Landscape & Wildlife Photography Tours by Dave Hutchison
Fine art prints, books, art cards, journals & calendars capturing Vancouver Island & Western Canada
Exclusive Marine Wildlife Photography Experience
Central Vancouver Island Herring Spawn | Small Group | Max 8 Photographers Per Date
Ocean EcoVentures is excited to partner with Dave Hutchison Photography to offer an exclusive Marine Wildlife Photography Workshop focused on one of the most incredible natural events on the BC coast: the Annual Central Vancouver Island Herring Spawn.
For a short window each spring, millions of Pacific herring return to spawn along Central Vancouver Island. The result is an extraordinary concentration of marine life. Steller and California Sea Lions, Pacific Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Seabirds, and often Biggs Killer Whales converge in fast-moving, high-energy feeding events that create truly world-class wildlife photography opportunities.
Join us on our Herring Spawn Photography Tours for chances to witness vibrant turquoise spawning waters, massive wildlife feeding
activity, and one of the most important natural events on our coast.
Cost: $299 per person + GST
Conservation Commitment: Ocean EcoVentures will make a 10% donation of profit
to the Conservancy Hornby Island.
Workshop Details
Departing: French Creek Harbour (Parksville area)
• March 7, 2026 - (SOLD OUT)
• March 21, 2026 - (SOLD OUT)
Duration: 4–5 Hours on the water
Boat used will be the Onyx - details at:
https://oceanecoventures.com/our-boats/
Co-Hosted by
Ocean EcoVentures Lead Captain Simon Pidcock - https://oceanecoventures.com/
Dave Hutchison Photography
Experience Highlights
• Strategic vessel positioning for optimal light and wildlife behaviour
• Professional instruction on photographing fast-moving marine wildlife
• Deep local knowledge of herring spawn dynamics and predator movement
• Low guest numbers to maximize shooting space and comfort
• Real-time coaching and shooting feedback throughout the session
• Interpretation of wildlife behaviour, safety, and ethical viewing practices
Strictly Limited to a Maximum of 8 Photographers Per Date
This ensures optimal shooting space, personal coaching access, and a premium small-group experience.
Central Vancouver Island Herring Spawn | Small Group | Max 8 Photographers Per Date
Ocean EcoVentures is excited to partner with Dave Hutchison Photography to offer an exclusive Marine Wildlife Photography Workshop focused on one of the most incredible natural events on the BC coast: the Annual Central Vancouver Island Herring Spawn.
For a short window each spring, millions of Pacific herring return to spawn along Central Vancouver Island. The result is an extraordinary concentration of marine life. Steller and California Sea Lions, Pacific Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Seabirds, and often Biggs Killer Whales converge in fast-moving, high-energy feeding events that create truly world-class wildlife photography opportunities.
Join us on our Herring Spawn Photography Tours for chances to witness vibrant turquoise spawning waters, massive wildlife feeding
activity, and one of the most important natural events on our coast.
Cost: $299 per person + GST
Conservation Commitment: Ocean EcoVentures will make a 10% donation of profit
to the Conservancy Hornby Island.
Workshop Details
Departing: French Creek Harbour (Parksville area)
• March 7, 2026 - (SOLD OUT)
• March 21, 2026 - (SOLD OUT)
Duration: 4–5 Hours on the water
Boat used will be the Onyx - details at:
https://oceanecoventures.com/our-boats/
Co-Hosted by
Ocean EcoVentures Lead Captain Simon Pidcock - https://oceanecoventures.com/
Dave Hutchison Photography
Experience Highlights
• Strategic vessel positioning for optimal light and wildlife behaviour
• Professional instruction on photographing fast-moving marine wildlife
• Deep local knowledge of herring spawn dynamics and predator movement
• Low guest numbers to maximize shooting space and comfort
• Real-time coaching and shooting feedback throughout the session
• Interpretation of wildlife behaviour, safety, and ethical viewing practices
Strictly Limited to a Maximum of 8 Photographers Per Date
This ensures optimal shooting space, personal coaching access, and a premium small-group experience.
wildlife photography sunset tours
Come join Kelly & I for an evening SUNSET WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR in search of
whales (orcas and/or humpbacks) in the amazing Salish Sea / Discovery Passage.
Departing from Campbell River, we have chartered a boat with Discovery West Adventures for the evenings of June 23 and June 28, 2026. Sailing times are 5:30 to approx. 9:30pm to capture the best light of the day.
No crowded boats, max 8 people including Kelly & I. The 30 ft boat is also covered in case of inclement weather.
LIMITED to 6 PARTICIPANTS each TOUR
(led by myself with my wife Kelly as support)
Dates: June 23 & June 28, 2026
Price: $397 + GST (each tour)
whales (orcas and/or humpbacks) in the amazing Salish Sea / Discovery Passage.
Departing from Campbell River, we have chartered a boat with Discovery West Adventures for the evenings of June 23 and June 28, 2026. Sailing times are 5:30 to approx. 9:30pm to capture the best light of the day.
No crowded boats, max 8 people including Kelly & I. The 30 ft boat is also covered in case of inclement weather.
LIMITED to 6 PARTICIPANTS each TOUR
(led by myself with my wife Kelly as support)
Dates: June 23 & June 28, 2026
Price: $397 + GST (each tour)
here is what i have seen from the coastal waters of vancouver island.
you can see this too!
Sunset Wildlife Photography Tour - June 23, 2026
CA$397.00
Join Kelly & I for an evening Sunset Tour in search of whales, dolphins, otters, eagles and more. Registration is for June 23, 2026 from 5:30pm to approx. 9:30pm from Deck F at Discovery Marina, Campbell River, BC.
Limited to 6 participants only!
Sunset Wildlife Photography Tour - June 28, 2026
CA$397.00
Join Kelly & I for an evening Sunset Tour in search of whales, dolphins, otters, eagles and more. Registration is for June 28, 2026 from 5:30pm to approx. 9:30pm from Deck F at Discovery Marina, Campbell River, BC.
Limited to 6 participants only!
EXPLORE AND CREATE WITH US
Dave & Kelly Hutchison
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What you will expect to learn:
- manual priority / auto ISO
- telephoto lens use for landscapes
- proper handhold technique
- exposure compensation
- overall tips for photographing wildlife on the ocean
- and a heck of a lot of fun!
What IS included:
- photography instruction from primarily myself (Kelly is new photographer but learning very quickly) with over 20 years experience
- free parking (short term) at Discovery Harbour Marina (subject to change without notice)
What is NOT included:
- transportation to Campbell River (Discovery Harbour Marina)
- your personal items such as drinking water, sunscreen, hat, and camera gear
- no meals or food included
What to BRING:
- camera body (preferably a DSLR or mirrorless where the settings can be changed manually)
- memory cards (at least 2)
- mid range zoom such as a 24-70 mm or 24-120 mm (or similar) for general shots while on the dock, etc. (optional)
- telephoto zoom such as a 70-200 mm, 100-400 mm, 200-500 mm, 500mm, 600mm, etc. (these can be for landscapes & wildlife)
- camera bag (water resistant or has a rain cover)
- lens clothes
- water bottle
- rain jacket
- warm jacket or heavy sweater
- hat / cap (preferably waterproof)
- pen and small note pad (optional)
- manual priority / auto ISO
- telephoto lens use for landscapes
- proper handhold technique
- exposure compensation
- overall tips for photographing wildlife on the ocean
- and a heck of a lot of fun!
What IS included:
- photography instruction from primarily myself (Kelly is new photographer but learning very quickly) with over 20 years experience
- free parking (short term) at Discovery Harbour Marina (subject to change without notice)
What is NOT included:
- transportation to Campbell River (Discovery Harbour Marina)
- your personal items such as drinking water, sunscreen, hat, and camera gear
- no meals or food included
What to BRING:
- camera body (preferably a DSLR or mirrorless where the settings can be changed manually)
- memory cards (at least 2)
- mid range zoom such as a 24-70 mm or 24-120 mm (or similar) for general shots while on the dock, etc. (optional)
- telephoto zoom such as a 70-200 mm, 100-400 mm, 200-500 mm, 500mm, 600mm, etc. (these can be for landscapes & wildlife)
- camera bag (water resistant or has a rain cover)
- lens clothes
- water bottle
- rain jacket
- warm jacket or heavy sweater
- hat / cap (preferably waterproof)
- pen and small note pad (optional)
Payment & Cancellation Policy
- $397 CDN + 5% GST tax for each date: June 23 or June 28, 2026
- workshop is held rain or shine
- no refunds for inclement weather (if trip is cancelled by Discovery West Adventures, full refund or a reschedule option is offered)
- no refunds for the workshop unless your spot can be filled, then refund given less a $50 + GST admin is charged.
- liability waiver for each participant to be signed prior to workshop start
- Discovery West Adventures has an online waiver that I direct you to once paid
- $397 CDN + 5% GST tax for each date: June 23 or June 28, 2026
- workshop is held rain or shine
- no refunds for inclement weather (if trip is cancelled by Discovery West Adventures, full refund or a reschedule option is offered)
- no refunds for the workshop unless your spot can be filled, then refund given less a $50 + GST admin is charged.
- liability waiver for each participant to be signed prior to workshop start
- Discovery West Adventures has an online waiver that I direct you to once paid
Testimonials
Having bought a new camera I needed a little assistance re-learning the basics. Dave was very thorough, helping me work through the settings and the set up of my camera. I hadn’t used it much in manual and Dave’s patient tutoring and kind encouragement were just what I needed. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how iso/shutter speed and aperture all work together. I’ve got lots to practice over the next few weeks. Thank you Dave for an excellent lesson! Highly recommended!
Amanda T., Victoria, BC
I came to Dave as an amateur photographer (still am) wanting to get into it a little bit deeper. Dave has gone above and beyond that and has given me that little boost of confidence that I needed to get out there. Once he had figured out what kind of photography I wanted to do he helped me with equipment to achieve my goals . Because there’s so much out there it can be very confusing for an amateur photographer but he made it very clear and understandable . Dave has put up with my many questions and has happily answered them.
I am definitely going to go back to him for private lessons so I can hone what skills that I have. I would recommend Dave whether you’re a seasoned photographer or amateur.
Aileen W., Campbell River, BC
Dave is an excellent teacher who revitalized my interest in outdoor photography. I have taken several workshops with Dave and they have been consistently excellent. I have learned new techniques and found new settings for landscape photography. Highly recommended for photographers at all levels.
Todd K., North Saanich, BC
Having bought a new camera I needed a little assistance re-learning the basics. Dave was very thorough, helping me work through the settings and the set up of my camera. I hadn’t used it much in manual and Dave’s patient tutoring and kind encouragement were just what I needed. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how iso/shutter speed and aperture all work together. I’ve got lots to practice over the next few weeks. Thank you Dave for an excellent lesson! Highly recommended!
Amanda T., Victoria, BC
I came to Dave as an amateur photographer (still am) wanting to get into it a little bit deeper. Dave has gone above and beyond that and has given me that little boost of confidence that I needed to get out there. Once he had figured out what kind of photography I wanted to do he helped me with equipment to achieve my goals . Because there’s so much out there it can be very confusing for an amateur photographer but he made it very clear and understandable . Dave has put up with my many questions and has happily answered them.
I am definitely going to go back to him for private lessons so I can hone what skills that I have. I would recommend Dave whether you’re a seasoned photographer or amateur.
Aileen W., Campbell River, BC
Dave is an excellent teacher who revitalized my interest in outdoor photography. I have taken several workshops with Dave and they have been consistently excellent. I have learned new techniques and found new settings for landscape photography. Highly recommended for photographers at all levels.
Todd K., North Saanich, BC