THE SECRETS TO BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
ORIBI GORGE WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Learn to capture Beautiful Bird Photos without any photography experience necessary!
Bird photography can be daunting, you view all these amazing images online but when you try to capture the same, your photos look different, Why? Because bird photography is a learned skill, you don’t pick up a golf club for the first time and expect to play like a Pro; its the same principle. Fortunately, a good photo follows a basic formula, a formula that can be learned and this workshop teaches you exactly how – every step of the way!
What can take months or even years to learn, you will get to grips within a single weekend, guaranteed!
This workshop is hosted by James Gradwell is an award-winning photographer with an award-winning Photo Tour Business. James has also worked as a Professional Safari Guide for 6 years between Londolozi, Ngala and Phinda as well as a safari Tour Director for the world’s Best Safari Operator Micato Safaris.
A SAMPLE OF CLIENT REVIEWS ON TRIP ADVISOR
“I learned more from James in the course of the day than I had in the photography course I’ve been doing all year” Tillie Beaton, South Africa
“I learned more from James in the course of that day than I had in the 6 months of owning my DSLR camera. James was able to explain things to me in layman’s terms” Mas, Toronto, Canada
“To say it exceeded my expectations is putting it lightly!” Claudia, SA
SECRETS TO BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DETAILS
WHERE: Oribi Gorge (Kwazulu Natal South Coast)
ACCOMMODATION: Oribi Gorge Hutted Camp (KZN Wildlife)
WHEN: 24 – 26 Sept 2021
START/FINISH: Starts Friday 1pm, finishes Sunday approximately midday
PHOTO LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate Photographers (this is not an advanced class)
GROUP SIZE: Min 2 – Max 6 (Non workshop participants welcome – fee is the same)
INCLUDES: Accommodation at Oribi Gorge Hutted Camp (Ezimvelo) + vulture experience + birding photo instruction
EXCLUDES: Drinks, waters, transport, snacks, meals, insurance, items of a personal nature.
SELF CATERING: This workshop does not include meals or transport bring your own food for breakfast x 2, dinner (braai x2),
Saturday lunch will be to own account at a local restaurant.
PRICE: R4 995 p/person
SECRETS TO BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION: Getting Started in Bird Photography (4 Principal Elements)
EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS: Getting to grips with Gear
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 1: Understanding Exposure (Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed)
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 2: Understanding Depth of Field, Sharpness & Focus Techniques
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 3: ‘Seeing the Light’ understanding light & how to work with it
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 4: Learn the tips & techniques to creating Striking Compositions
BIRDS IN FLIGHT: Learn the techniques to photographing birds in flight at the super vulture restaurant
KNOW YOUR SUBJECT: Learn how to find and get close to birds
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: In the field excursions with James mentoring you as you photograph
POST PROCESSING: Learn how James edits his images
ALL THESE SAME TECHNIQUES APPLY TO WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOO!
ITINERARY
FRIDAY 24 SEPT: Meet 1pm at Oribi Gorge Hutted Camp (Ezimvelo) where we start with an in-depth practical learning session using James teaching props and ending with a late afternoon/sunset bird walk. Returning for a communal braai with Question and Answers session.
SATURDAY 25 SEPT: Up before first light to depart for a practical photography-learning bird walk from camp looking for target species such as Kynsna Woodpecker, Spotted Ground Thrush, Olive Bushshrike, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike and more all the while James mentors you with tips, techniques and instruction. We return for breakfast with some free time until lunch.
At 1pm, we head out on a leisurely birding drive for lunch at a local restaurant followed by a bird photography instructional walk along the Mzimkulwana River, an amazing birding location. We end the day with another communal braai where James shows you how he edits his images included a secret technique to make any image look like it was shot with a Pro lens – even if it wasn’t!
SUNDAY 26 AUG: Up early for breakfast, then off for vulture experience at the private Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide. We get there at 7:30am and spend a few hours photographing the vultures soaring past from a unique cliff top vantage, while learning and practicing bird in flight techniques. The workshop ends approximately at midday with a final Q&A session back at camp.
The workshop focus is on Beginner Photographers teaching up an Intermediate level – this is not an advanced class.
FAQ
HOW DO I BOOK THIS WORKSHOP?
Click onto our Contact Page, send an email saying you an interested in our Oribi Gorge photo workshop.
Because of the late nature of this workshop, full payment is due to secure your placement
CAN I TAKE THIS WORKSHOP IF I DON’T HAVE EXPENSIVE GEAR?
Yes. This workshop is designed to help you make the best photos with the gear you already have. It also covers recommendations if you’re looking to build your gear collection. However to make the most of photo opportunities a 300mm lens is recommended as the minimum focal length.
CAN I BRING MY PARTNER WHO IS NOT A PHOTOGRAPHER?
Yes. Everyone is welcome. I’ve had non-partners join to assist with carrying equipment and to partake in birding excursions. However, please note, all participants pay the same fee.
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE?
Luckily not, with the current available accommodation at Oribi Gorge Resort, we are able to offer this workshop without a single supplement fee.
IS THERE TRANSPORT FROM DURBAN?
This is a self drive workshop, but I’m sure between participants and James, there will be options for vehicle sharing.
WHY I CREATED THIS WORKSHOP?
I remember 15 years back when I first started wildlife photography, it was a slow learning curve, I worked as a Safari Guide at Londolozi and thought a decent camera and good photo opportunities would automatically result in good images but not so…
Wildlife photography is a craft that requires understanding from figuring out your gear to finding subjects to photograph to mastering settings. I created this workshop to help those struggling with the process to learn in the quickest way possible so they can move straight into the excitement of capturing awe-inspiring images they can’t wait to share with friends and family!