The Loricia was coming into Tofino from Browning Pass at Sunset.
The back lighting works well for this shot.
Month: August 2009
Daredevil About To Pounce
The wind is almost always coming from the west in the summer and this works excellent for taking shots of these guys. They are always heading into the sun!
The “Atlin Post” Going through Tsapee Narrows
The Atlin Post came through Tsappee narrows and was heading back to Tofino at Sunset.
Eagle Turning
This eagle decided to turn at the right moment. He was well lite from the sunset.
The “C.Griffin” Sailing Boat
This is the sail boat”C.Griffin” moored in the harbour.
A whale watching boat is coming back from their open ocean tour and a eagle is flying overhead.
Dug Out Canoe
A local company runs these wilderness paddles for the tourists.
Strathcona is in the background and is almost vacant of snow.
Daredevil Coming In
The wind was up just enough to rough up the water surface.
Sunset Paddle
These three came along at just the right time. They were over by Strawberry Island.
Daredevil Coming In
You can see that the wind was blowing. They always come at their prey from down wind. They can use the resistance of the wind to their advantage . They can move quicker and more accurately!
Daredevil Abstract
This is a mistake. I had the shutter speed set too slow. However,I was able to Pan accurately enough to get a half decent abstract out of it!
Sometimes our mistakes ,can work!
Romeo at Sunset
Romeo went on the other side of me and back lite himself ! Thanks you very much!
Romeo’s Mate
She was back lite as well.
Flight
The longest feathers are at the end of the wing. You can see how they bend back .
This eagles was about to turn towards me.
Stalling
This eagle was beginning his turn and was stalling his forward movement. He also decided to check me out.
Tail Feathers
This shot shows how the tail feathers are used to skim across the surface. They use their tail to tell them how far above the water they are, and for bouncing off of!
Close !
This is the closest shot I have of a wild eagle in flight. He was heading into the light ,which gave great texture to his feathers.
Kayaking With Friends
I saw these guys just a few hundred meter’s from shore in the harbour.
I think the shot is self explanatory.
Flaring
I caught this guy “flaring” his wings. They basically adjust the angle of the wing edge to almost vertical to stall themselves as they are landing.
It’s a good opportunity for a photographer to get a great shot as well!
Talons !!
The profile of this eagle shows his Talons off well!
They have to be the length of a mans fingers!! It allows them to grab their prey well !
When they are about to hit their prey,they will stretch out their 4 talons on each foot widely!
Distortion
You can see how the atmosphere is distorting the sun’s image here.
Usually a cold layer is responsible. Light behaves differently through a cold layer laying on the oceans surface. This is exactly how “Green Flashes” occur. I didn’t see one at this sunset,but they usually occur during the winter when there is a cold layer laying on top of the ocean’s surface.
I did a series of shots using this Canadian Coast Guard ship as my primary subject.
Canadian Coast Guard Sunset

I moved myself around and placed the sun in different positions relative to the ship.
The sun highlights the super structure of this CDN Coast Guard ship.
Along the suns edge, you can see the results of the affect our atmosphere has on light particles. Distortion!
Chesterman’s Sunset
I saw this young lady and used her for my foreground subject. The sun and ship were not moving,so I lined myself in behind her to compose the shot.
Chesterman’s Sunset
These kids were playing just alittle from shore and I used them for my foreground subject.
I always try to have a foreground,but do not always get my wish. Being creative after this point is where all the skill/experience come into play.
Canadian Coast Guard Sunset
I saw this jogger/dog coming along and waited for them to come into my composed scene.
Romeo’s Sunset
Romeo often times use’s this sand spit as a place to chow down.
Eagles nest in tree’s usually, but will nest on the ground if there are no other predators around. Usually islands
This spot goes under water at high tide,so it’s no good for nesting!
The sun-setting is what makes this shot sparkle!
Fast!
When eagles wish to descend quickly they will fold their wings somewhat.
A peregrine is the fastest bird in a descent and it is able to achieve this by folding it’s wings.
This eagle is doing this a bit and came down really quickly! I was able to get only one shot off!