Bird Photography Field Experiences

These aren't simply walks where we look for birds and talk about camera settings. They're hands-on bird photography experiences focused on fieldcraft—learning how to read a habitat, understand why birds are there, recognize where they're likely to be, and find photographic opportunities more quickly.

We'll also work on composition, light, autofocus, camera settings, and ethical approaches to wildlife. But the goal is bigger than getting better photographs during the experience: it's learning how to find and photograph birds more confidently on your own.

Small groups. Real habitats. Practical instruction. Skills you can take into the field with you.

Reserve Your Spot

What You’ll Take Away

By the end of the experience, you'll have a better understanding of how to:

Read a habitat and recognize where birds are most likely to be found
Find birds more efficiently by understanding habitat, behavior, food sources, and movement patterns
Recognize photographic opportunities instead of simply waiting for a bird to appear
Build stronger compositions by using backgrounds, light, surroundings, and the bird's behavior to your advantage
Adjust your approach when conditions change, rather than relying on perfect light or cooperative subjects
Use your camera more confidently with practical guidance on autofocus, settings, and exposure when you need it
Approach and photograph wildlife ethically while minimizing disturbance
Take the fieldcraft with you so you can apply what you've learned the next time you go out on your own

These experiences are intentionally kept small so you have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, work through challenges in the field, and receive individual guidance when needed.

The goal isn't just to photograph more birds during the experience. It's to leave knowing how to find better opportunities and make better photographs the next time you're in the field.

Who These Walks Are For?

Bird enthusiasts looking to improve their bird identification and field skills.
Nature lovers who want to better understand wildlife and the habitats they depend on.
Wildlife photographers seeking practical, in-the-field instruction and guidance.
Beginners wanting to build confidence finding and observing birds.
Intermediate photographers looking to improve their fieldcraft, composition, and wildlife photography techniques.
Anyone who enjoys learning in a relaxed, small-group outdoor setting.

Bring your binoculars, camera, or simply your curiosity—these experiences are designed for all skill levels.

What Participants are Saying

"If a tree falls in the forest, it’s a great place for photography opportunities. Was fortunate to join Todd on his forest walk and truly enjoy the experience. Continue to learn valuable lessons from Todd about Field craft, habits, canopy layers and improve my knowledge of nature. My photography will improve as I gain more experience of what to look for in nature to assist my photography. Don’t be surprised if there’s a pop-up quiz along the walk."

—Brian, R.
Forest Bird Photography Experience
July 25th
“My first bird photography walk with Todd was a wonderful experience. He was not only highly knowledgeable about bird behavior, habitats, and camera techniques, but also patient and very easy to learn from. His clear and practical guidance helped me understand why certain things weren't working in my photography and how to make adjustments for more consistent results. Learning in the field with him taught me how to better set up my camera and position myself to capture the images I had always wanted. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their bird photography skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment.”

— YC
June 20th Grasslands Walk
“I had the pleasure to join Todd on a Grasslands walk and can whole heartedly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their photo and/or birding skill set. Todd's knowledge of field craft for both photo and birding is what I believe makes his walks/education so valuable. If you wish to move from just taking a snap shot of birds to getting in the field experience to create birding photographs, please join one of his nature walks.”

— Brian R.
July 11th Grasslands Walk

Upcoming Walks

Sunset Grassland Bird Photography Experience -

Rescheduled October 3rd

Experience the golden light over the grassland habitat. September is a great time when migrating and over wintering birds are moving through the area. Northern Harriers are often busy hunting during the last light of the day offering amazing opportunities to witness and photograph their unique flight patterns.

Details

Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Group Size: Limited to 4 participants
Location: Suffield/ Southwick Wildlife Management Area, Suffield, CT
- Exact meeting location provided upon booking
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Please note:

Trails are flat and beginner friendly
There are no restroom facilities onsite
Walks are rain or shine, except in extreme weather circumstances
- (See weather and cancellation policy below)

Pricing

$49 - $89 Per Person

What You’ll experience:

Learn proven field techniques for locating wildlife.
Improve your bird photography with personalized in-field instruction.
Build confidence identifying birds by sight, sound, behavior, and habitat.
Discover how different habitats support wildlife and why birds use them.
Enjoy a relaxed small-group experience with plenty of opportunities for questions and individual guidance.

Led by a former forest ranger, and professional wildlife photographer Todd DeWald, each experience combines birding, ecology, and photography in the field.

Weather/Cancelation Policy

Walks take place in light rain or overcast conditions. In the event of severe weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms, high winds, or unsafe conditions), the walk will be canceled and participants may transfer to another walk or receive a full refund.

Because group sizes are limited, cancellations within 72 hours of the event are non-refundable unless the spot can be filled.

Field experiences require a minimum of two participants to be run. In the event two participants do not book a walk, those registered will have the option of transferring to a future walk, or a full refund.

Those registered will be notified via e-mail of any cancelations.

Book Your Session

Sunset Grassland Bird Photography Experience-October 3rd

$79.00

Walk starts 4:00 PM (approximately 3 hours)

Experience the golden hues of sunset over the grasslands of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Designed for wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts, this small-group field experience focuses on finding and photographing grassland birds while learning the fieldcraft behind successful wildlife photography. All while taking in the beautiful light of sunset.

You'll discover how to anticipate bird behavior, work with changing light, choose stronger compositions, and position yourself for natural images—all while exploring a highly productive habitat. Limited to just 4 participants to provide personalized instruction throughout the morning.

This walk is designed to have a slower pace to allow time to build compositions. Participants are encouraged to bring a small stool or sitting mat. It is expected that Northern Harriers will be back in the area, and the best way to photograph them is to sit and wait!

Leave with more than a species list—leave with the knowledge and confidence to find wildlife on your own.

Minimum of two participants for session to run. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, those registered will be able to transfer to another walk, have option to choose private session at updated rate, or get full refund.

Only 1 available