Loon and Bird Photography Workshop by Boat

In an intimate, small group setting with only 8 participants, you will learn the techniques Greg and Alan use to capture captivating images of these birds as they go about courtship, feeding, nesting, and brooding their chicks. We're equipped with two boats specially set up for loon photography, with seriously stable platforms and the ability to lay on your belly and get just above the water level. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph loons at close range along with many other bird species that nest in the area. We have timed the workshop to coincide with the average dates of loons nesting and hatching their chicks on the lake so that we have the best chance at photographing loons as they feed and care for their young.

With lots of hands-on instruction and working closely with each participant, Greg and Alan will personally work with you on image capture and technical instruction targeted to your individual needs throughout the trip. They will also do extensive field scouting prior to the loon and bird photography workshop with the goal of creating as many photographic opportunities as possible when everyone arrives.

The resort we will be staying sits right on the lake where loons nest and raise their young. All meals, lodging, and other expenses are included as well as non-intimidating and casual photographic instruction. All you have to do is get yourself there and we will take care of the rest! It's easy to find from Vancouver or Kamloops. Some folks have driven from Seattle, California and beyond. Participants do need to rent a car for the duration of the stay.

Premier Location for a Loon and Bird Photography Workshop

While on the lake we will have access to up to 4 pairs of loons. The timing of this loon and bird photography workshop is planned around the hatching and brooding of chicks. Most of the loons are friendly and fairly easy to photograph at close range. On some mornings, 6–12 single loons have been photographed together right in front of lodge!

Create Photos of Other Bird Species

Other possible bird subjects that you may get to see and photograph include great gray owl, marsh wren, yellow-headed blackbird, common yellowthroat, Audubon’s warbler, Townsend’s warbler, horned and red-necked grebe, ruddy duck, Steller’s jay, dark-eyed junco, golden-crowned and ruby-crowned kinglet, pine siskin, Cassin’s finch, hairy and downy woodpecker, mountain and black-capped chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, Swainson’s thrush, red-naped sapsucker, mountain bluebird, yellow-headed blackbird, northern flicker, western tanager, and more.

A special focus on creating set-up shots of these birds will be included as part of Greg and Alan’s instruction. There is always a chance we will see a bear or moose in the area, too.

Dedicated Boats Ready for Photography

During this bird photography workshop we will have exclusive use of two dedicated boats specifically set up for loon and bird photography as well as unlimited access to a number of kayaks, canoes, and small motor boats.

We will be at 4,200′ elevation and the city, which is only 20 minutes away, is at 1,100′ elevation. This provides a variety of bird species and wildflowers for us to photograph. Because of the high elevation at the lodge, everyone should be prepared for possible cool days and nights. Historically we have enjoyed great weather with blue skies and warm days during this time of year.