Newfoundland Photography Tour for lighthouses and icebergs

We will begin our time together as we live the life of a lighthouse keeper overlooking “Iceberg Alley”.

 

Here we will hear the Killer Whales’ call echoing off massive icebergs in our own private cove and hopefully awaken to the sounds of the Humpbacks calling you across vast stretches of the North Atlantic. From this location we will explore the rugged landscape made famous in “The Shipping News”, the Pulitzer prize-winning novel and Kevin Spacey movie.

 

Dates of Workshop: Workshop #1 - June 9 to June 18, 2016 (Sold Out) and Workshop #2 - June 19 to June 28th, 2016

Price of Workshop:  $4885CDN

Photographic Leader(s):  Kevin Pepper and Len Silvester

Maximum Number of attendees: 7

Deposit to secure space in workshop:  $750CDN

What is Included: 10 day workshop with 9 nights’ accommodation (including 3 at Quirpon Lighthouse Inn and 2 at Cape Anguille Lighthouse Inn). 5 breakfasts, daily snacks, juice and water, 5 dinners. Western Brook Pond boat tour. All park and site passes. Transportation.

What is not included: anything not mentioned as included, alcohol, International airfare, items of personal nature, travel insurance.

Arrival should be early afternoon on June 21st and departure times after 2pm on June 30th from Deer Lake Airport in Newfoundland.

Imagine the feel the salt spray in your face as you journey out to remote Quirpon Island amidst the dolphins and whales. As you land in the cove, imagine you are returning home to the sod huts, thousands of years old, which lay undisturbed here. Forge a link with ancient humans as you stand in the remains of their huts overlooking the cove and picture the tiny beach coming to like as it was eons ago.

 

This is your home for three days. It lies atop the cliffs at the northern tip of this deserted island. The contrast of the rugged beauty of the island and the cozy luxury of Quirpon Lighthouse Inn will bring back your childhood feelings of laying by the fire as a storm raged outside. Imperceptibly your priorities in life will shift as you become part of the primal connection between humans and the remote reaches of the sea.

You are now in the best spot on earth to visit with whales and icebergs. At dawn, be certain and capture them through your lens while you introduce yourself to your only neighbors – the whales migrating past your doorstep. An abandoned fishing village near the lighthouse will just be one of many hiking destinations at Quirpon. Learn of the tragic but romantic mass murder and suicide that inevitably lead to its demise.

View the “vast cathedrals of ice”. On sunny days they appear lit from inside. On dull days other senses take over as they seem to grow in size. Their chilling effect spreads to your mind and you feel a timeless empathy for sailors who have dreaded these giants for a millennium.

Europeans first arrived in North America 500 years before Columbus. These Vikings settled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of L’anse aux Meadows. As you visit, one question will fill your mind- Why here? Be sure to ask resident Vikings who work here today. Join them in their huts and sample cuisine from ten centuries ago.

From here we head south along the Viking Trail. If you think the shoreline to this point has been spectacular, wait until your boat tour of Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne. This landlocked fjord was left as a slash in the cliffs when the last ice age ended. 2000 vertical faces slowly come together as your journey on the purest lake in the world. This voyage is guaranteed to give you memories to savor back in the real world. Afterwards, stretch your legs on a valley of ancient earth’s mantle that has made this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape evokes images of the moon more than the earth, but this geological wonder has its own charms. You will enjoy it from sun up to sun down through the lens.
 

 

Last year we hiked the hills and coastline around the lighthouse and surrounding villages. We’re certain all hikers will find enjoyable terrain and spectacular views. Fortunately for those that aren’t interested in the idea of hiking, the beauty of the sea and the sounds of the birds start at the doorstep and a gentle seaside path starts at our lawn.

Contact me to reserve your spot. Email me through our Contact Us Page or email Kevin at kevinapepper@outlook.com

WIldife Photograph Workshop in Newfoundland, Canada

 

Come join us for a trip that will have you photographing bald eagles fishing on cod in the shallow waters, humpback whales and orcas swimming and beaching in the Atlantic waters, photographing 500 pairs of mating puffins on an a private island and taking zodiac tours to photograph the icebergs as they pass down iceberg alley.

Workshop #1 is July 3 to July 8, 2016

Instructors: Kevin A Pepper (K2) and Len Silvester

 

Workshop #2 is July 9 to July 14, 2016

Instructors: Len Silvester and Chris Pepper

 

Price: $2995CAD, to secure your spot is $750

Included: Airport pick up, shared accommodation, private zodiac rides, general admission zodiac rides as mentioned in the itinerary, guiding and photography guidance, juice, water and snacks during the day

 

Not Included: International flights, extra nights, items of personal nature, breakfast and dinners, travel insurance

 

We are headed to Newfoundland again and conducting two workshops in Eastern Newfoundland. We have scouted this location and have identified an area where we can stay within one hour of our hotel and photograph some amazing sights if you like wildlife and birds.

You will be picked up on day one at the airport in St Johns at 11am and brought back to our hotel. Your flight home should be scheduled after 4pm on the last day of the workshop. By doing this we will be able to potentially be able to photograph puffins in the afternoon or evening of day one and the morning of the last day before your departure to the airport.

Our workshops run for six days and five nights and your time with us will include the following.

A minimum of three, three hour zodiac rides to follow and photograph icebergs, humpback whales and orcas

 

One day of photographing bald eagles feeding on capelin and cod in the shallow waters off of one of the shallow bays that the eagles congregate around. We get dropped off on one of these sandy coves before sunrise and will get picked up again later in the afternoon from our private zodiac charter

One day on a private island surrounded by 500 mating pairs of puffins. We get dropped off on this island at sunrise and will get picked up again mid afternoon from our private zodiac charter.

A minimum of one day near Bonavista, Newfoundland photographing another colony of mating puffins.

We do not define which activity occurs on which day because of variables like seas, weather and fish patterns. We promise each will occur over the course of the workshop, we just cannot guarantee in what order. Some activities like landing on the private puffin island require calmer seas.

 

Suggested Camera gear is a telephoto of 400mm or more for the eagles and puffins, a medium telephoto of 70-200mm for icebergs and a wider angle lens for icebergs and landscapes in the range of 24-105mm. You should also bring your tripod and rain coats for your cameras as we are positioned on the Atlantic ocean.

 

If you have any questions, or to register, please contact us through our http://northof49photography.com/contact-us/

British Columbia Whales and Wildlife Workshop

 

Our captain and guide that we have partnered with for our wildlife tours is Simon, an avid wildlife photographer. He leads all of our private photography charters that we run in British Columbia. I am continually impressed with his uncanny ability to place the boat in the perfect spot to capture those "once and a lifetime shots."

 

During your time with us you will witness spectacular wildlife photography and whale photography. We will be located on the southeast shores of Vancouver Island, approximately one hour north of Victoria and 45 minutes south of Nanaimo.

 

Our goal species are the Bald Eagle that use these harbours as their personal dining areas, often seen feeding on marine life along the coastal shores. We will also take you to some of the most densely populated areas for brown and black bear as they use the shorelines to look for food.

 

Plus, on any given day between April and October, we have witnessed up to 89 Orca Whales frolicking in the southern Vancouver Island waterways. Observe these fascinating marine mammals in their natural habitat as you enjoy the scenic waterways of southern Vancouver Island.

 

While our high quality, all-inclusive Whale Watching adventure focuses on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca pods, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall's Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, and a variety of marine birds are also abundant in the area.

 

The Southern Resident Orca Whales are split into three separate groups known as "J pod", "K pod", and "L pod". Orca Whales are very social animals. They live in small nuclear and extended families know as pods, clans and communities.

 

In addition to resident Orca Whales, Transient Orcas are sighted all year. While the Resident Orcas feed almost exclusively on the abundant salmon runs during the summer months, the Transient Orcas feed on a variety of other marine mammals including Porpoises, Dolphins, Whales, Seals, Sea Lions, and sometimes even Deer. The Resident and Transient Orca Whales do not intermingle, but coexist in the same waters.

 

Arrivals and departures: Please be in Richmond, British Columbia to be picked up at 10am on day one. Plan your departure on the last day after 5pm as we will be dropping you off in Vancouver at 2pm.

Dates of Workshops: In 2016 we are only doing three weeks

April 25, 2016 to April 29th, 2016

May 2, 2016 6o May 6, 2016

May 9, 2016 to May 13, 2016

Price for the workshop is $3495.00CAD ($2780USD) $950 single supplement if you want your own cabin to yourself. You do get your own bedroom in a cabin for regular tour price.

Deposit to secure your place in the workshop is $750.00CAD

Included: All accommodation in two bedroom cabins, two ferry rides, entrance fees to Buchart gardens, all meals except that which is not covered in itinerary, all National park entrance fees, all Provincial park entry fees, 9 to 12 hours of wildlife viewing on boats, transportation

Not Included: items of personal nature, alcohol, laundry, travelers insurance, extra nights if needed.

 

Day One – Monday

You will be met south of Vancouver at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal in the departures near where the taxi drops you off at 12:30am. From there we will go to the vehicle and load up and head over to get in line for our ferry ride across to Swartz bay in Victoria at 1pm  

 

Once on the island we will quickly head to our cabins to get unpacked and settled for our time on the island.

 

Our first opportunity to photograph the orca and humpback whales is at 5PM and is scheduled to run to 8pm or 9pm. We will head out for our lastWhale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

 

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Cowichan Bay (Dinner included)

 

Day two – Tuesday

Today we have a private charter of our own boat to travel the inner coastal waters and photograph a variety of wildlife. A private charter will allow us the flexibility to travel to locations with better wildlife without time constraints and the worry of other passengers. It will also give us more room to maneuver on the boat and bring more gear.

 

Our goal species today will be black bears and brown bears, the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca pods, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall's Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, and a variety of marine birds are also abundant in the area.

 

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

 

Day Three – Wednesday

You cannot come to the island and not experience the iconic Pacific Northwest Rainforests. We will leave our lodge after breakfast and head towards Cathedral Grove. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.

 

Depending on the time of year and the salmon run, we will also head over near Port Alberni and go photograph the jumping salmon making their way up the rivers in the annual salmon spawn.

Today is also set aside to go through some computer time and look at your images from the first half of the workshop. I will offer suggestions on composition and editing to make sure your next two outings are even better than your earlier ones.

 

For those that do not need or want the computer time, you can wander through the town of Cowichan Bay and take photos along the arbour font and seaside landscapes.

 

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

 

Day Four - Thursday

Today we have another private charter of our own boat to travel the inner coastal waters and photograph a variety of wildlife.

 

Our goal species today will be black bears and brown bears, the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca pods, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall's Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, and a variety of marine birds are also abundant in the area.

 

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

 

Day Five – Friday

Once again, today is all about the sea life in the ocean around Cowichan Bay. Today we will head out for our last Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

 

Our whale tour on the last day begins at 8am and is scheduled to run till 11am or 12pm.

 

Once back from our tour we will pack up your gear and take you to the ferry terminal in Victoria so you can catch the ferry back to Tsawwassen. We will have you at the ferry terminal at 2pm for the 3pm ferry ride back to the mainland.

 

You should schedule your airline departures from Vancouver after 7pm from Vancouver International Airport, or the next day.

 

Please email me at kevinapepper@outlook.com

Vancouver Island Seascapes and Killer Whales Photo Tour

Step into the land of the “Group of Seven” painters and capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Our destination, Tofino, British Columbia.

The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, typifies the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, boasting flawless natural beauty accentuated by a tapestry of vibrant communities.

This area inspires many renowned artists and artisans, who honor the magic of this land by bringing it into the physical realm. Add to that a climate that summons outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the Earth and it is clear that Vancouver Island is poised to please the photographer.

In 2016 we are running a series of five workshops on Vancouver Island
Summer Season workshops are July 25, 2016 to July 31st, 2016/  August 1, 2016 to August 7th, 2016/  August 8th to August 14th, 2016
Autumn season workshops are October 17th to October 23rd, 2016/  October 24th to October 30th, 2016

Arrivals and departures: Please be in Richmond, British Columbia to be picked up at 10am on day one. Plan your departure on the last day after 5pm as we will be dropping you off in Vancouver at 2pm.

Price for the workshop in the summer is $3495.00CAD ($2780USD) $950 single supplement if you want your own cabin to yourself. You do get your own bedroom in a cabin for regular tour price.

Deposit to secure your place in the workshop is $750.00CAD

Included: All accommodation in two bedroom cabins, two ferry rides, entrance fees to Buchart gardens, all meals except that which is not covered in itinerary, all National park entrance fees, all Provincial park entry fees, 9 to 12 hours of wildlife viewing on boats, transportation

Not Included: items of personal nature, alcohol, laundry, travelers insurance, extra nights if needed.

Day One – Monday
You will be picked up at the Vancouver International airport or your hotel in Richmond near the airport. Pickup is at 10:30am.

From there we will take a ferry ride across the Georgia Strait, ending up in Nanaimo.

From Nanaimo we head west towards the west coast of Canada to your cabins.

We are located in Ucluelet at terrace beach right at the start of the Wild Pacific Trail and Amphitrite point lighthouse just south of the pacific rim national park, world famous long beach, Clayoquot sound and Tofino; and just north of the Broken Group Islands and Barkley sound.

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Dinner included)

Day two – Tuesday
Today we will walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail. This easy, family-friendly trail traces the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound. You will be enthralled by Vancouver Island’s dramatic beauty and helpful interpretive signs will enrich your visit to Ucluelet’s famous 9km trail network. A perfect destination for photographers

Tonight we will visit one of the secluded beaches for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Three – Wednesday
Today we will walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail. This easy, family-friendly trail traces the edge of reefs where shipwrecks, whales and vistas abound. You will be enthralled by Vancouver Island’s dramatic beauty and helpful interpretive signs will enrich your visit to Ucluelet’s famous 9km trail network. A perfect destination for photographers

Tonight we will visit one of the secluded beaches for a sunset photo session.

Stay in two bedroom cabins in Ucluelet (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Four - Thursday

We will leave our lodge after breakfast and head towards Cowichan Bay. On the way we will stop at Cathedral Grove. Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world – some more than 800 years old.

When we arrive in Cowichan Bay you will have the opportunity to wander the seaside town and take photos around the harbour.

After dinner we will head out our first Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

Stay in two bedroom cabins or lodge in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Five – Friday

Today is all about the sea life in the ocean around Cowichan Bay. Today we will head out for two Whale Watching tours to focus on the Southern Resident Orca Whales, Transient Orca Whales, Humpback Whales, Grey Whales and Minke Whales. You will also encounter Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Harbour Seals, Dalls and Harbour Porpoise as well as a myriad of marine birds on your whale watching eco tour.

One tour in the morning light, one in the evening light. – 6 to 8 hours on the water over two outings.

Stay in two bedroom cabins or lodge in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Six Saturday

Today we depart for Buchart Gardens in the afternoon to Victoria. Here you will photograph the world famous Butchart Gardens is a wonderland containing spectacular theme gardens, exotic plants, streams and ponds. Ross Fountain, the famous Sunken Garden, Rose Garden and Japanese Garden are sure to create a lasting impression.

The Butchart Gardens firework shows began in 1977 and continue to be one of The Gardens’ most popular draws. The show times and dates vary from year to year, so please check below for the detailed schedule. The same show happens each Saturday but changes from year to year. If you’d like to get a sense of what our firework shows are like have a look at postings on YouTube and Flickr.

After the show we will linger a while to enjoy the Night Illuminations and a half hour live recital from the rare Aeolian Pipe Organ situated in the loft of the Organ Pavilion.

Stay in two bedroom cabins or lodge in Cowichan Bay (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Day Seven – Sunday

Today we wake and depart for the ferry terminal for a late morning sailing back to Vancouver. You will be dropped off at the airport by 2pm, or at your local hotel.

(Breakfast included)

Contact Kevin Allen Pepper for details at kevinapepper@outlook.com