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 or mirrorless camera with an interest in nature photography who desire to improve their photographic techniques.  Program includes field sessions on Assateague Island, instructive slide program, 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) basic image manipulation and 6) locating, approaching and photographing wildlife.

Stallion on the move

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 during the workshop include the sunrise, sand dunes, shells, the surf, beach vegetation, fisherman, the wild horses of Assateague Island, and local wildlife (whitetail deer, fox, raccoons, herons, rails, geese, ducks, shorebirds, and other resident and migratory species.)  Mid-day Saturday will be set aside for editing images and a review 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 with the workshop ending at 1 to 2 pm.  The number of participants is limited to 12.

Great Blue Heron challenging another bird.

SCHEDULE (2025):

Friday

 Orientation (7:00 PM-8:15 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)

Snow fence with ripples in the sand at an early hour at Assateague Island National Seashore

Mockingbird singing.

Notes: 

The timing of excursions will be adjusted as needed based on the weather, subject availability, results from my pre-workshop scouting to determine the best photo opportunities, and the 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 or mirrorless camera and familiarization with basic terms such as F-stop, ISO, & exposure plus the ability to perform minor edits on images and download image files to e-mail or a thumb drive for the image review sessions.  A laptop computer or tablet is required for image editing and transfer. 

For those from out of state desiring overnight accommodations, rooms are available in Salisbury, West Ocean City, & Berlin, MD.  It is best not to stay in Ocean City itself due to noise, traffic congestion and longer commute times. (From West Ocean City commute time to the Assateague meeting location is approximately a half hour or less travel).

Price: $ 425

Register early since this workshop fills rapidly.

To register contact: The Assateague Island Alliance.  They handle registration.

Email: info@assateagueislandalliance.org

Phone: 443 614-5375