REGISTER BEFORE OCTOBER 1 AND SAVE $200. 

Wednesday, March 10 (12:30) – Wednesday, March 17 (4:30)

Join naturalist Matt Felperin and instructor Marie Joabar for this extraordinary bird and wildlife photography adventure!

From wild jungles and lush wetlands to spectacular waterfalls and cloud forests, this workshop offers incredible photographic opportunities in some of Costa Rica's most biodiverse landscapes.

Photography Locations We'll Explore in Costa Rica

These four distinct regions each offer unique habitats and an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

Río Tárcoles / Carara National Park

Where tropical dry forest meets lush rainforest, creating one of Costa Rica's richest wildlife hotspots. Photograph scarlet macaws, trogons, motmots, crocodiles, monkeys, and an incredible diversity of birdlife.

Monteverde

Explore the legendary cloud forest, draped in moss, orchids, and mist. Search for the dazzling resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, and fascinating amphibians.

Caño Negro

A vast freshwater wetland teeming with wildlife. Capture images of jabirus, boat-billed herons, kingfishers, jacanas, caimans, monkeys, turtles, and countless waterbirds from the water's edge.

Arenal

Experience a spectacular volcanic landscape of rainforest, rivers, and ancient lava fields. Enjoy outstanding opportunities to photograph toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, sloths, poison dart frogs, monkeys, and the iconic Arenal Volcano.

Workshop Fee Includes

• Hotel accommodations (some are double occupancy and some are single**)
• Ground transportation to and from our daily photography excursions
• Boat tours
• Local guides and guide gratuities
• Breakfasts and dinners at the hotels

Workshop Fee Does Not Include

• Transportation to and from the workshop pick-up and drop-off location at San José Airport (details will be provided in your confirmation email).
• Airfare, lunches, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.

Recommended Gear

A DSLR, mirrorless, or superzoom camera is recommended. Bring a telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm; lenses in the 400–600mm range are ideal for wildlife. A standard zoom (approximately 24–70mm) is useful for landscapes and environmental scenes, while a macro lens is recommended for photographing insects, frogs, and other small subjects. A monopod can be helpful when using heavier telephoto lenses.

If you need to rent equipment, we recommend Aperturent in Washington, DC. Use promo code CPC10 to receive 10% off your rental.

Pre and Post Workshop Zoom Sessions

Before the workshop, we'll host a weekday evening Zoom session where Matt will discuss recommended camera settings, techniques, and ethical bird and wildlife photography, while also answering any questions you may have. The session will be recorded for those unable to attend live.

Approximately three weeks after the workshop, we'll reconvene for an online image review session to share photographs, receive feedback, and continue learning.

Skill Level

Participants should have a solid understanding of exposure fundamentals and be comfortable operating their camera system. If you're not yet at that level, we recommend taking our Photo Basics and/or Fieldwork: Photography Basics classes before attending.

The workshop is designed to maximize time in the field photographing wildlife rather than covering camera fundamentals. Throughout the trip, however, Matt and Marie will be available to provide guidance on exposure, composition, technique, and fieldcraft.

Workshop is limited to just 8 participants so each can enjoy personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one guidance in the field.

Fitness Level

There will be a few moderate hikes depending on where the birds are at the time. At other times, the hikes will be relatively easy.

QUESTIONS? Please contact Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

** Note - We will be staying at 4 different regions and as such, based on the size of some of the hotels and lodges, some can only accommodate us as double occupancy, while some can accommodate us as single occupancy. At the double occupancy locations, we would only pair men with men and women with women. 

Note - Our pick-up and drop-off point will be near the San Jose airport. Details in confirmation email.

Workshop Registration requires first deposit by November 1, second deposit by December1, and final payment by January 2.
REGISTER BEFORE OCTOBER 1 AND SAVE $200. 

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What People are saying about Matt

“I attended the Wildlife workshop that Matt taught and it was so much more than I expected. Keep up the good work!”

“Matt is an incredible instructor and, even more importantly, very approachable with any questions that came up along the way.”

“This was such a great workshop, I learned so much and had a lot fun too!”

"Matt did a great job in guiding us to learn about different wildlife and adjust our camera settings accordingly in a challenging environment. I learned a few tips that improved my photography significantly. Photos that I've taken after that class are a lot better."

"Amazing class! I loved the early morning boat ride on the marsh and Matt was great offering so many tips on the species we were seeing. It was so enjoyable and it offered tremendous opportunities to practice my photography."

Instructor: Matt Felperin

Matt is the Roving Naturalist with NOVA Parks, the regional park system of Northern Virginia. In this role, he leads environmental education and recreation programs such as bird walks and kayak tours for the public.

He views his wildlife photography work as one of the most useful tools to connect people with nature. 

More about Matt Felperin