Photography Workshops

2026 Photography Workshops

Classroom components are held at the Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Starboard Navigator Room. Field locations will be determined by the instructor and shared with the participants during the classroom portion of the workshop. Our instructors wait to choose the location so that they can consider where the best bird activity is and how the weather is looking, helping provide the the best results.

We're working to finalize additional workshops that you wont want to miss! Dates and times will be updated here once finalized.

Point and Shoot for Warblers

Presented by Stephen Ingraham
Date: Saturday, May 9 and Friday, May 15
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at west end of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area parking lot
Fee: $30
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 14

With today’s modern cameras, from superzooms to the latest mirrorless systems, it is easier to than ever to set the camera up to give the best technical results, so that you can spend all your energy finding and framing the birds. Warblers are never easy…but you will learn not to make it any harder than it has to be. Let the camera do everything it can for you, so you can do the part only you can do.

About Stephen

Steve Ingraham has been taking photos for over 65 years now…and seriously photographing birds and wildlife for the past 20. His Point and Shoot Nature Photograpy method is well known through his book, blogs, articles, and youtube videos. For 12 years he was the Birding Specialist for ZEISS Sports Optics.

Beginning Bird Photography in the Field

Presented by Bruce Wunderlich
Date: Sunday, May 10 and Monday, May 11
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at west end of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area parking lot
Fee: $50
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 14

Join us for a beginner bird photography walk, designed to be a relaxed and hands-on introduction for bird enthusiasts who want to take better photos without getting bogged down by technical details. We will focus on how light, backgrounds, and simple camera settings can make a significant difference in your shots. The pace will be slow, the tips will be practical, and the goal is for you to leave with a few photos that you can genuinely be proud of.

About Bruce

Bruce Wunderlich is an award-winning professional bird photographer from Marietta, Ohio; he is the Photo Editor and columnist for BWD Magazine (formerly known as Bird Watcher’s Digest), North America’s premier bird-watching magazine.

Light, Shadow, Background!

Presented by Kevin Loughlin
Date: Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12
Time: Monday 12:30-2 p.m. classroom, Tuesday 7-9:30 a.m. in the field
* Please note that this workshop has two parts on two different days*
Location: Classroom component at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Starboard Navigator Room, Field component location shared during the classroom component.
Fee: $80
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 10

Part 1 Classroom: The art of photography is based upon light and shadow. Having a proper understanding of exposure will help you create better images of any subject and take your photography to the next level! What lies behind your subject can make or break your final image. Learning to pay attention to all elements in your image, especially the background, will help you get better photos. we will discuss using different lenses and depth of focus to isolate your subject or show it in its environment.

Part 2 In the field: Expanding on the classroom seminar, we will discuss how to “see” light and shadow and how it will affect the subject as well as the background of your images. We’ll visit proper exposure to help highlight your subject and paying attention to your camera’s histograms for best exposure. We will also explore paying attention to your backgrounds, not only to eliminate distractions but to add interest.

About Kevin

Kevin Loughlin was raised to appreciate nature. At age six, Kevin became fascinated with photography as well seeing the new and different birds throughout North America. Instilled with a love for travel and seeking new, exciting destinations he felt a desire to share his experiences with others and in 1993 Wildside Nature Tours was founded.

Kevin’s photographs and articles have appeared in publications such as Nature Photographer, Outdoor Photographer, Living Bird, Birding and Audubon Magazines, as well as numerous natural history books. His most recent book project GALAPAGOS: A NATURAL HISTORY was co-authored with John Kricher and published by Princeton University Press in November 2022.

From Perch to Perfect: Editing Bird Photos Like a Pro

Presented by Kenda Lentz
Date: Tuesday, May 12
Time: 12:30-2 p.m.
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Starboard Navigator Room
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 80

This is a beginner-friendly session will demystify the process of editing bird photographs—no matter which editing platform you prefer to use. We will explore the purpose and impact of editing through the use of global and local editing adjustments to correct exposure and color, bring focus to your intended subject, remove distractions, enhance your creative vision, and prepare you images for print or social media.

By demonstrating basic and essential editing tools, you will discover how easy it is to create a simple and repeatable editing workflow and see how small adjustments can make a big impact on your photos. We’ll wrap up by looking at file formats, ethical considerations, and popular beginner and advanced editing software options. By the end, you’ll understand that editing is about more than fixing photos—it’s about storytelling, creativity, and the value of organizing images for future use.

Learn simple, powerful techniques to make your bird photos truly soar

About Kenda

Kenda Lentz is a professional photographer and master educator with over 22 years of experience creating award-winning images, teaching photography and business strategies, and mentoring photographers across diverse genres. She is the founder of Mentor Me Photography, an education service offering personalized one-to-one mentoring, small group lessons, and photo editing instruction, available both in person and via video chat. Through her partnership with Owens Community College in Ohio, Kenda also teaches photography and photo editing (Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop) to photographers at all levels of experience. Kenda is known for her ability to meet people wherever they are on their photography learning journey and helping them reach their goals—whether that means choosing the right gear, mastering the equipment they already have, specializing in their favorite type of photography (wildlife, birds, insects, people, events, weddings, and more), simplifying editing workflows, or building the skills and confidence to achieve their creative vision.

5 Key Steps to Taking Sharper Bird Photos

Presented by Tom Stephenson
Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Behind Ottawa NWR Visitor's Center
Fee: $50
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 25

Birds make beautiful pictures. And photos can be very important when you’re trying to figure out a tough ID. At home, they reinforce what you’ve seen in the field, helping build your birding skills. They preserve memories of great experiences. And, above all, bird photos can be very beautiful.

But birds can be very difficult to photograph well.

The good news is that there are just a few key camera settings and techniques that can greatly improve the clarity and sharpness of your photos. And today’s technology is helping make this even easier than it was just a couple of years ago.

This workshop covers everything you need to know to make great, sharp bird photos. We will cover camera basics, how to set up for different conditions, and advanced tips and tricks for the field. And we’ll also touch on the importance of post-processing and how to make a good photo look professional.

About Tom

Tom Stephenson has been birding since he was a kid under the tutelage of Dr. Arthur Allen of Cornell University. His articles and photographs are in museums and many publications including Birding, Birdwatcher’s Digest, Handbook of the Birds of the World, Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Birds of Madagascar, and Guide to the Birds of SE Brazil.

Tom has lectured and guided many groups across the US as well as South and Central America and Asia, where he also trained guides for the government of Bhutan.

Tom is endorsed by Zeiss Optics and, for several years, was on Zeiss’s digiscoping team for the World Series of Birding. In 2011, his team won the World Series Cape Island Cup.
In 2014 Tom, along with Scott Whittle, set the US record for a Photo Big Day, taking pictures of 208 species in one 24-hour period.

As a musician Tom played concerts and did studio work for many years, working with several Grammy and Academy Award winners as well as performing with members of the NY Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra. His clients included the Grateful Dead, Phil Collins and the FBI.

He joined Roland Corporation in 1991, managed the recorder division, and retired recently as Director of Technology. There he managed the design and marketing for many of the most successful products in the history of the company, including all of their multi-channel digital recording systems. He also worked closely with engineers at Apple on a multi-channel audio over Ethernet industry standard.

His latest book, The Warbler Guide, is published by Princeton University Press and recently won the National Outdoor Book Award. The Warbler Guide App, for iOS and Android, pioneered 3D rotating models and won the 2015 Design Award for AAUP Book, Jacket and Journal Show.
His app, BirdGenie, a “shazam” for bird song predating Merlin, identified over 150 common vocalizations. BirdGenie won the prestigious PROSE award from the American Association of Publishers, and was profiled on the New Yorker Radio Hour.

Tom holds a patent on technology to identify animal vocalizations using a wide range of analytic criteria. And he is currently working on three more books as well as a 3D app of all US birds for Princeton.

Videography for Birders: Equipment, Fieldcraft & Editing

Presented by Christopher Travis
Date: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Starboard Navigator Room
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 80

This program will discuss videography equipment, fieldcraft, and editing. It is designed to assist in gear purchase decisions, give practical advice for the field, and provide a basic foundation for producing a video to share with others.

This presentation will conclude with a quick review, group questions and answers, as well as any individual discussions after as desired.

About Christopher

Chris is a recently retired Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter pilot who found his passion for birding and technology during his travels around the world. He has flown across both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and has enjoyed flying and birding in Japan, Hawaii, Norway, Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and across the United States and Alaska. From a young age, his mother encouraged him to enjoy nature's beauty, and to slow down while paying attention to God's beautiful creation. His wife of 16 years, Janice, is an exceptional ecologist and Bird Guide for Sabrewing Nature Tours. Their joint interest in sharing the outdoors with others will only increase as the years progress.

Chris' particular interest in technology, data management and videography began with a simple iPhone, then digiscoping and simple editing, and has since progressed into the Canon and DJI lines of equipment. He is thrilled with how camera technology has developed over time, especially with recent mirrorless technology, and it reminds him of using the F/A-18 radar and Joint Helmet Mounted Cuing System (JHMCS) to find items of interest.

Chris is currently employed as an Adversary Fighter Pilot for a U.S. government contractor flying against 4th and 5th generation Navy and Marine Corps squadrons for training. He spends his time outside of flying birding with his wife, editing videos, and marketing for several organizations. Chris believes everyone should find peace and relaxation in nature and the outdoors, and sharing this passion with others is truly a blessing.

Mastering the Shot: Bird Photography Field Workshop

Presented by Kenda Lentz
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Behind Ottawa NWR Visitor's Center
Fee: $50
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 25

Transform your bird photography from "lucky snapshots" to intentional portraits. This immersive, hands-on field experience is designed for photographers who want to move past the limitations of auto-mode and master the technical precision required for birding and other wildlife subjects.

Whether you’re trying to isolate a warbler in a dense thicket, balance the exposure on a silhouetted eagle, or freeze a Kingfisher mid-dive, you’ll receive over-the-shoulder coaching and professional tips to solve technical hurdles in real-time. This is your chance to master the precision, focus, and speed required to turn fleeting moments into your next gallery "keeper."

About Kenda

Intro to Bird Photography

Presented by Kathryn Cubert
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Starboard Navigator Room
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 80

Get Started with Bird Photography in One of America’s Premier Birding Locations

Curious about bird photography but not sure where to start? Join us for a bird photography presentation geared toward successfully capturing images you will treasure from your time at one of North America's most famous birding hotspots. Information provided will not be brand specific.

This beginner-friendly session is perfect for birders, nature lovers, and aspiring photographers who want to learn how to capture birds through the lens—before hitting the field. You’ll gain a solid foundation in:

• Choosing the best lenses for bird photography
• Understanding potential camera settings to use
• Composing compelling shots of birds
• Tips for photographing birds ethically and effectively
• Learn helpful tips tailored to photographing warblers at Magee Marsh

Whether you use a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or are considering your first gear purchase, this class will help you start with confidence.

Bring your questions, your curiosity, and a notebook—this is your first step toward capturing the beauty of birds through photography.

About KAthryn

Kathryn Cubert has been passionate about nature since childhood—a passion that has evolved into a deep love for bird photography over the past nine years. She has made the annual spring pilgrimage to photograph warblers at Magee Marsh for most of those years. From 2022 to 2024, she served as a bird photography instructor at Hog Island Audubon Camp in Maine, where she shared her expertise in capturing wildlife through the lens. Driven by a desire to help others navigate this challenging yet incredibly rewarding genre, Kathryn has spent the last two years teaching bird photography classes at Midwest Photo in Columbus, Ohio.

Her photos have been published by multiple organizations such as Audubon.org, NANPA, Bird Watchers Digest and several Ohio based conservation organizations. Kathryn has exhibited her photographs at the McConnell Arts Center, the Ohio State Fair Fine Art Exhibit, Brukner Nature Center (as of December, 2025) and the Riffe Gallery. She is a current member of BSBO, NANPA and Columbus Audubon.

Kicking it up a Notch: Taking Your Photography to the Next Level

Presented by Brian Zwiebel
Date: Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16
Time: Friday 12:30-2 p.m. classroom, Saturday 7-9:30 a.m. in the field
* Please note that this workshop has two parts on two different days*
Location: Classroom component at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge Starboard Navigator Room, Field component location shared during the classroom component.
Fee: $80
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 10

This program will include a brief review of some basics before diving head first into some more advanced concepts including discussion on which exposure modes to use when. We'll discuss getting the most from your autofocus system and include a brief overview of fill flash vs. flash as the main light source. Finally, Brian will tie it all together discussing how he uses the various settings in some of his favorite forms of bird photography including waterfowl, warblers and shorebirds

About Brian

Brian is owner and guide at Sabrewing Nature Tours. He began his journey with birds by enrolling in an Ornithology class at Hocking College in 1993. More than 30 of his images have been featured at the National Center for Nature Photography in Toledo, OH. Brian's award-winning photography has been internationally published and used in articles he authored for Audubon and B&H Photo-Video’s Explora blog.