In an intimate, small group setting with only 5 participants, you will learn the techniques Greg uses 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 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. With over 15-years of experience in the area we know all the nooks and crannies to find a great variety of species.
“Being out on the lake early in the morning was a very special experience. Seeing and hearing the loons was magical! The loons were great of course, but Greg and Alan also found us other species of birds to photograph in different habitats. The group dynamic was just fine and everyone got on well together. Greg and Alan were great guides—friendly and knowledgeable, and made you feel that they were interested in you and your photography. I had high expectations of this trip and can honestly say that my expectations were exceeded.”
Dawn O.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.
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’s instruction. There is always a chance we will see a bear or moose in the area, too.
During this bird photography workshop we will have exclusive use of two dedicated boats specifically set up for loon and bird photography.
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 lake, 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.
This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and wildlife activity. Participants should plan to arrive on the first day of the workshop for a late afternoon orientation and slideshow and depart on the last day of the workshop after our morning shoot. With 7 shoots in total we will enjoy 3 solid days of shooting plus one additional final morning (4 total) on the lake on the last day. Most afternoons are spent off the lake unless the wind allows us back on the lake in the evenings.
Participants should plan to arrive by late this afternoon. Depending on arrival time and weather we may tour the lake prior to dinner but no formal shoot is planned as mornings are the best on the lake. We will have a meet-and-greet orientation in the evening to discuss logistics and plans for the next morning, as well as a discussion of gear info and what we expect to shoot. Mornings start as early as 4:30AM!
For 3-1/2 days you will have countless photographic opportunities alongside Greg; 4 mornings with the loons and 3 afternoon outings. We will have already thoroughly scouted the area and set things up in advance of your arrival so you’ll be able to get started immediately.
On typical mornings we rise early departing the hotel/lodge before 5AM to head out to the lake in search of loons and chicks as well as some marsh species such as virginia rail and wilson’s snipe, sora, marsh wrens, common yellowthroats, red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds among others. The lake is split by a small bridge with a smaller portion on one side of the bridge (where larger boats and gas engines are not allowed) and the rest of the lake that is frequented by fishermen later in the summer. We have built two customized boats perfect for photography on the lake allowing a large stable platform for low angle shooting from low chairs or even laying down for the lowest angle. No cramping on john boats to get the shot. Each boat is powered by two-electric trolling motors with remote control so we can move in any direction. We've even got integrated anchor poles so we can et up and anchor securely without movement when taking pictures.
In the afternoons we will explore the surrounding areas for more elusive species off the lake such as three-toed woodpecker or local nesting birds like the red-naped sapsucker and northern flicker, various warbler species and flycatchers like the olive-sided flycatcher, least flycatcher and western wood pewee. We will even get a chance to do some wading in shallow ponds in search of waterfowl like ruddy duck and redhead, and red-necked and horned grebe. You may also opt to photograph these birds from the shore should you prefer not to get into the water with your gear. If you want to get eye-level shots of these birds, be sure to bring lightweight, breathable chest waders or inquire as to what we have available as we keep several sets of waders on hand. We'll also supply throw-over blinds for each participant should we need them, or you may prefer to bring your own.
On our final day we will head back on the lake for one last morning shoot before checking out of the hotel and departing for home. We will have quite a productive morning with our normal meet time as early as 4:30 AM on sunny days. Plan to depart by noon this day or arrange to stay additional nights to shoot on your own in the area. Lake access will be limited to workshop participants so any extra days will have to be exploring off the lake or from the shore.
Single supplement fees reflect our actual cost and are subject to availability. If you're a single traveler and we're unable to place you with a roommate, we will need to place you in a single room and charge a single supplement.
Greg has been traveling the world teaching professional and amateur photographers for more than 15 years hosting his instructional workshops and...Continue reading
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