Florida Painted Bunting

Painted Bunting Workshop 2019

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Painted Buntings favor dense foliage and will come out from cover to feed on seeds. The brightly colored ones are the male and the females are green. 
If you have looked through my gallery you will see species that others simply do not have. I have lived in Southwest Florida for 25 years. I know where to find the birds and when. I also have developed extensive relationships with local birders and photographers that ensures the best opportunity to spot and shoot wildlife.
I am very flexible and determined to check every box on my client’s wish list. My goal is help you reach yours. I can combine workshops if possible. For example, if you’d like shoot predatory birds in the morning and Roseates or other wading birds in the afternoon, I will do my best to make that happen. Any questions please contact me.

Where to stay?

Naples and the greater Southwest Florida area offers many options for housing. Surrounding areas include Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Ft. Myers. Because of so many choices to decide from I will give a link to tripadvisor to help you find the best choice.
Click here to be directed to Tripadvisor’s website specific to Naples and Southwest Florida.

When?

ASK Here!
The species and conditions are always changing.
 The Painted Bunting workshop runs from December to March. These guys are seasonal to SW Florida.
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
Here is a small sample of the large variety of other species to be found.