Florida Bird Photography Workshop

Dates: April 28 - May 7, 2026
Fee: $1,995 ($500 deposit, balance due by January 2026)

Limit: 5 participants

Central Florida

Fee

$1,995

Dates

April 28 - May 7, 2026

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

Location Images

View Gallery

Florida is a paradise for bird photographers, home to vibrant ecosystems and a staggering variety of bird species. From elegant egrets to burrowing owls, this workshop takes you on an unforgettable photographic journey through some of the state's richest birding habitats—wetlands, beaches, and lakes teeming with life.

With expert guidance from renowned photographer and visual storyteller Nikhil Bahl, you’ll learn how to ethically photograph, approach, and identify birds while refining your skills to create compelling, story-driven images.

Whether you're just beginning your wildlife photography journey or looking to take your skills to the next level, this workshop is hands-on, immersive, and designed to elevate your artistry.

What to Expect

Bird Photography in Diverse Habitats: Photograph 40–50+ species in their natural environments—from shoreline drama to wetland areas and a serene cypress lake.
Expert Instruction: Personalized coaching on technique, timing, and composition tailored to your experience level.
On-the-Spot Feedback: Receive real-time tips and critiques while shooting, helping you improve every session.
Stunning Locations: Explore three of Florida’s most iconic birding regions—St. Petersburg, Vero Beach, and Boynton Beach.

What you will learn:

Understanding Bird Behavior: Anticipate action by reading movement, flight patterns, and feeding habits.
Mastering Camera Settings: Lock in optimal exposure and focus techniques for sharp, dynamic shots.
Gear Techniques: Get the most out of your equipment, from camera bodies to stabilizers and lenses.
Lighting & Composition: Harness natural light and frame shots to tell compelling visual stories.
Post-Processing Tips: Intro to editing workflows in Adobe Lightroom to bring your images to life.
Ethical Wildlife Practices: Learn respectful approaches to wildlife photography that protect both subject and environment.
Bird ID Skills: Improve your identification skills to better target photo opportunities.

By the end of the workshop, participants will gain a comprehensive set of photographic skills and capture a collection of stunning images of the incredible birdlife Florida has to offer!

Activity level - Easy to Moderate

Participants should be able to walk 1-2 miles unassisted during field sessions, carrying their photography gear. While some birding locations may be close to the vehicle, although it's common to walk on various terrains such as sand, berms, and boardwalks to reach more rewarding photo opportunities. If you're able to get low, that's a bonus!

ITINERARY

This itinerary is subject to changes based on weather conditions. We will be out early and late to take advantage of the best light and bird activity.

April 28 Welcome & Orientation
We’ll kick off the workshop with a 5 PM group dinner, giving everyone a chance to meet and connect. Afterward, enjoy an engaging orientation and bird photography presentation to prepare for the days ahead. We'll discuss our shooting locations, techniques, and gear strategies, and answer any questions you may have.

April 29–30 Shorebirds of St. Petersburg
Our adventure begins with two days of immersive shorebird photography along the stunning Gulf Coast. We’ll target species like the elegant reddish egret mid-hunt, black skimmers in flight, and the striking roseate spoonbill. Other likely sightings include royal and least terns, snowy and great egrets, piping and Wilson’s plovers, and more. Overnight in St. Petersburg.

May 1 Transition to Vero Beach
We’ll squeeze in one last early morning beach session before returning to the hotel to check out. Then it’s off to Vero Beach. Once settled into our new base, we’ll regroup for an evening feedback session followed by dinner—a great chance to review our images and discuss the upcoming leg of the journey.

May 2–3 Lake Blue Cypress: Osprey Heaven
For three mornings, we’ll photograph the serene and scenic Lake Blue Cypress from a boat, home to over 200 nesting pairs of osprey—offering incredible opportunities for flight and nesting shots. We’ll also encounter a variety of species including owls and wading birds. Afternoons may include additional shoots at nearby nesting sites or optional image review sessions, depending on weather and group preference.

May 4 Final Lake Session & Travel to Boynton Beach
We’ll return to Lake Blue Cypress for one final morning shoot. Afterward, we’ll check out and make our way to our final destination—Boynton Beach. Once settled, we’ll either dive into one last feedback session or, if energy allows, head back into the field for more golden-hour photography.

May 5–6 Wetlands & Burrowing Owls
These two days are devoted to exploring diverse wetland habitats, rich with photographic opportunities. You’ll photograph wading birds like the great blue heron, tricolored heron, green heron, glossy ibis, limpkin, and the elusive purple gallinule. At least one session will be focused on the charismatic burrowing owls, whose chicks should be active—making for especially dynamic images. Expect at least one dedicated image review session. Overnight in Boynton Beach.

May 7 Last Sunrise Session and End of Workshop
We’ll close out the workshop with a sunrise shoot at a nearby wetland. After capturing the morning magic, we’ll return to the hotel for checkout, wrapping up an incredible journey through Florida’s birding paradise.

Itinerary Includes:

Personalized field instruction and guiding
Image reviews during workshop
Detailed document to help you prepare for the workshop
Boat rental and boat captain.

Itinerary Does Not Include:

Lodging
Meals and drinks
Transportation throughout; we encourage carpooling
Tip for boat captain
Incidentals