Winter on the Pocosin Lakes is a very special time. Hundreds of thousands of birds migrate through our region of North Carolina. For a few months they call, the Pungo Unit of Pocosin Lakes NWR & Lake Mattamuskeet NWR, home. Migratory birds such as, snow geese, tundra swan, many different species of ducks, Red winged black birds and the predatory birds that prey on all of these species. Most of the bear in the region are in a state of hibernation but you can still see many foraging in the woods and farmland that surround Pungo.
On this unique 3 day workshop Neil will be showing you everything he knows about waterfowl behavior & photography. Understanding the animals and their behavior will help you create better photographs. For example; knowing just when to get ready before tundra swan decide to take off from their the flooded impoundment. Capturing their unique way of taking flight by running on the waters surface. Not only will you learn how to understand the wildlife, but you will learn how to create fine art portraiture of them individually and within their habitat.
For the beginner and seasoned pro from sunrise to sunset, join Neil on a action packed, one day winter workshop. Space is limited so register quickly! If you have any questions please feel free to contact Neil with the form below.
3 Day Workshop Dates/Costs
Cost: $800
Deposit: $400
Dates:
January 5-7, 2024
January 12-14, 2024
January 26-28, 2024
February 2-4, 2024
Skill Level: beginner to advanced
Topics we’ll cover include:
Wildlife Portraits
Birds in Flight
Composition
Wildlife Behavior
Technical Skills ex. (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, metering)
& much more!
Physical Difficulty: easy to moderate {walking on dirt roads, 1 - 2 miles possible}
Lodging: NOT included, there are multiple locations in Washington, Belhaven and Plymouth, NC.
Transportation: INCLUDED during duration of the workshop.
Workshop - Day 1 2pm - 5:30PM
(2pm) Everyone arrives & meets at base camp in Plymouth, NC
Ultimate Waterfowl Photography Presentation
Workshop - Day 2 6am - 5:30PM
(6:00am) Leave for refuge to photograph waterfowl
(AM Hours) In field hands on instruction photographing wildlife
(Midday) Depart refuge for lunch, break, image reviews & post processing.
(PM Hours) Photographing wildlife
(5:15pm) Sunset
Workshop - Day 3 5am - 10AM
(6:00am) Leave for refuge to photograph waterfowl
(AM Hours) In field hands on instruction photographing waterfowl
(10:00am) Workshop ends, everyone will depart to head home
In order to register for this workshop please first contact us either by email or by phone in order to inquire as to whether or not there is room. With only 3 participants, this workshop fills up quickly.
Once you have confirmed that space is available we will need two things from you in order to make your spot on this workshop official:
A signed and completed registration form which will be emailed to you.
A $400 deposit - NON REFUNDABLE.
Once your registration and deposit have been received, you will be notified by email.
Payment
The deposit is due within 2 weeks of notification of your intent to register for the workshop.
The final installment is due 30 days from the start of the workshop.
How do I sign up?
To sign up please scroll down and fill out the contact form. I will instruct you from there.
Cancellations?
If for some reason you need to cancel, please contact me AS.SOON.AS.POSSIBLE. I will then go over the cancellation procedure.
What size lenses do I need?
We will be photographing birds, some at close range and others at great distances. I recommend at least 200mm or greater.
Should I rent equipment?
If you have only wide-angle lenses or less than 200mm, I would recommend renting a telephoto lens. I wouldn't purchase a lens specifically for this workshop. Rental is the best way to go. Here are a couple links to online companies I recommend. www.lensrentals.com
What animals will we photograph?
The possibility of animals we could see are endless. But with wildlife photography nothing is guaranteed. We will however be targeting tundra swan, snow geese, other waterfowl & red wing black birds. If we are lucky, we will have a chance to see & photograph black bear.
What type of clothing should I wear?
This workshop is during winter, so that means it will more than likely be cold at or below freezing in the mornings & evenings. The midday could be warm but I would bring light & heavy clothing just in case. Please dress accordingly.
Are there any rest rooms nearby?
You will be about 15 minutes from the nearest bathroom & restaurant. I will make sure everyone takes a "break" before living in the morning. We will going to town for lunch and bathroom breaks.
Not included?
Lodging, meals, photography equipment, vehicle rental
Questions? Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions regarding this or any workshop. Below you will find a simple contact form in place to make this process as simple as possible for you. If you would like to talk personally to me please feel free to contact me at:
(252)-286-9339