“I have been home for a few days, and I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing time this past week! …… I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to join and learn from you. I truly appreciate all of your advice, help, and patience. The whole week was an incredible experience!”
— Maya Alpert | California, USA | Winter Owl Photography Workshop 2025
I have recently returned from a visit to Southern Canada seeking snowy owls. We were fortunate to be lead by Christopher Dodds Nature Photographer, who knows snowy owls, their behaviors and locations intimately. We encountered owls in snow, rain and clear sunny skies. Photographing snowy owls in a snow covered landscape has been on my bucket list for some time. Thanks to Chris this item has come true but once was not enough and I hope to visit the owls again.
p.s. That small black spot in the owl's talons is a vole that it just snatched from the ground and quickly made it lunch.
— Roger Trentham | Tennessee, USA | Winter Snowy Owl Photography Workshop
Snowy Owl photograph © Roger Trentham — made during the Winter Snowy Owl Photography Workshop.
“ I couldn’t have asked for a better experience while participating in one of Chris Dodds’ Snowy Owl workshop in February 2025. Chris is a photographer’s photographer! His meticulous field preparation and expert understanding of owl behavior and natural habitats are unmatched. While in the field, Chris is always on hand, offering tailored advice on camera settings, lens choices, and technical matters —no matter what gear you’re using. His approachable nature and years of guiding photographers to hidden, exceptional wildlife hotspots make his workshops stand out, ensuring an unforgettable experience that goes above and beyond what most photographers have encountered.”
— Wink Gaines | North Carolina, USA | Winter Snowy Owl Photography Workshop
“I recently participated in my second trip with Christopher Dodds to find and photograph the beautiful snowy owls. It was an amazing experience. Not only was Christopher able to find these owls due to his extensive experience and knowledge of the owl’s behavior but I expanded my skills in capturing stunning birds in flight photography. Not only did we see and photograph snowy owls but also short-eared owls, harriers, a screech owl and some absolutely stunning early morning photos of a barred owl hunting along the snow-covered ground. Christophers’ knowledge of how to photograph these magnificent birds honed over decades of wildlife photography was well worth the cost for my second trip. Chris was able to assist me in the optimal settings for my Canon gear. Very worthwhile!”
— Wayne Ferch | Oregon, USA | Winter Snowy Owl Photography Workshop
“Here is the testimonial for the workshop, which I found to be excellent:
I recently attended the Puffins Galore workshop organized by Chris Dodds. I have attended many workshops in the last 15 years, and Chris’s was one of the most interesting. The location is amazing. Chris takes time to answer our questions and gently explain what we could be doing better. Before the workshop, I could not shoot puffins as they are erratic and quick. Now I can, thanks to Chris! ”
— Réne Bastien | Ontario, Canada | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop
“No matter your experience with birds in flight or type of camera, you can’t help but pick up valuable knowledge and photographic skills during this wonderful excursion. Chris knows lighting. He knows (the) best camera settings from his long experience. And he knows puffins. He shares his insights and advice without being overbearing. I venture to say Chris is not exaggerating when he describes this as the best place in the world to photograph these adorable birds. . . . . I highly recommend Chris and this workshop. ”
— Belinda Prinz | Ohio, USA | Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop
“I had a spectacular time! It is a once-in-a-lifetime, wonderful adventure with Chris on Ile Aux Peroquets, a tiny island paradise! I was able to get up-close shots of Puffins as well as many in-flight shots of these comical birds. I also learned about proper exposure! Fields of wildflowers, gourmet food and comfy accommodations were the finishing touches on this unique, cool workshop!
Thank you so much!”
“On the morning of June 14 (2008), my 62nd birthday, we took the ferry to Bonaventure Island and made the 1.8 mile (2.9km) walk up the big hill. I had been a bit worried about making that walk up and down for five straight days, but Chris was right: “Take it slow and it is an easy walk.” When we arrived at the gannetry, I was totally blown away. So so many birds at arms length. Dozens, even hundreds of gannets in the air at all times, many carrying huge loads of nesting material, many landing just yards away. That day, the photographic action was nonstop, but it was not a birthday present, for the succeeding four days were equally exciting. And as each day came and went, I visualized and created many new and different images. I felt like a painter locked in a huge warehouse with hundreds of blank canvases and an unlimited supply of paints. I was in bird photographer’s heaven.
I have been to Antarctica. I have been to Kenya. I have been to Tanzania. And I have been going to Bosque for the past 13 years. All of those places offer great photographic opportunities. But no place that I have been has ever offered as consistent and spectacular action as Bonaventure.
Chris is an excellent photographer and a skilled teacher. Chris is bi-lingual and over the course of his 131 walks up the hill, he has crafted a wonderful relationship with the park staff. Do consider joining Chris for the photographic experience of a lifetime. ”
“This is the second time I have attended this eagle workshop. I came back as the imaging that Chris helped me obtain was stunning in 2017 and now in 2024.
The weather is always challenging, but Chris’s over 40 years of experience with photo opportunities here in Alaska help produce stunning eagle images, from in-flight to charming head portraits.
Chris is a host that you will enjoy – he knows how to tease out the birds for that special photo opportunity, irrespective of local weather challenges. His ability to assist both the casual amateur and full-fledged pro-level individuals is amazing, and with all brands of mirrorless cameras. He knows lenses, bodies and settings to assist all users.
Chris’s special gift is the immense bird knowledge that he possesses – once you come on one of his trips and experience this reality, you will realize how special his skill set is.
Over the years, I have attended numerous workshops with Chris. I have never been disappointed, and I always look forward to the next time with him.”
“My friends and I are nearly full-time workshop participants. We love being guided around the world, photographing wildlife with experts and other like-minded people. Finding and travelling with Chris Dodds, however, was a special gift. He TRULY knows the areas in which his workshops are held. He knows the people, the wildlife, and their behaviour. And, of course, he knows photography and how to teach. Now when I’m shooting, I’m channelling Chris and what he’s taught me.”
— Linda Scher | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA | Winter Snowy Owls, Songbirds of Pelee & Deluxe Atlantic Puffins 2023
“Thanks again Chris for an amazing week! Lots of photo ops, great teachings and wonderful company! Now I just need to go through the thousands of photos I took, and then...decide which of your workshops to do next!!!”
Learn more about the SONGBIRDS OF PELEE WORKSHOP HERE.
“Chris, I want you to know what an amazing time I had at your recently completed April 5-7, 2023 Osprey Workshop in Florida. The photo opportunities were endless and I came home with over 15,000 images. Yes, it took some time going through those, but my gosh, it was so much fun because the images were simply awesome!!
It helped that the lighting each day was amazing. The wind direction was fantastic as the Osprey took off from & landed into their nests facing us with the sunrise (at our backs) directly lighting up those incredible yellow eyes! I was also amazed at how close we were able to get to the osprey. I found myself often filling the frame with my 400mm lens.
I really appreciate attending a workshop led by a photography professional like you who puts me and the other attendees in the best position to capture incredible photos. The same was true when I attended your Snowy Owl workshop (my first with you) in January of this year. And now I just registered for your Eagles Workshop in Alaska next March. I can’t wait!
Thanks, Chris! Your workshops are exactly what I’ve looked for as an aspiring amateur wildlife photographer!
(Attached are my three favorite osprey photos, but definitely a challenge to choose just three. So many good ones to pick from!)”
Snowy Owl images copyright and courtesy of Joe Norton.
“I just returned home from a trip to Ontario, Canada with Christopher Dodds to look for and photograph Snowy Owls. The weather was cold and snowy, but not necessarily Snowy Owl cold, so I was worried that the Snowy Owls might be thin on the ground. Christopher Dodds deserves kudos and my thanks! He led our photo trek and put me (and the others in the party I joined) in position to see, watch, track and photograph Snowy Owls. I was able to capture wonderful images of Snowy Owls at rest, in flight, on the hunt, on the ground in the fields, in blowing snow! Outstanding photographic results for me, better than I anticipated. From the get go it was obvious that Christopher Dodds knows his Snowy Owls and wildlife photography. He is an excellent photography trek leader, knowledgeable, personable, professional and helpful to me and the others in our group at every turn. I am impressed with Christopher as a photography trek leader, particularly as his focus was on his clients at all times, and the well being of the Owls. He ensured that we did everything possible to not stress or disturb the Owls in their habitat. Of particular note Christopher is not a photography trek leader who spends his time with his own camera, taking his own photographs. He spent all his time with us locating Owls, coaching us, helping us with our equipment and camera settings, and letting us know what to expect and when to expect an Owl to fly, in what direction, and when. What an outstanding experience! Thank you, Christopher. I hope to enjoy another trek with you soon.”
“I enjoyed the experience and appreciate your vast knowledge of birds and the respect you have for birds & nature!
I was pleased to see you not bait birds and at no time did we flush birds or approach them in an unethical way just for good photos.”
Your workshop (Best of Bosque Dec. 2022) was wonderful - you chose a beautiful setting, and I sincerely appreciate your time and effort in putting together a great photographic experience. I learned so much from you over the course of the week, including an understanding of histograms, exposure, shutter speed and how various settings interact to achieve the effects we are trying to create. I appreciated your kindness and patience, and regular checking of my histograms, feedback, and answering any and all of my questions! I have some unexpectedly great photos, including sharp ones of the cranes in silhouette against the setting sun!!! - Marsha Lomis Ontario, Canada
I am writing to express my gratitude for the great help with my photography that I have received participating in Chris Dodds’ photographic workshops, which are enjoyable and in interesting places. Most of the workshops are places to which Chris has been going for many years so he is intimately familiar with the details and best opportunities of each location. He goes out of his way in an attempt for participants to get images that are the best they can possibly get to take home with them. His knowledge of photographic technique translates into suggestions that are tailored to each participant’s needs. He encourages attendees to ask any question and is patient in answering to try to make sure the questioner understands the answer thoroughly. His knowledge of the technical aspect of photographic equipment and the computer equipment and programs needed in post-processing has always amazed me, and he is eager and willing to share this knowledge with all of the participants. In the first workshop I learned that the manual setting was preferable for photographing nature and as I have mastered this technique, I am forever grateful. Chris is excellent at teaching the best light angle and reminding the participants to watch the light angle when they are repositioning themselves for a better composition.
The biggest benefit to me personally of Chris’ photographic experience was the purchase of my own Sony A9 camera after he made the switch form Canon to Sony in August 2017. This new camera and lens combination enables me to hand-hold 400mm, 560 mm, and 800 mm, and the camera focuses with both teleconverters. Because I no longer need such heavy photo equipment, I can use a smaller camera bag that fits in any airline overhead bin and allows quicker and more comfortable travel through the airport. The Sony has improved my photography and made it easier and more enjoyable.
I would encourage you to consider one of Chris’ workshops because they are fun and in such diverse locations. I have never failed to come home with better images than I had imagined prior to the experience. I have found the other participants to be interesting and nice people, and because the workshops are so excellent, there are a lot of repeat customers who have been in previous workshops. Each workshop is a highlight of my year. Chris is a positive person who makes the experience as enjoyable as possible even with early morning and late afternoon hours to take advantage of the best light of the day. Thanks, Chris for helping me become a better photographer.
Dennis Stone Indiana, USA
Special Thanks!
I recently joined Chris on his Osprey Galore tour in southern Florida. Not having been on this type of photo tour before, I did not know quite what to expect. I can honestly say it was well worth the time and money and one of the best photographic experiences I’ve ever enjoyed. Chris runs a very organized photo experience to say the least, but keeps the pace and daily routine very relaxed and informal, making everyone feel comfortable and able to get the most out of their photographic experience. His body of work and experience in the field, has made him not only a world class photographer, but an extremely knowledgeable outdoorsman, greatly adding to the entire experience. I particularly enjoyed how instruction, tips, and techniques were tailored to the experience level of each photographer individually. There was no pressure to compare images, nor did Chris spend a great deal of time taking his own shots. Instead he devoted his efforts to not only putting us in the very best position to achieve a meaningful shot, but continually answered any and all questions throughout the day, reminding us of small details that were very helpful, regardless of anyone’s level of expertise. It is rare to find this level of photographic expertise coupled with such a comprehensive knowledge of the natural surroundings, all shared in a very friendly and engaging manner. I learned a lot, enjoyed my time thoroughly, and came home with some incredible images I would never have achieved on my own. You can’t ask for much more than that. I will be joining Chris again in the near future for another photo tour. Five stars!!
Brian Shul Gallery One
As an experienced wildlife & landscape photographer I would highly recommend you attend one of Chris Dodds' workshops - I have attended a number of Chris' workshops and each of them reflect Chris' caring. I just attended the St. Paul, Alaska workshop - typical of Chris' professionalism, and expertise. He only takes you to those unique shooting opportunities when he is convinced that the shoot will provide you the experience you are seeking. In the Saint Paul Island workshop's case he has visited this unique special remote island for over 25 years. The local small population obviously respects Chris and they do all they can to assist the experience. You shoot from a variety of locations, with many types of birds, complimented by wild fox, sea lions etc. Chris has the talent to assist both experienced and novice photographers - he makes sure you get the opportunities you want, and if you need extra help he enjoys jumping in and helping you. If you had to summarize Chris' workshops in a few words - Great well researched locations, tremendous local knowledge, dedicate to your photographic results being all you could possibly want.
- Wynne Powell
Last week I finished editing my photos from the Alaska Bear Boat Trip, and I have lots of photos that I consider good. After what I have learned in your workshops, I am very conservative to call a photo “good” but can report that I have many more good photos from the trip than I expected to get.
The photo opportunities in Katmai National Park were numerous, the weather was cooperative, and trips to shore resulted in excellent light. You work hard to make your trips productive, informational, and an opportunity to improve one’s photography, and this trip was no exception.
The other participants were courteous and positive individuals with whom it was fun to share travel and photographic experiences. As you know I have been on more than a dozen trips with you and often there are other repeat customers/photographers on the trips. My experience is that the photographers who make multiple trips with you are always individuals with whom it is a pleasure to spend 3-7 days. Many of these people are as interested in my photography as they are in their own, and frequently it is possible to learn from one another. These folks are friends by the end of the trip, and I look forward to seeing them again in the future. The crew of the boat is helpful, the cook is experienced, the bear guide is knowledgeable, and the food is elegant. It was amazing to eat so much good food on the boat considering the limited facilities and space in which to prepare the meals.
This trip is not inexpensive but is the most memorial trip which you offer. The success of my photography from this trip is a result of the specific organization of this trip but also from the invaluable photographic expertise that I have gotten from your trips in this past. I have and do recommend your trips to other photographers as a fun way to spend time and improve their photography. You have helped me become a better photographer and I am happy to call you “friend”. Best wishes to you and your wife, Julie.
Dennis Stone
"Puffins Galore" is a very apt name for this photography workshop with Christopher Dodds on L'Ile Aux Perroquets in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots, and many shorebirds use this little island in the Mingan Archipelago as their nesting home during the breeding season and the place is alive with activity with many opportunities for images of birds in flight and birds around their burrows. Chris Dodds is acquainted with every aspect of puffin behaviour and is very generous with time and advice; he helped me improve my skills capturing images of fast-moving birds. Everyone in the group came away with images that they were thrilled with. The guest house on the island is a converted lighthouse keeper's residence and provides a very comfortable experience. The meals alone would be worth the trip. Puffins Galore and much, much more.
-Paul Ludden
