Photography Tours

Introduction

Located just off the coast of southern Florida, the Bahama Islands have an avifauna and climate that is more West Indian in character than North American. The islands are home to several endemic species and subspecies and you will have the opportunity to photograph most of these during this tour. In addition to these Bahamian specialities, most of the eastern North American warblers can be found on the islands and will be in their full breeding finery at the time of our visit. The northward spring migration will also be underway and we will have the opportunity to photograph numerous species of shorebird, as well as some of the recently arrived summer visitors, such as the Black-whiskered Vireo and Bahama Swallow.

An intimate knowledge of the area is always important when guiding a tour and in addition to the several weeks of personal reconnaissance I have done, I am pleased to announce that this tour will be run in collaboration with Erika Gates, one of the premiere local bird guides and owner of Grand Bahama Nature Tours. In addition to sharing with us her vast knowledge of the birds of Grand Bahama and taking us to all the best locations, Erika also owns the B&B we will be staying at during the 6 days we will be on the island.

For the remaining 2 days we will travel over to Abaco where we will be met by Dr. Woody Bracey, one of the top birders on Abaco, who will help us find some of the Abaco specialities, such as Bahama Parrot and West Indian Woodpeckers. We will also have an opportunity to photograph numerous shorebirds, a speciality of Woody's, whilst on Abaco.

This workshop/tour is suitable for bird photographers of all levels of skill, from absolute beginners to experienced shooters.

Costs:

• The cost of this workshop is US$2350

• A deposit of US$500 is required to reserve your place on this tour (cancellation policy)

• Full payment of the remaining balance is due before 10th January 2016

• If travelling alone, a single person supplement of $500 is required due to the price of accommodation being calculated on the basis of two people sharing a double or twin room.

• Non-photographer spouses receive a $250 discount and are eligible for a 20% discount on any adventure or cultural day trips organised by Grand Bahama Nature Tours if they do not wish to spend the whole time birding with the rest of the group. The 20% discount also applies to any participant who wishes to take a rest from constant photography.

Please read the booking policy carefully.

Included in the price:

• All accommodation (based on double occupancy), meals and ground transportation during the tour

• All entrance fees to National Parks and reserves

• All expert photographic instruction and guiding

Not included in the price

• International flights to the start and end points of the tour are NOT included in the price and are the responsibility of the individual participants.

• Bar bills

• travel and medical insurance costs

• any additional accommodation or meals outside of the dates of the workshop

• passport, visa or immunisation fees

• other sundry items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, hotel phone bills, etc.)

• any fees incurred for medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation.

Suggested Equipment

To get the most from this tour you it is strongly recommended that you bring a camera with a telephoto lens of 400mm or greater. A tripod and flashgun are also highly recommended.

Other equipment you may want to consider bringing includes:

• a wide angle lens for landscapes
  

• a macro lens for photographing insects, flowers or lizards