Chincoteague NWR Photo Workshop Fall 2023

10 Nov (7 PM) – 12 Nov (2 PM)

Price:  $689

Chincoteague 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, workboats, 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.   We will explore both the refuge, seashore, and the community. 

Special feature – Saturday afternoon pontoon boat trip along Chincoteague’s shoreline with the hope of photographing wild horses, wading birds, porpoise and other wildlife.  (weather dependent)

Because of the small class size (8), this Chincoteague Photo Workshop is the perfect blend of one-on-one assistance in the field, instructional PowerPoint presentations, and image critiques. 

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.  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.

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 time, current field conditions, potential subjects, equipment needed, safety, field ethics, and other logistical details. 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, local architecture, and wildlife including sika elk and whitetail deer, fox, otters, raccoons, ponies, herons, rails, swans, geese, ducks, shorebirds, hawks, and other resident and migratory species.

Cost/Person: $ 689

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

To register, go to my website:  www.ospreyphoto.com. Click on the home page “Register Now”. Complete the form and send it with your check, Mail to Irene Sacilotto, 542 C Riviera Dr, Joppa, MD 21085

NOTE: Pontoon boat trip included in price of workshop.  Students are responsible for their own accommodations, food, transportation, and park/refuge fees. Where possible and COVID risk is minimized, we will carpool to locations. The number of participants is limited to 8.   Note: My attention is focused on participants so I do not photograph during the workshop.

Orientation, meetings, & critiques will be held at the Best Western Plus Motel, Chincoteague Island, VA.

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 departure date – full refund.
• 120 to 61 days prior to departure, $125 administrative fee charged. ($35 admin fee for weekend workshops.)
• 60 to 46 days prior to departure, 50% of workshop or tour cost.
• 45 days or less prior to departure – NO REFUND

Medical circumstances or emergencies do not constitute grounds for exception to the cancellation policy nor does weather. Therefore, trip cancellation & interruption 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.