Learn how to photograph nature’s feathered friends!
About the Bird Photography Course
This DPC photo safari is designed to give you the highest possible photographic experience. We have a flair for finding photo-rich environments. In this workshop, you can expect a smaller group of photographers to keep the group intimate so that you can get the ultimate tutorship and attention from your host. We aim to enhance your experience, improve your images and get you to enjoy the company of other eager bird and nature photographers you are travelling with.
Course Details
- Four nights in en suite luxury accommodation with breakfast included.
- We cover the most important aspects of bird photography, from creative to optimising your camera and settings. Sufficient time is given in each session to review materials and practise what you have learnt during our daily bush walks.
- Practical session: The group will meet every morning and afternoon for a practical session and bush walk. This session’s objective is to gain insight into Bruna’s thought processes when creating a Bird photograph and to allow you to test your new camera settings and skills.
- Class materials: Reference guide with cheat sheets.
Presented by
The course is presented by award-winning photographer, Bruna Mentrup-Nortje. Bruna is a professional wildlife photographer, traveller and adventurer. Her philosophy is that anyone can acquire technical skills but the prerequisite for becoming a wildlife photographer is a deep connection with nature.
Key aspects
The most important aspects covered in the Bird and Nature Course:
- Ethics and philosophy of wildlife photography.
- What makes a good bird photo?
- Visual storytelling in bird photography.
- Photography equipment like cameras, lenses and tripods. Understanding and optimising your gear.
- Accurate exposures for bird photography in various settings.
- Depth-of-field for different focal lengths and subjects.
- Optimal camera settings for speed, focus and low light.
- Focus point selection and focusing modes.
- Capturing fast action, creative panning and tracking techniques.
- Simplification in bird photography.
- Creative bird photography: Composition, impact, mood, storytelling and lighting.
- Photographing birds with artificial lighting.
- Creating pre-sets in-camera for moving and static animals and birds.
- How to deal with busy backgrounds and dark shadows when capturing birds.
- Gear, travelling and logistics.
- Essential digital workflow aspects for wildlife and nature photographers.
- Taking part in bush walks. Hands-on practical session with feedback.
Course duration
Check In: 06 October 2023
Check Out: 09 October 2023
Cost
R6 500 per person
Location:
Kranspoort Boshuis Bed and Breakfast
124 Kranspoort Drive, Kranspoort, Mpumalanga
The guesthouse offers a relaxed bushveld experience in a luxury environment.
Who is this course for?
Intermediate and advanced photographers who would like to master the most fundamental creative and technical aspects of wildlife and bird photography.
Included in the price:
- Four nights en-suite luxury accommodation, with breakfast included
- Entire guest house booked out for our group
- Morning snacks and coffee/tea will be provided
- Tutorship and hands-on training on bush walk by Bruna Mentrup-Nortje
- Lightroom and workflow discussion
- Generator for backup power
Note: Dinner at restaurant, travel costs, alcoholic drinks, beverages, mini-bars in the chalets and extra meals are not included in the price.
Requirements
- Attendees should have mastered the basics of photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, metering, focusing, etc. If you do not yet understand the basics, we recommend that you look at our Basic to Intermediate Photography Course.
- A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with advanced or manual program modes.
- Sturdy Tripod. (contact me for more detail)
- We recommend a lens with a minimum focal length of 300 mm. Longer lenses will be a bonus. If you do not have the right lens, we recommend renting one for the practical session.
- When using heavy lenses like 400 mm – 600 mm make sure your tripod is suitable to accommodate the lens.
- You will need a laptop for assignments and to review class materials.
- Since we will be covering basic workflow for bird photography, attending our Lightroom Course before this course will be extremely helpful.
- Chargers and spare batteries for your camera/cameras.
- Fast memory cards for many images and additional memory cards as we shoot up to a few thousand images in one day. (not uncommon on this trip).
- We recommend using large cards that minimise card swapping during action periods. Your host will be using 64GB and 128GB cards.
- 1 x external hard drive for a backup system
- Sunblock, hiking boots and a hat for the bush walks
- User’s manual for your camera/cameras
Compulsory
- Snake protectors for bush hikes.
- On arrival, you will receive a list of valuable tips for hiking in snake country. Please report any severe health issues before paying your deposit to book for this workshop.
- Fitness level – intermediate
Hiking Fitness
By being in good shape, you are able to focus more on the beauty of your surroundings and less on the distraction of how exhausted you feel. In addition, a good level of pre-hike conditioning minimises the likelihood of stress/repetition related injuries.
Register for the Bird Photography Course
Payment Details
To book, complete the registration details below. Your registration will be secured only once a 50% deposit has been received. Balance to be paid before the Safari starts. You are welcome to call Bruna on 082 809-1918 for monthly payment arrangements.
Payments to be made out to:
- Thru My African Lens Photography and Tours
- Nedbank Account
- Account Number: 105 864 2146
- Alberton Branch
- Branch Code: 198-765
Email proof of payment to bruna@dpc.co.za. Please use your name and surname as the reference number.