Backyard Bird Photography Workshop

Join photographers Mary Louise Ravese & Alan Clark in an intermediate workshop on how to artfully photograph backyard birds. Learn new skills through a combination of lectures, hands-on photo shoots and a participant image feedback session. Practice photographing birds from a photo blind at a specially designed backyard bird habitat in Clemson, SC.

Have you ever watched birds fly, swoop, eat, fight, court, or play out any of their myriad of amazing behaviors and said to yourself: I wish I could capture this moment? Birds provide a fascinating and inspiring subject to the photographer, and also a hugely challenging one. This workshop teaches you the gear to use, the settings, technique and composition guidance to capture artful backyard bird photographs.

Hands-on photo shoots will be conducted at a private property location in Clemson, SC that was specifically designed for backyard bird photography. This shooting location offers multiple perches, water features, and two large photo blind structures, each large enough to each comfortably accommodate 5 photographers at a time. The birds are acclimated to the setting and come in relatively close to the blinds – typically within 10-25 feet. As a result, heavy super telephoto lenses are not required and more manageable zoom lenses in the 150 – 600 mm focal length range can work very well in this environment. Additionally, before our hands-on session in Clemson, SC we will have a series of live webinar sessions to get participants prepared with equipment and techniques. Then a week and a half after our hand-on sessions, we will have a follow-up webinar when class participants can receive feedback on a selection of their workshop images. All webinar sessions will be recorded so they can be reviewed afterwards.



Note, for those with mobility issues, one photo blind is very easy access from your car, the 2nd photo blind with a reflecting pond is a 5-10 min walk, or accessible via a golf cart driven by the property owner.

• What camera, lens, and accessory features are needed for backyard bird photography
• Camera settings and techniques for common backyard bird photography scenarios
• How to shoot individuals or pairs of birds, perched or coming / going from perches
• Practical bird photography tips
• Post-processing considerations for bird images
• Key factors for creating a bird-friendly habitat suitable for photography in your own backyard

Intermediate to advanced photographers, or those who are comfortable using their camera in aperture priority, shutter priority and/or manual mode. Participants must be familiar with basic camera operation, including the setting of aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation. During this workshop, the instructors will be able to offer personalized guidance suitable to your skill level.

This workshop is suitable for those with mobility issues, since photographers can sit in the photo blind and photograph either using a tripod or handheld.



Workshop size: 6-8 participants with our two instructors.

DSLR or mirrorless camera with lenses in the 300 - 600 mm focal length range. A zoom lens e.g. 150 - 600 mm would be well suited for the shooting location. Additional equipment recommendations, including rental companies, will be supplied upon registration. 

• Over 8 hours of lectures on backyard bird photography planning, equipment and shooting techniques (offered as live, interactive webinars)
• Lecture notes and resource handouts
• 1.5 days hands-on photo shoot at private location, guided by two instructors
• Follow-up webinar when class participants can receive feedback on a selection of their workshop images
• Boxed lunch on the full day photo shoot

• Lodging
• Ground Transportation to Clemson, SC
• Meals other than 1 lunch on location

Having access to two instructors means more personal attention to your individual learning needs thanks to a low student to instructor ratio.