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Birds of Prey Workshop

Posted on Mar 28, 2010 in Articles

About the Workshop

Birds of Prey – that’s what this workshop is all about, those magnificent avian predators that we all love to see. In conjunction with The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey PAW will provide you a unique opportunity too not only see, but to photograph these incredible animals. On this workshop you will be able to photograph eagles, falcons, hawks, and even an owl in natural settings. You would have to travel the world and spend countless hours in the field just to see some of these birds, and with PAW you’ll get intimate portraits as well as opportunities for dynamic flight shots! Did I mention the Harpy Eagle? Oh, yes my friends one of the largest and most magnificent birds in the world will be posing for your camera!

The Peregrine Fund’s mission is the conservation of these great birds. Through their efforts many species including their namesake, the Peregrine Falcon, have been saved from extinction. The birds that we will photograph are ambassadors for the good work that is being conducted to save the birds as well as protect their habitat for their future well being.

During the three days of our workshop the falconers will display their birds for us to photograph, we will use a combination of natural and man-made perches and backdrops so that you will get full body images as well as more intimate head shots. In addition, they will also free fly some of the birds so that we can get images of these birds doing what they do best! Did I mention that we’ll photograph a Harpy Eagle?

The complete list of species will not be determined until closer to the dates of the workshop. The bird’s health and safety is our first priority. If an individual bird is not capable of performing for us, it won’t be available. I am pretty comfortable in saying that Peregrine Falcons, American Kestrels, Gyrfalcons (dark and white), Bataleur Eagles and a Swainson’s Hawk will be on the agenda…oops did I mention the Harpy Eagle? Other possible species include Aplomado Falcon, California Condor, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk…whew!

Past Particpants Comments:

“Thank you very much for the wonderful raptor shoot this weekend! It was extremely well-organized and all the handlers were very impressive in working with the birds.”

—Carol Monaco

“I had the opportunity to attend Jeff’s workshop last June outside Boulder. Not being a bird person, I was a bit apprehensive about four days of nothing but birds. I was absolutely surprised at how enjoyable this workshop was. I got some great pictures, and the owls were fascinating. Jeff is an excellent leader and we had a great time. I have used my new images over and over in various publications. I would certainly do this trip again.”

—Dr. Frank Serafini

Included in the Workshop

The workshop fee includes 3-1/2 days of workshop instruction, and access to the World Center for Birds of Prey. We will be treated to tours of the facility including their incredible archive of falconry art and artefacts.

Between morning and afternoon photography sessions, we will have classroom style discussions about wildlife photography, digital workflow as well as one on one help with your photography.

We will also be taking advantage of the educational side of the center and you’ll learn a lot about these birds and their environment.

Needless to say, your fees include the professional instruction of a PAW leader. All workshops have leaders, however a PAW leader is an expert on the location and has proven skills as a workshop instructor. Our instructors are there to help you make better images and fill your portfolios, not theirs. PAW leaders don’t photograph on our workshops; they teach.

The workshop fee does not include meals, lodging or your personal transportation while on the workshop or getting to and from the workshop.

This workshop will allow a maximum of 12 participants. To make sure that everyone gets the help and attention they deserve, we include a qualified assistant on all full workshops. A minimum of 6 participants are required for this workshop.

Schedule

You should plan to arrive in time for a 6:00PM meeting on October 25, 2010 at the Ameritell Inn.

The daily schedule will be up at or near sunrise to get to our locations. When we lose the light we will break for lunch and photography classroom, image critiques, and reviews of the days photography. Then back out in the field to take advantage of the evening light.

The workshop is over around noon on the 29th of October.

Conditions

We will have some walking to do for various locations although none of it is too strenuous. If you have any disabilities or conditions, please get in touch with me to make sure you won’t have any difficulties.

It is typically in the 50s during the day and the 30s at night. There is a small chance of some precipitation and we will normally shoot regardless of the weather.

Equipment and Gear

We will be setting up the shoot so that a 300mm lens will get you great images. A 70-200mm or equivalent that you can hand hold is also recommended. If you are bring a long lens we highly recommend that you have a sturdy tripod and a gimbal head such as a Wimberley.

Bring extra memory cards, you are going to take way way more images than you might expect. Did you know that they have a Harpy Eagle? We will not have time to download between birds, so be prepared!

It is always good to bring your camera users manual. Don’t forget batteries, charging cords, sense of humor and treats for the instructor. This is a test to see if you are paying attention to the details…

Transportation and Lodging

Boise, Idaho (BOI) is the nearest airport. It is 4 miles to the recommended hotel.

Our workshop will based at the Ameritel Inn. This is where most non-photographing meetings will be held. We recommend that you also stay at this hotel as we will car pool from this location to our photography locations. Our departure times are firm and we will not be able to wait for those that may choose an alternate hotel.

We do have a group rate secured at the hotel, under PAW Photography Workshop.

Suggested hotels and airports for Birds of Prey are shown below. Click on the name of the hotel or airport for more information, including a map. This information is provided as a helpful resource for our participants, but is not guaranteed accurate. Please confirm any important details before making travel plans.

Review the workshop description carefully for more information about rates, locations, and dates. If you have any questions, please contact us before making your reservations.