Photography Workshops

Photography Workshops 2022

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Painted Bunting Workshop

December 2021 through March 2022
The Painted Bunting is one of the most beautiful birds in the world. We are very fortunate to have these visitors during the winter months here in South Florida.

Roseate Spoonbills

December 2021 through March 2022
These amazing birds are a sight to see and even better to photograph.  I know where and when to find these incredible birds. 

Predatory Birds

Year Round
This workshop concentrates on the predatory birds in SW Florida including Bald Eagles, Osprey, Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, Burrowing Owls, and more.

Interested? Book here

What is a photography workshop?
A workshop is an educational experience to help you improve your craft. A photo tour is designed to take you to a great location at the best time of year and get you to the right places for the best light. Taking a workshop is a great way to prepare for a photo tour and will increase your chances of bringing home extraordinary images. I keep groups small (under 4) to maximize the experience. In larger groups we will have an assistant.
Locations
I lead tours to Florida’s best wildlife photography hotspots. Locations in Naples, Fort Myers, Everglades National Park, Big Cypress Preserve, Corkscrew Swamp, Sanibel Island, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Marco Island and many more secret spots!
Wildlife
Florida is known for its incredibly tame birds. It is common to have some species just a few feet away on multiple occasions. We still recommend a 400+ mm lens. There are many companies that rent lenses if you don’t already own one.
Birds: Bald Eagles, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawks, Burrowing Owls, Barred Owls, Purple Gallinule, Rosette Spoonbills, Painted Bunting, Sandhill Crane, Green Herons, Little Blue Herons, Night Herons, Great Blue Herons, Tri-colored Herons, Reddish Egret, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egrets, Limpkin, Brown and White Pelicans,  American Coot, Moorhens, Wood Stocks, Cormorants, Anhinga, Black and Turkey Vultures, Glossy, White Ibis and much more.
Mammals: Manatee, River Otter, Dolphins, Deer, Marsh Rabbits, and more.
Reptiles: Gopher Tortoise, Crocodile, American Alligator, Iguana, several species of Turtles.
We should also be able to get full frame photos since many birds and other animals are just a few feet away. We have an extremely high success rate but we can’t guarantee we will see any particular species.
What’s included:
  • Photographic instruction
  • knowledge of when and where to photograph
  • Knowledge of local species and wildlife
  • Bottled water
What’s not included:
  • Lodging
  • Airfare
  • Transportation to and from airport
  • Meals
Cost
Full Day Workshops are $500 per person
Half Day Workshops are $300 per person
15% discount for multiple days

Testimonials

“I just did a 3 day birds of prey workshop with Gary. All I can say is wow. Such a down to earth and personable guy. He takes you to where the action is and knows how the raptors will react. It’s hard to not get a good shot with Gary. I highly recommend him for a workshop.”

Andrew Luna   |   Connecticut

“Gary Roche was recommended to me as a photographer who really knows the wildlife action around Naples FL and the near Everglades. My time was limited so only a half day outing was possible. In those few hours Gary took me to three location for eagle photography, all nests of resident eagles. Two of the sites were just superb. Gary knew exactly where to be positioned for the best shots. Gary also provided solid coaching about how best to shoot some situations. The half day resulted in many outstanding eagle photographs.If you’re in the Naples/Everglades area and looking for a photographer who knows where to go and how to shoot – I recommend you consider engaging Gary.”

Bob Bryer  |  Lewes, DE

“I spent 2 days in January 2020 with Gary … I had a wonderful time, I saw many different birds and magnificent scenes … I came back to France with a smile on my face and so many nice shots in my camera !
Thanks Gary!”

S. Coupérie  |  Paris. France

“I signed up for Gary’s workshop hoping to learn more about photography and great places to photograph birds (my interest) in south Florida.  It’s always a bit stressful to sign up for a workshop not knowing what to expect – would it be worth my time and money?  I can confirm that it definitely was.  Gary set up a full day of exploration and located the birds I wanted to concentrate on, and more.  Even when our workshop day technically ended, he offered to continue.  We visited locations that I never would have discovered on my own and Gary was endlessly patient as I explored areas he had doubtlessly visited many times previously.
The workshop was both fun and challenging and Gary’s guiding and tips were invaluable.  Highly recommended.”
V. Manning  |  Ontario, Canada
“Gary has extensive knowledge of wildlife locations in South Florida. His input on behavior was greatly appreciated, making it much easier to get those ‘wow’ shots.”
B. Hudson  |  Ontario, Canada
“My time with Gary was great! I thoroughly enjoyed my workshop with him and getting to learn from him. Not only was Gary friendly and personable but a great teacher. He explained things in detail and was genuinely willing to work with me to help me improve my photography. I would definitely recommend his workshop. He is passionate about what he does and enjoys sharing that passion with others.”
B. Kisko  |  Naples, Florida
“I joined Gary for a morning shoot during our family vacation on Marco Island. He was able to get me into position at just the right time to make great images. His knowledge of the local species, their behavior, and photography technique together with his familiarity with the local birding spots is sure to guarantee you will have a great time and make fantastic images. Thanks Gary for a fantastic time.”
J. Mirabal  |  Miami, Florida