Birds and Bugs Photo Walk – Full Day of Photography At the Jersey Shore
For those who love bird photography, there are few places on the east coast that provide more opportunities to photograph a large variety of species with so little effort. The Rookery at the Ocean City Welcome Center is a fantastic spot for photographing birds in flight, nesting birds, and possibly some babies, too! Species normally found there include great egrets, black-crowned night herons, glossy ibis, white ibis and more.
We will begin early in the morning at the rookery, and spend several hours photographing the birds from a variety of vantage points. When the group has had their fill, we will take a break and grab a bite to eat. After that, we will head to a local garden to photograph insects!
This will be a full day of fun and photography for all levels of photographers. We can work with whatever gear you have, but to best capture the birds up close, a minimum of 300mm lens is suggested. Telephoto lenses that extend to 400 or 600mm are ideal. If you do not have a long telephoto lens, there are a variety of places that rent them for the day or weekend. More details will be given a few weeks prior to the event. A wide angle to mid-range lens would also work well for closer wildlife at the zoo.
Full details will be given several weeks prior to the event. This will include lodging suggestions for those that may be traveling from several hours away. If interested in staying overnight, you should secure a hotel as soon as possible
A pre-trek class will take place via Zoom prior to the event to go through all the details for the day. We will review images of what you can expect to see and shoot, and instruction on all techniques to use throughout the day. Participants should be comfortable with their camera and how to change settings such as aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, focus points, etc.
Feedback and instruction on how to best capture birds in flight, and the macro world of insect photography will be given throughout the entirety of the day.
Workshop fee includes an image review following the workshop. Participants will share up to 3 images which we will review together. You will receive helpful feedback on your images, including suggestions you could make to improve the image, as well as editing tips to help bring out the best in your images. Registration fee also includes admission to our private Facebook group, where you will become part of a friendly and fun community of photo enthusiasts, be able to share images from the day, and interact with not only other participants from this workshop, but those who have participated in past workshops, as well. It is a fantastic way to stay in touch and continue the learning long beyond the event itself.
Event is weather-permitting. In case of rain, we will reschedule to the following day, Sunday June 6th or a later date. Same time
Transportation to Ocean City, meals and lodging are not included. We will carpool as we travel throughout the day.
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Updated Terms & Conditions – Valerie A Hoffman Photography (March 2023)
As we live in our new ‘normal’, the following updated policies are being put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of all workshop attendees, as well as those who we will come in contact with during events.
That being said, here is what you need to know and comply with:
- Anyone who is sick with COVID like symptoms or has a fever over 100 degrees must not attend the event. Amount paid may be put towards a future workshop, or can be refunded in full if notice is given in advance. Suggest checking your temperature BEFORE leaving home. By registering for an event, you also agree to a touchless temperature check at the initial gathering for any workshop or trek.
- Face Masks are optional unless otherwise specified.
Cancellation Policy:
Two (2) weeks notice is required to receive a full refund. 75% refund of the Trek fee with only one (1) week notice. NO refund will be given if less than one (1) week notice is given for cancellation. Must call to cancel. We reserve the right to cancel the Trek at our discretion. Minimum number of participants is necessary to run event.