Texas Wading Bird Rookery Photography Workshop
with Alyce Bender
What started as a pond created when dirt was needed in the local area to support a railroad bridge across the Intercoastal Waterway has now turned into one of the best colonial waterbird rookeries in the State. With over 1000 nests in any given year, the Smith Oaks Rookery on High Island is the place to be in spring. The Houston Audubon Society owns the property and has taken extensive measures to give birders and photographers a wonderful look at the various types of species while still retaining the natural habitat the birds need. Species encountered here include roseate spoonbills, great egrets, neotropical cormorants, snowy egrets, and many others. During our visit we will be able to observe behaviors such as stick hunts, nest building, courtship displays, and maybe even a few early chicks. This photography workshop will include four full sessions at the rookery to maximize the number of species, behaviors, and flight shots we are able to create over the three days. Morning and late afternoon lighting will challenge photographers while learning the daily routines of rookery life will expand participants’ naturalist skills.
This workshop is limited to four (4) participants.
Workshop Fee
The fee includes the workshop only. Transportation, lodging, park entry fees, food, and other miscellaneous expenses are not included. About a month before the workshop, all registrants will receive an email with a rough itinerary and planning details.
Recommended Lodging
LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Winnie - 226 Spur 5, Winnie, TX 77665
Recommended Equipment
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera Body (Backup camera bodies are always good to have)
- Super Telephoto Lens - 150-600mm or 500mm or longer. If bringing a prime, also bring a variable telephoto like a70-300mm for the environmental images.
- Batteries (Plenty) and Battery Charger(s)
- Memory Cards (You can never have too many)
- Tripod for the blind for those with heavy lenses.
- Rain cover (for camera and yourself) helps if we get any mist, spray or rain.
- Bug repellant! It is hard to photograph when being eaten alive by mosquitos.
About the instructor
Alyce Bender is a nature photographer, writer, educator, and adventurer. Camera in hand since childhood, her fascination for photography developed into a career after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Her passion for wildlife and the natural environment compels her to connect others with nature through sharing both visual art and in-field experiences that promote conservation, creativity, and ethical photography.
She is a Tamron USA Ambassador, contributing writer and photographer for the Journal of Wildlife Photography, and her work has been featured in group and solo gallery shows across the US as well as in international publications from the UK to Japan. Bender leads photography adventures around the world to help beginner through advanced photographers explore and expand their personal vision and naturalist skills ethically. When not in the field, she offers a variety of educational programs both in person and virtually for photography organizations large and small.
Please review our class & event cancellation policy below.
Class & Event Cancellations
Tier 3: Excursions
Full refunds (less a $75 fee) will be issued to students who cancel at least 30 days prior to an excursion. Refunds will not be issued to cancellation requests made within 30 days of the start of an excursion unless the spot can be filled. If your spot is filled you will receive a full refund (less a $75 fee). If you do not show up for an excursion, your registration will be forfeited and you will not be permitted a refund of any amount or to reschedule.
Minimum Enrollment
Each class needs a minimum number of students to enroll before the class can “make.” If the minimum enrollment has not been met two business days before the class begins, the class will be cancelled. All students who enrolled in the class will be notified by telephone or email, and may transfer to a different class or be issued a refund (see refund procedure). We encourage all students to enroll as soon as registration begins. Please check your phone and email messages, including your SPAM.
How to Reschedule or Cancel a Class
Please contact the store at 512-467-7676 or email classes@precision-camera.com to cancel a class. Class cancellations or requests to be rescheduled that are sent through other channels, such as Facebook or Meetup.com messages, will not be honored.