Bio
René Bastien is a Canadian travel photographer based in Ottawa. His photography spans landscapes, architecture, portraiture, and cultural encounters, often emphasizing strong compositions, distinctive light, and the subtle details that give a place its identity. His travels have taken him from the rugged coastlines of Canada and the historic towns of Europe to the remote landscapes of Mongolia, where he has photographed the traditions of Kazakh eagle hunters. Whether working with expansive landscapes or intimate human subjects, René seeks images that go beyond simple documentation to evoke a sense of place, atmosphere, and connection.
Following a successful international career in technology and business consulting, René has brought his passion for travel, photography, and exploration together through Highlight Photo Tours, a company he founded in 2017 to create memorable photographic experiences for small groups of enthusiasts. His carefully designed mentored tours combine remarkable destinations with opportunities to explore local culture, discover new perspectives, and photograph locations in the best available light. Drawing on his extensive international travel experience, René emphasizes thoughtful planning, flexibility, and an enjoyable, collaborative atmosphere that allows participants to develop their own photographic vision.
René believes that compelling photography begins with curiosity, patience, and an ability to recognize the extraordinary in seemingly ordinary moments. His approach combines an appreciation for technical excellence with a strong sense of visual storytelling, whether interpreting the clean lines of an architectural subject, the changing mood of a landscape, or the personality of someone encountered along the way. For René, photography is both a creative pursuit and a continuing invitation to explore, observe, and share the richness of the world.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be part of Team Canada. I am looking forward to meeting great photographers and learning skills through our collegial endeavour”.
2027 – Reportage / Photojournalism
The photo was captured during a photo trip to Mongolia in September 2025. The group spent 3 days in the Bayan-Olgii province, at the western end of Mongolia, with a group of Kazakh Eagle Hunters. The Eagle Hunters were practicing different skills that they display during their yearly Golden Eagle Festival, typically held early October. The skills displayed during the Festival include eagle handling skills, as well as traditional Kazakh dress and horsemanship. In this photo, a group of three riders is crossing a shallow brook while riding their horses and holding their golden eagles high.