Highlights From Our Florida Bird & Wildlife Photo Workshop!
March 18, 2026 by Marie Joabar
There’s something magical about photographing wildlife in Florida. The light is soft, the birds are abundant, and every day brings a new opportunity to capture nature at its most beautiful. From quiet wetlands at sunrise to vibrant marshes alive with bird activity, these landscapes offer endless inspiration for wildlife photographers. From the moment the group met for our first shoot, it was clear this workshop would be special.
Our most recent Birding & Wildlife Workshop brought together passionate photographers who wanted to sharpen their skills while experiencing some of the best bird photography opportunities the region has to offer.
A special thank you to our fearless leader, Matt Felperin, whose knowledge of bird behavior as well as the local habitats helped us arrive at the right locations at the right time to photograph many of these incredible species.
Abundant Birdlife in Florida’s Wetlands
Each morning started early as we headed into the wetlands to photograph birds in the soft light of golden hour. After a short mid-day break, we’d head out again to capture images through the day’s last light.
During our workshop, participants photographed a wide range of species and our eBird species count was impressive. Here is a small sampling:
- Indigo Buntings
- Burrowing Owls
- Roseate Spoonbills
- Night Herons & Green Herons
- Anhingas
- Great Egrets
- Wood Storks
- Limpkins
- Florida Scrub Jays
- Iguanas & Gators
…and so much more. The variety of creatures and their diverse habitats were just stunning!
Wildlife Photography Techniques in the Field
Our workshops are designed to combine hands-on photography instruction with real wildlife encounters. We focused on key photo skills including:
- Choosing the right shutter speed to freeze bird movement
- Using autofocus tracking for birds in flight
- Understanding bird behavior to anticipate the perfect moment
- Composing images that tell a story
- Managing exposure in challenging lighting conditions
Capturing Bird Behavior in Action
Wildlife photography is about more than just photographing a subject—it’s about capturing behavior and those fleeting moments of action in the wild.
We photographed birds in flight, dramatic silhouettes against the morning sky, diving osprey hunting for fish, and nesting herons tending to their chicks. These moments gave participants the opportunity not only to practice their wildlife photography techniques, but also to witness fascinating behaviors in the natural world.
Growing as Photographers
Beyond the photographs themselves, one of the most rewarding parts of the workshop was seeing participants grow in confidence and skill.
Many photographers arrived unsure about their camera settings or wildlife techniques. By the end of the workshop, they were capturing sharp, well-composed images and understanding how to work with light, motion, and timing.
It’s always inspiring to watch photographers discover just how capable they are when they have the right guidance and environment to learn.
A Community of Photographers
Workshops are about more than photography—they’re about community.
Throughout the trip, participants shared stories, compared images, and encouraged one another. By the end of the workshop, everyone came away with new skills, beautiful images, and lasting memories.
It was a beautiful experience to share time with the group observing and photographing wildlife in some of Florida’s most stunning environments.
