2023 PHOTOGRAPHY & OPTICS WORKSHOPS
Thank you for a great 2023 festival! The dates on this page reflect those of the 2023 festival. Subscribe to the Biggest Week eNews for all the latest updates on 2024!
Essential Autofocus Tips for Photographing Birds and Action
Instructor: Fujifilm X-Photographer Dan Bailey
Date: Friday, May 5
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Being proficient with autofocus is perhaps the most challenging skill you can learn to master as a photographer. In order to increase your success rate, especially with subjects that move, you’ve got to practice a lot, you have to know your gear, and you need to have an efficient, optimized camera workflow. In this concise workshop, taught by pro action shooter and FUJIFILM X-Photographer Dan Bailey, you'll learn how to utilize the essential components of the focus system on the FUJIFILM X Series cameras, so that you can get better results when shooting action and moving subjects.
In addition, Dan will present his pro tips and techniques that are guaranteed to increase your skills and confidence when tracking and photographing things that move, which will help increase your chances for capturing sharp images every time. Whether you shoot sports, birds, wildlife, kids, pets, adventure, or any other kind of real-life scene, knowing how to navigate your camera's focus system, and knowing how to work around its limitations, will make you a better all-around photographer.
Date: Friday, May 5
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Being proficient with autofocus is perhaps the most challenging skill you can learn to master as a photographer. In order to increase your success rate, especially with subjects that move, you’ve got to practice a lot, you have to know your gear, and you need to have an efficient, optimized camera workflow. In this concise workshop, taught by pro action shooter and FUJIFILM X-Photographer Dan Bailey, you'll learn how to utilize the essential components of the focus system on the FUJIFILM X Series cameras, so that you can get better results when shooting action and moving subjects.
In addition, Dan will present his pro tips and techniques that are guaranteed to increase your skills and confidence when tracking and photographing things that move, which will help increase your chances for capturing sharp images every time. Whether you shoot sports, birds, wildlife, kids, pets, adventure, or any other kind of real-life scene, knowing how to navigate your camera's focus system, and knowing how to work around its limitations, will make you a better all-around photographer.
Intro to Nature Photography
Instructor: Jamie Cunningham
Date: Saturday, May 6
Time: 2:30-3:30 PM
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Do you love nature? Do you own a camera? Then this class is for you! Join professional wildlife photography Jamie Cunningham of Sabrewing Nature Tours for tips and tricks to capturing great images, no matter what type of camera you are using! This class covers the basics from do's and don'ts, when is the best time to shoot, composition, recommended gear, beginning editing and more! Please bring your camera of choice with you to the class.
Date: Saturday, May 6
Time: 2:30-3:30 PM
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Do you love nature? Do you own a camera? Then this class is for you! Join professional wildlife photography Jamie Cunningham of Sabrewing Nature Tours for tips and tricks to capturing great images, no matter what type of camera you are using! This class covers the basics from do's and don'ts, when is the best time to shoot, composition, recommended gear, beginning editing and more! Please bring your camera of choice with you to the class.
Choosing the Right Optics
Instructor: Tim Pellerin
Sponsored by Land Sea & Sky
Date: Sunday, May 7
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Learn about the various types of optics available to bird and nature observers to help you find the perfect gear. Tim will also cover the sizes, shapes, pros, and cons of binoculars. This program will also explore some commonly used terms in optics like field of view, magnification, chromatic aberration, field flatness, coma, etc.
Sponsored by Land Sea & Sky
Date: Sunday, May 7
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Learn about the various types of optics available to bird and nature observers to help you find the perfect gear. Tim will also cover the sizes, shapes, pros, and cons of binoculars. This program will also explore some commonly used terms in optics like field of view, magnification, chromatic aberration, field flatness, coma, etc.
Kicking It Up a Notch:
Taking your bird photography to the next level
Instructor: Brian Zwiebel
Sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours
TWO DAY SESSION
Date: Saturday, May 6 (afternoon classroom session) and Sunday, May 7 (morning field session)
Time: Saturday, May 6, 1-2:30 PM and Sunday, May 7, 7-10 AM
*Please make sure you don't register for anything that conflicts with the second day of this workshop!*
Afternoon Classroom Session Location: Maumee Bay Lodge
Morning Field Session Location: Maumee Bay Nature Center
Fee: $85 (covers both sessions!)
Registration Required
Limited to 10 participants
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.
Sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours
TWO DAY SESSION
Date: Saturday, May 6 (afternoon classroom session) and Sunday, May 7 (morning field session)
Time: Saturday, May 6, 1-2:30 PM and Sunday, May 7, 7-10 AM
*Please make sure you don't register for anything that conflicts with the second day of this workshop!*
Afternoon Classroom Session Location: Maumee Bay Lodge
Morning Field Session Location: Maumee Bay Nature Center
Fee: $85 (covers both sessions!)
Registration Required
Limited to 10 participants
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.
The Basics of Bird Photo Editing
Instructor: Tyler Ficker
Date: Monday, May 8
Time: 2:30-3:30 PM
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
One thing that can set your bird photos apart from other people’s is knowing how to properly edit them. This can give an added professional look to your photos that may not be achieved on camera. While there is never one true way to editing, this presentation focuses on helping you learn how to utilize the different tools you have access to when trying to achieve the look you had in mind for a given photo. This presentation covers the difference between RAW and JPEG, all the common tools and terminology in editing software, composition, and examples of the different uses! This talk will also cover the benefits of using a monitor designed for photo editing. The presentation will be demonstrated using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom but the information is applicable to nearly all editing software! This is a great follow-up to the bird photography presentation.
Date: Monday, May 8
Time: 2:30-3:30 PM
Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
One thing that can set your bird photos apart from other people’s is knowing how to properly edit them. This can give an added professional look to your photos that may not be achieved on camera. While there is never one true way to editing, this presentation focuses on helping you learn how to utilize the different tools you have access to when trying to achieve the look you had in mind for a given photo. This presentation covers the difference between RAW and JPEG, all the common tools and terminology in editing software, composition, and examples of the different uses! This talk will also cover the benefits of using a monitor designed for photo editing. The presentation will be demonstrated using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom but the information is applicable to nearly all editing software! This is a great follow-up to the bird photography presentation.
Light... Shadow... Background!
Instructor: Kevin Loughlin
Sponsored by Wildlife Nature Tours
TWO DAY SESSION
Date: Monday, May 8 (afternoon classroom session) and Tuesday, May 9 (morning field session)
Time: Monday, May 8, 1-2:30 PM and Tuesday, May 9, 7-10 AM
*Please make sure you don't register for anything that conflicts with the second day of this workshop!*
Afternoon Classroom Session Location: Maumee Bay Lodge
Morning Field Session Location: Maumee Bay Nature Center
Fee: $85 (covers both sessions!)
Registration Required
Limited to 10 participants
Classroom session: 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.
Field session: 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.
Sponsored by Wildlife Nature Tours
TWO DAY SESSION
Date: Monday, May 8 (afternoon classroom session) and Tuesday, May 9 (morning field session)
Time: Monday, May 8, 1-2:30 PM and Tuesday, May 9, 7-10 AM
*Please make sure you don't register for anything that conflicts with the second day of this workshop!*
Afternoon Classroom Session Location: Maumee Bay Lodge
Morning Field Session Location: Maumee Bay Nature Center
Fee: $85 (covers both sessions!)
Registration Required
Limited to 10 participants
Classroom session: 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.
Field session: 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.
Point and Shoot Warbler Photography
Instructor: Stephen Ingraham
Date: Tuesday, May 9, and Thursday, May 11
Time: 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Meet at the east entrance of the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Boardwalk
Fee: $30
Capacity: 10
Registration Required: Yes
Wildlife and nature photography used to be the domain of expensive DSLRs and specialized (and expensive) lenses. No more! Today a relatively inexpensive advanced Point and Shoot camera with a long zoom (sometimes called a "bridge" camera or "superzoom") will open up satisfying nature photography to almost anyone. Yes, even Warbler photography. Warblers are not easy subjects, with any camera, but with some basic knowledge, patience, and practice, you can bring home Warbler shots you will be willing to show your friends...even the ones with $10,000 worth of camera equipment. Join Stephen Ingraham, the Point and Shoot Nature Photographer, and learn how.
Please get a head start on this workshop by viewing the Point and Shoot Nature Photography video at https://psnp.info/psnp_/?page_id=1886. You may also find a specific video on setting up your camera.
Date: Tuesday, May 9, and Thursday, May 11
Time: 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Meet at the east entrance of the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Boardwalk
Fee: $30
Capacity: 10
Registration Required: Yes
Wildlife and nature photography used to be the domain of expensive DSLRs and specialized (and expensive) lenses. No more! Today a relatively inexpensive advanced Point and Shoot camera with a long zoom (sometimes called a "bridge" camera or "superzoom") will open up satisfying nature photography to almost anyone. Yes, even Warbler photography. Warblers are not easy subjects, with any camera, but with some basic knowledge, patience, and practice, you can bring home Warbler shots you will be willing to show your friends...even the ones with $10,000 worth of camera equipment. Join Stephen Ingraham, the Point and Shoot Nature Photographer, and learn how.
Please get a head start on this workshop by viewing the Point and Shoot Nature Photography video at https://psnp.info/psnp_/?page_id=1886. You may also find a specific video on setting up your camera.
Birding with a Camera
Instructor: Krisztina Scheeff
Date: Tuesday, May 9, or Friday, May 12
Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Maumee Bay State Park
Meet at Troutman Nature Center
Fee: $30
Registration Required: Yes
Are you a birder and would like to learn more about your camera and how to capture your own photos? Join professional Nature Photographer Krisztina with KS Nature Photography for a casual session of birding with the added bonus of photography. This program is open to all ages, birders, photographers, and anyone who would like to learn more about the birds and about basic camera techniques for bird photography.
Bring your binoculars and any camera, if you like (point and shoot, DSLR, Mirrorless - and any lens). To read more about Krisztina, please visit www.KSNaturePhotography.com
Date: Tuesday, May 9, or Friday, May 12
Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Maumee Bay State Park
Meet at Troutman Nature Center
Fee: $30
Registration Required: Yes
Are you a birder and would like to learn more about your camera and how to capture your own photos? Join professional Nature Photographer Krisztina with KS Nature Photography for a casual session of birding with the added bonus of photography. This program is open to all ages, birders, photographers, and anyone who would like to learn more about the birds and about basic camera techniques for bird photography.
Bring your binoculars and any camera, if you like (point and shoot, DSLR, Mirrorless - and any lens). To read more about Krisztina, please visit www.KSNaturePhotography.com
Elevating Your Bird Photography with OM System
Instructor: Lee Hoy
Sponsored by OM System and Wildside Nature Tours
Date: Thursday, May 11
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Meet at east entrance
Fee: $30
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 15
Join OM System Pro Ambassador, Lee Hoy, in the field to learn how the OM System Camera, lenses, and gear can elevate your bird photography. We will discuss special features such as Pro Capture Mode, Bird Tracking Autofocus, customizing buttons/dials, the incredible image stabilizing features, and the light weight the system affords to bird photographers. We will discuss how well the OM-1 performs in low light, the live highlight alert feature making proper exposure easier than ever, and the high quality M.Zuiko lenses designed particularly for bird photography.
Stop by the OM System booth in Optics Alley before this workshop to grab some loaner gear and try for yourself!
Sponsored by OM System and Wildside Nature Tours
Date: Thursday, May 11
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Meet at east entrance
Fee: $30
Registration Required: Yes
Capacity: 15
Join OM System Pro Ambassador, Lee Hoy, in the field to learn how the OM System Camera, lenses, and gear can elevate your bird photography. We will discuss special features such as Pro Capture Mode, Bird Tracking Autofocus, customizing buttons/dials, the incredible image stabilizing features, and the light weight the system affords to bird photographers. We will discuss how well the OM-1 performs in low light, the live highlight alert feature making proper exposure easier than ever, and the high quality M.Zuiko lenses designed particularly for bird photography.
Stop by the OM System booth in Optics Alley before this workshop to grab some loaner gear and try for yourself!
Photographing Birds in Flight and the Rushing Grebes
Instructor: Krisztina Scheeff
Date: Thursday, May 11
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
This classroom workshop will dive into the art and techniques used to photograph birds in flight. The class with also cover helpful tips on where, when and how to photograph the Rushing Grebes (Grebes walk on water to find a mate). They do walk fast, almost fly!
From big birds to small warblers, this class will give you detailed info with photos, settings, tips and tricks to help you capture birds in flight on your camera.
Date: Thursday, May 11
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
This classroom workshop will dive into the art and techniques used to photograph birds in flight. The class with also cover helpful tips on where, when and how to photograph the Rushing Grebes (Grebes walk on water to find a mate). They do walk fast, almost fly!
From big birds to small warblers, this class will give you detailed info with photos, settings, tips and tricks to help you capture birds in flight on your camera.
Cleaning your optics
Instructor: Tim Pellerin
Sponsored by Land Sea & Sky
Date: Friday, May 12
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
In this workshop, Tim will discuss the best and proper practices for keeping your optics in good condition. From in-field cleaning to before and after care and deep cleaning, he will demonstrate how to keep your optics in their best shape.
Sponsored by Land Sea & Sky
Date: Friday, May 12
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
In this workshop, Tim will discuss the best and proper practices for keeping your optics in good condition. From in-field cleaning to before and after care and deep cleaning, he will demonstrate how to keep your optics in their best shape.
Focus Fundamentals for Successful Images
Instructor: Fujifilm Senior Product Technical Specialist Christopher Gilbert
Date: Saturday, May 13
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Beyond the initial learning curve of exposure, one of the foundations for a successful image is focus control—The ability to isolate the subject from the background or show the surrounding environment creates distance or a relationship between the subject and its surroundings. The complexity of newer autofocus systems can be intimidating and making the correct choices in field goes beyond trial and error. A firm understanding of what and why will always yield greater results when it comes to creating images in the moment.
In this presentation, Senior Tech Christopher Gilbert will cover everything from the ground up when it comes to autofocus and the FUJIFILM X Series system. Beyond the general settings, Christopher will give recommendations for customization, functionality, and control. There are multiple layers to all autofocus systems and starting at the basics then building from them are extremely important as they interact will all types of photography—Portraits, wildlife, sports, or events. Topics such as focus modes, focus areas, subject detection, back- button focus, and more will be covered. This along with general shooting tips that can be applied to all types of photography will be included. Hope you can attend!
Date: Saturday, May 13
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fee: $10
Registration Required: Yes
Beyond the initial learning curve of exposure, one of the foundations for a successful image is focus control—The ability to isolate the subject from the background or show the surrounding environment creates distance or a relationship between the subject and its surroundings. The complexity of newer autofocus systems can be intimidating and making the correct choices in field goes beyond trial and error. A firm understanding of what and why will always yield greater results when it comes to creating images in the moment.
In this presentation, Senior Tech Christopher Gilbert will cover everything from the ground up when it comes to autofocus and the FUJIFILM X Series system. Beyond the general settings, Christopher will give recommendations for customization, functionality, and control. There are multiple layers to all autofocus systems and starting at the basics then building from them are extremely important as they interact will all types of photography—Portraits, wildlife, sports, or events. Topics such as focus modes, focus areas, subject detection, back- button focus, and more will be covered. This along with general shooting tips that can be applied to all types of photography will be included. Hope you can attend!
Creative Photography: How to stand out from the crowd
Instructor: Jamie Cunningham
Sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours
TWO DAY SESSION
Date: Friday, May 12 (afternoon classroom session) and Saturday, May 13 (morning field session)
Time: Friday, May 12, 1-2:30 PM and Saturday, May 13, 7-10 AM
*Please make sure you don't register for anything that conflicts with the second day of this workshop!*
Afternoon Classroom Session Location: Maumee Bay Lodge
Morning Field Session Location: Maumee Bay Nature Center
Fee: $85 (covers both sessions!)
Registration Required
Limited to 10 participants
Join Sabrewing Nature Tours Photo guide Jamie Cunningham on this two-day immersive photo workshop that will help you create unique images! Day one will be a classroom workshop that will help you learn tips and tricks to create various styles of images by using light, composition and editing techniques. Jamie will help you think outside the box and learn what it takes to make a shot that really stands out! Day two is a field session that will help you use what you've learned to make great images in real time with the ability to ask questions and have hands-on instruction.
Sponsored by Sabrewing Nature Tours
TWO DAY SESSION
Date: Friday, May 12 (afternoon classroom session) and Saturday, May 13 (morning field session)
Time: Friday, May 12, 1-2:30 PM and Saturday, May 13, 7-10 AM
*Please make sure you don't register for anything that conflicts with the second day of this workshop!*
Afternoon Classroom Session Location: Maumee Bay Lodge
Morning Field Session Location: Maumee Bay Nature Center
Fee: $85 (covers both sessions!)
Registration Required
Limited to 10 participants
Join Sabrewing Nature Tours Photo guide Jamie Cunningham on this two-day immersive photo workshop that will help you create unique images! Day one will be a classroom workshop that will help you learn tips and tricks to create various styles of images by using light, composition and editing techniques. Jamie will help you think outside the box and learn what it takes to make a shot that really stands out! Day two is a field session that will help you use what you've learned to make great images in real time with the ability to ask questions and have hands-on instruction.