COSTA RICA: A NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS PARADISE! DATE:  March 27 - April 7, 2011 (11 Days / 11 Nights) MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 6 Participants (Minimum of 2) FROM: San Jose, Costa Rica WORKSHOP LEADERS: Glenn Bartley & David Hemmings
		AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE The Central American country of Costa Rica is world famous for its coffee, as a surfing destination, and above all else for its astonishing diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty. The country is home to over 9000 species of flowering plants, over 600 species of butterflies, more than 200 different mammals as well as prehistoric looking reptiles and boldly colored amphibians. And, for those of you interested in photographing birds there are few better places on earth. With over 875 species Costa Rica is home to more avian species than Canada and the United States combined. Opportunities for landscape photography are equally diverse with mountains, beaches, volcanoes, tropical forests, waterfalls and much, much more. What more could a nature photographer ask for? PHOTO ITINERARY Our Photo Adventure starts In Costa Rica's capital city of San Jose. We will meet at our charming hotel and after a first evening of getting to know each other head off first thing the following morning into the Costa Rican rainforest. Our first destination is in the Caribbean foothills and it is a magical place with opportunities to see and photograph hundreds of species of birds. Here we will be focusing on hummingbirds using multi-flash photography techniques. We will also be working hard to photograph a variety of colourful birds that come to the lodge to feed on fruit and seed. Participants will learn how to use flash effectively to take pleasing bird photos. We will also have opportunities ta create images of butterflies, insects and frogs and will cover some techniques to take compelling macro images. After 4 nights at this rainforest retreat we will travel to our second destination at a higher elevation. Tucked away in the mountains near "Cerro de la Muerte" we will spend the next 3 nights photographing highland birds. The most spectacular target for us is the unbelievably beautiful Resplendent Quetzal. I was so enchanted by this bird during my last visit to Costa Rica that I wrote an article about it - TO READ IT CLICK HERE. Our final destination takes us to the Pacific Coast where we will spend 2 nights searching for even more birds as well as monkeys and prehistoric looking reptiles. On one of the days we will take a boat trip up the Tarcoles River to look for kingfishers, monkeys and other birds. In the area we are staying Scarlet Macaws are common sights. There will be loads of amazing wildlife to photograph! On this photo adventure we will focus on the following opportunities: Multi-flash Hummingbird Photography: Learn techniques to use 4-6 flashes to achieve otherwise impossible flight photographs of these flying jewels. What makes this workshop special is that Glenn will be sharing his techniques for taking multi-flash images that actually look natural (unlike most others out there). Using flash effectively as a source of fill light: Because tropical regions are often cloudy - it is extremely important to learn how to use flash - either as fill or as a main source of light. Participants will also learn how to do set-ups for birds using more than one flash. These skills can easily be taken home and applied in your very own backyard! Attracting birds to a perch setup: Participants will learn strategies to attract birds to a given perch and how to achieve images that have attractive light, an outstanding perch and a smooth background. Strategies for successful tropical photography: Glenn has spent over a year and a half photographing wildlife in the tropics. Throughout the workshop he will share tips and tricks that he has learned along the way. Macro photography of tropical insects and frogs: At each of our locations there will also be opportunities to find and photograph an amazing diversity of colourful frogs, butterflies and insects. Spectacular landscape photography: The rainforests of Costa Rica are spectacular places and the opportunities for landscape photography are superb. We will also keep our fingers crossed for a clear day up in the mountains where we may be able to create beautiful mountain images. Digital Workshops:  During the evenings for those who wish to participate, we will have image review sessions and talk about techniques and what we can expect to see the next day.  In these post processing workshops participants will have ample opportunities to improve skills in Adobe Photoshop.  Guided by David and Glenn, participants can learn how to take their images from straight out-of-the-camera RAW images to stunning final works of art (ready for printing or websites). On the last evening, we will give out prizes for the top 3 images of the workshop! Highlight species include: Snowcap Resplendent Quetzal Green-crowned Brilliant Montezumas Orapendola Green Thorntail White-faced Cappuchin Monkey A variety of colourful tanagers Scarlet Macaw Kingfishers And much, much more! KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES: On this photo adventure participants will focus on the following learning objectives: How to use multiple flashes to achieve natural looking photos of hummingbirds and other birds Proper exposure settings for challenging tropical lighting conditions Proper use of flash as fill or ambient lighting How to "set up" a nature photograph and get pleasing images Techniques for macro photography of tropical insects, butterflies and frogs How to place your subject in the frame and get beautiful backgrounds Image workflow and digital processing that will ensure your images are the best that they can possibly be WHY TRAVEL WITH NATURES PHOTO ADVENTURES? We have 2 professional photographer workshop leaders for more personalized attention – groups can be split into two separate destinations within a workshop and have personalized instruction and guidance. David and Glenn are 2 of the world’s top photographers in bird portrait and flight photography. Our workshops are suited to photographers of ALL levels.  We do everything we can to make sure that each participant gets the absolute most out of the nature photography workshop. We utilize local guides with years of experience in their home areas. We have more experience.  We have been to the places we will take you – not for a week or two – but for months!!  We know where to get the best possible images and can show you how to achieve them.  We are environmentally and socially aware.  When we visit communities around the world we give something back to these places and the people who live there.  We also offer guests the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint made during the trip. At the end of each of our workshops we hold a final nights “banquet” where we share images, stories and give away prizes for best images, most improved, and other categories. LOGISTICS This workshop/tour is limited to 6 participants to ensure the best photographic opportunities and instruction possible. Price: The cost of this photo workshop is U.S. $3699 / person Payment can be made through paypal below or by check or money order. Accommodations are designed to be two persons per room. If you will be traveling alone and would like a private room there will be an additional charge of $500. Once we have received your deposit we will send you a confirmation invoice and registration package. PAY IN $USD Costa Rica Payment Reservation Deposit $1,000.00 Balance of Payment $2,699.00 Full Payment $3,699.00 PAY IN $CAD Please Note: All Canadian residents must pay 5% GST (Included in price below) Costa Rica Payments CAD Reservation Deposit $1,050.00 Balance of Payment $2,949.00 Full Payment $3,999.00 Prices include: All expert photo instruction Local guides and drivers. All entrance fees to natural areas visited All accommodations, based on double occupancy All meals inclusive of restaurant staff tips from after breakfast on day 1 to departure day Land transportation during workshop Airport transfers to and from hotels Bottled water for the duration of the workshop Price does not include: International airfare to place of tour origin Any additional nights accommodation outside of the tour dates Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance Alcoholic beverages Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary Suggested Equipment: It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment: A digital SLR and a lens of 300mm or greater. A wide angle lens (if you are interested in landscape photography) A tripod is recommended A flash or two (if you have more than one) Payment Terms: A $1000 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a space on this tour.  The balance of the payment is due before January 27, 2011. Please see our complete booking and refund policy by clicking the link below. HOW TO JOIN THIS PHOTO ADVENTURE? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NEXT? We like to keep our workshops small, so space is extremely limited. Once the workshop seats are full – that’s it…  If this exciting photo adventure sounds like fun to you, then now is the time to register. Click on the paypal link to reserve your place or send us an email to register by mail (via check or money order). If you have any questions before registering, send us an e-mail with any inquiries to: Once you have signed up we will send you specific details re. What to bring and help you arrange any travel details that you need assistance with (e.g. flights, visas). As well we will send our booking and refund policies as well as our standard waiver form. Please note: Natures Photo Adventures strongly insists that you purchase travel insurance for all international destinations. All funds are quoted in US dollars and subject to exchange rate fluctuation and gas surcharge if we are billed additionally. We will attempt to stay true to this itinerary. However, certain unforeseeable conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or wildlife migrations) may require changes to the itinerary. We reserve the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will do our absolute best to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. TO SEE MORE IMAGES

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