Workshop Review: Wild Florida
Location, Location, Location
When visiting a new location for photography, finding the subject can often present a significant challenge. This is especially true when dealing with avian subjects as a simple flap of their wings can take them miles away from you (or not even be where you expected them in the first place). The end result can often be frustrating, unless of course you too can sprout some wings to then follow. Couple that with having traveled thousands of miles with thousands in gear, doesn't make failure a desirable option. A less frustrating alternative is going directly to the source and for that I mean someone knowledgeable with your subject choice and location.
So, when my wife and I were planning a family trip to Florida's Gulf Coast to see some family and for me to do some photography, I did some "homework" and in the process, came across Wild Florida Photography - The Original Tampa Bay by Boat Workshops and Tours. The Wild Florida team is made up of the father/son combination of James and Blake Shadle, both highly accomplished photographers in their own right. The pair's extensive knowledge of Florida's natural environment coupled with their technical skill and hands-on teaching approach, make the Wild Florida experience one that can help you be successful in your wildlife photography goals. James also being a state certified Master Naturalist, knows the habitat of all the "local residents" that you'd want to photograph and when.
When I first spoke with James and Blake prior to even flying out, we discussed "my options" and what I might expect to find when I would be down in the Tampa Bay area. Seeing as I'd be in the area the end of May, they advised me to take advantage of the experience to see and photograph baby spoonbills, ibis, and brown pelicans in the wonderful morning light. I was also forewarned to take plenty of flash memory as we'd likely be shooting a lot. We discussed my gear and setup and they made suggestions as to what would work best for the various conditions we might experience. I was pleasantly surprised when they told me my 1D Mark II and the Canon EF 100-400 would be perfect for much of what we'd shoot from the boat, but bring the 500 just in case. Coming from NY, I regularly have to rely on my 500 with a converter for me to "get the shot".
You Ready for Spoonies?
Once in Florida, I was met with a friendly phone call from Blake. He was checking to see that I arrived safely and wanted to give me the meeting details for the morning session the next day. Being I was familiar with the Tampa area, I was able to just jot down a few street names and knew exactly where we were meeting the following morning.
Our day began promptly at 6AM where the boat launched from, and within 15-20 minutes we were at our initial shooting location. This gave us adequate time to scope out the area, set up some gear and simply take it all in. Just before the sun broke over the horizon, were were graced with several spoonbills taking flight. Moments later, some white ibis flew directly over the boat. This however was only the beginning of all the excitement we'd experience throughout the morning.
As the morning continued, we'd see and/or photograph at close range and in flight: White and Glossy Ibis Spoonbills, Oystercatchers, Brown Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, a variety of gulls and more. Later in the morning we witnessed and photographed spoonbills foraging along the shorelines, as well as some banter between the adults and babies. It was amusing to witness 4 babies gang up on the adult and chase it from the shoreline. James always made sure we were in a position with ideal lighting and positioned so we wouldn't interfere with the other photographers on board.
James will also help all attendees from a technical perspective offering up tips on exposure, lighting, shooting conditions and their effects, color and tone, and how to create aesthetically pleasing image within an environment that is constantly changing. In short order you will come away with photographs many people only dream about.
At the conclusion of the morning session we broke for lunch at a local restaurant. When we sat down at the table, James said to me "Hey, where's your camera!" in his southern accent. I ran out to my rental car to get my 1D and then joined the crowd as we collectively re-experienced the morning session through our LCD screens. We'd then pass cameras back and forth showcasing what we'd come away with what seemed to be only moments prior.
It's All About the Experience
Of foremost importance to the team is your complete Wild Florida experience. With a worldwide client base, they know many have come to expect a first class experience that puts you as the photographer in the middle of the action. In the words of Blake "I live here, you're on a vacation, I want you to get the shot."
This father/son team also bring to the table a great deal of experience themselves. Being native Floridians has a distinct advantage over some of those offering competing boat experiences after seeing the opportunities Florida has to offer a wildlife photographer. Both James and Blake have played vital role in the restoration and rejuvenation of the habitat Florida's wildlife needs to survive and thrive in the Tampa Bay area.
If you are looking for a Wild Florida experience, don't hesitate to contact James Shadle via email at james@wildflorida.net or via cell phone at (813) 363-2854 for latest availabilities. Also visit their website to check their availability for both upcoming workshops and individual custom tours. They are online at http://www.wildflorida.net. Tell them Ed Prete sent you, and see you out in the field.