Long Island Nesting Birds Workshop (Long Island, New York) Dates: July 19-23, 2015 Fee: $695 Limit: Only 6 participants View photos from this location >>

Description: On the shores of the bustling city of New York, a nondescript beach attracts many birds. These birds return every summer to nest on the beach. While the colony of common terns dominates a photographer’s attention, they are joined by oystercatchers, black skimmers, piping plovers and others to create many incredible photo opportunities. Nikhil has been photographing this location for 5 years and has added many high quality images to his portfolio thanks to the varied opportunities the nesting birds provide.

In July, we would expect to see a lot of the common tern chicks hatching and often running around like windup toys. They are entertaining to watch and a challenge to photograph. The oystercatchers may have chicks of varying sizes, depending on how early they nested. If we are lucky, the piping plover chicks may come close enough for a photo session. Black skimmers will be abundant, as they stage at this time of the year. We may witness them mating and performing with their aerial battles. There are all kinds of opportunities to photograph interaction between the adults and the chicks. Don’t be surprised if you get to the beach and are overwhelmed. It is a lot to take in and hard to focus on one opportunity when there is so much going on. Nikhil will use his experience at this location to guide you to the best opportunities.

This workshop does not have any formal classroom sessions as the days in July are very long and we need to rise quite early to photograph the birds at sunrise. We will all need to get some rest in the afternoons. However, Nikhil will be available for image reviews or any other advice you may need, in the afternoon. In the field, he will be guiding you to the best shooting opportunities. While shooting alongside you, he will be sharing the various techniques he uses as well as explaining wind conditions, light angle, creative use of flash, focal length choices and why he recommends a particular spot to photograph and what kind of images can be made. Essentially, he will share his approach to a particular scene/situation. This will be a lot easier to do with a smaller group (6 participants max) who do not need instruction on the basics. The workshop is ideal for intermediate and advanced photographers who understand and respect how sensitive this location is. We have to be very careful not to stress the birds out.

NOTE: Participants should have a minimum focal length of 400mm. Longer focal lengths like 500mm/600mm are highly recommended to photograph the nesting birds. A full gear and packing list will be provided on registration.

Tentative Itinerary

July 19

4:30 PM: Meet and greet in hotel lobby

5:30–8:30 PM: Field orientation and photography session

July 20-23

5:00 AM: Meet in the lobby for sunrise field trip

9:00 AM: Return to hotel and breakfast/brunch

9:00 AM–3:00 PM: Break

3:00 PM–4:30 PM: Image reviews (if needed)

5:00-8:30 PM: Sunset field trip

8:30 PM: Dinner

Workshop ends after the group dinner on Wednesday, July 23.

Please contact Nikhil if you have any questions about any of the workshops listed above.

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