I absolutely LOVE sharing my passion for photography, nature and wildlife every chance I get! So when I have the opportunity to combine all three — AND spend the day surrounded by some of the most magnificent birds on the planet — I’m a very happy photographer!!!
This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of once again teaching my Instructor-led Wildlife Photography Workshop at the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, South Carolina. I donate my time and talent to teach this workshop each year, and it is something I genuinely look forward to. There is just something special about being able to share what I’ve learned during more than 25 years as a professional photographer with other people who are excited about wildlife photography and learning how to make better photographs.
The workshop is a wonderful opportunity for photographers of all experience levels to learn how to photograph birds of prey both while they are perched and in motion. And believe me… these birds are NOT shy about putting our cameras to work! From beautiful portraits and intricate feather details to birds launching into flight, swooping through the air and showing off their incredible natural abilities, there are endless opportunities to practice bird photography in Charleston.
And that’s one of my favorite things about teaching this workshop. It’s not just about getting a great photograph. I get to talk about shutter speeds, autofocus, tracking moving subjects, composition, backgrounds and anticipating behavior — all while actually doing it! There is no substitute for learning photography in the field, and the Center for Birds of Prey provides an incredible classroom.
Of course, having the right gear helps, too! For this year’s workshop I brought along two Nikon Z9 bodies, a Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 S and a Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. That combination gives me a great mix of reach and flexibility, allowing me to quickly switch between tight portraits of perched birds and wider shots when the action starts. Plus, with birds suddenly taking flight, having two cameras ready to go is a HUGE advantage!
As much as I love the photography, what really makes this day special is the Center itself and the incredible work they do. The Avian Conservation Center and the Center for Birds of Prey are doing some truly amazing things for our planet and the birds who inhabit it with us. Their mission includes providing medical care for injured birds of prey and shorebirds, while also conducting education, research and conservation initiatives. Their Avian Medical Center operates 365 days a year and treats as many as 1,000 injured birds each year. Since the organization’s founding, more than 15,000 birds have been admitted for treatment. The Center also conducts important research into environmental threats and endangered species, while its educational programs reach thousands of students to help foster a greater appreciation for the natural world and our responsibility to protect it. THAT is something I am very proud to be a small part of.
The Center’s resident birds aren’t just beautiful subjects for photographers. They are ambassadors for conservation and education, helping people understand the important roles birds play in our ecosystems. Wild birds can also serve as important indicators of environmental health, so the Center’s work helps us learn more about the world around us — and how we can better protect it.
I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph wildlife all over the world, but I always enjoy coming back to the Center for Birds of Prey. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching someone discover how much fun wildlife photography can be — especially when that “WOW!!!” moment happens as a bird suddenly takes flight right in front of their lens.
That’s why I love teaching this wildlife photography workshop so much. I’m not just teaching people how to use their cameras. I’m helping them slow down, pay attention, appreciate the incredible creatures in front of them and hopefully develop an even greater love for the natural world.
As a Charleston wildlife photographer, I’m incredibly fortunate to have a place like the Center for Birds of Prey right here in the Lowcountry. It’s an amazing resource for anyone interested in birds, wildlife, conservation or photography — and it’s one of those places I never get tired of visiting. If I can help someone walk away with a few great photographs AND a renewed appreciation for wildlife, I’m in!
* Nikon Z9 (x2), Nikkor Z 400 f4.5, Nikkor Z 70-200 f2.8 II *
