A workshop for bird, scenic and reptile photography, led by Robert Nunnington
Everglades National Park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site – and for good reason. Some of the World’s best opportunities for wetland bird photography can be found in the Everglades region of South Florida in the Winter to early spring period. In addition, the Everglades offer some remarkable scenic photography opportunities, in many kinds of weather and different seasons. This workshop combines both bird and scenic photography, and is aimed at showing some of the remarkable opportunities the Everglades have to offer for unusual and dramatic images, while learning some of the techniques required to capture them. This is not a typical bird photography workshop i.e. spot and shoot; it is about learning some of the best ways to capture the drama of the fauna and flora, and being able to repeat it with other locations and subjects. For instance, some of the techniques we will cover include telephoto flash techniques, matching flash and sunrise backdrops, high speed action – birds in flight, and the use of wide angle lenses to photograph wildlife up close. Other subjects may include flowers and insects. Robert will individually instruct and share experiences and understanding of these techniques; in addition to those used for photographing both the grand vista and intimate landscapes, using a wide array of lenses from wide angle to macro and telephoto. Other subjects may include flowers and insects. These techniques are not just limited to the subjects at hand, but will also encompass those learned from many years of photographing in Southern Africa.
Click here for a selection of images from the February/March 2010 Everglades shoot.
Who should attend?
- This is a hands-on workshop for photographers who prefer to have their tuition in the field, rather than in the classroom. However, there will be opportunity for critique and review of the days shooting and Photoshop techniques for optimizing images during the day or in the evenings.
- The workshop is intended for all photographers, whether beginners or advanced amateurs. Digital or film shooters are welcome. Because of the small group size, individual attention can be given to attendees, irrespective of experience or expectations.
- Wonder how that shot was made, what do I need to know to nail that picture or effect? Robert will share his experiences and the professional techniques to help you get the pictures you aspire to. Attending the workshop should be viewed as an investment in your future development as a nature photographer.
What is the focus for the Workshop?
- March presents unique opportunities for photographing the nesting and other behavior of many birds, including fledged and adult Ospreys and Anhingas. It is also a time for regrowth of many of the plants species and increased activity in the alligators, saltwater crocodiles and other reptiles.
- The workshop is focused on matching photographic techniques with the understanding of bird and animal behavior, together with techniques involving both traditional and innovative approaches for scenic photography.
- Specific locations will be used to demonstrate and develop individual photographic vision and techniques, rather than a traditional tour to record the conventional Everglades bird images.
- The workshop is suitable for both photographers on a tight schedule, or those who wish to spend more time on learning techniques in detail over several days. The workshop is also valuable for those who wish to learn some of the premier locations and opportunities for possible future visits to the region.
What can the attendees expect from the Workshop?
- Excellent opportunities to learn how to photograph many aspects of bird and other animal behavior for several species; these include use of high speed autofocus, manual focus techniques, flash techniques, control and selection of depth of field, anticipating the action and working with wildlife when using wide angle lenses.
- Techniques specific to macro and general scenic photography will be demonstrated and discussed; including control of exposure, depth of field, use of flash, maximizing the use of digital and lens technology, graduated neutral density filters and using flash with landscapes. Other techniques such as creating composite panoramics and use of extreme telephoto for landscape images will be presented. Most importantly; compositional development and balance with a view to developing a landscape photographic vision will be emphasized.
- We make the most of the daytime opportunities, and are out well before dawn for the first light on the scene or location. Depending on the weather and location, we will then concentrate on intimate scenics, plants and wildlife. A rest break will be taken during the day, depending on the weather, followed by an afternoon session and sunset locations. The day is paced to maximize the photo opportunities, and the schedule is flexible to maximize the best light.
- Feedback and critique will be given during each days shooting, but the maximum time will be spent in the field, rather than behind a laptop.
- Depending on the bird behavior and location, we will also use canoes or kayaks for certain species.
Why is the Workshop different from others?
- The teaching, discussions and photography are centered on field techniques; not the classroom.
- Robert will share his knowledge, techniques and pro-shooter tips with the group members. There is no substitute for experience and the ability to pass it on.
- Knowing the region is the key thing with a new location, and Robert knows many locations to obtain the best pictures.
- The workshop is about photography and using techniques to achieve a desired image, where the field techniques will encompass the use of equipment and how to get the best out of it.
- The teaching is specifically tailored to an individual’s aspirations and requirements, and can cover other techniques not specifically associated with the subjects or theme of the workshop.
- Robert has 20 years of knowledge and experience of shooting in Southern Africa, together with nearly 10 years of shooting the US, and brings a somewhat different perspective to the art of nature photography.
- His extensive knowledge of animal ecology and ethology, together with many fascinating experiences of working with large game in Africa and the US, make for great discussions and stories to share over dinner.
Birds and More Workshop details
| Dates available: | 3-day workshop, 16-18th March, 2012. Contact us for availability on other dates. |
| Price: | $650 per workshop. This includes the introductory session on the evening prior to the first day of shooting. Please contact us for rates for extended participation. |
| Payment: | A 25% deposit must be received prior to the workshop. |
| Maximum No. of people: | 4 |
| What is included: | Evening get-together to demonstrate some the techniques to be addressed during the workshop. Three full days of workshop tuition. |
| What is NOT included: | Travel including airfares to Everglades National Park, Florida. Accommodation. Meals. Park entrance fees. Guarantee of “good” weather or birds! |
| Nearest Airport: | Miami International. |
| Hotel Information: | There are several suitable motels outside the Park entrance in Florida City and Homestead. Accommodation in the park is currently limited to camping. |
| Contact details: | Robert Nunnington at nni@nunningtonimages.com Tel: (937) 291-1733 Website: www.nunningtonimages.com |