Check our Upcoming Photo Workshops & Tours
Upcoming Photo Workshops
I am a pioneer in the field of photo workshops and tours, offering programs since 1979. Each is carefully crafted and well planned. By limiting the number of participants per program (primarily 3-8), I am able to offer personalized instruction.
Workshops are short and last from 1 to 3 days, often offered over a weekend. Photo sessions in the field are followed by image editing and critiques. My preparation for each workshop includes scouting out the photo opportunities at each location.
Photo Tours on the other hand, last from one to three weeks. They are custom designed and cover multiple locations. Sites are chosen for their natural beauty and relatively accessible wildlife. These can include wildlife refuges, eco-friendly ranches, private wildlife sanctuaries, and state and national parks. As per weekend programs, each location is carefully scouted. For international programs, an English speaking local guide accompanies the group. Past tours have included South Florida, South Dakota, NWT, Bryce/Zion/Arces Yellowstone NP, Glacier NP, Iceland, Argentina, Chile, Newfoundland, and the Falkland Islands.
Nature photography is the focus of the majority of programs with attention paid to composition, lighting, exposure, perspective, creativity, and attracting, locating, and photographing wildlife.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Assateague Island National Seashore, Spring 26
Assateague Island National Seashore
Spring Photo Workshop
Led by Irene Hinke-Sacilotto and sponsored by the Assateague Island Alliance.
10-12 April 2026
Twisted tree at sunrise
This Assateague Island National Seashore Photo Workshop is designed for those with a basic knowledge of the operation of a 35 mm SLR digital or mirrorless camera with an interest in nature photography who desire to improve their photographic techniques. Program includes field sessions on Assateague Island, instructive slide program, and critiques of participant images. Topics discussed include: 1) equipment selection and operation, 2) composition, creativity and perspective, 3) metering and exposure, 4) lighting, 5) basic image manipulation and 6) locating, approaching and photographing wildlife.
Stallion on the move
During the Friday evening orientation, departure times, current field conditions, potential subjects, equipment needed, safety, field ethics, and other logistical topics will be discussed. Prior to dawn on Saturday, the class participants will depart for the beach to photograph sunrise and take advantage of the soft, warm early morning light. Potential subjects during the workshop include the sunrise, sand dunes, shells, the surf, beach vegetation, fisherman, the wild horses of Assateague Island, and local wildlife (whitetail deer, fox, raccoons, herons, rails, geese, ducks, shorebirds, and other resident and migratory species.) Mid-day Saturday will be set aside for editing images and a review of photos taken during the morning. The remainder of the afternoon will be devoted to more photography of island inhabitants, the beach, and sunset. Sunday, photography will begin at dawn and continue through the morning. Mid-day editing will be followed by a final critique of images with the workshop ending at 1 to 2 pm. The number of participants is limited to 12.
Great Blue Heron challenging another bird.
SCHEDULE (2026):
Friday
Orientation (7:00 PM-8:15 PM)
Saturday
Sunrise –9:30 AM (photography)
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (edit images, lunch)
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (critique of images)
3:00 PM – Sunset (photography)
Sunday
Sunrise – 9:30 AM (photography)
Mid-Day (lunch & prep images for review)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (critique)
Snow fence with ripples in the sand at an early hour at Assateague Island National Seashore
Mockingbird singing.
Notes:
The timing of excursions will be adjusted as needed based on the weather, subject availability, results from my pre-workshop scouting to determine the best photo opportunities, and the desires of the class participants. Orientation, lectures and critiques will be held in the Assateague Island’s Visitor Center.
A pre-class assignment will be provided via e-mail along with guidance for submitting images for Friday night’s orientation.
Assumes a basic knowledge of your D-SLR digital or mirrorless camera and familiarization with basic terms such as F-stop, ISO, & exposure plus the ability to perform minor edits on images and download image files to e-mail or a thumb drive for the image review sessions. A laptop computer or tablet is required for image editing and transfer.
For those from out of state desiring overnight accommodations, rooms are available in Salisbury, West Ocean City, & Berlin, MD. It is best not to stay in Ocean City itself due to noise, traffic congestion and longer commute times. (From West Ocean City commute time to the Assateague meeting location is approximately a half hour or less travel).
Price: $ 425
Register early since this workshop fills rapidly.
Brown Pelicans flying at sunrise.
To register contact: The Assateague Island Alliance. They handle registration.
Email: info@assateagueislandalliance.org
Phone: 443 614-5375
Colt in late PM light.
Turkey on branch early am.
Cancellation Policy:
For cancellations made within 30 days of the start date, no refunds will be given. If AIA cancels the workshop participants will receive a full refund.
Black Duck Marsh at sunset.
Reflections off of the Life of Marsh Trail.