Any seasoned photographer will tell you: timing is everything. Let the Mentor Series lead you to South Texas at the absolute opportune time to capture an array of intriguing wildlife images—especially the many species of birds which populate this Gulf Coast region in migration. Nikon professional photographers Bob Smith and Layne Kennedy will show you what unique, remarkable images can result from the right combination of patience, practice and passion.
The cold fronts of spring provide the most rewarding bird-watching and opportunities for photography as feathered subjects make their way north to nesting grounds for the warmer months. We will begin at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, a hotspot for bird and wildlife enthusiasts. This sprawling land of tidal marshes and grasslands is home to a vast catalog of animals, including alligators, deer, bobcats and armadillos, as well as an astounding 400 species of birds. Among the stunning winged creatures at Aransas this time of year are herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, scarlet tanagers, white-tailed hawks, double-crested cormorants, kingfishers, meadowlarks and many, many more. Strong lighting is key to dramatic photography, so you will want to take advantage of the setting sun to portray this inspiring nature preserve in all its glory.
Aboard a boat tour winding through Aransas Bay to gain a new perspective on the surrounding birds—perhaps most famously, the endangered whooping crane. You will be eager to photograph these stately, elegant birds at play or at rest, their snow-white plumage and black-tipped wings making for quite the magnificent photo op. An onboard crew of birding experts will guide us to the best spots, even drifting close to shore to allow for more intimate portraits.
Head to Goose Island State Park. This birders paradise is situated in the great Central Flyway where you can expect to see more majestic birds and wildlife unfold before you, including warblers, hawks, falcons, least bitterns, killdeer and willets. Landscape photography opportunities abound as we navigate open bays, grasslands, oak mottes, freshwater ponds, salt marshes, mudflats and more.
Sign up today for our trek to South Texas and encounter a world of natural wonder that will make your photography soar!
The South Texas coast offers some of the best birding photography in the South. And we'll take advantage of the wintering migratory birds including herons, egrets, spoonbills, ducks, and skimmers! A highlight of this trek will be an opportunity to photograph the endangered whooping crane in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Intercoastal Waterway. Along the way, we expect to see various terns, brown pelicans, cormorants, and more! I recommend you bring your tripod and longer lenses for birds in flight images, but there will also be plenty of opportunities for wide angle landscapes and sunsets! We may experience a range of weather along the coast with cool mornings and warm mid-day temps. Rain is always a possibility, so bring rain gear for your camera and yourself! Sunscreen is also recommended as we'll be on a boat deck while on the Wharf Cat. Our excursions into Aransas Wildlife Refuge and the Fennessey Ranch will provide opportunities for wildflowers and a variety of mammals and birds. A wide selection of lenses will provide you with the right tools for the encounters we will experience! I will be bringing two camera bodies along with 4 lenses, including a 17-35, 28-70, 70-200VR, and a 200-400VR with 1.7 TC teleconverter. We will be covering a lot of territory with numerous subjects at each location, so bring a smile and lots of energy as this trek will be non-stop opportunities! Safe travels.... Bob Smith
Workshop fee: $1,050*
* Includes in-the-field instruction, all entrance fees, presentations, digital reviews, and transportation to each shooting location.
The Inn at Fulton Harbor
215 N Fulton Beach
Fulton, TX 78358
P: 361-790-5888
Group Name: Mentor Series
Rate: $139/night + tax
Cut off date: February 1, 2012
Weather
We are very casual on the treks. We will be shooting mainly outdoors, so bring a variety of clothing you can layer. Dress comfortably, with good walking shoes. Make sure to have rain gear with you at all times to protect your camera bag and camera. http://www.weather.com/
Travel Insurance
Access America (tel. 866/807-3982; www.accessamerica.com)
Travel Guard International (tel. 800/826-4919; www.travelguard.com)
Travel Insured International (tel. 800/243-3174; www.travelinsured.com)
Travelex Insurance Services (tel. 888/457-4602; www.travelex-insurance.com).
Digital Review Sessions
We will have digital review sessions throughout the workshop. You will be asked to select 5 images for each review session that you will review with your mentor on your own laptop.
Equipment
Bring a camera, lenses, flash, lightweight tripod, filters, lens hoods, lens cloth, battery charger, batteries, storage device or portable hard drives, card reader, all cables, power converters, memory cards and adapters, a rain cover for your backpack and camera, cable release and your cameras manual.
Non-Photographers/Spouse Policy
We would like to notify you that spouses or non photographers of trek participants who travel with them to mentor series trek destinations advertised as part of the mentor series will be charged the prevailing workshop cost. This is because of limitations in the workshop classes, transportation and seating at the many venues we work with on the treks.
Incidentals
You are responsible to pay for all charges to your room when we check out of your hotels. Incidentals such as room service, drinks, phone calls, business services, laundry, etc. are not included.
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