Arthur Morris’ BIRDS AS ART Approved
Join award-winning nature photographers Robert Amoruso and Robert O’Toole for 3 and 1/2 days of intensive, in-depth, in-the-field photographic instruction at one of the most famous bird photography locations in Florida; the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Both Robert’s are BIRDS AS ART approved workshop leaders.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Florida. A member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park’s staff and programs have one thing in mind, the welfare of the animals and a conservation theme throughout the park. However, our concentration at the park will be at the Alligator swamp exhibit and the natural bird rookery that developed there. The swamp – a natural wetlands covering approximately two acres – has an extensive boardwalk allowing us unencumbered access to the nesting birds. During nesting season you’ll see Wood Storks, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Tri-colored Herons, Little Blue Herons and Cattle Egrets. Ibises and Roseate Spoonbills are consistently seen roosting in the swamp though they do not nest there at present.
The Farm is also one of the best places to teach participants about fill-flash and flash as main light due to the proximity of the birds and their behavioral predictability. The image at left was created using flash as main light. The egret was in full shade but a judicious use of flash illuminated the bird, filled in the shadows and accentuated the details in the feathers.
Flight shooting opportunities are enhanced as the birds follow a predictable path and since most gather nesting material from trees within the swamp, you know their flight path. Even if you are not into flight photography, tons of opportunities exist that will keep you busy. A primary reason workshops at the Farm are successful is the predictability of the bird’s behavior. And because of our closeness to the birds, super telephoto lenses are not a requirement. Those with lenses in the 300mm to 400mm range will do fine.
The workshop begins on the afternoon of April 15, 2008. That afternoon we will meet to go over logistics, do some teaching and discuss what we can expect to cover over the course of the workshop before heading out into the farm. In the mornings we photograph from sunrise around 7:00 am to 10:30 am; longer if it is overcast. Afternoons start around 4:00 pm and continue to sunset, around 7:45 pm. After lunch and before our afternoon photography session we will present in-depth tutorials on exposure, composition and digital image processing workflow, including an APTATS introduction.
This workshop will be limited to 13 participants and with two experienced instructors – both skilled with Nikon and Canon digital systems, allows ample time for one-on-one instruction in the field. We will have access to the Alligator Farm’s on-premises meeting room. This allows us a place to store equipment and conduct our meetings and slide shows.
Besides the birds, the Alligator Farm also has gators and a selection of exotic animals; all expanding your creative possibilities at the Farm.
You can find out more about the St. Augustine Alligator Farm at www.alligatorfarm.com.
Download the Workshop Brochure at
http://www.wildscapeimages.biz/storage/PIW/2010-SAAF-PIW.pdf.
Download the 5-page Workshop FAQ at
http://www.wildscapeimages.biz/storage/PIW/2010-SAAF-PIW-FAQ.pdf.
Cost & Terms
$999 per person for 3 ½ day workshop.
Special single and multi-day pricing includes: 1 day @ $299 per person, two days @ $599 per person and three days @ $899 per person. Add the ½ day for $100 per person to any one of the full day costs.
Hotel, meal and travel costs are not included. Participants will have to purchase Photo Pass to the SAAF.
A 50% deposit will be required to reserve a spot with the remainder due by 3/15/10.
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