April is a great time to visit Costa Rica for bird photography as well as to see the various mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
This photography/videography tour will take you to several areas of this beautiful country including the cloud forest, coastal areas, and places in-between. We will be taking full advantage of amazing local guides who know where to find the best photography opportunities.
So, join me for an amazing wildlife photography adventure in the amazing place that is Costa Rica!
Cost: $5800 per person ($850 deposit*)
Degree of Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Prerequisites: open to photographers of all skill levels
9 days of photography
6 photographers maximum
Includes:
- Lodging (except travel days)
- Transport to wildlife locations - on tour dates
- Photography/video instruction - on tour dates
- All entrance, guide, and boat tour fees during the tour
Not Included:
- Flights to and from San Jose' Costa Rica
- Tips/gratuities
- Meals/beverages not part of lodging fees
- Any excursions/activities not included in tour
- Lodging and meals during travel days
Arrival and Departure:
San Jose, Costa Rica
April 19 and 29 are travel days; 20-28 are photography days.
Arrive on the afternoon or evening of 19th to avoid any flight delays on the 20th keeping you from meeting up with transportation on the morning of the 20th. Base hotel for staying the night of the 19th will be the Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport. Hotel has a shuttle from the airport. Each person is responsible for making the needed reservation at the hotel.
To Register or with questions:
email: whistling wings photography
Throughout the week, you will be transported in comfort to every location by a dedicated driver. During the tour I will provide instruction as needed while in the field as well as during any off times.
My goal is to get you opportunities to make stunning images of a variety of wildlife and the knowledge to do it. This tour will take you to several different areas where you will have the chance to photograph such species as ...
Quetzels, Toucans, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, Scarlet Macaws, and many other birds
Squirrel Monkey, Spider Monkey, Howler Monkey, Capuchin (white faced) Monkey
Sloths
Red-eyed and other frogs
Several species of snakes, some of which are venomous
Iguanas and Crocodiles
and more!
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
Clothing
Temperatures can vary on this tour; it can be hot and humid or cool and damp, so pack accordingly. There is also the chance of rain, so remember to bring clothes that dry fast and/or rain jackets for yourself and camera gear. I suggest long pants made of quick dry material. You will also want bug spray. The bugs are not as bad as you might expect, but better safe than sorry. We will spend a fair amount of time in vehicles, so if you get motion sickness I would bring medicine.
Camera Equipment
- Camera body or two; in case one malfunctions.
- Long lens - I recommend at least a 400mm. 500mm or 600mm is ideal. I use a 600mm and also bring a 100-500mm lens.
- Macro lens for the reptiles and amphibians, an alternative to a macro is a 70-200mm, Tamron/Sigma 150-600mm, Canon 100-500, Sony 200-600, Nikon 100-400, etc. I have used a 600mm f/4 for macro with some stunning results for daytime work. For night macro, a macro lens is by far the best option as is a flash with trigger so you can use the flash off camera.
- Tripod, monopod, or Speed-shooter harness. The harness provides the best mobility allowing you to make the shot most often.
- Rain cover for your equipment as well as a lens cloth.
- Laptop to back up photos and to participate in lightroom and photoshop lessons - not required but beneficial.
- Lots of memory cards and batteries!