Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Photo Workshop, Fall 2026

Chincoteague NWR Photo Workshop Fall 2026

With Irene Hinke-Sacilotto

20-22 Nov 2026

Price:  $ 745

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located on the southern Virginia end of the barrier island of Assateague.  The refuge attracts large numbers of waterfowl, herons, ibis, ospreys, shorebirds, warblers, and other migrants. It is also the home to wild horses, deer, raccoon, fox squirrels, and other animals.  Used to being protected, the wildlife is unusually tolerant of humans and presents visitors with great photo opportunities.  The ocean, dunes, shells, harbor, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets offer workshop participants a variety of subjects with which to work. The program includes tips on locating and approaching wildlife, capturing in-flight shots of birds, equipment selection, composition, lighting, and exposure.

Special feature – Saturday afternoon pontoon boat trip along Assateague’s/Chincoteague’s shoreline with the hope of photographing wild horses, wading birds, porpoise and other wildlife.   Last year participants had the opportunity to photograph brant, godwits, dunlin and other shorebirds plus wild horses feeding on the shoreline.  The pontoon boat design to navigate in shallow waters and typically offers a relatively stable platform for photography.    Note: For safety reasons, the trip is weather dependent.

Because of the small class size (6), this Chincoteague Photo Workshop is the perfect blend of one-on-one assistance in the field, an instructional PowerPoint presentation, and image critiques. 

Class participant photographing sunrise.

Photographed from the beach at sunrise

Sunrise over Black Duck Marsh.

Great Blue Heron feeding on shoreline of marsh

Description:

This Chincoteague 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.  Workshop emphasis is on improving photographic skills and optimize the use of your camera. Class includes an orientation PowerPoint program followed by photography sessions on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague Island, and in the town of Chincoteague.  Included is a critique/review of images from the weekend.  Topics covered: 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.

White Ibis feeding at sunset.

Based on my findings from scouting the area prior to the workshop, the following will be discussed at the orientation meeting on Friday evening: departure times, destinations, current field conditions, potential subjects, equipment needed, safety, field ethics, and other logistical details including ride sharing. Prior to dawn on Saturday, we will depart for the wildlife refuge to photograph sunrise and take advantage of the soft, warm early morning light. Because wildlife is protected on the refuge, animals are abundant and unusually tolerant of humans to the pleasure of most photographers. Situated on the Atlantic Flyway, Chincoteague is a resting and refueling spot for migrating birds.  Potential photo subjects include sand dunes, shells, ocean wave, fishing boats, fisherman, the lighthouse, and wildlife including sika elk and whitetail deer, fox, otters, raccoons, ponies, herons, rails, geese, ducks, shorebirds, hawks, and other resident and migratory species.

Bald Eagle flying overhead..

The orientation and discussion sessions for the Chincoteague Photo Workshop in  November 2025 will be held at the Hilton Sparks Motel (previously the Best Western) in Chincoteague on Maddox Blvd just outside of the wildlife refuge. Contact the hotel directly for availability of rooms with the discount rate for my workshop at (757) 336-6557 & select option 1.  Mention you are part of the photo workshop led by Irene Hinke-Sacilotto.  Also, accommodatons can be found at other nearby hotels in the town of Chincoteague. For a listing of accommodations, go to www.chincoteaguechamber.com

White Ibis silhouettes @ sunset.

Cost/Person: $745

Deposit: 50% of the cost of the workshop.  Final payment is due 30 days before start of photo workshop.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Complete the form and send it with your check. Mail to Irene Sacilotto, 542 C Riviera Dr, Joppa, MD 21085. Payment can also be transferred by Zelle.  Credit cards (Visa & Master Cards) are accepted.  NOTE: A pontoon boat trip around Assateague is included in price of workshop.  Students are responsible for their own accommodations, food, transportation, and park/refuge fees.  Although transportation during the workshop is not be included in the price, ride sharing will be encouraged. The number of participants is limited to 6.   Note: My attention is focused on participants so I do not photograph during the workshop.

Orientation, meetings, & critiques will be held at the Hilton Sparks, Chincoteague Island, VA.

Wild Horse splashing water as it walked towards the shoreline.

Cancellation Policy

Notifications of cancellation must be in writing.

The following charges apply per person at the time I receive your written notification of cancellation:

• Cancel up to 121 days prior to the start of the workshop – full refund.
• 120 to 61 days prior to the start of the workshop, a $35 administrative fee is charged.
• 60 to 46 days prior to the start of the workshop, 50% of workshop cost is charged.
• 45 days or less prior to the start of the workshop – NO REFUND

Medical circumstances or emergencies do not constitute grounds for exception to the cancellation policy nor does weather. Therefore, trip cancellation, interruption & medical insurance is HIGHLY recommended. Travelers Insurance Company and others provide such policies at a reasonable rate. In the unlikely event that the trip is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, your money will be refunded in full, with the exception of expenses you personally incurred while preparing for the trip.

Great Blue Heron fishing just after sunrise.