“The Nature of Impact” – April 1

Posted on March 12, 2026 by gabephotoclub

With special guest presenter, Martin Ross

We’re excited to welcome guest speaker Martin Ross, to present “The Nature of Impact: Demystifying the Wow Factor in Nature Photography”.

A gannet in flight against a dark blue sky, hovering with wings outstretched and legs extended. — © Martin Ross

Martin is a wildlife and sports photographer based in Cranbrook, BC who delivers nature photography presentations widely in BC, Alberta and beyond. A long-time individual member of CAPA, he is a national award-winning photographer, a very active remote member of the Lion’s Gate Camera Club in Vancouver, and lead photographer with the Cranbrook Bucks (part of the BC Hockey League). He has honed his upbeat presentation skills through many seasons of work as a park naturalist with Parks Canada and BC Parks, through studies leading to a Master of Education degree, and through a career in international education. His presentations are relevant for photographers at all skill levels.

Close up of two sea otters in the water, likely a mom and pup.

Martin describes impact as an elusive quality that separates eye-catching images from ordinary ones. Yet, as obvious as impact can be, he says it often defies explanation and simply slips through our fingers as we attempt to analyze an image. “This presentation looks beyond the smoke and mirrors of impact and reveals the very practical, underlying elements that work together to create the wow factor of great nature photographs – with applicability to photography in general.”

–Photo © Martin Ross

You can see more of Martin’s work on his website.

The meeting will be held via Zoom, on Wed. April 1 at 10 am PDT. The link will be sent by email to all Gabriola Photography Club members on the weekend before the meeting. Make sure your membership is up to date so that you receive this info.

A note to non-members of our Club: you’re welcome to attend this event as a guest; contact us by March 29 to sign up.

April 26 Photo Walkabout: Decourcy Loop (Gabriola)

Posted on April 12, 2024 by gabephotoclub

This month our Photo Walkabout will be on Gabriola Island, taking in the Decourcy Loop (approximately 2 km).

The Loop offers many interesting photo opportunities, including big trees, sandy beaches, eroded sandstone formations, views of the Salish Sea, shorebirds and possibly other wildlife – not to mention some interesting signpost decorations along the way. (See the photos below for some examples.)

We’ll start at Pilot Bay, then head up the hill, taking a right on Decourcy Drive, walking the trails to all five viewpoints – with each participant photographing whatever catches their eye.

The first viewpoint is a scenic outlook, while #2 to #4 have public access paths leading down to sandstone beaches which we’ll no doubt want to explore. Viewpoint #5 leads to another sandstone beach, this one with a view of picturesque Turtle Rock. If time permits, we’ll also visit Taylor Bay. The tide will be dropping all morning, so all of the beaches we visit should be accessible.

To join, meet at 10 am at the parking area of Gabriola Sands Provincial Park (AKA “Twin Beaches”). If you’re interested, we’ll plan on an optional 12:30 pm lunch at the Surf afterwards.

Like all our Photo Walkabouts, the event is weather dependent. Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

Click on an image to enlarge it and run them in carousel format.

Sandstone shoreline in foreground with stairs leading down to beach on right and bright sky with clouds in background. — © Corinne Flaws

Closeup of eroded sandstone shore — © Corinne Flaws

Club Field Trip to Buttertubs Marsh, April 13th

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

Gabriola Photography Club members – and other photographers considering joining our club – are invited to take part in our first field trip of 2023.

When & where:
We’re heading to Buttertubs Marsh Park in Nanaimo, on Thursday afternoon, April 13.

Why there?
Buttertubs is a lovely, accessible bird and wildlife sanctuary, encircled by an easy 2-km trail. The field trip will provide an opportunity to connect face-to-face with other club photographers, and the destination is perfect for honing your skills in nature photography: nesting birds, waterfowl, and the marsh habitat.

Timing & travel:
We plan to catch the 1:30pm ferry off Gabriola. For seniors, it’s a ride-free day on the ferry, and if desired we can arrange car pooling to reduce the number of vehicles going over. After two hours at the Park (approximately 2 to 4 pm), we’ll return to the Nanaimo ferry terminal to catch the 4:35pm or 5:05pm ferry back to Gabriola.

To join in:
Please contact Sally Bullas.

What to bring:
You might want to bring along a folding stool or light-weight lawn chair, water bottle, thermos of tea/coffee, and perhaps a snack. In addition, we recommend that you wear layered clothing, walking shoes or boots, and a light all-weather jacket in case of rain.

Come one, come all, it will be a grand excursion!

A scenic image of Buttertubs Marsh with trees and shrubs in the foreground, on a bright spring day.

Gabriola Photography Club

Island photographers focused on fun!

Tag Archives: nature photography

“The Nature of Impact” – April 1

With special guest presenter, Martin Ross

April 26 Photo Walkabout: Decourcy Loop (Gabriola)

Club Field Trip to Buttertubs Marsh, April 13th