Conservation Biologist (MSc) and Professional Wildlife Photographer based on Vancouver Island. With a decade of field research in coastal ecosystems, she combines scientific knowledge with photographic expertise to promote ethical wildlife observation.
Elena's dual background allows her to teach photographers not just how to frame a shot, but how to understand animal behavior to ensure safety and respect. She is an expert on the "100-meter rule" for elk and bears, the mechanics of whale watching regulations, and the identification of invasive species in BC forests. Her technical advice covers camera settings for foggy coastal mornings and protecting gear in high humidity. Elena is a passionate advocate for "Leave No Trace" photography, explaining why baiting animals is dangerous and how to capture the scale of massive landscapes like the Rockies or old-growth cedar forests without damaging the environment.