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.

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.

Yellow-rumped Warbler calling

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)

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

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: $ 425

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://demo4.advertisedelaware.com/wp-login.php

Email: info@assateagueislandalliance.org

Phone: 443 614-5375

Bald Eagle in pine.

Double-crested Cormorant swimming partially submerged.

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.  

Shorebirds on beach at sunrise.

Cancellation Policy

For all cancellations made by registered participants more than 30 days prior to the start date of the workshop, AIA will issue a refund of the registration fee minus a $25 administrative fee.  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.