Osprey Photo Workshops and Tours

Assateague Island National Seashore, Fall 2023
2023-10-27 19:00 - 2023-10-29 14:00 (America/New_York) | Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague Island National Seashore, MD, United States
Assateague Island National Seashore
Fall Photo Workshop
Led by Irene Hinke-Sacilotto and sponsored by the Assateague Island Alliance.
Fall Program: Oct 27 – Oct 29 2023

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 camera an interest in nature photography and who desire to improve their photographic skills and optimize the use of their camera. Program includes field sessions on Assateague Island, instructive slide programs, 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) digital media and image storage, 6) basic image manipulation and 7) locating, approaching and photographing wildlife.
Sanderling landing.
Snow fence with ripples in the sand at an early hour. Assateague Isand National Seashore
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 include the sunrise, sand dunes, shells, the surf, beach vegetation, fisherman, the wild horses of Assateague Island, and local wildlife including whitetail deer, fox, raccoons, herons, rails, geese, ducks, shorebirds and other resident and migratory species. Mid-day will be set aside for editing images, followed by a critique 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. The number of participants is limited to 12.
Wild horses on Assateague Island interacting.
SCHEDULE (2024):
Friday
Orientation (7:00 PM-8:30 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)
Cedar Waxwing feeding on berry on Assateague Island
Notes:
Timing of excursions will be adjusted as needed based on the weather, subject availability, and 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 camera and familiarization with basic terms such as F-stop, ISO, & exposure plus the ability to perform minor edits on images and download your image files to e-mail or a thumb drive for the critique sessions. A laptop computer or tablet is required for image editing and transfer.
For those from out of state requiring overnight accommodations, rooms are available in Salisbury, West Ocean City, & Berlin, MD. (Approximately half hour or less travel time).
If COVID 19 continues to be an issue, special health precautions may apply such as mask wearing, social distancing, etc.
Price: $ 375
Register early since this workshop fills rapidly.
On the beach I found some goldenrod scattered along the dues. Knowing this was a plant the monarchs favored, I searched for flowering plants along the beach.
White-tailed Deer eating leaves.
To register contact: The Assateague Island Alliance.
Click on the following link to register:
https://assateagueislandalliance.org/collections/artist-workshops/products/assateague-nature-photography-fall-2023-workshop
Email: info@assateagueislandalliance.org
Phone: 410 629-6095/443 614-3547

Bald Eagle in pine.
Double-crested Cormorant swimming partially submerged.
Fawn in fall color

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.

West Virginia Mountains Fall 2023
2023-10-04 19:00 - 2023-10-07 11:00 | Blackwater Falls West Virginia
West Virginia Mountains Fall 2023
(Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, Dolly Sods)
4-7 October 2023
White-tailed Deer in fall leaves.
This workshop focuses on one of my favorite fall photo destinations, the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia where I previously have conducted a number of photo workshops in the past. The workshop includes Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park, and other scenic areas nearby. Because of the high elevation in this region, fall arrives in early October when leaves on the mountainside turn from green to a mix of warm colors. Beaver, muskrats, bear, and other animals are active and visible as they gather food and prepare for the winter. It is the perfect time to visit West Virginia.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (Subject to change based on conditions at the time, safety, & weather)
Wed: 4 Oct
Orientation (7:00-8:15 PM) @ Blackwater Falls Lodge, Davis Room.
Thur, 5 Oct
Sunrise – 10:00 AM: (Canaan Valley Sunrise, Blackwater River, Deer, Trails)
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Lunch, Rest, Review initial images)
12:30 PM -1:00 PM(Q&A)
1:00 PM – Sunset (Canaan Valley Barn, Seneca Rocks, Riverside Cave, Dolly Sods)
Fri, 6 Oct:
Sunrise – 11:00 AM (Pendleton Lake, Blackwater River Overlook, Lindy Point)
11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Lunch, Rough edit of images)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Image review)
2:30 PM – Sunset ( Blackwater Falls, Davis/Thomas, Canaan Valley NWR, Sunset)
Sat, 7 Oct
Sunrise – 11:00 AM (Roadside view of falls, Blackwater River, Elakala Trail and Falls)
11:00 AM (Check out, End of Workshop)
Sunset over Canaan Valley
Blackwater Canyon with river and fall color.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Lodging
The workshop package includes 3 nights at Blackwater Falls Lodge in the heart of Blackwater Falls State Park. The lodge has recently been renovated but still retains its mid-century 2o th charm. The view of the Blackwater Canyon from the back patio is eye-catching with weathered rock faces and colorful hillsides. It is ideally located with easy access to trails, waterfalls, and overlooks of the Blackwater Canyon.
Fall color
Photo Opportunities
Blackwater Falls State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and is easily accessible to people living in the eastern U.S. The centerpiece of the park is Blackwater Falls, where the Blackwater River slowly meandering through Canaan Valley, tumbles over boulders and plunges 62 feet into Blackwater Canyon. Walkways, stairs and, platforms provide a variety of viewpoints from which to photograph the falls.
Close to the hotel is the trail to Elakala Falls where a series of four waterfalls along Shays Run descend into the Blackwater Canyon. A bridge provides a view of the falls from the top. The descent to the base of the upper falls presents photographers with a unique view of the falls but can be a bit difficult. On my last trip, I concentrated my efforts on photographing the streaming water above the falls capturing close-up images of floating leaves, bubbles and foam, and swirling patterns from the water in circular pools.
Dead leaf floating in stream
A short drive from the lodge is Pendleton Point Overlook with views up and down Blackwater Canyon. A trail from the parking lot leads to Pendleton Lake where on still days, autumn colors from the surrounding trees reflect in the lake’s surface. Often on cool mornings, fog rises from the lake’s surface and wetlands creating a sense mystery as it rises to reveal hidden trees, vegetation, and mountains.

Decaying Leaf.
My favorite overlook of Blackwater Canyon is Lindy Point that can be accessed by a narrow road adjacent to the cross-country ski center in the park. A small parking lot on the right provides access to the trail head. A relativity easy .4 mile trail leads to a wooden platform and rock ledges that provide panoramic views of the 3000-foot canyon walls

White-Tailed Deer buck with antlers
Canaan Valley State Park
Approximately 7 miles from Blackwater Falls State Park is Canaan Valley State Park. This 6000-acre property has over 18 miles trails through woods, meadows, marshes, and along the Blackwater River that meanders its way through the park. It is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, bear, raccoons, beaver, skunks, herons, muskrats, waterfowl and on rare occasions, a bobcat. At 3200 feet above sea level, Canaan Valley is cooler than the surrounding countryside so fall color comes earlier than in the rest of the state. If lucky, visitors will witness a colorful landscape with crimson maples, burnt-orange oaks and golden aspen. In October, overnight temperatures can dip below freezing resulting in a delicate coating of frost clinging to grasses, fall flowers, and other vegetation.
It is rutting season for White-tailed Deer causing them to be more visible than earlier in the year. Bucks are their most handsome with sharpened antlers and heavy winter coats. Migrating Canada Geese and other waterfowl are quite vocal and can be spotted as they fly overhead on their way to feed in the wetlands.
If we are lucky, the chair lift concession open during skiing season is operating and can take us to Bald Knob Trail which ascends to 4300 feet for a panoramic view of Canaan Valley.

Dolly Sods Wilderness
The Dolly Sods is a located in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet. The rugged terrain was shaped by logging and fires in years past plus the harsh climate. It is home to more than a dozen rare plant and animal species. At the higher elevations, the scene more resembles the arctic than West Virginia. Several gravel roads lead to the top of Dolly’s plateau connecting with a road that travels along the ridge-line providing access to sweeping vistas of distant mountains. As the road climbs higher, the landscape becomes populated by one-sided stunted trees, lichen-covered boulders, sphagnum bogs, heath barrens, and low-growing shrubs. In early October, the leaves of blueberry and cranberry bushes turn red and glow when backlit by the setting sun.
At the Eastern end of the road, on the crest of the Allegheny Front, is an area referred to as Bear Rocks. A wall of huge, irregularly shaped boulders ascends the mountain side. From high vantage points on clear days, one can see as far as Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Fall color reflected in creek.

General Info:
This workshop is designed for those with a basic knowledge of the operation of a 35 mm SLR digital camera or mirrorless camera with an interest in improving their photographic skills and optimize the use of their camera. After Friday evening’s orientation (7:00-8:30 PM), activities will begin at dawn on Saturday to take advantage of the warm early morning light & heightened animal activity. Mid-days will be reserved for basic photo editing and image review. In the afternoon, we will return to the field, photographing until sunset. Sunday activities will again begin at dawn, followed by a mid-day/early afternoon image editing and review session. The workshop officially ends at 11:00 AM on Sunday, October 7 th.
PRICE: $ 965 (based on double occupancy); $ 195 (additional single supplement charge)
DEPOSIT: 50% of total due at registration. FINAL PAYMENT due 04 Sept 2023. Price includes accommodations for 3 nights at the lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park and is based on double-occupancy. Also includes park fees, the orientation meeting, PowerPoint presentation and instruction, one-on-one assistance in the field, and image critiques. Assumes a basic understanding of camera operation and terms such as shutter speed and F-stop. Info on what to bring to the workshop will be provided at a later date along with health & liability forms.
The class size limited to 8 people for one-on-one instruction. My focus is on participants, so I do not photograph during the workshop.
The itinerary is subject to change and reflects observations from my pre-workshop scouting trip. It is flexible and will be altered dependent on the weather conditions, safety issues, availability and location of subjects, and participant interests. Hiking is limited but some trails may be rocky or wet so consider wearing boots with firm ankle support. You can refrain from activity that you feel is too difficult or dangerous and pursue an alternate path. Since temperatures vary from freezing to low 70s plan to dress in layers. Bring rain gear for yourself and photo equipment.
For more details about Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours, see www.ospreyphoto.com . If you have any questions or concerns contact Irene Hinke-Sacilotto at isacilotto@aol.com or Office (410) 679-2873 or Mobile (410) 960-5871
Creek with fall color on Rt 32 on way to Elkins
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 do 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.
