Quick Details
Time: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Meeting Location: Ernest F Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park.
Shooting Location: Anhinga Trail & Research Road – Transportation to the locations are included.
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants for an exclusive small-group experience
Important Information:
- Please read the information below for all the details on this workshop.
- Park Entrance Fees are not included, you will have to purchase tickets in order to enter the Park. Here is the website to purchase them online: Park Entrance Fee Link.
Participant
Early Bird Reservation
$ 250
Join your instructor, Kirsten, for a sunrise photography workshop in Everglades National Park, one of the most iconic sites in Everglades National Park. Curated for a small group of only ten participants with transportation from the Visitor Center to the tower included.
Your workshop begins three days prior with a live online preparation class. During this session, Kirsten will walk you through what to expect in the field, review essential camera gear and settings, cover photography basics, and answer questions so you arrive confident and ready.
On the evening of the workshop, the group will meet at the Ernest F Coe Visitor Center before heading out on a drive to the trail location. Once on site, Kirsten will introduce and demonstrate techniques for sunrise and wildlife photography, including:
- Finding and approaching birds to photograph
- Compositional advice
- Portraits, both close-ups of the birds and within the environment
- Capturing behaviors, including birds in flight
- Tips for more artistic images
This experience is more than a technical workshop. It is an opportunity to photograph the Everglades wakes up to a new day. Surrounded by wildlife, open wetlands, and the golden hour.
Program Details:
Wednesday, 7:00 PM: Online meeting to provide instructions, review camera gear, and answer any questions
Saturday, 6:00 AM: Check-in at the Ernest F Coe Visitor Center.
Drop off at the visitor center will be around 10:00 AM.
About Your Instructor:
Kirsten Hines is an award-winning author, wildlife photographer and conservationist based in Coconut Grove, Florida. Anchored by her master’s degree in biology and experience as an environmental educator, her aim is to inspire conservation action through her personalized story-telling.
Her books include Birds of Florida, a user-friendly identification guide showing 310 species as typically seen in the state illustrated by 450+ of her photographs; Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey, a photo-essay book that garnered several awards including golds in the Florida Book Awards for Visual Arts and the National League of American Pen Women’s Marjorie Davies Roller Nonfiction Award; Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens and Recovering Caribbean Nature, practical reference guides to re-greening human-altered landscapes; as well as history books on each of South Florida’s national parks, including Everglades National Park.
In addition to illustrating her writing, Kirsten’s images have been featured in numerous photography showcases and exhibitions, public art programs, and periodicals.
Kirsten also provides wildlife and photography-oriented presentations, tours, and workshops. Learn more at www.KirstenHines.com.
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The following gear is required for the workshop:
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Telephoto lens (within the 100-500mm range or higher)
- Backpack or other camera bag designed for comfortable transport while walking
- Tripods are optional (instructor will not be using one)
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This is a non remote part of the park. Bathrooms will be available, however stores in the are may not be open until later in the morning. We recommend bringing:
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle, and water (a water jug will be available for refills)
- Closed toed shoes
- Long Pants
- Layers and extra jacket or sweater
- Mosquito repellent
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Please note that the park entrance fee is not included in this program. If you do not possess an Annual National Parks Pass, we ask that you obtain a Park Entrance pass to gain access to the park on the day of the workshop. The Park Entrance fee grants you access to the park for 7 consecutive days. You can conveniently purchase your pass through the NPS Website or at the entrance gate.
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This program is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up with some prior photography experience.
All minors must be accompanied by a participating adult.
To help us make your trip safe and enjoyable, please include a note in your reservation or notify your naturalist privately if any of the following apply to you:
- Recent surgeries
- Back injuries
- Medical conditions or allergies
- Pregnancy
- Any other health or safety concerns we should be aware of
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Your trip will start in the Ernest F Coe Visitor Center located in Homestead, FL.
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No printing is necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. For paddling activities there are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through an email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
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How difficult is this trip?
This is a moderate adventure. While no strenuous hiking is required, participants should be comfortable walking in the dark and carrying personal items.
Do I need prior photography experience?
Yes. This is an intermediate-level photography program curated for participants with some prior photography experience. The workshop expands on the basics of night photography, while experienced photographers can practice advanced techniques with personalized guidance.
What about bathrooms and facilities?
There are restrooms at the Shark Valley Visitor Center and a the tower as well. Although the tower restrooms are currently working, there are portable bathrooms there in case bathroom is out of service.
What will the weather be like?
Be prepared for layers, as program comes closer, naturalist and lead photographer will have a better idea on what they will recommend to wear.
How many people will be in the group?
This workshop is limited to 10 participants.
Can children join the program?
This program is open to participants ages 12 and up. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to pay the park entrance fee?
Yes. Park entrance fees are not included in your program cost and must be purchased separately. A 7-day pass can be purchased online in advance through the National Park Service website.
What wildlife might I see on this trip?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, Anhinga Trail may offer some chances to capture the wildlife; from some wading birds to even Alligators.
When would this trip be canceled?
Trips may be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions like high winds, lightning, or heavy rain. If the tour is canceled, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a refund. Photography workshops are prone to be rescheduled even due to cloud conditions, please keep an eye on emails from us about potential rescheduling. Please see our cancellation policy for more details.