Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia

Photo Workshop

November 16-18, 2012    Friday-Sunday

 

Join us on a photo workshop to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge with professional photographer John Slonina. We will be visiting one of our favorite places to photograph. Located on the southern end of Assateague Island in Virginia, the refuge was established in 1943 for the protection of migratory waterfowl habitat with emphasis on conserving the greater snow goose.

The refuges has more than 14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh habitats. This diverse ecosystem is home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals.

The refuge is also one of the most visited refuges in the country and provides outstanding opportunities to connect you with nature.

November is a great time to photograph this awesome area. Thousands of migrating Snow Geese taking off and landing. This is a event you will never forget. It is a great photo opportunity.

We will also look for other wildlife. The species we usually photograph include Tundra Swans, Herons, Egrets and other waterfowl species. Mammals include Red Fox, the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel etc, River Otters, and White Tailed Deer etc. We also will look for the famous Wild Horses. Since this area is protected wildlife sighting are common and many species allow a close approach.

This area is a landscapes photographers delight . There area includes several beautiful coastal landscapes, sand dunes, surf, forests, sea shells, marshes, and a lighthouse.

Friday Afternoon: We will meet at the hotel for a quick meeting followed by a sunset shoot then dinner.  After dinner I will do a presentation to help you improve your photography.

Saturday: We will travel to several different locations (depending on the lighting conditions) starting on location at sunrise. We will also have some classroom time to review and critique work, digital techniques, digital processing tips ect. John will be bringing a digital projector for presentations.

Sunday: Morning Photo Session Trip concludes late morning early afternoon.

When:

November 16-18, 2012

Friday-Sunday

Note: There is an option to extend this trip to include Bombay Hook and Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge in Delaware (2 hours away) please contact our office

Price:

$595 (this Includes hotel, instruction and refuge permits admission)

Deposit: $300

What's Included:

The hotel is included in this tour (Friday and Saturday nights).  

Instruction

Entrance fees.

Not Included:

Food is not included. We will eat at local restaurants.

Transportation is not included.  We will carpool to the refuge. It is a short drive anyway.



Lodging:  Included

Participants are not required to stay there. There other nearby options.

Please contact us for details.

 

Cancellation:

If you cancel before 30 days of departure you will receive a full refund.

If you cancel within 30 days you will lose deposit amount.

Unless we are able to fill the spot. Then there will be a full refund.

Who should attend:

Anyone with a interest in photography from a beginner to professional photographer who has a love of being outdoors and nature. Both Digital and or Film shooters are welcome.

Group size:

Our groups are small in size and are limited to 6 people. This group size allows for flexibility in our plans if interesting and unexpected photo opportunities present themselves. Also it will allow us to work with each participate to provide complete, informative, helpful lessons.

Goals:

The entire workshop is devoted to capturing the best nature images possible on digital camera or film. John draws upon his decades of experience as a professional photographer to offer several methods to improve your nature photography. John will share numerous proven beginner thru advanced techniques.

On location, John will demonstrate how you can best use your equipment. We will do our best to help you get beautiful professional high dynamic quality images which will make gorgeous prints on your wall.

Before and after each workshop we will access each participants needs, interests and skills so we can teach techniques that will help each participant. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro we will help you grow as a photographer. At the end of the workshop you will be able to comfortably apply these tools and start your own unique style.

Some topics we cover

Time of Day:

Participating in a workshop is a great way to improve your photography. We believe in capturing the best light our workshops include sunrise and sunset shoots (weather permitting). Early morning and late afternoon has the best lighting for photography. Mid day sunny days is not as photogenic and more windy. Also early morning has some other advantages less traffic and people, wildlife is more active, and less wind.

What you will learn:

Our job is not only to help you create beautiful images and have fun but also teach skills and techniques you can use to take your photography to the next, higher level! Attendees will have a solid understanding of many basic and advanced principles related to nature photography.

Getting There:

Plane:

Airport

Distance (mi.)

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

28.7 map

Hampton/Williamsburg Newport News/Williamsb Airport

82.7 map

Norfolk International Airport

84.5 map

Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport

109.8 map

Richmond International Airport/Byrd Field

110.2 map

Baltimore/Washington International Airport

110.2 map

Atlantic City International Airport

114.5 map

Car:

From the North, after crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge on I-295, continue on to I-95 (Delaware Turnpike) to exit 4A for Route 1 South (this is much better than taking US 13 direct from I-295). Route 1 is expressway most of the way. Continue to exit 97 which is an expressway connection to Route 13 - turn south. Continue on US 13 to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Turn left on Route 175 to Chincoteague Island.

From the South, take Route 13 North and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects Route 13 in Virginia Beach to Route 13 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Turn right on Route 175 to Chincoteague Island.

About Me:

John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has been photographing the nature for over 25 years. He has been published in multiple books, magazines, and calendars.  He has a love of natural history as well. You will receive education not just in photo technique, but also in the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.

 

If you have any questions feel free to contact us.

 




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