2020 West Coast Wildlife Photography Workshop

Join Stan Novotny and Stuart Clark on beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada Thursday, July 23rd – Saturday, July 25th with the option of adding on a full day Digital Photo Editing Session on Sunday, July 26th (details coming soon). Participants are also invited to a “Meet & Greet” on Wednesday evening where we will have chance to meet each other and discuss camera settings and answer questions.

This year’s West Coast Wildlife Workshop is limited to 8 participants with 2 instructors throughout the workshop. Each day we will be departing from the Discovery Harbour Marina in Campbell River, BC for three full days on the water (6-7 hours each day) on a privately chartered Zodiac.

The optional Digital Photo Editing Session on Sunday, July 26th will be limited to a maximum of 30 participants. Participants attending any of our multi-day workshops will have the option of adding this one day course at the discounted amount of $50.

Marine Mammal Viewing:

Three full days will be dedicated to searching for marine wildlife around the Discovery Islands aboard privately chartered vessels. Wildlife photographers Stan and Stuart are both commercially licenced boat captains and are trained marine naturalists working seasonally in the industry with considerable knowledge of the area. Both Stan and Stuart will be operating the boats offering a photographer’s perspective when approaching wildlife and allowing them full control over the daily agenda. Positioning of the boat in relation to the direction of light is always a priority providing that safety of the wildlife is not compromised and government regulations are followed. Mammals that are known to frequent this area include Humpback Whales, Orca, Harbour Seals, Stellar & California Sea Lions, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Harbour & Dall’s Porpoise, Bald Eagles and sometimes Bears along the shorelines.

The Eagle Show:

Previous years, Stan and Stuart have hosted this workshop in September. For 2020, the dates have been moved to July with the goal of including what has been labeled locally as “The Eagle Show”. The waters around Campbell River have some of the strongest tidal rapids of any place on earth. If tide changes occur during times when strong currents are forecasted, it forces large volumes of water through some of the smaller channels creating significant tidal rapids. In one particular location during a few months of the year, at very specific times and dates, Bald Eagles gather to fish. During this 1.5 to 2-hour window, small fish called Hake get caught in the whirlpools caused by the rapids and they fill with air causing them to float to the surface. Without the ability to swim, they become easy meals for the eagles that wait perched in the trees. Many months in advance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada produces charts that predict the strength of the currents for each day. By referencing these charts for the months where Hake are expected, it is possible to determine dates where this is most likely to happen.

Workshop Cost: $1495 CDN Per Person (approximately $1,215 USD depending on currency rate). A non-refundable deposit of $750 is required to secure your place in this workshop. We are not able to hold spots without the full deposit amount. Should you not be able to attend after placing the deposit, the non-refundable deposit can be transferred if you are able to find someone to take your place. The balance is due in full on, or before, June 23rd, 2020. If final payment has not been made by this date, we will attempt to fill your placement from the waitlist (if any) and only the deposit will be lost if someone takes your place. If the position is not able to be filled, the balance of the workshop fee is due on, or before July 22nd, 2020.

For additional information, please call Stuart Clark @ 250-202-4968 or visit www.stannovotny.ca

Payment Methods: Please contact us if you are planning to attend and an invoice will be generated and sent to you by email.

Payment by cheque can be mailed to:

Stuart Clark
878 Timberline Drive Campbell River, BC V9H 0A8

Electronic Transfer can be sent to Stuart’s email:

questforwildlife@gmail.com

Payment by Credit Card:

We have held the workshop pricing to the same as last year. To offset the increase in boating costs this year, payment by credit card will be accepted via PayPal with participants responsible for PayPal and Credit Card fees which are estimated at approximately $100.

Workshop Includes: Photographic instruction, all boat transportation for daily tours, use of survival suits and lunch each day (sandwich or salad, juice, water, tea, coffee and snacks). Dinner will be provided one evening, to be determined based on boating schedule.

Not Included: Accommodations, transportation other than above (recommended airport is Comox Valley YQQ; approx. 35 minutes south of Campbell River with connecting flights from Vancouver International Airport YVR), meals other than listed, travel/medical insurance, photographic equipment. Campbell River has become a very popular tourist destination and it is recommended that accommodations be booked early.

Recommended Camera Gear:

Changeable lens camera body/bodies with lenses with focal lengths from 100mm and longer, teleconverters are also an excellent option. Zoom lenses that have a reach of 500 or 600mm will be beneficial. Stan and Stuart both use the Canon 100-400mm lenses while on boat tours. Limited space does not permit tripods or large prime lenses (500/600mm F4) unless they are able to hand-held. Monopods may be used but engine vibration and waves may cause issues. Last year’s participants found that lenses that can be handheld worked best.

Disclosure: Participation in this workshop requires acceptance of waivers provided by the workshop organizers and Eagle Eye Adventures.

Wildlife sightings around Vancouver Island are very abundant but vary greatly from day to day. Animal behaviour shown in promotional material have been taken by Stan Novotny and Stuart Clark in the general area where the workshop will take place over a course of numerous trips. As wildlife is unpredictable, there is no guarantee that all species listed will be seen or that behaviours shown will happen. Historically, July has proven as being an excellent time of year to see a wide variety of activity and is the driest month of the year with an average of only 35mm of rain.

Federal regulations require vessels maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters to Orca and 100 meters to all other marine mammals except where an animal approaches the vessel.

Workshop dates are fixed and proceed rain or shine unless marine forecasts indicate weather that is unsafe for small vessels. Any days cancelled due to extreme weather will not be rescheduled or refunded. Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended. Medical Insurance for Canadians residing outside of British Columbia is suggested and mandatory for Non-Canadian residents (proof of medical insurance will be required). Weather in this area in July is historically warm with less precipitation but appropriate clothing for warmth and rain, including protective covers for camera gear is strongly recommended. Temperatures on the water and in a moving vessel can be 10-15 degrees cooler and therefore it is recommended that participants wear layers.

Contact Information and Registration:

Additional Information or Questions, please contact Stuart Clark by email questforwildlife@gmail.com or by phone/text 1-250-202-4968
Register online at www.stannovotny.ca/workshops

Photographer Portfolios:

STAN NOVOTNY

www.stannovotny.ca www.facebook.com/StanNovotnyWildlifePhotography

STUART CLARK

www.facebook.com/QuestForWildlife

MOOSE & LANDSCAPES 2020 | JUNE 7th – JUNE 12th, 2020 | STAN NOVOTNY & STUART CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Thank you for inquiring about our upcoming workshop. We appreciate that you are considering joining us! Why Algonquin Park? For many visitors, the sightings for Moose in Algonquin are often found along Highway 60. Each spring, the Moose are drawn to the ditches looking to drink the salt-rich water left behind by the salt trucks after the long Ontario winters. Although this often makes finding the Moose easy, the backdrop is often unappealing, getting eye level to the animal safely is challenging and with roadside Moose comes vehicles and crowds. In 2014, wildlife photographer Stuart Clark attended this same backcountry area in search of Moose. What transpired was the most remarkable and inspiring Moose photography that he has witnessed. Because of its remote location and canoe only access, only a small number of people visit this area. The setting is nothing less than spectacular with Moose coming out of the forest to swim while feasting on the floating vegetation. If the conditions allow, early morning paddles can even find the lake covered in fog creating a surreal environment to photograph the Moose as they go about their feeding. Photographing Moose from canoe really is unbelievable! Not only are you more likely to be eye level, the Moose often seem comfortable with our presence allowing for a unique perspective. Although Stan Novotny has not previously visited Algonquin Park, he brings with him extensive knowledge of not only wildlife photography but also landscape and night sky photography. Stan has spent many years photographing and leading workshops for night skies, Aurora Borealis and landscapes. His experience will be a great asset for this trip through Algonquin Park. Moose Quest – Where complicated becomes easy! As the Moose viewing location is very remote, Stan and Stuart are working with a local outfitting company that specializes in Algonquin backcountry adventures. Their goal for this workshop is to provide a truly amazing photography experience while having someone else look after all of the logistics that could otherwise make for a complicated journey. Our priority is getting participants in the right place and at a relaxed pace that allows optimal photographic opportunity. JUNE 7, DAY 1: RUSTIC CABIN The journey begins with a 1-night stay at a rustic cabin located about 3.5 hours north of Pearson International Airport. The cabin provides a beautiful starting point for a meet and greet. Your arrival at the cabin is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. After lunch, professional guides will provide paddle instructions for all; no previous paddle experience is required to participate in this workshop. The lakes that we will visit during this tour are smaller and sheltered offering a great paddling location for any skill level. In preparation for a 2- night stay at the campsite, dry packs required to get your clothing safely to the campsite will also be supplied at the cabin and assistance is provided to ensure that things are packed properly. Other than personal items and a sleeping bag, all required camping items will be provided including tents. Sleeping bags can also be rented for a nominal fee of $22 if you do not have one. Guides will be setting up the campsite prior to our arrival so that we can maximize our time. During the time at the cabin, Stan & Stuart will be answering questions, reviewing camera settings and discussing strategies for capturing wildlife images from canoe. JUNE 8, DAY 2: CAMPSITE After breakfast, participants will be transported from the cabin to the canoe launch site with a stop at the outfitting location where canoes and all related paddling gear will be provided. The trip to the campsite will require short distance portages with relatively easy walks; guides will be on hand to assist with the entire process. Participants should be able to carry their own camera gear and personal items for the portages. You will not be expected to carry a canoe but you are encouraged to participate if you are able. While at the campsite, delicious meals will be prepared by the guides with food cooked over an open fire and served with beverages including wine and beer. The specific location of the campsite will be determined by the guides prior to our arrival based on a location that they feel will provide the best moose viewing experience. Lunch will be served at the campsite followed by a late afternoon paddle in search of Moose. After dinner, participants will have the opportunity to head out on a paddle at dusk, searching for Moose as the sun sets. JUNE 9, DAY 3: CAMPSITE It will be an early morning start, in time to catch the sunrise and photograph moose as the sun comes up. During our paddles, we will also be watching for other wildlife like Blue Herons, Beavers and Common Loons. After the morning shoot, we will return to the campsite where breakfast will be served. We will once again head out for paddles in search of Moose and other wildlife in the late afternoon and again in time to see the sunset. JUNE 10: DAY 4 CAMPSITE For our last camping morning, we will again be out in time for sunrise and return for breakfast before our departure. We will gather at the cabin for lunch before departing for the one-hour drive to Huntsville. Huntsville, Ontario – Algonquin Day Trips Hotel accommodations in Huntsville will be at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 100 Howland Drive. The following is designed to give participants an idea of what the schedule for this segment may look like but with the goal of remaining flexible to maximize our time according to weather conditions and light. JUNE 10: DAY 4 HUNTSVILLE/ALGONQUIN PARK The remainder of the afternoon will be set aside so that participants will have time to get settled into their rooms and to have a rest period before we reconvene for dinner. After dinner, we will be escorted into Algonquin Park by a local guide who is very familiar with the area. This evening, we will venture out looking for locations to photograph the sunset and night sky. JUNE 11: DAY 5 HUNTSVILLE/ALGONQUIN PARK We will meet up early morning with our guide and we will head out to photograph the sunrise. We will return to Huntsville for breakfast and head back into Algonquin Park for a waterfall session. After lunch, we will return to the hotel for our first photo editing session. After dinner, we will return for once last jaunt through Algonquin Park looking for wildlife and sunset/night sky photo opportunities. JUNE 12: DAY 6 HUNTSVILLE/DEPARTURE For our last morning, we will have breakfast at the hotel before our last meeting. Following breakfast, we will meet in the hotel for a continuation on photo editing and for a chance to review photos from the week. Our anticipated departure time is between 12 and 1pm. Workshop Fee, Inclusions and Exclusions The fee for this workshop is $3,595.00 per person based on double occupancy. Payment can be made by cheque, electronic transfer, Visa or Mastercard (no American Express). Payments will be processed by WorldGo, a travel processing company that is in compliance with Consumer Protection BC travel regulations. Limited single occupancy is available for an additional fee of $400.00 based on a first come, first serve basis. Single Occupancy would include a private room at the cabin with shared bathroom, private tent and private room in Huntsville. Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is required to secure your place in this workshop. We are not able to hold spots without the full deposit amount. Should you not be able to attend after placing the deposit, the non-refundable deposit can be transferred if you are able to find someone to take your place. The balance is due in full on, or before, Wednesday, April 8th, 2020. If final payment has not been made by this date, we will attempt to fill your placement from the waitlist (if any) and only the deposit will be lost if someone takes your place. If the position is not able to be filled, the balance of the workshop fee is due on, or before June 7th, 2020. Meals Included: • Day 1: Lunch and Dinner • Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner • Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch • Day 5: Breakfast and Lunch • Day 6: Breakfast • Snacks during the cabin and camping segment Meals Not Included: • Dinners in Huntsville on Days 4 & 5 • Snacks during the Huntsville Segment Transportation Included: • Transportation from the cabin to the outfitters and, from the outfitters to the canoe launch site. • Transportation back to the cabin at the conclusion of the camping segment. • Transportation for day trips into Algonquin Park and to and from any restaurant while in Huntsville. Transportation Not Included: • Domestic or International airfare. Pearson International Airport, Toronto (YYZ) is the closest international airport to Algonquin Park. • Transportation to the cabin (approx. 3.5 hours from YYZ) and any return transportation at the conclusion of the workshop in Huntsville. • Transportation from the cabin to the Holiday Inn Express in Huntsville (approx. 1 hour drive) (unless arranged directly with either Stuart Clark or Stan Novotny). Camping Gear Included: • With the exception of items listed in the next section, all aspects of the camping segment will be provided by the outfitter including, but not limited to, tents, dry packs, canoes, paddles, personal floatation device (PFD), dishes/utensils/cooking gear. Items Not Included: • Any items of a personal nature required for any part of the workshop. • Sleeping bags can be rented from the outfitters for an additional fee of $22 if required. Please advise us if a sleeping bag is required. • Camera equipment (see recommendations below). • Bug jacket with hood (strongly recommended). • Bug Repellant (DEET level of 25% or higher). There are unconfirmed reports in this area of children and smaller adults being carried off by large mosquitos. • Travel insurance for trip delay/cancellation (recommended). • Medical insurance for non-Ontario residents (recommended as there can be coverage limitations). • Medical insurance for non-Canadian residents (mandatory with proof of coverage to be provided on, or before final payment). • The outfitting company will be providing us a recommended list of items to bring and this will be provided to participants. • The recommended gratuity for the camping segment is $40-50 per day/per workshop participant (this will be divided evenly between the guides). • The recommended gratuity for the tour guide during the Huntsville segment is $20 per workshop participant. Fitness Level: • Canoeing: Participants do not require previous canoeing experience but should consider themselves at a fitness level where they can perform light duty paddling intermittently for durations of around 4 hours at a time. The pace as described by the Outfitters as “Relaxed”. • Hiking: Participants should be at a level where they can hike at a medium to moderate difficulty level and on uneven terrain at a steady pace for shorter durations. Specific locations will not be determined until the workshop is underway so determining exact fitness level requirements is not possible. Most day access trail systems in Algonquin Park are not extremely difficult. Access to waterfall locations in Algonquin are generally easy hikes but may require some more difficult maneuvering over rocks and rough terrain for participants who wish to leave the pathway. Recommended Camera Gear: • Camera: DSLR or Mirrorless camera body with changeable lens is recommended. Participants may wish to bring more than one camera body. • Spare batteries: This is essential for this trip. The cabin location and the campsite are “off the grid” and batteries must be charged prior to arrival. There will be no opportunity to charge batteries during the cabin and camping segment. • Wildlife: It is recommended that you have a minimum focal length of 200mm. Having a focal length of 400-600mm is recommended and will offer the best photographic experience. Moose pictures used in the promotional material were shot with a 600mm lens and a 1.5x crop sensor camera body (900mm). • Landscape/Night Sky: A wide angle lens is often the preference for landscape but great results can also be achieved with lenses such as a fisheye, 24-70mm, 70-200mm and even full telephoto lenses – creativity often happens when we step outside of the norm. • Camera Support: A tripod for landscapes and night sky is required along with a remote/timer shutter release. The use of a tripod while canoeing may be possible but it will be difficult. Stuart used a tripod during his trip here in 2014 and found it to be difficult to balance in the canoe and to be able to get the correct angle to the subject due to the limited space. Monopod or handheld is suggested for the canoe trips. • Laptop: A laptop with Photoshop, Lightroom and NIK Collection (DXO) are recommended. All can be downloaded as a limited-time free trial with all features fully functional. NOTE: Items that are not required during the camping segment can be stored in your vehicle at the cabin or at the Outfitters. There is always a risk of leaving items outside of your care and control however, the risk is very minimal due to the remote location. Participation Requirements: • Participation in this workshop requires the acceptance and signature of “Release of Liability” waivers from both the Outfitting Company and Stan Novotny/Stuart Clark.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO SECURE YOUR PLACE CONTACT STUART CLARK @ 1-250-202-4968 questforwildlife@gmail.com Facebook Messenger www.facebook.com/messages/t/stuart.clark.photography/