Join Greg Downing as we explore the cloud forests of Ecuador in search for hummingbirds, tanagers and more! Greg has been a pioneer in multi-flash hummingbird photography and will share the tips and techniques he has learned for capturing these tiny jewels in flight and in action. As a special feature of this workshop Greg will be providing everything you need for multiple flash set ups throughout the trip. All you need to bring is a camera and lens and since our set-ups will work with any camera brand there is no need to worry about compatibiliy issues. Lenses of 100-400 or 70-200 range are optimal for the set ups, while longer lenses are recommended for perched hummingbirds, tanagers and other species. 

Due to the nature of this type of photography our group will be kept small to ensure everyone gets ample opportunities to use, and learn about, the multiple flash set ups. We will be focusing a great deal on outdoor flash photography techniques, from balanced fill light, to main light and even techniques to similate wing blurs.

Day 1, October 24: Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Quito, Ecuador. Meet our representatives at Mariscal Sucre Airport and transfer to your hotel, Hotel Sebastian where Greg Downing will be awaiting your arrival. Those who arrive early may take advantage of the photo opportunities that Old Town has to offer.

Hotel Sebastian overnight, no meals

Day 2, October 25: Quito to Guango Lodge
After breakfast we will make our way to Guango Lodge which lies along Ecuador’s eastern slope. Here we will spend a considerable amount of time capturing world-class images of the more noteworthy species of hummingbirds (Mountain Velvetbreast, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tourmaline Sunangel, Golden-breasted and Glowing Pufflegs) using our multiple flash set-ups (supplied throughout the workshop.) After dinner this evening we’ll enjoy a introductory slide show on photography in Ecuador featuring images from Greg Downing.

Guango Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3, October 26: Guango Lodge
We’ll have three multiple-flash set ups going all day. When not shooting hummingbirds, we’ll keep an eye out for some of the lodge’s regular species including but not limited to: Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Turquoise Jay, Buff-breasted and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, and many more. We’ll also be focusing on capturing perched hummingbirds with natural light as well as learning about the use of supplemental fill flash.

Guango Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4, October 27: Guango Lodge
We’ll spend the entire day with our hummingbird set-ups. We end the day searching for tree frogs to practice some macro photography.

Guango Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5, October 28: Antisana Reserve
After breakfast, well make our way to Tandayapa Lodge by way of Antisana Reserve. Antisana Reserve is a massive national park that encompasses a wide variety of habitats ranging from Páramo to eastern foothill forest, including its namesake, the intimidating Volcán Antisana. Aside from stunning landscape opportunities, possible subjects include Caracara and Andean Condor. After Antisana, we’ll continue to Tandayapa Lodge, which will be our base for the next four nights. A Mecca for birders and photographers alike, Tandayapa Lodge is one of the best birding centers in the world and particularly for hummingbird photography. Nestled in the cloud forest up to 31 species of hummingbirds have been recorded at the Lodge feeders, and with 14-18 species most days and up to one hundred individual hummers present at any one moment, this is one of the must-see bird spectacles of the world.

Tandayapa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6, October 29: Tandayapa Lodge
After breakfast, we set up to immediately begin photographing hummingbirds at our multi-flash setup right on the lodge grounds. Here we are offered a different set of hummingbird species including Western Emerald, Purple-throated Woodstar, Violet-tailed Sylph, Booted Racket-tail and many more.

Tandayapa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7, October 30: Tandayapa Lodge
After breakfast, we set up to immediately begin another full day photographing hummingbirds at our multi-flash setup right on the lodge grounds. We will be working on perfecting the techniques and introducing native flowers into our set-ups.

Tandayapa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8, October 31:  Mindo Loma
After breakfast we will travel to Mindo Loma. This cozy and elegant rustic lodge offers hummingbird feeders, tanager feeders, an orchid garden, waterfalls and many trails. We’ll spend the day shooting and exploring this natural environment that is so rich with bio-diversity.

Tandayapa Lodge (B,D) (L) en route

Day 9, November 1: Tandayapa to Quito
After more early morning photography around the grounds and feeders, we pack up and leave for Quito and Hotel Sebastian. We’ll stop for a typical Ecuadorean lunch en route. Throughout the day, Greg and assistant will be available to help you with caption info for your select images from the trip. After arriving in Quito, we have a bit of time to relax and then enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Tandayapa Lodge (B), lunch en route, Hotel Sebastian overnight (D).

Day 10, November 2: Quito
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Hotel Sebastian (B)

This Itinerary Includes:

• All accommodations
• All meals as indicated above
• Ground transportation
• Airport transfers
• Entrance fees to all reserves
• Professional birding guide
• All photo instruction
• Use of multi flash set up

This Itinerary Does Not Include:

• Airfare to Mariscal Sucre Airport
• Airport departure tax
• Excess baggage charges
• Travel Insurance (recommended)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Gratuities
• Non-meal time snacks
• Non-meal time soft drinks and bottled water
• Souvenirs

Photo Gallery Click thumbnails for larger images

If you would like to register for this workshop, please fill out the registration form below. (* = Required Field). A deposit of $1,000 is required to reserve your spot. Please refer to our workshop information section for our cancellation and refund policies.

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