This workshop runs from Wednesday, March 5 at 5pm thru Sunday, March 9 at 10am.
Get away from the winter doldrums in DC and join us for an epic wildlife photography workshop in cozy south Florida! Feel like you're in a nature documentary as you are surrounded by a breeding, wading bird colony including species such as Wood Stork, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Anhinga, Double-Crested Cormorant and more.
Learn about the nesting behavior of these species and how to photograph them in a variety of light conditions and compositions, from striking silhouettes to a tack sharp gleam in eyes.
- We will also spend some time photographing a particularly gregarious diurnal owl species called the Burrowing Owl.
- Another special target species includes the endangered Florida Scrub-Jay which can only be found in the state of Florida.
- Other birds of note include Roseate Spoonbill, Painted Bunting, and various naturalized exotic wild parrots.
- We’ll also find plentiful opportunities to photograph reptiles such as alligators, turtles, and iguanas.
- Arthropods such as butterflies, dragonflies, and spiders are also on the list!
Join Naturalist Matt Felperin and Instructor Marie Joabar for this exciting bird and wildlife photo workshop in the Delray/West Palm Beach areas!
Fee includes: Hotel accommodations, transportation to and from our daily photo adventures (no need to rent a car). It does not include meals other than breakfasts at the hotel, transportation getting to or from the workshop, nor transportation to or from the hotel from the airport. (Palm Beach International Airport is the closest airport. Hotel info is included in the confirmation email.)
Recommended Gear: DSLR, Mirrorless or Superzoom camera. Lenses with the range of at least 300mm. 400-600mm would also work. A normal lens in the range 24-70 and a macro lens if you want to shoot close ups of insects and such. A sturdy tripod and perhaps a monopod to support your heavy lens. Consider renting a lens, we recommend Aperturent in DC, use CPC10 for a 10% discount on your rental.
Pre and Post workshop Zoom sessions: We will hold a weekday evening Zoom session prior to the workshop and Matt will review how to photograph birds and wildlife with ethical best practices, he’ll also cover settings and answer questions. This will be recorded if you can't make it. There will be an image editing session about 2 weeks after.
Skill Level: Participants should have knowledge of exposure basics and be comfortable with their camera system. If you’re not at that level yet, please consider our Photo Basics class and/or Fieldwork: Photography Basics class prior to the workshop. You won’t want to use the time at the workshop to learn exposure fundamentals or the basic functions of your camera. However, Matt and Marie will be available in the field with guidance about exposure, composition and techniques.
Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.
Workshop limit:10
Instructor: Matt Felperin
Matt Felperin is a DC area native raised in Takoma Park, MD. Matt has always been drawn to nature and has been sharing his findings with anyone within earshot since his days as a small child looking for salamanders and crayfish in nearby Sligo Creek.
He truly treasures the Chesapeake Bay and has enjoyed field work and naturalist programs in several types of habitat within the Chesapeake Watershed. He credits working under naturalist Greg Kearns for truly sparking his love of birds.
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.