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ESCAPE TO ECUADOR

#cloudforest

#hummingbirds

#1600birdspecies

#tropical

#torrentducks

#colorsgalore

Photography Workshop in
ECUADOR
DATES TBD

Birds of the Cloud Forest.

Jen Waicukauski of Looking Glass and Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom lead this on-location photography experience in the Cloud Forest, Ecuador. The primary subject of this workshop is an incredibly diverse bird population, with over 1600 confirmed species. From the Sword-Billed hummingbird (the only bird to have a beak that is longer than its body length) to the Torrent Ducks (white water rafting ducks), it has species beyond imagination. This incredible biodiversity makes the Ecuadorian cloud forest the perfect spot to explore while creating visual works of art.

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The Experience

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The moment you spot a hummingbird in Ecuador's Cloud Forest, time seems to stand still. These feathered jewels, with their iridescent plumage and lightning-fast wings, are a breathtaking sight to behold. As they flit and hover in the air, their tiny bodies buzzing like miniature helicopters, it's easy to get lost in the magic of the moment. The forest itself seems to come alive with the hum of their wings and the vibrant colors of their surroundings. Watching these tiny birds dance around you is like witnessing a secret world come to life before your very eyes, a world where the impossible seems possible and the extraordinary is commonplace.

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With Kristi and Jen by your side throughout your time in Ecuador, you will receive hands-on guided instruction, useful insights and answers to your questions as they come up. You will learn about camera settings, receive help with your photography gear and receive ideas for tapping into your personal creative voice. Not only will you get to explore somewhere new that truly feels like you've stepped into a different world, you’ll also become a more confident photographer! In the end, you'll leave with knowledge of the local wildlife, a better understanding of the local culture, and stories and images you will be be proud to share with the world.

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We know that everyone is unique, with their own style. This adventure has been crafted to help all guests photograph birds by embracing and nurturing their unique ways of seeing the world. That said, on this adventure you decide what you want to focus on. 

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Prior to traveling to Ecuador, Jen will lead an instructional Zoom session regarding how to outfit yourself and gear up for this once in a lifetime adventure, ensuring that you have everything you need before we start our journey.  

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During the nine day escape, while at our cozy lodges, Kristi will offer skills classes that teach the following: 

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  • Autofocus settings for birds in flight

  • Using off camera lighting

  • Macro photography (for use on the unique orchid species)

  • Slow motion video

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These classes are optional, so no pressure. Like we mentioned, you decide how you approach this experience. We are your coaches that will guide and teach you along the way.

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What You'll See
(images by Jen Waicukauski)

 

Timeline & Activity Schedule

A typical day will include spending lots of time at feeders photographing hummingbirds, going on hikes to find toucans, attending demonstrations for hands-on skill development, embarking on excursions to birding hotspots (either in local national parks or community-lead birding hot spots).  There are hiking trails all around that will take you deeper into the cloud forest. The evenings can be spent relaxing by the fire with a glass of Canelazo (a traditional Ecuadorian highlands drink made from sugar cane liquor and local fruit) and sharing images from the day, or perhaps sitting on the restaurant balcony and watching for the resident Black-banded Owl to come out at night.  And to top it off, the lodges have world class, 3-course meals.

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Education

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  • A keynote introduction on photographing wildlife and putting more emotion into your wildlife images will be provided.

  • Twenty minute 1-on-1 sessions with Kristi Odom and/or Jen Waicukauski. During these sessions, you will review your raw images from your first day(s) of photographing the wildlife. These sessions are vital in making sure that your photographs are both technically correct as well as showing off your unique voice. 

  • Optional nightly group image shares with critiques for growth and critical thinking. 

  • Daily assistance during in-the-field shoots from both Kristi and Jen.

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Conservation is Core

 

At EPIC Photo Escapes, animal conservation and ethical travel are at the core of everything we do. We believe that as photographers, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve the wildlife and their habitats that we capture through our lenses. That's why we only work with outfitters and partners who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. We strive to ensure that our workshops not only provide incredible photographic opportunities but also make a positive impact on the environment and the local communities we visit. By promoting ethical travel and animal conservation, we aim to inspire others to use their cameras as a tool for change and help create a better world for all.

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The Process is Super Easy

RESERVE

After you review the Trip Agreement and have your questions answered, reserve your favorite adventure with a deposit or full registration.

WELCOME

We'll send you an official welcome letter with more details. We'll also send you the Trip Agreement to sign electronically via secure Docusign.

ZOOM

When we're closer to the Trip Date, we'll schedule a Zoom chat with group to go over preparation recommendations as well as answer questions.

ADVENTURE

It's time! We'll all fly in on our various flights to our first get-together as a group! Let the adventure, great wildlife experiences & photography begin!

Your Instructors

You're In Good Company.

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