Experience the vibrant beauty of Central Florida’s wetlands and coastal habitats during the peak of bird breeding and nesting season. This immersive photography workshop is designed for photographers of all levels who want to capture birds, wildlife, and stunning natural landscapes in some of Florida’s most iconic locations.

• Photograph Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Herons, Egrets, White Pelicans, and Florida Scrub-Jays  and so many more in their natural habitats

• Capture nesting behavior and early chick-rearing activity during the peak breeding season.

• Enjoy golden-hour and misty-morning light that enhances reflections, silhouettes, and scenic compositions.

• Small group sizes ensure personalized instruction in both field techniques and post-processing.

During this workshop, you’ll gain hands-on skills and techniques to elevate your bird, wildlife, and nature photography:

• Birds in Flight (BIF) Photography:

  • Learn how to track and capture fast-moving birds using auto-focus, burst mode, and panning techniques.

  • Tips for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings to freeze or artistically blur motion.

  • Best practices for shooting against bright skies, backlit conditions, or reflections.

• Wildlife & Behavior Photography:

  • Capture feeding, courtship, and nesting behavior without disturbing the animals.

  • Identify patterns in bird movement to anticipate action shots.

• Environmental & Habitat Composition:

  • Incorporate wetlands, water reflections, and coastal scenery for storytelling through your images.

  • Techniques for foreground, background, and lighting management to enhance depth and interest.

• Post-Processing & Editing:

  • Workflow for selecting and organizing images from multi-day shoots.

  • Basic editing and post-production if time allows.

• Gear & Field Techniques:

  • How to choose the right lenses, camera settings, and support equipment for different birding situations.

  • Tips for shooting from vehicles, hides, or handheld in wetlands and coastal areas.

Four Full Shooting Days and one half day in Premier Locations:
Explore Florida’s most iconic birding and wetland habitats, including Orlando Wetlands Park and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Each day is designed to maximize opportunities for photographing wading birds, waterfowl, raptors, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

• Guided Field Instruction:
  Receive personalized, hands-on guidance from experienced instructors who will help you improve your technique, anticipate wildlife behavior, and compose compelling images. Immediate feedback in the field ensures your skills progress quickly.

• Sunrise and Golden-Hour Shoots:
  Capture the best light of the day for dramatic silhouettes, reflections, and vivid colors. Enjoy misty wetlands at sunrise and the warm glow of golden hour over coastal and marsh landscapes.

• Optional Midday Editing & Image Review Sessions:
  For those who want to refine their images as you go, optional midday sessions provide guidance on post-processing, including feather detail, color grading, exposure correction, and storytelling. Participants can choose to rest or join the session based on preference.

• Birds in Flight & Wildlife Action:
  Learn to track fast-moving subjects and photograph birds in flight, capturing dramatic courtship, feeding, and interactive behaviors. Master panning, focus, and exposure techniques for dynamic wildlife images.

• Diverse Wildlife Opportunities:
  Photograph alligators, river otters and other small species that inhabit wetlands and coastal areas. Develop skills for both intimate close-ups and wide habitat shots.

• Storytelling Through Nature Photography:
  Combine wildlife behavior, environmental context, and creative composition to produce images that tell a story about Florida’s wetlands and coastlines. Learn to use foreground, background, and natural light to create visually compelling photographs.

• Small Group Experience:
  Enjoy a focused, supportive environment with a small group of photographers, allowing individual attention and the flexibility to explore subjects at your own pace.

This mid-February workshop coincides with the peak of breeding plumage and nesting activity, giving you the best opportunities for vivid, dynamic bird photography while enjoying comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Flights: Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Arrival: Participants must arrive by 11:00 AM on Monday, February 16, 2026, for group pickup.

Departure: Participants may schedule return flights no earlier than 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Flexibility: You may arrive before or depart after the official workshop dates if needed to accommodate travel schedules. Please note that transportation outside the official group pickup and drop-off times is the participant’s responsibility.

Most airport hotels will have a complimentary shuttle service.

Comfort Suites Titusville near Kennedy Space Center,

4830 Helen Hauser Blvd.. R

+1 (321) 225-0840

There is a block of rooms under Jeff Swinger/Swingman Photo

I will provide a link for online booking

https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/yo48a6?checkInDate=2026-02-16&checkOutDate=2026-02-21&ratePlanCode=BNGAON

February 16, Monday:

Travel-in day group pickup and evening shoot

February 17-20, Tue-Fri:

Photography Exploration

February 21, Saturday:

Travel out day, return to Orlando International Airport

Camera body (or two) with plenty of memory cards and extra batteries

A variety of lenses — wide-angle, standard, telephoto, and super-telephoto

Long lenses will be your primary focal lengths (400mm and above)
Sturdy tripod and/or monopod for stable shooting in winter conditions
Neutral density and polarizing filters for creative control

Clothing & Comfort:

Layered, weather-appropriate clothing

Average High: Around 73°F

Average Low: Around 60°F

Florida is known for wide swings in temperatures, so we can take a look as we get closer to our dates.

I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
It can help protect your investment by covering registration fees, flights, lodging, equipment rentals, and other trip-related expenses in the event of unexpected cancellations or emergencies.

Check providers like AAA, AARP, or your credit card company, many of which offer reliable coverage options.

Jeff Swinger

Email jeff@swingmanphoto.com

513-200-8815