2012 Workshops
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General Information
Birding workshops will be presented in Old Galveston Square, 2215 The Strand, on the 2nd floor.
Photography workshops will be presented at The Tremont House, 2300 Ship's Mechanic Row (Mechanic Street), one block from festival headquarters. Please check hotel signage for workshop room locations.
Activities with a 5-star designation are led by recognized birding and photography experts.
Skill levels are: 1 for Beginner Birder/Photographer; 2 for Intermediate; and 3 for Advanced.
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Advanced Nature Photography Workshop
Price: $40
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Skill Level: 2, 3
In this workshop, you will learn what equipment you need to capture awe-inspiring images, and how to get the most benefit from the gear you’re using. Larry will share his tips for getting more interesting shots by changing perspective, finding the right location, and using color and lighting. He will also cover the benefits of learning behavior to anticipate what the subject is about to do so that action shots are not missed. Plus he’ll answer the question, “Will I know a good photo when I see it?”
For the best experience, we suggest you combine this workshop with the Advanced Nature Photography Field Trip.
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Bird Photography A-Z Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Skill Level: All
Participants will learn what it takes to be a good bird photographer. You’ll hear about the techniques required, as well as how to compose images that hold viewers’ attention. You will learn the importance of backgrounds, foregrounds and angle from the lens to the subject. Sean will also discuss how important a basic knowledge of behavior is to capturing unique images.
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Birding 101
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30am
Date: Friday, April 13 & Saturday, April 14, from 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Bring water, snacks
Expert Leader: Peggy Boston
Leisurely Walk
Skill Level: 1
This inside workshop and outside walk are for those who are new to birding and want tips on using binoculars and watching and identifying local birds. After an hour inside discussion, you will take a leisurely walk (about two city blocks) over to the docks, where numerous species of birds are easily seen around the shrimp boat fleet.
Targets: Brown and White Pelicans, cormorants, gulls, terns, herons, grackles, doves.
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Birding by Habitat Workshop with Louise Zemaitis
Price: $25
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Expert Leader: Louise Zemaitis
Skill Level: All
Birding can become a lifelong pursuit. One can easily focus on the finer points of identification or the quest for life birds without seeing the big picture. In this presentation, Louise will talk about birds within their natural habitats, shared with other organisms. Learning more about the context within which you see birds will heighten your awareness of how birds live and improve your birding skills.
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Butterfly and Moth Study Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Expert Leader: Farrar Stockton
Skill Level: All
This workshop is an introduction to the fascinating world of butterflies and moths. The instructor’s photographs will highlight many details not easily spotted on the wing.
This workshop is best when paired with the Butterfly, Moth and Dragonfly Experience Field Trip. You’ll have an opportunity to identify these creatures in the air.
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Coastal Birding Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12, from 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Date: Friday, April 13, from 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Date: Saturday, April 14, from 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Expert Leaders: Jim O’Donnell, Alice Anne O’Donell, Mort Voller
Skill Level: 1, 2
Birders will find this workshop the perfect introduction to coastal birding. The focus will be on the identification of wintering and early migrating birds on the Upper Texas Coast. Best when paired with the Coastal Birding Field Trip.
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Color Accuracy in Digital Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Photo Expert: Scott Buckel
Skill Level: 2
Have you had trouble getting prints and web output to look the way you want? The basics of color management will assist your control of the colors. Scott will discuss white balance and profiling and calibration of your devices to control your printed image. You will also learn how to set the white balance of your images either before or after capture, and to use grey cards to color balance captures. The concepts of color management will also be introduced.
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Creating Attractive Sets for Wildlife Photography
Field Trip & Workshop Package OPTION 1
Price: $100
Workshop: Friday, April 13, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Field Trip: Friday, April 13, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bring water, snacks
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: 3
This event includes a WORKSHOP ON FRIDAY and a later FIELD TRIP ON FRIDAY. Both parts are included in the $100 price.
The goal of these combined activities is to learn to maintain control in the “natural world” to achieve more pleasing and interesting images. The workshop will teach participants how to create a studio “in the wild,” work with lighting, and control backgrounds and perches so that a natural look is maintained. On the field trip, you will learn how to plan the setup from start to finish, assist with an actual setup, and photograph migrants and other birds as they visit your natural studio.
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Creating Attractive Sets for Wildlife Photography
Field Trip & Workshop Package OPTION 2
Price: $100
Workshop: Friday, April 13, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Field Trip: Saturday, April 14, 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Bring water, snacks
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: 3
This event includes a WORKSHOP ON FRIDAY and a FIELD TRIP ON SATURDAY. Both parts are included in the $100 price.
The goal of these combined activities is to learn to maintain control in the “natural world” to achieve more pleasing and interesting images. The workshop will teach participants how to create a studio “in the wild,” work with lighting, and control backgrounds and perches so that a natural look is maintained. On the field trip, you will learn how to plan the setup from start to finish, assist with an actual setup, and photograph migrants and other birds as they visit your natural studio.
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Digiscoping and Optics Tips Workshop
Price: FREE
Date: Friday, April 13, & Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Expert Leaders: Representatives from Optics Companies
Skill Level: All
Don’t miss this free and informative presentation on digiscoping, which is a unique form of long-distance photography using a digital camera and a field spotting scope. Representatives of optics companies will cover equipment basics of a good digiscoping set-up and provide digiscoping tips and general information about advances in optics.
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Dragonfly Study Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Expert Leader: Bob Honig
Skill Level: All
This workshop is an introductory program on dragonflies, the raptors of the insect world. This workshop is best when paired with the Butterfly, Moth and Dragonfly Experience Field Trip. You’ll have an opportunity to identify these creatures in the air.
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Early Migrant Songbirds Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Sunday, April 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Expert Leader: Alice Anne O’Donell
Skill Level: All
Participants new to coastal birding and novice birders will find this workshop the perfect opportunity to learn about songbirds. The workshop will focus on identification of wintering and early migrating songbirds seen on the Upper Texas Coast. Slides of common songbirds found this time of year will be presented and tips on becoming a better birder will be shared. For the best experience, take in conjunction with the Early Migrant Songbirds Field Trip.
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Flight and Action Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Skill Level: 2, 3
Larry will teach participants techniques for working with the ball head, Wimberley head, and hand holding for action and flight work. He will explain how to select a tripod that is right for action work, and why it’s important to select the proper ISO, shutter speed, and focus points to capture the perfect image. He’ll also discuss how to work in different lighting conditions to get the best results, how to select the best photos from what you created (focus, wing position, flight direction, body position, etc.), and how to anticipate behavior before you take the shot. He will also cover use of slow shutter speeds to create interesting and effective action shots.
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Galveston Do It Yourself Birding! Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Expert Leaders: Alice Anne O'Donell and Mort Voller
Skill Level: All
Galveston Island has a rich variety of habitats, including beaches, wetlands, grasslands, woods, ponds and bays, all in a small geographic area. The presenters will explain the dynamics of bird appearances throughout the year, why this barrier island is so important to birds, why the birding in the area is among the best in the United States and arguably even the world. These local experts will share with you their favorite Galveston hotspots so you can visit them when you’re on your own!!
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Get More Out of Your Digital Point-and-Shoot Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Photo Expert: Scott Buckel
Skill Level: 1
Get hands-on training to learn more about your digital point-and-shoot camera! You will be introduced to the features of your camera and basic techniques to use them. The various special camera modes will be discussed, plus methods to copy photos to the computer and basic editing of images.
Suggested equipment: digital point-and-shoot camera and instruction manual; fully charged batteries.
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High-Dynamic Range Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Skill Level: All
Interesting photos happen when you combine several images into a composite that captures all the dynamic range the human eye can see. Grand landscapes come to life when you combine 15 or 20 images into a panoramic photo.
Photographers attending this workshop will learn what High-Dynamic Range photography is, how to capture the images, how to process images, and the software options available. After a short lesson, the group will head outside for an hour capturing HDR images around festival headquarters. Then the group will move indoors for a chance to see how the instructor’s images are downloaded and then processed using Photomatix and Photoshop CS5.
Suggested equipment: camera for reference.
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Introduction to Time Lapse Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Photo Expert: Scott Buckel
Skill Level: All
Time lapse photography is a video technique used to compress sequential photos. The frequency at which film frames are captured (the frame rate) is much lower than what is used to play the sequence back. When replayed at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster and thus lapsing. With the advent of digital photography, this method has become very popular. The basic steps of creating time lapse will be covered, from the initial capture of the images to the final assembly of the video.
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It’s all about the Light Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 11a.m. – Noon
Photo Expert: Tim Timmis
Skill Level: 1, 2
In this workshop, you will learn how lighting affects bird photography, how to get the “golden light” in your photos, how to create unique photos through silhouettes and back lighting, and how to use fill flash.
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Lasagna Landscaping for Birds Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Expert Leader: Glenn Olsen
Skill Level: All
According to the Organic Gardening Web site, lasagna gardening is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with very little work from the gardener. The name "lasagna gardening" has nothing to do with what you'll be growing in this garden! It refers to the method of building the garden, which is, essentially, adding layers of organic materials that will “cook down” over time, resulting in rich soil that will help your plants thrive. Also known as “sheet composting,” lasagna gardening is great for the environment, because you're using your yard and kitchen waste and essentially composting it in place to make a new garden. Glenn will explain how to use this gardening method to benefit birds.
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Macro and Close-up Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Debbie Ferrell
Skill Level: All
In this workshop, you will learn how to capture sharp, compositionally pleasing images of small subjects. We will discuss how to use macro lenses, diopters, and extension tubes, as well as how to use telephoto and wide angle lenses for close-up shots. Debbie will also share tips on how to select a tripod and other basic equipment needed for macro and close-up photography.
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Mastering Composition Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Debbie Ferrell
Skill Level: 1, 2
Debbie will discuss how to identify the key elements of a good photograph. You will learn how to begin to develop vision for your own style of photography. The basics of composition will also be discussed before continuing on into intermediate composition techniques. The use of color, lighting and lines to create pleasing images are very important to interesting compositions. You’ll discover how to use these elements both when looking through the viewfinder as well as post capture. Discussions also will include how to use the rule of thirds, how to use power points, and where to place the subject in the frame in different action situations. You’ll learn how design elements can lead the viewers’ eye, how to find opportunities to maximize or create drama in lighting situations, and how to use color to hold the viewers’ attention.
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Nature Photography 101 Workshop
Price: $30
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Photo Expert: Debbie Ferrell
Skill Level: 1, 2
This course is designed for those who want to learn the basics of nature photography or to improve their current skills. Debbie will discuss how to photograph mammals, flowers, birds and other nature subjects.
You will learn how to choose the right equipment, what proper exposure is, and how to achieve it. Other topics covered will include basic composition, how to control depth of field, use of shutter speeds for capturing action, and how to effectively approach wildlife in the field.
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Organize and Manage Your Photos Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Photo Expert: Scott Buckel
Skill Level: 1, 2
With the development of digital photography, we’re now overwhelmed with hundreds and thousands of files! After you’ve taken all of your photos, how in the world do you find them? This class will discuss how to manage our images by creating and archiving files in order to find images when you need them. We'll discuss several software packages, from free to several hundred dollars. Many of these tools can be used to manage all of your file types, from PDFs to digital video.
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Photography from a Bird’s Perspective Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Photo Expert: Tim Timmis
Skill Level: 2
Learn how to enhance your bird photos by getting down to the bird’s level for a more intimate perspective. We will discuss techniques and what equipment to use.
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Pro-Technique Workshop: How to Shoot Efficiently Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Skill Level: 3
We all want to capture the moment, but how do you do that? Targeting advanced photographers, Sean will share his techniques for capturing sharp images in all conditions. Participants will learn how to capture motion effectively, as well as how to anticipate and capture fleeting moments. You will also learn how to shoot both landscapes and wildlife strategically to get the most out of your opportunities.
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Shooting and Processing Raw/Lightroom Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Skill Level: 1
This class will focus on how to shoot and process RAW images so that you get the most out of your image. You will learn how to use Lightroom Program tools to create workflows and improve already captured images.
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Shooting for Photoshop Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 11a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Scott Buckle
Skill Level: 2
Have you taken photos that just do not look the way you want them to look? This class will introduce you to several features of Photoshop that may be new to you. You’ll be introduced to the basic principles of merging multiple images to create panoramas and collages. You’ll also learn to create complex lighting situations by lighting only one part of a scene at a time, how to use layer blend modes, and how to increase the depth of field.
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Shorebird Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Photo Expert: Tim Timmis
Skill Level: All
Want to capture shorebird photos? In this workshop, you’ll learn what equipment to use and how to use it, techniques for getting close to birds, and where to find birds in South East Texas.
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Shorebirds Made Simpler Workshop with Kevin Karlson
Price: $25
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Expert Presenter: Kevin Karlson
Skill Level: All
This interactive workshop shares some of the tips that Kevin feels are necessary for taking your birding skills to the next level. Basic field ID approaches are covered, and specialty tips are given for finding and viewing various bird family groups, including shorebirds, sparrows, warblers, raptors and terns. While this workshop is targeted to beginning and intermediate birders, even the experienced birder will find it an excellent review of useful field information. Digitized composite photos from Kevin’s soon-to-be published book, "Birding by Impression," will be used to compare similar species in the same image, to allow participants to test their evaluative ID skills.
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Slow Shutter Speeds for Action Photos Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Skill Level: 2, 3
Larry will show you how to effectively use slow shutter speeds to create pleasing blurs that convey action in images. He will discuss the equipment and processing involved, and show examples of effective images. Since selecting shutter speed is essential to create images that have appeal, he will explain how to keep the subject sharp and in-focus, and how to use ISO and shutter speed to get the desired image.
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Ten Steps to Bird Identification Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Expert Presenter: Glenn Olsen
Skill Level: All
Advance your birding ID skills by attending this workshop. Glenn Olsen has developed ten steps he uses in bird identification. He is well recognized for his teaching and birding skills, and each year presents popular courses and field trips through the Houston Audubon Society and Rice University, Continuing Education Department.
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Travel Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Skill Level: All
Taking photos on vacation or holiday is always fun but sometimes the images look dull, boring, or all the same. Join Kathy Adams Clark and learn some different ways to capture images of the destinations you visit. Emphasis will be seeing the excitement of the moment and the equipment you need to capture it. Kathy will teach you how to think about travel photography in a different way, what equipment to carry, how to capture foreign locations, and even how to present images after the trip.
Suggested equipment: camera for reference.
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Video Workshop: Capture to Show the Natural World in Motion
Price: $20
Date: Friday, April 13
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Skill Level: 1
Video is a great way to preserve the sound and movement of the natural world. Click here to see a Gray Catbird bathing! Join this session to learn how to capture video with a traditional video camera or a digital SLR camera. Kathy will discuss what settings are needed for a good digital capture, how to capture the right digital scenes to tell a story, how to process and edit the clips, and how to upload to YouTube and other online sites. No need to have a camera with video, but if you do, bring it to class for reference.
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Warbler Watching Workshop with Louise Zemaitis
Price: $25
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Expert Presenter: Louise Zemaitis
Skill Level: All
This workshop will be enjoyable as a stand-alone event, as well as a tune-up or primer, for those going to High Island or other woodlot venues where colorful migrating warblers can be expected. Louise has extensive experience with warbler identification and will help guests improve their powers of observation. She is a writer, an artist and a naturalist who lives in Cape May, New Jersey. She will share warbler-watching tips that have been honed by years of experience guiding birders new and experienced on field trips and tours, both nationally and internationally.
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Wintering and Migrating Shorebirds Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Sunday, April 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Expert Presenter: Alice Anne O’Donell
Skill Level: All
Participants new to coastal birding and novice birders will find this workshop the perfect opportunity to learn about shorebirds. This workshop will focus on identification of wintering and migrating shorebirds seen on the Upper Texas Coast. Slides of common shorebirds found this time of year will be presented and tips on becoming a better coastal birder will be shared.
For the best experience, we suggest you combine this workshop with the Wintering and Migrating Shorebirds Field Trip.
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For Further Information
Email: FeatherFest@gintc.org
FeatherFest Hotline: 832.459.5533
Nature Tourism Info: 409.789.8125
Mail: Galveston FeatherFest, P.O. Box 1468
Galveston, TX 77553-1468
FeatherFest is a project of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council which supports nature tourism and education, and promotes the value of area natural habitats.
www.GalvestonNatureTourism.org
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