Before the Shot

One on One Wildlife Photography Field Instruction

Price (per person): $175.00 USD a day

This is not a workshop. It is personal field instruction. You work with me one on one in real conditions, at your pace, on your camera. Just focused time learning how to think clearly before pressing the shutter. Wakodahatchee Wetlands is my suggested location. It is a man made freshwater wetland in Delray Beach that functions as both a water treatment facility and a highly active wildlife habitat. Its elevated boardwalks, predictable species, and constantly changing light make it one of the best classrooms in South Florida for learning wildlife photography properly. That said, I am fully open to working in other locations if preferred.

Why This Works One on One

This instruction is designed specifically for inexperienced wildlife photographers.

Most beginners do not need more locations, more gear, or more presets. They need someone watching how they make decisions while they shoot. Left alone, bad habits form fast and get reinforced even faster.

Working one on one allows me to:

Identify gaps in understanding immediately
Correct exposure and autofocus mistakes as they happen
Explain why a setting works instead of handing out recipes
Slow the process down so learning actually sticks
Build confidence through repetition and clarity, not guesswork

This format removes pressure, comparison, and distraction. You are not trying to keep up with anyone else. You are learning how to operate your camera deliberately and consistently in real conditions.

Species You Can Expect to See

The site consistently supports a wide range of resident and migratory species, including:

Great egrets, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, and little blue herons
Roseate spoonbills, white and glossy ibises
Wood storks, anhinga, and double crested cormorants
Purple gallinules, common moorhens, and limpkins
Alligators, turtles, and other wetland wildlife

This diversity allows photographers to work with perched birds, birds in flight, nesting behavior, and environmental scenes, often within the same morning.

Focus of the Instruction

We focus on:

Understanding exposure as a decision, not a setting
Manual control in changing natural light
Managing backgrounds and subject isolation
Achieving consistent sharpness and clean whites
Reading behavior and anticipating moments
Making fewer, intentional frames with purpose

Everything is taught in context, while shooting.

Structure

There is no rigid schedule. The structure adapts to light, weather, and your level.

Typical flow includes:

Camera setup and configuration
Reading light and choosing exposure deliberately
Autofocus and tracking applied in real scenarios
Guided shooting with immediate feedback
On camera review and adjustments in the field

If you book two consecutive days, the second day shifts toward refinement, restraint, and developing a repeatable approach you can take anywhere.

Who This Is For

This instruction is designed for:

Beginner to early intermediate photographers
People who own capable cameras but feel unsure using them
Anyone tired of guessing and hoping something works
Photographers who want clarity, discipline, and confidence

You do not need expensive gear. You do need patience and willingness to slow down.

What to Bring

You do not need the latest or most expensive gear to benefit from this field excursion. What matters is reliability, familiarity, and having enough reach and control to work comfortably in the field. If you are unsure about your setup, reach out before the excursion and we can talk it through.

At minimum, you should arrive with:

A single mirrorless or DSLR body that you are comfortable operating
One telephoto lens that gives you meaningful reach. Around 300mm or more works well here
If you rely on a large prime lens, bring a shorter telephoto option as well. Many subjects are closer than people expect
A solid tripod and head that can be adjusted quickly
Any mounting plates you use, along with the tools needed to tighten or adjust them
Protection for your camera and lenses in case of rain or spray
Extra batteries and enough memory cards to avoid thinking about storage in the field

The goal is a setup that lets you move calmly, respond quickly, and stay focused on what is happening in front of you, not on what is missing from your bag.

Available by appointment

Morning sessions are strongly recommended due to light and wildlife activity.