WORKSHOPS
I am proud to offer my services as a photographic instructor and guide. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals of nature photography, an intermediate photographer hoping to hone your skills, or a seasoned photographer in need of a guide, I am confident in my ability to exceed your expectations. I have been exploring wilderness areas for many years, over fifteen of which have been spent with camera in hand. Along with my technical experience, a lifelong passion for wildlife and multiple years spent working in the biology field can offer you a unique, enriching experience. My teaching style places emphasis not only on improving proficiency of camera control, compositional development, and creativity, but perhaps most importantly, learning about your subjects and their environment. If you’re interested in private guiding or instruction, please get in touch.
GROUP WORKSHOPS
The following workshops are led alongside Connor Stefanison. For more than 10 years, we’ve worked together to create distinctive photography experiences, acting as both photographic instructors, and wildlife experts. Preceding this partnership, we were childhood best friends who grew up on the same street. Thanks to exhaustive scouting, our trips have become known for their consistent and unique opportunities. All trips are located within our home province of British Columbia, in the areas we’ve been exploring since we were kids. I invite you to check out the pages below, to get to know the four workshops we offer annually. Hope you can join us in the field someday soon!
2025 Dates
Feb 10th – 14th (Few Spaces Remaining!)
Feb 17th – 21st (1 Space Remaining!)
Feb 23rd – 27th (SOLD OUT)
March 2nd – 6th (1 Space Remaining!)
March 9th – 13th (2 Spaces Remaining!)
Registration now open!
Several species of owls, a huge diversity of waterfowl, songbirds, jays and woodpeckers from photography blinds, large gatherings of Bald Eagles, dazzling pink Anna's Hummingbirds and their nests, temperate rainforests with 500 year old trees - all of this surrounding one of the world's most beautiful cities!
Click here to learn more about this workshop…
2025 Dates
May 5th – 9th
May 11th – 15th
Registration now open!
The avian highlights of one of Canada’s most beautiful and unique landscapes: the Okanagan Valley of southern British Columbia. At the height of the spring breeding season, we’ll experience the amazing abundance and diversity of birds for which this area is known — from nesting owls, to hummingbirds, to warblers and tanagers.
ULTIMATE
LoonS
2025 Dates
June 2nd – 7th
June 8th – 13th
June 14th – 19th
June 20 – 25th
Common Loons with chicks, nesting Great Grey Owls, up to five species of Grebes, Red Foxes, displaying Ruddy Ducks, Mountain Bluebirds, rare Woodpeckers, and dancing Sharp-tailed Grouse are among the many highlights of this 6-day workshop in the heart of the BC wilderness.
Beautiful lakefront accommodations, small group sizes and low, stable boats.
Click here to learn more about this workshop…
MANNING
PARK
2025 Dates
July 14th – 17th
Plentiful wildlife, subalpine wildflower displays and dramatic scenery await you in the Cascade Mountains of southwestern British Columbia.
Click here to learn more about this workshop…
“The Winter Birds of Vancouver Photo Workshop was an incredible experience, not only the photographic opportunities presented but it was also an immersive nature experience. It is clear that Jess and Connor have invested extensive time and effort into learning and understanding the behavior and habitat for the wildlife we photographed.
Both Jess and Connor worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our daily outings; maximizing our shooting time every day, depending on the weather and the habits of the birds. Neither of them shot photos during the workshop, which is not typically the norm, and they focused 100% on their clients. During the workshop they offered helpful photography tips, taught us about natural history, and best practices in the field. It is clear that they know their craft inside and out and are passionate teachers.
This workshop far exceeded my expectations.”
Katherine
Massachusetts, USA
Winter Birds of Vancouver 2024
“Just wanted to let you both know how much I enjoyed the Birds of the Okanagan Workshop. It was an amazing week, and I can't tell you both how much I appreciate your hard work; from scouting to making sure all your clients are given the best opportunity to see and get amazing images (and otherwise taken care of). I have been with you for multiple workshops and you continue to elevate the quality of each one. I look forward to the next time I spend time with you. I can't say it enough… I so appreciate the hard work, quality and amazing subjects you find just to see, as well as photograph. Enjoy spending time with you both, your knowledge and personalities sure make the workshops, time I will cherish and never forget.”
Mark
Michigan, USA
Birds of the Okanagan 2024
