial — Jennifer Bellon

“With any other trip leader, the workshop would have been a bust.  We had a record 6 inches of rain in a day and half.  But Chris pivoted quickly to help us find us other locations and subjects to shoot.  In the end, I was super pleased with my images and had a great time. Chris is the ultimate professional.  He is highly knowledgeable about both photography and bird behavior, but even more importantly, he helps to make it an inviting and fun learning environment for photographers at all levels.  A strong two thumbs up!”

— Jennifer Bellon | Massachusetts, USA | Ospreys Galore Photography Workshop

Better Than Bosque Photography Workshop Testimonial — Chris Fryou

Participating in Chris Dodds’ Best of Bosque photo tour was an outstanding experience. Chris combines technical expertise, fieldcraft, and a genuine passion for teaching in a way that provides tremendous value. His insights into bird behavior and optimal shooting techniques significantly improved my approach to wildlife photography.

The workshop was well-organized, thoughtfully paced, and designed to maximize photographic opportunities. I left with a portfolio of images I am truly proud of and a much deeper understanding of the craft. Highly recommended for anyone looking to take their wildlife photography to the next level.

— Chris Fryou | Louisiana, USA | Better Than Bosque Photography Workshop

Drake Mallard in Flight — Chris Fryou

Drake Mallard in flight © Chris Fryou — made during the Better Than Bosque Photography Workshop.

Snow Geese Silhouette — Chris Fryou

Snow Geese silhouette © Chris Fryou — made during the Better Than Bosque Photography Workshop.

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Joe Pizzuto

"Christopher Dodds’ Atlantic Puffin photography workshop is a truly exceptional experience for any wildlife or nature photographer. The setting is amazing, providing endless opportunities to capture Puffins both in flight and up close in varying scenery and lighting, resulting in an incredible portfolio of images. Chris’s deep knowledge of Puffin behavior and photography, combined with his patient, individualized instruction, helps photographers of all skill levels achieve their best work. The workshop is thoughtfully organized, and Chris always ensures participants are in the perfect spot at the right time for optimal lighting and action. Accommodations are very comfortable, the meals are amazing, and the venue lends itself to fun camaraderie among participants. I left the workshop with not only a drive full of images that exceeded my expectations, but also new skills and unforgettable memories. Highly recommended to anyone looking to improve their wildlife photography and experience these wonderful birds up close."

— Joe Pizzuto | New York, NY, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Michele Kirk

“I have never participated in a photography workshop before, and this turned out to be truly awesome! I am still digesting the experience and processing images....I want to thank you for a wonderful experience, all around on Ile Aux Perroquetes. It was so nice to meet you and hear your stories of how you came to be the experienced photographer you are and be privy to your experience of how to better photograph the Puffins + on the island. Thank you for the camera setting recommendations and pointers throughout our stay. I am still practicing tracking the swallows! I came home with some wonderful images and memories of the tranquility of the island while photographing. Being amidst the Puffins for three days was icing on the cake.  I am enamored with them. Thank you!”

— Michele Kirk | New Jersey, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Don & Sharon Gabrielson

“Chris - Thank you for an amazing trip. Your knowledge, experience and willingness to share it all made this an adventure we will treasure forever.

With gratitude”

— Don & Sharon Gabrielson | Minnesota, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Randi Najac

“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 Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Anita Wooldridge

“Looking forward to that magical puffin island? Well, Chris has found it! Eat, sleep and photograph puffins! Just a short walk from your accommodations are puffins! And more puffins! Staying on island with the puffins maximizes your time with them. The food is amazing! And Chris knows the island, and best places to be for the best shot. What a wonderful experience!”

— Anita Wooldridge | Colorado, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — France Boutilier

“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 | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Monica Slack

I recently attended Christopher’s Deluxe Puffin Workshop and it exceeded all of my expectations.

Christopher;’s instruction was knowledgeable, patient, insightful and tailored to all skill levels.  The location was superb with made the learning experience both engaging and enjoyable.  The balance between technical instruction and hands-on practice was perfect, allowing me to immediately apply what I learned. 

I walked away not only with new skills and techniques, but also with a renewed sense of inspiration and confidence in my photography. 

I highly recommend any of Christopher’s workshops to anyone looking to grow as a photographer or elevate their craft.  This is my second workshop with Christopher Dodds, but it will not be my last!
— Monica Slack | San Diego, California, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Bill MacMillan

My Deluxe Puffin workshop with Christopher Dodds;  Aug 1-4 2025

Chris Dodds is an excellent photographic guide for his annual Puffin photographic workshops.  The experience he provides is enjoyable, productive and highly instructive.  The travel details, meals and accommodations are extremely well managed.  The location is ideal for photographing these adorable birds, providing hundreds of puffins for both still and inflight photos. 

After this trip I would have complete confidence joining any of Chris’s expeditions, anywhere in the world.

Photography is of course the critical element of the trip and with Chris’s help I learned a lot  about how to be a more effective wildlife photographer.  Chris held well-explained overviews group discussions on setting up for best results.  Once shooting, he spends time with each participant one-on-one.  This was especially helpful for my wife, who has been transformed into an enthusiastic photographer after this short excursion. 

An important aspect of a trip success is that Chris is clearly well-respected and well-liked by the local community supporting us on this trip.  That really helps everything go smoothly.  This was my first photographic workshop.  There WILL be more, we are already looking into future Chris Dodds workshops.

— Bill MacMillan | Cary, North Carolina, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop Testimonial — Alan Lesse

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 | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop

Snowy Owl Photography Workshop Testimonial — D.C. Offutt

“If you are interested in owl or other bird photography, I can't recommend the Chris Dodds' workshops highly enough. Not only is he a great photographer and teacher, Chris is one of the most knowledgeable individuals about birds and their behavior, I've ever met. Make an effort to attend one of his many workshops soon. You'll be glad you did”

— D.C. Offutt | West Virginia, USA | Winter Snowy Owl Photography Workshop