February 26th - March 1st, 2026
Mesa, AZ
3.5-Day Immersive Field & Editing Experience
Limited to 5 participants
A small-group, hands-on bird photography workshop focused on real-world field conditions, light, behavior, and intentional image creation. This workshop blends sunrise and sunset field sessions with afternoon educational and editing instruction to create a complete learning experience from capture to final image.
We will photograph a wide variety of birds including avocets, black-necked stilts, greater yellowlegs, snowy egrets, burrowing owls, cactus wrens, black-throated sparrows, and a variety of seasonal songbirds.
Workshop Overview
Length: 3.5 days
Group Size: Limited to 5 participants
Format: Field instruction + educational and editing sessions
Location: Phoenix metro area & surrounding desert habitats
Cost: $995.00 per participant
Early Bird Pricing - $795.00 through January 10th.
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate (all experience levels welcome)
This workshop is designed for photographers who want a deeper understanding of:
Working with natural light and backgrounds
Reading behavior
Composing in uncontrolled environments
Creating consistent, intentional images
Developing a practical post-processing workflow
What’s Included
All guided field sessions
All classroom and editing instruction
Image review and personalized feedback
Small-group learning environment
Hands-on instruction in real field conditions
What’s Not Included
Transportation
Lodging
Meals
Camera gear or computers
Participants are responsible for all travel and meal arrangements and for bringing their own photographic equipment.
Workshop Schedule
Thursday Evening – Orientation & Foundations
We begin with an evening classroom session:
Participant introductions
Workshop overview and logistics
Core principles of shorebird photography
Camera setup for field conditions
Anticipating behavior and positioning for impact
Day 1 – Shorebirds & Waders
Early morning photography session focused on shorebirds and waders including avocets, black-necked stilts, snowy egrets, and greater yellowlegs. This session emphasizes working with soft sunrise light, low-angle perspectives, and natural behavior in active feeding environments.
We will be photographing at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, a location known for its exceptional bird access, clean sightlines, and layered, natural backgrounds. The preserve allows for close working distances, low-to-the-ground shooting angles, and a remarkable variety of species, making it an ideal setting for both learning and image creation.
Afternoon:
Editing and image review session using images captured that morning:
Image selection
Exposure and tonal balance
Composition review
Workflow fundamentals
Evening:
Return to the same location to photograph under different light and environmental conditions.
Day 2 – Desert Birds
Morning:
Field session in the Sonoran Desert photographing cactus wrens, black-throated sparrows, and other desert species. Focus on background control, subject isolation, and directional light.
Afternoon:
Editing session and group critique:
Refining field images
Managing complex backgrounds
Preparing images for print or web
Evening:
Sunset desert field session emphasizing warm directional light and silhouette opportunities.
Day 3 – Burrowing Owls
Morning:
Early morning field session photographing Burrowing Owl in a local habitat.
Afternoon:
Final editing session and image refinement, workshop conclusion and wrap-up.
Recommended Gear to Bring
Camera & Lenses
DSLR or mirrorless camera body
Telephoto lens (300–400mm minimum recommended; longer lenses welcome)
Wide or mid-range lens for environmental images
Support Systems
Tripod with gimbal head (strongly recommended for optimal tracking and stability)
Ground pod, skimmer pod, or other low-profile support
Power & Storage
Extra batteries
Memory cards
Laptop with Lightroom and/or Photoshop installed
Power cables, card readers, and external storage drives
Low-Angle Shooting Accessories (Strongly Recommended)
Much of our field work will involve low-to-the-ground shooting, particularly with shorebirds and burrowing owls. To remain comfortable and mobile, students are encouraged to bring:
Small ground cloth, towel, or trash bag (for damp or muddy ground)
Ground pod or low-profile support
Kneepads or lightweight mat (optional but helpful)
Clothing you don’t mind getting dusty or wet
These items greatly improve comfort, stability, and shooting perspective, allowing you to work at eye level with your subjects for longer periods.
Personal Items & Field Comfort
Weather-appropriate clothing for morning and evening shoots
Proper footwear for short hikes and uneven terrain
Hat, sunscreen, and personal sun protection
Water and snacks
Investment
Early Registration
$795 per participant
Available through January 10, 2026
Standard Registration
$995 per participant
Applies after January 10, 2026
A $300 non-refundable deposit secures your space and applies toward both Early and Standard registration rates.
Remaining balance:
Early Bird balance: $495
Standard balance: $695
All remaining balances are due no later than February 10, 2026.
Spaces are intentionally limited to ensure individual instruction and meaningful field time.
Cancellation, Weather & Transfer Policy
All workshop registrations require either full payment or a $300 non-refundable deposit to secure a space. Due to the limited group size and the advance planning required, all payments are non-refundable once received.
If a participant is unable to attend, their registration may be transferred to another individual with prior written approval. Transfers must be completed no later than February 10, 2026.
This workshop is dependent on weather and natural conditions. In the event of unsafe weather, field sessions may be adjusted, delayed, or rescheduled as needed. Every effort will be made to provide comparable learning opportunities if conditions require changes to the schedule. No refunds will be issued for weather-related adjustments.
In the unlikely event that the workshop must be canceled by the instructors due to unforeseen circumstances, all payments will be fully refunded.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements, accommodations, meals, insurance, and equipment.
Booking
Use the scheduling link below to reserve your spot. Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with full logistical details and preparation guidance.
Got Questions About the Workshop?
If you’re unsure whether this workshop is the right fit, I’m happy to help.
Use the contact form for detailed questions
Or click the chat icon at the bottom of the page to message me in real time
I’ll respond as quickly as possible and help you decide if this experience aligns with your goals.
Your Instructors
Christopher Forslund
Christopher is a wildlife and avian photographer whose work is shaped by quiet light, natural behavior, and time spent in the field. His approach emphasizes patience, observation, and intentional image making in real-world conditions.
With a strong focus on field craft and ethical wildlife practices, Christopher’s instruction centers on reading behavior, working with available light, and making thoughtful compositional decisions in uncontrolled environments. His work is presented in galleries and fine art festivals, and he is known for a calm, methodical teaching style that meets students where they are in their photographic journey.
In this workshop, Christopher will lead all shorebird, desert bird, and burrowing owl field sessions, along with editing and workflow instruction.
Sathya Sayee
Sathya is a respected bird photographer and educator known for his deep knowledge of avian behavior, technical precision, and ability to anticipate decisive moments in the field. His work reflects a strong command of light, timing, and composition, particularly in fast-moving and behavior-driven scenarios.
As an instructor, Sathya excels at breaking down complex shooting situations into clear, practical guidance. He brings a strong technical perspective to exposure, autofocus strategy, and wildlife-specific camera setup, helping students gain confidence in rapidly changing field conditions.
During this workshop, Sathya will assist in field instruction, provide technical guidance on camera setup and tracking behavior, and support students throughout shooting sessions.
