Digital Bird Photography
June 1-5, 2009
Boulder, Colorado
Instructor: Bill Schmoker
Course Description
The Boulder, Colorado area offers a unique setting for this bird photography workshop. While birds may offer the most photo opportunities, we will also be on the lookout for any wildlife including mammals, insects, and "herps" (reptiles and amphibians) to photograph. The workshop will offer a mix of classroom sessions and time in the field working on our art, particularly an opportunistic approach to bird & wildlife photography that emphasizes organisms in their natural surroundings and capturing interesting behaviors on camera. Classroom time and field techniques will be centered on digital SLR telephoto photography. Digiscoping may be addressed if there is participant interest but won't be the focus of the workshop. To get the most out of the class you should have a telephoto camera rig of at least 300mm equivalency, but not so big that you aren't comfortable carrying it around on moderate walks and shooting hand-held. A tripod or monopod may be useful in some settings but most of our efforts will emphasize hand-held techniques. For many digital SLR camera bodies a 200mm lens is equivalent to 300mm on a film body, and "power-zoom" cameras of 10X or 12X can work, too. Perhaps the most commonly seen lenses used by birders are (80 or)100-400mm f/5.6 zooms or 300mm f/4 lenses, although many other combinations work fine. In addition to your camera gear you should bring a laptop with photo editing software for the digital darkroom work sessions.
Physical Requirements
June in Colorado can bring anything from sunny, warm weather to snow storms. Expect variation in temperatures and weather conditions both for you and your camera gear. We will be walking during the workshop and you should be responsible for carrying your own photo equipment. A recommended packing list will be emailed to registrants. The schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions and/or changing photo opportunities. Classroom photo labs will focus on getting the most out of your equipment, field techniques, and digital darkroom techniques. Registrants will receive a syllabus that will detail specific topics and lessons, but it also will be flexible and subject to change according to participants' interests and needs. Contact Bill Schmoker at bill.schmoker@gmail.com with any questions about equipment, clothing, or other aspects of the workshop.
Workshop Price
$1849. Single room supplement: $105. Price includes ground transportation during the workshop, lodging and breakfasts, lunch and a final farewell dinner. This intimate, interactive workshop is limited to 10 participants.
ABA Institute for Field Ornithology, ABA
4945 N 30th St, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
719/578-9703 x237 . fax 719/578-1480 . ifo@aba.org