2020 Florida Wetlands Wildlife Workshop
December 14-19 / January 11-15 / February 15-19
New for 2020, I'll be hosting several groups, for five days each, during December, January, and February, along the east coast of Florida in search of the many migratory birds that winter along the Florida wetlands as well as the regular inhabitants who live here year-round. The workshops will begin on Monday and end on Friday so as to avoid any weekend crowds.
Due to the threat of COVID-19, the groups will be limited to no more than six people and we will be practicing safe social distancing as much as possible. Masks may be required at times. If you feel your health may be at risk or if you feel that you prefer not to abide by COVID-19 precautions, please wait until a time when the threat has passed.
Little blue heron
These workshops are ideal for those who want a relaxed experience but still want to be up front with the wildlife and not have to carry heavy equipment for long distances and wait hours for the first shot. Whether you are a seasoned photographer with expensive gear or an enthusiast, intimidated by those with the big lenses, you will feel right at home with this workshop. As your guide and instructor, you can find out more about me and my experience here.
The days will start right after breakfast with a break at mid-day for instruction and avoiding the heat and the period when the wildlife is doing the same. We will return to shooting in the afternoon, move to the next location for hotel check-in, and convene for an evening workshop where we will discuss the day's treasures and plan for the next day.
In addition to having your own personal field guide, you will receive instruction before, during, and after your sessions. Topics will include shooting in challenging lighting conditions, understanding the digital sensor, composition, software editing of your images, wildlife ethics and much more.
Florida wetland
You can expect to do moderate walking, all along well-groomed trails. We will be changing location most days so we will require multiple hotel reservations but will always be traveling a short distance from the hotels to the sites, minimizing time on the road.
Great egret and chicks
In addition to wildlife photography, you can expect to get some amazing landscapes. Some of the fauna you can expect to see include bald eagle, osprey, various herons and egrets, a variety of ibis, spoonbills, storks, pelicans, anhingas, cormorants, vultures, limpkins, coots, and moorhens. Mammals may include, bobcats, rabbits, raccoons, wild boars, and otters. Common reptiles include alligators, turtles, and snakes.
Wild hog with great egret ride along
Since many of these animals are relatively accustomed to humans, we will be able to get much closer to them than you may have been able to in the past.
Roseate spoonbills
Bring:
Extra memory cards and/or portable hard drives
Batteries and battery chargers
Laptop computer
Lenses ranging from 24mm to 400mm are recommended but 200mm will be sufficient in many cases
All camera bodies are suitable including point and shoot, DSLR, and mirrorless
Tripod and/or monopod if you use one
Comfortable camera straps or slings
Comfortable hiking shoes and socks
Comfortable clothing for summer-like temperatures
Wide brimmed hat
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Water and snacks
American alligator
Entry fees, if any, will be covered so your only expenses will be hotel, food, and fuel. A meet and greet will be held on Sunday, the evening before the first outing. It is suggested that you arrive by mid-day on Sunday.
Cost for the workshop is $1250 per person. To reserve your spot, request a registration/release form and return along with your 50% deposit to [email protected]. The balance is due 90 days before the start date of the workshop. Full refund issued up to 60 days before the start date of the workshop after which a 50% refund will be issued.
Payments must be made in US dollars and can be made by check, money order, or bank check. Workshops are sold as a package and cannot be refunded for partial use.
Book your slot and be prepared to come back with a trove of memorable images, exciting adventures up close with the animals, and gained knowledge of photography and the gear you already have or gear you may want to add to your photographic arsenal.