More Than A Photo Tour... We Are A Learning Adventure.
Florida Birds - 2024
A Discovery Series Workshop
February 23 - 27, 2024
Tuition: $3250 USD Workshop Limited to 4 Participants
Wings Of Soaring Splendor
Florida is a unique place for bird photography in North America. The geography of the peninsula provides a natural funnel through which countless numbers of migratory birds fly on their way to and from Central America and the Caribbean. This workshop is timed to take advantage of the spring migration, mating and nesting season along Florida's East Coast.
Many species of birds make Florida their home year round. Raptors, wading birds, song birds can all be found here, as are many Audubon Priority Species, such as the Bald Eagle, Black-necked Stilt, Wood Stork, and Roseate Spoonbill.
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks vie for a nesting site in the wetlands of Central Florida.
About This Workshop
Physical Difficulty: Easy
Many of the locations for this workshop can be reached with a minimum of walking, there are some spots where we will walk up to 3 miles on flat terrain. February temperatures in central Florida historically range from 21°C (70°F) to 10°C (50°F).
It is expected for all participants to be able to carry their own personal gear and water during the workshop. You will receive a document with greater detail on all aspects of the workshop after you register.
What You Can Expect:
Professional, one on one photographic instruction on par with your level of experience.
Minimum of 8 hours per day of in-field shooting and instruction
Positive, interactive and fun learning environment
Class size limited to five students to insure personal attention
Water and snacks while in the field
What's Included:
4 Nights Single Occupancy Lodging, Field Photography Sessions, All Park and Preserve Admission Fees, Class Session on Digital Image Processing, and Critiques. We will have a cooler with soft drinks and water and snacks while in the field.
The Osprey is one of the many birds that call Florida home year round, but in the spring many more of these beautiful birds migrate here from South America to breed and give birth before returning to their southern hemisphere home in early summer.
Schedule*:
Please Note: Shoot locations are subject to change based on conditions and bird activity during the workshop.
Day 1 - Afternoon Meet & Greet at workshop hotel, followed by orientation, Q&A, then dinner.
Day 2 - Early departure for Blue Cypress Lake, one of the largest nesting sites for Osprey in the state, where we will board a pontoon boat to get up close to the nests. Then it’s back to the hotel area for lunch and discussions before we head to Sebastian Inlet for late afternoon and sunset opportunities.
Day 3 - Check out of workshop hotel, drive to Joe Overstreet Landing for morning photo session on the lake that will include an airboat ride. Expect to encounter Bald Eagles, Snail Kites, Sand Hill Cranes and a host of other species. Then it’s lunch at a local diner, and off to Titusville for hotel check in. Afternoon and sunset at a nearby wetlands.
Day 4 - Morning/sunrise photo session at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge where we may see White Pelicans, Rosette Spoonbills, Painted Buntings, and many species of wading birds. Then it’s time for a relaxing lunch in Titusville before heading out for afternoon/sunset photo session.
Day 5 - Hotel check-out, morning photo session at Gatorland Rookery. Workshop ends at 12:00pm in time for afternoon/evening return flights out of Orlando International.
*Schedule is subject to change in ensure optimal field time, adjust for weather conditions, and other unforeseen issues.
The Painted Bunting is just one of many beautifully colored migratory birds that call Central Florida home during winter and early spring.
Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Flexibility Is The Key.
We will visit a variety of locations during the workshop in order to maximize our opportunities to photograph a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Workshop locations might include Blue Cypress Lake, Viera Wetlands, Joe Overstreet Landing, Stick Marsh, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Gatorland Alligator Farm. These locations may change depending on where the birds are available.
White Pelicans begin to arrive in Central Florida around the first of the year, and are a common site in the sky as well as many of the areas wetlands. It was a chore, but this bird finally managed to swallow that big sea trout.
What's Not Included:
Airfare, and meals, other than those mentioned in the workshop description, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and anything not specifically mentioned in the workshop description.
Group size is limited not only for a more favorable instructor to student ratio, but also to help minimize the human impact on the natural environments we will be photographing. At James Neihouse Photography Workshops we strive to uphold the Leave No Trace code for outdoor ethics.*
About Camera Gear & Equipment:
Basic requirements are:
DSLR or Mirrorless camera that is capable of shooting in manual mode
Sturdy Tripod (gimbal or ball head)
Wide to normal lens
Telephoto Lens (300mm or longer suggested)
Extra Batteries
It is possible to rent equipment in Orlando. There are several fairly well stocked camera stores in the area.
After you have registered you will receive a pdf with lots of information specific to your workshop. In the meantime you can visit our “Preparing For Your Workshop” page.
Great Blue Heron wrestling with a water snake at Black Point Wildlife Drive on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
"Hooty" the Barred Owl hangs out around the camping area at Blue Cypress Lake.
Visit our Florida Bird Photo Gallery for more images from the workshops.
Register:
To hold your place in this workshop you may choose to place a $500 DEPOSIT. This option is available until until November 25, 2023. The balance of the workshop fee will be due on January 24, 2024 (30 days prior to the workshop).
February 23 - 27, 2024
$3,250 USD
Please be sure to READ and UNDERSTAND our Policy on Payments, Deposits, Cancellations, and Refunds and our Workshop Agreement before you proceed.
You are encouraged to purchase trip insurance to protect your investment in case of an unforeseen situation or emergency that might require you to cancel your workshop. Here is a review of travel insurance companies - Travel Insurance Reviews
We accept credit cards, and PayPal. Credit card payments are handled through Stripe.com and you should receive a payment confirmation from them.
Contact Us to pay using bank transfers, bank checks, Venmo*, and Zelle or for information about other payment options. Installment plans are available.
*Venmo payments must be made from a mobile device.
More Questions? Contact Us!
*Everyone at James Neihouse Photography Workshops is certified through the national Leave No Trace program.