Kayak Photo Adventure

Kayak Photo Adventure

This class is also offered on 8/9.

Enjoy a relaxing sunrise photo paddle with instructor Matt Felperin. The calm morning waters of Pohick Bay make this an easy and enjoyable kayaking experience for photographers of all skill levels.

Photographic opportunities include beautiful waterscapes, nature scenes along the shoreline, colorful pre-sunrise skies, the sunrise itself,  and with a little luck, plenty of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Osprey, and Bald Eagles.

We’ll begin the morning photographing silhouettes from the dock during the soft pre-dawn light. Afterward, Matt will provide a brief kayaking orientation before we head out on the water. Previous kayaking experience is helpful, but not required.

The class fee includes kayak rental, paddle, and a PFD (personal flotation device).

Note: Matt Felperin is an ACA certified paddling instructor.

Recommended Gear:
Any camera will work well, from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to smartphones. Lenses in the 18–200mm range are ideal. Tripods are recommended for the pre-sunrise dock photography session; afterward, they’ll be returned to your cars, as tripods will not be used while on the kayaks.

We’ll be using open kayaks, so dry bags are recommended for personal items and camera gear. Quick-dry clothing and close-toed water sandals are strongly encouraged. Hats and sunscreen are also recommended.

As with any outdoor activity, weather conditions can be unpredictable. Conditions will be assessed at the time of the class. If weather is deemed unsafe, the class will be rescheduled or canceled. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.

Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com.

Class limit: 8-10


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 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


Class Cancellation Policy

  • A refund or a credit towards another class (less a $20 processing fee) can be given if cancellation notice is given more than 5 business days from the scheduled class.
  • If there is no cancellation notice, or it is given 5 business days or less, no refund or credit will be given.
  • Please check the name and date of the class carefully. Requests to reschedule a class will incur a $20 processing fee provided notice is given more than 5 business days prior to the class. If request to reschedule is given less than business 5 days prior to the class, no refund or credit will be given.
  • If Capital Photography Center cancels or postpones a class due to weather or low enrollment, you can choose a full refund or a credit towards a future class.

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