Loon and Bird Photography Workshop by Boat

Create adorable portraits of common loons interacting with their chicks at our unique bird photography workshop on the lake in British Columbia, Canada.

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. Equipped with boats specially set up for bird photography, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph loons and their chicks at close range along with many other bird species that nest in the area.

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 at sits right on the main 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!

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’ll get to see include marsh wren, black tern, common yellowthroat, Barrow’s goldeneye with chicks, red-necked grebe, and other ducks with chicks.

In the area and at the lodge feeders you can expect to see and photograph Steller’s jay, junco, pine siskin, Cassin’s finch, grey jay, hairy, downy, and three-toed woodpecker, mountain and black-capped chickadee, red-naped sapsucker, mountain bluebird, yellow-headed blackbird, and rufous and calliope hummingbirds. There is always a chance we will see a bear or moose in the area too. A special focus on creating set-up shots of these birds will be included as part of Greg and Alan’s instruction.

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.

Itinerary

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. We will enjoy 3 solid days of shooting plus one final morning on the lake on the last day.

Day 1

Participants should plan to arrive in the late afternoon for a meet-and-greet dinner with everyone and an orientation.

After dinner, Greg and Alan will present an introductory slideshow sharing images from past trips to the area and discuss the schedule for the next 3½ days.

Day 2, 3, and 4

For 3 solid days you will have countless photographic opportunities alongside Alan and Greg. They 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.

Mornings

On typical mornings we rise early for a light breakfast and coffee before heading out on the lake. We will pair off into two groups in search of loons and chicks as well as some marsh species such as Virginia rail and Wilson’s snipe among others.

Late in the morning we will return to the lodge and take a much needed break or photograph birds at feeder set-ups, with possible visitors such as evening grosbeak, Steller’s jay, junco, pine siskin, Cassin’s finch, hairy and downy woodpecker, mountain and black-capped chickadee, and yellow-headed blackbird.

Afternoons

In the afternoon we will explore the surrounding areas for more elusive species such as three-toed woodpecker or local nesting birds like the red-naped sapsucker and northern flicker. 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.

Day 5

On our final day we will head back on the lake for one last morning shoot, followed by a hearty breakfast or more shooting at the feeders before checking out 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.

Includes

• 4 nights lodging (double occupancy)
• All activities and access to full resort amenities (including boats and guide services)
• All meals
• Photographic instruction from Greg and Alan

Does Not Include

• Airfare
• Car rental
• Alcoholic drinks
• Incidentals

Rates

• Any 2 consecutive workshops get an extra night lodging (total 9 nights); extra day is on your own relaxing or shooting independently, depending on your preference.
• Single Supplement: $400 (for each workshop with limited availability)
• Non-photographer partner including all meals: $600 (for each workshop with limited availability)
• To sign up for multiple workshops please register for each and pay a separate deposit.

If you would like to register for this workshop, please fill out our 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.