Flight School Goes to Bosque

Flight School Photography Workshops

Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

November, 2008

With thousands of migratory birds in flight daily at Bosque Del Apache, what better site for Flight School Photography workshops? Last year’s workshops were a huge success, so once again, Flight School Photography returns to Bosque. We are anticipating improved conditions and even more outstanding photographic opportunities than last year.

Flight School Photography will be featuring two workshops in November, 2008. The workshops will be conducted by expert bird photographer Jim Neiger. Jim has spent the past several years perfecting his unique techniques for photographing birds in flight using large telephoto lenses, hand held. The focus of these workshops will be learning and practicing Jim’s hand held, long lens techniques for photographing birds in flight and in other action.

Dancing Sandhill Cranes – Bosque Del Apache NWR, NM – Nov 17, 2007

Sample Image Gallery

The workshops will be held in November, before Thanksgiving, which provides important advantages. First, the spectacular fall colors at Bosque are not to be missed and going early will provide that opportunity. The fall foliage offers incredibly beautiful backgrounds for your photos, and adds even more majesty to the already spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Second, going early means there will be less of a crowd, offering more opportunities for “front-row seats” and leisurely days in the field.

Each workshop will include 2 hours of classroom instruction on the first afternoon, followed by a welcome dinner; a morning photography session each day, and an afternoon photography session each day. Each photography session will be of three to four hours in duration. The workshops will be limited to 8 participants so that everyone may receive personalized instruction in the field.

Northern Harrier banking over fall foliage – Bosque Del Apache NWR, NM – Nov 8, 2007

Sample Image Gallery

As you may know, Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in Socorro County, New Mexico along the Rio Grande. A series of canals from the river carry water to various areas of the refuge. These waters are then managed to create numerous shallow ponds and pools. In addition, corn, alfalfa and other crops are grown in the nearby fields, and every year, the farmers leave some of the crops to feed the thousands of migratory birds that flock there. The water, food and shelter create a haven for the thousands of birds that call Bosque del Apache home during the fall and winter. Yearly visitors include: Sandhill Cranes, many species of geese and ducks, bald eagles, hawks, and wading birds. In addition, Bosque is home to 377 species of birds throughout the year, so anything is possible.

The thousands of Sandhill Cranes, ducks and geese in flight provide spectacular opportunities for awesome flight images using Jim’s techniques. Jim is known for his consistent production of amazing flight images and images of the most desirable subjects. His imagination and dedication have resulted in new techniques, which can only be learned from him. Flight School Photography Workshops are a must for any serious nature photographer.

Gliding Snow Geese on pink sunrise sky – Bosque Del Apache NWR, NM – Nov 17, 2007

Sample Image Gallery

Workshop Dates:

Workshop 2008-FSP-Bosque-1: November 14, 2008 thru November 17, 2008

Workshop 2008-FSP-Bosque-2: November 18, 2008 thru November 21, 2008

Workshop Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Socorro, New Mexico, which is the base location for the workshops. There will be a 2 hour classroom instruction session in the afternoon, followed by a welcome dinner. The instruction will focus on using hand held techniques for photographing birds in flight to prepare participants for the subsequent photography sessions.

Day 2: Morning photography session. Mid-day siesta and lunch break on your own. Afternoon photography session.

Day 3: Morning photography session. Mid-day siesta and lunch break on your own. Afternoon photography session.

Day 4: Morning photography session. Mid-day siesta and lunch break on your own. Afternoon photography session.

Workshop Cost and payment:

The cost of each workshop is $1000 per person. Each workshop includes a two hour formal classroom instruction session, a welcome dinner, a morning photography session, and an afternoon photography session, each day. The photography sessions include personalized instruction in the field. Discounted lodging is available, but is not included in the workshop fee. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required for the workshops. The remaining $500 is due 45 days before the start date of the workshop. If you are unable to attend the workshop, after paying the balance, the balance payment will be refunded ONLY if your spot can be filled, on short notice, from the waiting list. All workshop payments must be made by check or money order. Credit cards are not accepted.

Participant Requirements:

Participants should have working knowledge of how to create a properly exposed image, a telephoto lens of 400mm or more (300mm with a teleconverter is acceptable), and be physically capable of holding their camera and lens up to their eye in shooting position for at least 10 seconds. Participants must also have a vehicle to travel to and from the photography locations.

Contact Info:

You may contact Jim Neiger of Flight School Photography via phone or email.

Cell phone: 407-247-5200

Email: jimn@cfl.rr.com

Flight School website: www.flightschoolphotography.com.

Flight School Photography

Jim Neiger

550 Basin Drive

Kissimmee, Fl 34744-4804

Jim will be happy to provide you with any additional information.