WORKSHOPS & TOURS
Nature photographers are explorers. Each time we bring the camera to our eye, we hope to discover something as pleasing in the viewfinder as is in our mind’s eye. And in the effort, we’ll likely learn something new about our subjects and ourselves.
View the gallery of UPCOMING WORKSHOPS and TOURS.
The elements of a Photography Workshop and a Photography Tour and the differences between the two are explained below. If you'd like to know more about these experiences, send us an email.
WORKSHOPS & TOURS
2024
December 7-11, 2024
Optional Bosque Extension December 11-13, 2024
BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE and
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
Socorro and Alamogordo, New Mexico
2024 Details & Descriptions
December 7-11, 2024
Add an optional Bosque Extension for Dec 11-13
BOSQUE DEL APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE and
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
Socorro and Alamogordo, New Mexico
Immerse yourself in the wildlife and the wild landscape of New Mexico.
At Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, we'll experience the amazing annual gathering of wild birds in their premiere wintering grounds of the West. The Refuge offers dawn-to-dusk opportunities among thousands of Sandhill cranes, Snow geese and other migratory birds.
Biologists, rangers and experienced photographers are surprised how comfortable the birds are around people here. This means we can respectfully approach usually-wary subjects and capture their natural behaviors in their native habitat.
We will photograph birds in groups and individually in flight, while they forage, and at rest. We'll get to the Refuge early so we’re ready for predawn light and the mass fly-outs in the morning. In the afternoon, we'll photograph the cranes and geese as they fly in from their feeding grounds to their overnight roosting ponds.
Consider this a prime location for long-lens wildlife photography. Even though many birds are tolerant of nearby viewers, some of the situations are best captured with 400mm to 600mm telephoto lenses. You'll be provided with a thorough packing list when you register.
The days include daily sunrise/morning and afternoon/sunset field trips that may be extended when conditions are good. Expect a few midday classroom sessions and image reviews as well as field lessons on location.
Many photographers say this powerful experience has been on their destination wish list, but that it is more remarkable than they had dreamed.
An Optional Extension. We're offering an Optional 2-Day Extension back in the Refuge after our days in White Sands. We'll photograph two more mornings and two more evenings with a classroom session included.
In White Sands National Park, we'll explore the Chihuahuan desert's graphic landscapes and intimate details among the rare gypsum sand dunes. December offers the low-angled light and desirable conditions that reveal the dunes environment's simple beauty.
The park's expansive dunes are both stark and sensual. Sweeping panoramas stretch from your toes to the horizon. Dune ridges and ripples catch the light and cast curving shadows. This landscape asks to be photographed in both color and black and white.
Our days will include morning and afternoon field trips with midday classroom sessions and image reviews. Expect to be in the park early enough to prepare for the pre-dawn glow and first light. Afternoon outings will last until the light fades over the dunes and the nearby San Andres mountains.
Consider this a landscape photography workshop. With subjects from the grand vistas to intimate details, plan on packing a wide range of lenses from wide-angle zooms to longer telephoto zooms. Add a macro lens for close ups and desert details. You'll be provided with a thorough packing list when you register.
Since this workshop is led by two experienced photographers, you can expect to get lots of personal attention in the field and in the classroom.
Our lodging locations are Days 1 and 2 in Socorro, Days 3 and 4 in Alamogordo, then the optional Extension Days 5 and 6 are back in Socorro.
Our days in Socorro for Bosque. On Day 1, we'll meet at the hotel at 2:00 pm for orientation, room check-in, then off to the Refuge for the afternoon through sunset. Day 2 will include sunrise and morning light, a midday classroom session, and back to the Refuge for afternoon light and sunset. On Day 3, we'll photograph sunrise and morning light before we depart for Alamogordo.
Our days in Alamogordo for White Sands. On Day 3, we'll meet at the hotel at 2:00 pm for orientation, check-in, then off to the Park for afternoon light and sunset. Day 4 will include sunrise and morning light, a midday classroom session, and back to the Park for afternoon light and sunset. On Day 5, we'll photograph sunrise and morning light, then we'll say our farewell after breakfast.
For the Bosque Extension, on Day 5, we'll return to Bosque for afternoon light and sunset. Day 6 will include sunrise and morning light, a brief midday classroom session, then a longer afternoon and sunset back in the Refuge. On Day 7, we'll go to the Refuge for sunrise and morning light before saying our farewells after breakfast.
Offered in cooperation with Rod Barbee Photo Workshops.
View more images in the Upcoming Workshops gallery.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS are ideal places for learning. You'll examine new photographic techniques, develop new image-making skills and test them in the field -- all while you explore great locations at the right times with like-minded people who are on their own paths of discovery.
A workshop combines all the elements of good learning. Classroom sessions introduce you to new ideas and methods. Field sessions allow you to put them into practice. Critique sessions where you view your work along with that of others give you a chance to evaluate images' strengths and places for improvement without a concern for judgment. And every step of the way, you have the benefit of instructors who are eager to help you improve your photographic skills.
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS are special opportunities to explore great places at the right times with adventurous photographers and experienced leaders. Days are filled with field trips which most often include first light, last light and all kinds of conditions in between. Instructors discuss how to approach each opportunity along the way. Tours are as close to a total immersion experience as you get.
