Donna Koch

Donna Koch I share the wonderful art of photography as a coach and artist.

Catering to all levels, my 'Love Your Camera' workshops are designed to take you from nervous newbie to calm and confident photographic artist.

Sand Spirits of Haida GwaiiI used to trip a lot—walking along beaches or forest trails, looking up and around me. I have...
05/19/2026

Sand Spirits of Haida Gwaii
I used to trip a lot—walking along beaches or forest trails, looking up and around me. I have learned to look down, not only to keep from tripping... but to see what surrounds me fully.

Haida Gwaii reminded me of this gift of wisdom. When you look closely at the sand, you start to see the 'Sand Spirits'—the intricate patterns, textures and stories left by the tide.

In the spirit of the Haida principle 'Isda ad dii gii isda' (Giving and Receiving), I give thanks for all that I received as a guest of this spectacular land. 'Haawa'

Swipe through to see the breathtaking, mindful details written in the sand.

Finding Clarity in the 'Galapagos of the North' Haida Gwaii may be known for its moody mountains and heavy mist. Not on...
05/14/2026

Finding Clarity in the 'Galapagos of the North'

Haida Gwaii may be known for its moody mountains and heavy mist. Not on my visit. It presented the complete opposite - nothing but sunshine and cloudless skies.

As a photographer, it’s easy to mourn the lack of moodiness and depth that bluebird skies bring. But there was a choice to be made - focus on what wasn’t there, or embrace the quiet simplicity right in front of me.

These photos are a gentle reminder that the only real limitations in photography (and life) are the ones we carry within ourselves.

Ernst Haas put it this way, "There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are."

Enjoy the view through the lens of my camera, at the magnificence that is Haida Gwaii - rain or shine.

05/14/2026

Finding Clarity in the "Galapagos of the North"

Haida Gwaii may be known for its moody shadows and heavy mist. Not on my visit. It offered the complete opposite - nothing but sunshine and cloudless skies.

As a photographer, it’s easy to mourn the lack of moodiness and depth that bluebird skies bring. But there was a choice to be made - focus on what wasn’t there, or embrace the quiet simplicity right in front of me.

These photos are a gentle reminder that the only real limitations in photography (and life) are the ones we carry within ourselves. To quote Ernst Haas: "There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are."

Enjoy the view through the lens of my camera, at the magnificence that is Haida Gwaii.

Have you ever seen an albatross in the wild? It became a bucket list experience I didn't know I was missing.Dunedin on ...
04/16/2026

Have you ever seen an albatross in the wild? It became a bucket list experience I didn't know I was missing.

Dunedin on the New Zealand South Island is home to the Albatross Sanctuary and the only land based breeding ground for the .

The universe was on our side during our visit. Not only did we watch these magnificent teenage birds soaring in the hopes of finding a future mate; we witnessed a long time resident couple with their chick. Our guide was so excited, noting there are less than 10 days during nesting that you are likely to catch both parents on the nest.

Note: The nest and select flight photos are taken behind glass in the observatory, creating an additional photography challenge. You may note some are not crystal clear. I've included them as a reminder to the value of capturing moments that matter and letting go of the need for perfection in our photography. It's a lesson I continue learn and share.

Learn more at: https://albatross.org.nz/

WOW!! 3 Days in a row and Mother Nature did not disappoint! Day 1 - Great Horned Owl Day 2 - Momma and twin baby deer ...
08/17/2025

WOW!! 3 Days in a row and Mother Nature did not disappoint!

Day 1 - Great Horned Owl
Day 2 - Momma and twin baby deer playing

Day 3 - This morning I looked out at our pond and my second ever water lily had seemingly appeared overnight. Of course, I couldn't stop there. With camera in hand, I wandered the rest of the gardens... One of my favourite subjects has been and remains -

Yesterday we shared our yard with a juvenile . Today, we were entertained by a momma deer and her twins, playing in th...
08/17/2025

Yesterday we shared our yard with a juvenile . Today, we were entertained by a momma deer and her twins, playing in the empty lot next door. What a wonderful way to start the day, with wildlife, laughter and pure joy.

While they have grazed on many flowers just in bloom, I love that we get to share our space.

We have been hearing their and calls for several days. And then this beautiful juvenile took up residence for the d...
08/16/2025

We have been hearing their and calls for several days. And then this beautiful juvenile took up residence for the day in a large backyard pine. I was totally obsessed with him/her. It was a great opportunity to put my tripod and 'new to me' Canon 70-200 with 2X extender to use.

While a couple photos lack sharpness, I chose to share them because... it is not perfection but moments in time that matter most

06/28/2025

Let me guess…
You dream of taking amazing photos but it just all seems overwhelming.
There are so many buttons and dials - and the manual - not very helpful

I CAN HELP!
Imagine capturing that perfect sunset, or hike with friends, or backyard birthday.
It’s all possible - and easier than you might think.
The Love Your Camera workshops are about demystifying photography and showing you how to take control of your camera.

About the workshop
In just one workshop you will not only choose the shooting mode that works for you - NEWSFLASH - It doesn’t have to be Manual - you will understand the key fundamentals of photography and how to control your camera to capture stunning images that you can’t wait to share, show and hang on your wall.

Why this is different
During the Love Your Camera workshop you won’t hear complicated technical jargon - just simple, hands on coaching designed specifically for you. In just 4 hours you will be navigating key camera functions, applying the fundamentals of photography and amazed at what you create through the lens of your camera

Why I want to teach you
My name is Donna Koch and with over 30 years of wedding, people, events and adventure photography I’m living proof you don’t have to have a fancy degree or even a fancy camera to love your camera and make great photos. I love sharing my passion for photography and I’m constantly learning how to evolve my own craft.

If you’re finally ready to get started, pick up that camera or elevate your photography skills, I invite you to join me at my next Love Your Camera Photography Workshop, right here in Kelowna.

https://www.donnakoch.com/photography-workshops

Kananaskis Real & ReimaginedA little realist and a little impressionist take of my amazing trip to Kananaskis last month...
06/16/2025

Kananaskis Real & Reimagined
A little realist and a little impressionist take of my amazing trip to Kananaskis last month. A special shout out to my guides and fellow passionate photographers Mike Kyffin and Norm Cattoni.

Kananaskis Real & Reimagined - Take 2A little realist and a little impressionist take of my amazing trip to Kananaskis l...
06/14/2025

Kananaskis Real & Reimagined - Take 2
A little realist and a little impressionist take of my amazing trip to Kananaskis last month. A special shout out to my guides and fellow passionate photographers Mike Kyffin and Norm Cattoni

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Kelowna, BC

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+12504709404

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