Quick Details
Workshop Date: Saturday February 7th
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Meeting Location: Shark Valley Visitor Center in Everglades National Park.
Shooting Location: Shark Valley Observation Tower – Transportation to the Tower 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, Anthony Sleiman, for an unforgettable photography workshop at Shark Valley, 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 on Wednesday February 4th, three days prior with a live online preparation class. During this session, Anthony 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 Shark Valley Visitor Center before heading out on a drive to the observation tower. Once on site, Anthony will introduce and demonstrate techniques for night and astrophotography, including:
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Planning and composition
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Understanding the exposure triangle
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Night focusing techniques
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Time-lapse photography
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Single-exposure night images
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Advanced methods such as panoramas and image stacking
This experience is more than a technical workshop. It is a rare opportunity to photograph the Everglades after dark, surrounded by vast skies, open wetlands, and deep quiet.
Program Details:
Wednesday, February 4th, 7:00 PM: Online meeting to provide instructions, review camera gear, and answer any questions
Saturday, February 7th, 6:00 PM: Check-in at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
Drop off at the visitor center will be around 10:30 PM, participants must leave right after returning to the visitor center.
About Your Instructor:
Anthony Sleiman, is a photographer and visual storyteller based in Miami, specializing in nightscapes, landscapes, and adventure photography. For the past seven years, he has been documenting the Everglades at night, capturing the beauty of Florida’s wild places and the stories they hold.
His work is more than just photography. It’s about connection. Whether it’s the quiet solitude of the Everglades under a starry sky or the thrill of exploring remote landscapes, He strives to create images that inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world. In his career he has partnered with renowned organizations such as Everglades National Park, the Everglades Foundation, Polarpro, Tamron, Fujifilm, OM System and others to highlight the importance of conservation through visual storytelling.
When he is not behind the camera, you’ll probably find him deep in the Everglades, sitting under the night sky, enjoying the silence.
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The following gear is required for the workshop:
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera with full manual settings
- Sturdy tripod and remote shutter release
- Wide-angle lens (e.g., 14-24mm or 16-35mm)
- Medium zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm)
- Telephoto lens (150-600mm or similar range)
- Camera bag to safely transport all equipment
- Headlamp for night photography
- Glow-in-the-dark tape for marking your tripod in the dark
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This is a nighttime trip to a remote area of the Everglades, so coming prepared is essential. Bring enough snacks and water for 4 hours.
- 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 Shark Valley Visitor Center located at 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194.
Driving from Miami
Shark Valley Visitor Center is located on Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail / SW 8th St.) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, exit 25A (from the north) and exit 25 (from the south).
Driving from Naples
Take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) approximately 70 miles east to the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
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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, Shark Valley 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.