This
workshop is for all nature photographers with a passion for Marine
Mammals. Charles will share the techniques and methods he has
used to capture many outstanding Manatee images, including those
on display in "Manatee: The Edge of Extinction" exhibition.
Manatees remain among my most profitable stock images to date.
As the Refuge is only accessible by boat, I recommend
staying at the Best Western located conveniently at the waters
edge in Crystal River. We will access the spring each morning
via a Jon boat, leaving from the Dive Shop. The temperature
of the water flowing from the springs remains a constant 72
degrees Fahrenheit, with the water at the spring shallow enough
to stand. Most images can be obtained with only snorkel gear;
mask, fins, snorkel, weight belt (recommended). Due to prolonged
exposure, a wet suit 2- 4mm is necessary (I use a 2mm, thin neoprene
hood and gloves). Should you so desire scuba diving is allowed, but not necessary for our purpose.
All gear including wet suits is available for rent at the dive
shop.
In addition to Manatees the Refuge
islands and surrounding waters provide excellent habitat for
a large number and variety of wildlife species. There are plenty
of common bird species to photograph, including herons, egrets,
ospreys, commorants, anhingas, white ibis and an occasional
bald eagle.
To ensure the best instruction possible, this workshop will
have limited participants. Participation only reserved
on receipt deposit
.NO SCUBA EQUIPMENT IS NECESSARY, with most encounters
taking place in 4-6 feet of water.
EWA Marine Bags are highly recommended, and allow everyone in
attendance to house their digital cameras for UW use. The EWA housings proved flawless in waterproofing
our equipment.
Camera equipment - full frame cameras with wide angle fixed or zoom lenses are best (14 - 35mm suggested, with wider being better). However, any digital camera with a wide angle will be capable of producing outstanding results. Flash is not necessary.
Lodging recommendation;
Best Western
Crystal River Resort, 614 N.W. Highway 19
Crystal River, FL. 34428
352-795-3171
reservations-1-800-435-4409
e-mail: info@crystalriverresort.com |
