Join us on a photo workshop or photo tour to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island with professional photographer John Slonina. We will be visiting one of our favorite places to photograph. Located on the southern end of Assateague Island in Virginia, the refuge was established in 1943 for the protection of migratory waterfowl habitat with emphasis on conserving the greater snow goose.

The refuges has more than 14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh habitats. This diverse ecosystem is home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals.

The refuge is also one of the most visited refuges in the country and provides outstanding opportunities to connect you with nature.

We will photograph both wildlife and landscapes. The species we usually photograph include Tundra Swans, Herons, Egrets and other waterfowl species. Mammals include Red Fox, the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel etc, River Otters, and White Tailed Deer etc. We also will look for the famous Wild Horses. Since this area is protected wildlife sighting are common and many species allow a close approach.

This area is a landscapes photographers delight . There area includes several beautiful coastal landscapes, sand dunes, surf, forests, sea shells, marshes, and a lighthouse.

Friday Afternoon: We will meet at the hotel for a quick meeting followed by a sunset shoot then dinner.  After dinner I will do a presentation to help you improve your photography.

Saturday: We will travel to several different locations (depending on the lighting conditions) starting on location at sunrise. We will also have some classroom time to review and critique work, digital techniques, digital processing tips ect. John will be bringing a digital projector for presentations.

Sunday: Morning Photo Session Trip concludes late morning early afternoon.

When:

May 9-11, 2014

Friday-Sunday

Note: There is an option to extend this trip to include Bombay Hook and Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge in Delaware (2 hours away) please contact our office

Price:

$595 (this Includes hotel, instruction and refuge permits admission)

Deposit: $300

PAYMENT:

Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography.

We also accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

If you prefer to use credit card you can call our office at (508) 736-1167 or use the online shopping cart.

What's Included:

The hotel is included in this tour (Friday and Saturday nights).  

Instruction

Entrance fees.

Click Here to see Testimonials

Not Included:

Food is not included. We will eat at local restaurants.

Transportation is not included.  We will carpool to the refuge. It is a short drive anyway.

Lodging:  Included

Participants are not required to stay there. There other nearby options.

Please contact us for details.

Cancellation:

If you cancel before 120 days of departure you will receive a full refund.

Within 120 days you will lose deposit.

Within 60 days you will lose the full amount.

If we are able to fill the spot you will receive a full refund.

Group size:

Our groups are small in size and are limited to 6 people. This group size allows for flexibility in our plans if interesting and unexpected photo opportunities present themselves. Also it will allow us to work with each participate to provide complete, informative, helpful lessons.

Fitness Level:
This trip will involve some short flat walks. None of the hikes are long most of them within site of my tour van. So you do not have to be in great shape for this tour.  

Goals:

The entire workshop is devoted to capturing the best nature images possible on digital camera or film. John draws upon his decades of experience as a professional photographer to offer several methods to improve your nature photography. John will share numerous proven beginner thru advanced techniques.

On location, John will demonstrate how you can best use your equipment. We will do our best to help you get beautiful professional high dynamic quality images which will make gorgeous prints on your wall.

Before and after each workshop we will access each participants needs, interests and skills so we can teach techniques that will help each participant. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro we will help you grow as a photographer. At the end of the workshop you will be able to comfortably apply these tools and start your own unique style.

Some topics we cover

Time of Day:

Participating in a workshop is a great way to improve your photography. We believe in capturing the best light our workshops include sunrise and sunset shoots (weather permitting). Early morning and late afternoon has the best lighting for photography. Mid day sunny days is not as photogenic and more windy. Also early morning has some other advantages less traffic and people, wildlife is more active, and less wind.

What you will learn:

Our job is not only to help you create beautiful images and have fun but also teach skills and techniques you can use to take your photography to the next, higher level! Attendees will have a solid understanding of many basic and advanced principles related to nature photography.

Getting There:

Plane:

Airport

Distance (mi.)

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport 28.7

Hampton/Williamsburg Newport News/Williamsb Airport 82.7

Norfolk International Airport 84.5

Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport 109.8

Richmond International Airport/Byrd Field 110.2

Baltimore/Washington International Airport 110.2

Atlantic City International Airport 114.5

Car:

From the North, after crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge on I-295, continue on to I-95 (Delaware Turnpike) to exit 4A for Route 1 South (this is much better than taking US 13 direct from I-295). Route 1 is expressway most of the way. Continue to exit 97 which is an expressway connection to Route 13 - turn south. Continue on US 13 to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Turn left on Route 175 to Chincoteague Island.

From the South, take Route 13 North and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel connects Route 13 in Virginia Beach to Route 13 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Turn right on Route 175 to Chincoteague Island.

About Me:

John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has been photographing the nature for over 25 years. He has been published in multiple books, magazines, and calendars.  He has a love of natural history as well. You will receive education not just in photo technique, but also in the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.