Tours and Instruction

Nature Photography Instruction and Tours

By Eric C. Reuter

The overriding principle I use in teaching nature photography, is that there is no substitute for being out in the field, and using your camera. There is no better way to learn.

Some of the topics covered in the tours and instruction include:

1) Learning your camera and how to use it for nature photography

a. Depth of Field and Focusing, and how it affects your results.

b. Shutter speeds and Aperture Settings (F-stops), and what they do for you.

c. Getting the “reach” you need – Long Telephoto lenses and how to use them efficiently. Tripods versus Hand Held.

d. ISO speeds, and how they affect detail and contrast. Tips for low-light shooting.

e. Macro Photography do’s and don’ts, tips on getting “close”.

f. How to setup and use your camera for action and flight shots.

g. Camera features and how to use them, and learning how to shoot in full "manual" mode.

2) Light – it is your friend, or your enemy.

a. Learn how to utilize the available light for the best results

b. When a backlit shot works, and when it doesn’t, and why.

c. Choosing the angle of your photo to maximize the results and the use of the light available to you.

d. Utilizing Morning and Evening light. (and why it is the best light of the day)

e. Taking advantage of overcast days and the even, low-contrast light.

f. Assessing your subjects and making the changes needed based on their color and reflectivity, quickly and efficiently.

3) Learn your subject(s)

a. Understanding animal behavior and getting a feel for the wildlife you shoot. Being ready for the opportunity.

b. Time and patience, and how to maintain cover and stealth, and the ethics of responsible wildlife photography.

c. Field Guides and Reference books and why they are important.

4) Understanding weather and seasons, time of day

a. What that means with regard to seeing the animals and wildlife you want to shoot, and how to learn the best times for nature observation and photography.

b. Planning your photo trips around the weather (and light) conditions. Some locations are actually great in stormy or overcast weather.

c. Learning what locations (such as wildlife refuges) have with regard to abundant wildlife and species, depending on the time of year.

5) Out in the field. Nothing like real experience to help you learn.

a. Guided tours at locations with abundant wildlife and many opportunities for interesting shots, and a chance to practice your skills.

b. Individual instruction and tips for getting those great shots.

c. Feedback on your photos and critique for how to improve your work.

Rates per individual - $25.00 per hour, 4 hour minimum.

Whole day tours and instruction available for $200.00 per person, no time limit. Limited to groups of no more than 4 people at any one time.

Available the year round. Locations include the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville, NJ as well as Barnegat Light, NJ, Cape May, NJ, Conowingo Dam, Maryland, and the Hancock area of the Catskill Mountains in NY State.

Other locations to be added in the future.