Join NSN’s Greg Downing and Kari Post this May for a unique photography learning experience at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge off the coast of Virginia.

Chincoteague has much to offer the nature and wildlife photographer. World famous for it’s wild ponies, Chincoteague has abundant wildlife photography opportunities. In the spring, you can expect to see and photograph a variety of herons, egrets, and other wading bird species, double-crested cormorants, several species of ducks and gulls, numerous shorebirds, and mammals such as sika elk, cottontail rabbit, and of course, the feral ponies that Chincoteague is known for. Chincoteague’s varied ecosystems also provide a variety of opportunities for photographing landscapes from the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to salt water marshes and loblolly pine forests. Additionally, the Chincoteague Lighthouse and various boats and oceanside shops in town provide good photographic opportunities for those whose interests extend beyond nature.

During this event, the leaders will introduce participants to the many nature, wildlife, and landscape shooting opportunities at Chincoteague. Photography tips and techniques will be taught through a series of classroom sessions while loosely structured field shoots will provide opportunities for participants to tour the refuge in a relaxed and informal manner, allowing maximum flexibility for individuals to shoot the subjects that appeal to them most. This NSN event provides a low cost way for photographers to learn new skills in a friendly group atmosphere while exploring one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier locations for wildlife photography.

Topics covered will be composition, lighting, use of flash to enhance your photography and image processing techniques using photoshop, lightroom and other programs. Field instruction is casual and flexible based upon participant's needs and desires. This workshop will run rain or shine!

For more information on this exciting destination, please check out Kari’s article on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Itinerary:

Day 1, Friday, May 10, 2013:

Evening welcome session and introductions at 5pm. The leaders will provide a short presentation about the history and ecology of Chincoteague NWR and brief participants on some of the locations we will be shooting. Immediately following, participants will have time to get out, explore the refuge, and shoot sunset. Dinner on your own.

Day 2, Saturday, May 11, 2013:

We'll start the morning with an informal guided photo walk and tour. Participants will meet outside the hotel and drive to the refuge for sunrise at 6am. We’ll shoot until the light is no longer good, then do breakfast on our own and meet back at the hotel for classroom sessions at noon. Greg and Kari will each present a program, and there will be time for a question and answer session with the leaders. In the evening, we will depart the hotel for another photo shoot and stay at the refuge until the light is no longer good. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 3, Sunday, May 12, 2013:

We’ll again rise early to head to the refuge for sunrise, followed by breakfast on your own. After checking out of your hotel, we’ll regroup in the conference room for two more presentations in the classroom and more Q&A with the leaders. The NSN event will wrap up around 2pm, but you are welcome to stay afterward and shoot at the refuge on your own later in the evening if you wish.

Workshop Includes:

• Entry to all events and field shoots for the weekend
• Up to 6 hours formal classroom instruction Friday, Sat Sunday
• 3 field shoots (2 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday)
• Discounted lodging at the refuge inn

Does Not Include:

• Transportation to/from the event
• Lodging
• Meals
• Refuge entrance fee

If you would like to register for this workshop, please fill out the registration form. A non-refundable deposit (listed above) is required to reserve your spot. Please refer to our workshop information section for our cancellation and refund policies.