Helene Cyr Photography » Ocean

Moulting Elephant Seals, Race Rocks, Victoria, BC

Helene — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:34:04 +0000

It’s difficult to describe the pungent odor of moulting elephant seals. A mix between rotting flesh and death might come close. Remarkably strong to say the least and they don’t look particularly over joyed about it. If anything I feel empathy. They tend to hang out on the boat ramp as it’s easy access in and out of the water which makes it challenging for Mike to reel the boat either from the water or out into it. He gently taps their behinds to move their massive weight and they fuss, snort and eventually give way.

Mike rinsing out the inside mouth infection

Carrots will go here… not grass!

above 2 photos by Mike Robinson

Race Rocks, Jan 2012

Helene — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:17:43 +0000

Race Rocks, a tiny and special Island where it holds BC’s 2nd oldest lighthouse. The Island no bigger then 2 hectares in size holds my sweet friend Mike, a few Elephant Seals and countless birds that come and go. The neighboring rock islands hosts Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Oyster Catchers and the list goes on… Such a privilege it is to witness these blubbery friends at such close range! I can’t pretend to be a pinniped biologist but if you wish to know more please follow the Race Rocks blog: http://www.racerocks.ca/wp/
The little I do know is that the baby pup “Squall” named by Mike was born last Saturday in the middle of a storm. I arrived a few days after and watched it grow (I say “it” as I don’t know it’s gender) from a wet shivering somewhat weak looking pup to a strong assertive one within a few short days! Despite the bitter cold and pushing winds it grew stronger each day. It carries its name well.
Mystery is the Papa and defends his Bertha and Squall well. He will tolerate us at a certain distance but for only so long before he pushes his weight around! I very much enjoyed being happily stranded on Race Rocks with Mike for a full 5 days witnessing time, winds and storm in a very different way. Close up of Mystery (4th picture) is taken by Mike Robinson.

Michele and Joshua, Black Rock resort, Ucuelet, BC

Helene — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:23:50 +0000

Michele and Joshua chose Black Rock Resort as their venue of choice. The surrounding sea and environs make it a stunning place. Their families and friends were remarkably animated and kind!

David and Dominic, Victoria BC

Helene — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:15:38 +0000

To have humor and love is a wonderful combo! Just met up with David and Dominic from San Fransisco and within minutes felt very much at ease. A typical summer day as we headed out for a quick hour session and the generous skies opened and dumped on us. Can’t complain I’m a big fan when seas and skies are one. We very much needed those umbrellas. Can’t wait to photograph your wedding in October!

Jacquie and Blake, Craidelonna lodge, Sooke BC

Helene — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:13:11 +0000

A very beautiful and casual wedding it was at the Craidelonna Lodge along Sooke road which I highly recommend for small weddings. The place is just stunning. Jacquie and Blake were equally casual, naturally beautiful, stress free and very much in love which made for the picture seance a joy! They hoisted a flag with two hearts as a ceremonial gesture which was a nice touch I thought.

Harjog and Ian, Cattle Point, BC

Helene — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:02:25 +0000

They came all the way over from Australia to marry close to their roots and families. An intimate and elegant wedding with only their close families to witness their vows along side Cattle Point. The colors from their saris and overcast skies made for a visual treat! Harjog and Ian were so wonderfully relaxed throughout the day. After their heartfelt ceremony we wondered peacefully to a café then through Fan Tan Alley with no specific agenda. Harjog being a photographer herself understood the process and for this I am grateful.

Lindsey and Matt, Victoria, BC

Helene — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:44:57 +0000

That morning it was raining cats and dogs. An old saying apparently from Europe when literally cats and dogs fell off the steep rooftops. Kind of day when the rain comes up from the ground and every which way. None of which phased Lindsey and Matt arriving at my door gleaming with vintage umbrellas and giddiness!
I simply can not wait to photograph their wedding in July and rekindle with familiar faces. I feel so fortunate that the work I love presents me with such wonderful people!

West Coast moments

Helene — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:51:50 +0000

Félix and the environs are simply a joy to capture.

Katherine & Michael, St. Andrews + Empress Hotel, Victoria, BC

Helene — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:08:11 +0000

Katherine and Michael chose St. Andrews church to have their ceremony and the Empress Hotel for their reception. Katherine managed to find these magnificent balloons that were an absolute blast to photograph! I could have photographed them with their balloons all day as ideas starting to flow amongst us. She even took us to the cemetery as one of her places to take pictures. How lucky I am to have such open minded and creative couples!

South Caicos, bitter sweet

Helene — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:46:33 +0000

Turks and Caicos Islands otherwise known as the TCI, is nestled in the brightest of turquoise Caribbean seas south of the Bahamas. South Caicos is one of the smallest of the islands and perhaps the least favored for tourism. Both high level official corruption and Hurricane Ike left the island deeply scarred. According to Wikipedia the population in 2006 was 1579. Perhaps less today? Apparently there are 12 churches of sorts. I wonder if poverty breeds religion or does religion breed poverty? There are few roads and only 21.2 square KM much of which is abandoned Salinas and for this I question why one of the preachers drives around in a Hummer? There are two hotels under construction one of which is utterly massive called Highlands and has been in the works for the last 20 years and it appears lost in transition. It was the Cancun promise for investors at the time I suppose. For now the airport has a strip to handle small passenger planes a far cry from the commercial airlines needed to fill up the Highland hotel. Although, frankly these hotels may be what is needed to help boost the local economy.

There I visited Mike (my sweet heart) whom is hard working for the School of Field Studies. The 35 university students at SFS study the ocean and marine life which is remarkably bountiful. Never have I seen so much marine life nor will I ever use sea sponge again, it belongs on the ocean floor! I met wonderful people at the school (too many to mention) who kindly leant me their scuba gear and even took the time to teach me how to dive. Merci Claire!

The images below are random, expressing my 2.5 weeks between holiday, rekindling with Mike, observing the local poverty as well as making new friends. I look forward to returning early March and explore further with my camera.

business is done at glacier speed however the quiet beaches and stunning waters can be worth it.

photo by the lovely Ann-Marie