Event Phone: 479-414-6889

December 2-6, 2024

Bosque Del Apache Photography Workshop

Join me for an extraordinary photography workshop in southern New Mexico. One of the highlights is a morning flight out or “blastoff” which is a sight and sound you must experience in person to fully appreciate. Thousands of snow geese take off all at the same time in a solid mass creating an experience of sight and sound unmatched by anything else.  This is just the icing on the cake, tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes make this their winter home, and we will be able to get plenty of action shots.

If you are new to photographing birds or wildlife this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, if you are experienced this is just a wonderful opportunity.   I have made many trips to Bosque del Apache and have the experience to help you get fantastic photos.  This workshop will give you the chance to perfect your bird in flight photography, assuming you are not too busy photographing the amazing landscape.

 

Bosque del Apache is the crown jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the best location for bird photography in the United States. The refuge serves as a winter home for tens of thousands of snow geese and Sandhill cranes.

Bosque he is located 9 miles south of Socorro New Mexico and comprises 60,000 acres along the Rio Grande River and is critical for sandhill cranes and other migratory birds providing food protection and shelter.

 

Topics that we will cover during the workshop include:

• Focus settings
• Birds in flight
• How to obtain tack sharp images
• Manual vs Auto Exposure
• Bird Behavior
• Composition
• Special techniques – blur, silhouettes, panning

Workshop Itinerary

Dates:

December 2-6, 2024

Monday

Meet in Socorro New Mexico on Monday evening for an informal get together to meet and to get acquainted with members of the workshop, and plan for Tuesday morning predawn session and find out just how little sleep you will be getting.

Tuesday,  Wednesday, and Thursday

Early morning and evening photos shoots with personal instruction.

Afternoons will either be training sessions for downloading and processing with Adobe Lightroom and image critiques or spent doing additional photo trips in the area based upon the desires of the group.

Friday

We will check out and do an early morning shoot at Bosque del Apache, then have breakfast and a final wrap up critique and Q and A session before leaving.

 

Location:

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge – Socorro, New Mexico

 

We will plan on an afternoon trip to photograph the Very Large Array (VLA). The Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility is fifty miles west of Socorro, New Mexico. The Visitor Center features an award-winning documentary narrated by Jodie Foster, plus exhibits describing radio astronomy and the VLA telescope. A self-guided walking tour features large, informative signs and takes you to the base of one of the giant dish antennas.

 

Cost

The workshop fee will $995.00 per participant.

The workshop fee includes all lectures, fieldwork, and critiques of your images during our sessions.  This is a photography workshop, not just a photo tour, my goal is providing as much personal hands-on help as possible.  I will check with each participant to see how you are doing and if you need help, if you wish for assistance let me know, if not just let me know, and you will be free to shoot on your own.

Instructions will be provided on an individual basis to learn how to capture birds in flight.

 

Workshop Policies and Information

About the Workshop

Our workshops are based on digital photography, the assistance that I can provide and the immediate feedback of digital make “in the field” workshops one of the most effective teaching formats available.  Whether finding the correct exposure, looking through the viewfinder for the perfect composition, or learning how to use the equipment, you can’t beat real world experience.  Classes are kept small, it’s all about personal, individual attention. Digital offers several benefits for learning photography including:

1. Immediate feedback on exposure and composition
2. Immediate critique from the instructor and other participants
3. Ability to do reviews and projection
4. Automatically capturing all shooting information (Meta Data)
5. Ability to manage workflow while still on location

Workshop Itinerary

Changes to the Itinerary

To offer the best experience possible for the workshop participants we reserve the right to alter the itinerary when our judgment warrants it.  This could be due to unforeseen circumstances, closures, weather, or other conditions beyond our control.  We may also alter due to new or unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise.

What is Included

Your workshop fees include personal instruction by Greg throughout the workshop including image critiques and post processing instruction using Adobe Lightroom Classic.  Transportation and entrance fees will be provided during the workshop.

 

What is Not Included

Transportation to and from the workshop, lodging, meals, incidental expenses, gratuities, and items of a personal nature are not included. My philosophy on lodging and meals is that by not including them in the workshop each participant is free to choose their own level of accommodation and choice of meals.  I have some participants stay in high end motels, while others prefer camping or RV’s.

Travel

Arrangements can be made to travel to and from the workshop with Greg from Fort Smith AR.  Caution this will lead to additional photo stops along Route 66 and add additional days to make the 850-mile trip.

Lodging

Lodging is not included in the workshop fee.  We will spend 4 nights in Socorro New Mexico.

Meals

Meals, drinks, and snacks are not provided, and are the responsibility of the participant.  We will plan to eat as a group, but you are free to eat on your own if you wish.

Group Size

I like to keep my group size small, (about half of most other workshop instructors) this provides for a high degree of personal attention and a great amount of flexibility in making the workshop the best possible experience for the participants. This workshop is limited to a maximum of 4 participants.

Health and Physical Considerations

All participants should be in good health, walking and moderate climbing may be necessary in outdoor workshops, and you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment on location shoots.  At Bosque del Apache there will be little walking, most of our shooting locations are close to where we park.

If you are taking any medications, be sure to bring a supply sufficient for the duration of the workshop. If you have any concern about your ability to participate in a workshop, please contact us before registering.

 

Equipment Needed

To get the most from the workshop you should have a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera, tripod and an assortment of lenses.  That being said, it is the photographer not the camera that creates the photo.  You will need a laptop computer to use, remember to bring all software, drivers, cords, and camera manuals when attending any workshop.

A good sturdy tripod is recommended, and a minimum of 200 mm lens with 400mm or more would be preferred.  There are many opportunities for landscape and wide-angle wildlife and bird shots as well.

Registration, Payment, and Refund Policy

You can register any way you like, just so I get your information, you can use the online registration, the contact form, email, postal mail, or call me on the phone (479-414-6889) either to register or just ask a question.  Registration is done on a first come basis, so register early to secure your space.   A deposit of $300 is required to reserve your space, and full payment is due 30 days prior to the workshop. Enrollment is limited in our workshops, so once you have been accepted your participation is important to us – we are counting on you to attend. If you must withdraw from a course, we must receive written notice of your cancellation, and then apply the following refund policy:   We do not make refunds on workshop fees. We do not make partial refunds for unused portions or services of a workshop for any reason whatsoever. If we are able to fill your space in the workshop, we will give full credit towards another workshop. If we are not able to fill your space, we will issue 50% credit towards a future workshop.  If there are openings, I will accept last minute registrations when possible.

We can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in the services to be provided. We reserve the right to change our arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the workshop due to exceptional circumstances.

In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or an e-mail to you at least 14 days prior to the beginning of a workshop other than in an emergency. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely manner due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation. All workshops have a minimum participation level which must be met, or the workshop may be canceled.

Non-Photographer (Spouse, significant other, or friend)

We welcome companions to join you on the workshop experience however “workshop activities” are limited to registered, paid attendees.  You may have a non-photographer accompany you to all activities, but they must pay for the workshop.  If they wish to accompany you on the trip but not attend the workshop activities, but stay with you, finding other activities during the day, and meet for meals and social type events that is perfectly acceptable.

Liability Waiver

All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before beginning a workshop.  As there is always an element of risk in any adventure associated with the outdoors, participants must read the liability release form carefully. Participants signed/dated release will certify that said participant is physically fit and capable of participating in outdoor photography exercises in field locations and is fully and completely aware of any associated risks created by field locations and weather.

Weather

The more the better, at least as far as the photography goes.  Workshops will not be canceled, and no refunds will be made due to the weather, we will not be responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred by weather delays or cancellations due to weather, flight delays, or other. Participants should come to the workshop prepared for all weather conditions. This time of year, in New Mexico can be well below freezing or very warm, be prepared for both.  Chances are it will be very cold during the predawn hours.

Trip Extensions

We may be able to extend your trip in the area if you would like more time and personal instruction.  Please contact us for more information and rates before the workshop.

Smoking

We prefer that you do not smoke, however, please abide by the following guidelines.  Smoking is not allowed in or near vehicles, during instructional sessions, during group meals, or at other times when in close quarters with other workshop participants.