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2027 Bahia Rainforest Expedition - OM System Only
Occupancy:
Double Occupancy
$6,249
Join OM System Ambassador Lee Hoy and Brazilian photographer and biologist Ramon Cavalcanti as we walk through the trails of Serra do Conduru, home to the largest continuous reserve of Atlantic Forest. Here, every bend of the path reveals a secret: a chorus of frogs found nowhere else on Earth, orchids clinging to ancient trees, and reptiles that exist only in this fragile ecosystem.
In southern Bahia, the Atlantic Forest meets the coastline, one of the most stunning stretches of shore in Brazil. This unique intersection of forest and ocean creates a mosaic of life and landscapes unlike any other. We invite you to join us for an expedition where photography and exploration merge. Over seven days, we will uncover rare species found only in this corner of the world, while immersing ourselves in the culture and breathtaking beauty of Bahia’s coast.
Guided by biologists and photographers, this experience is not just about discovery—it is about witnessing the resilience and wonders of one of the planet’s most threatened yet enchanting biomes. Spaces are limited, and this journey is designed for those who seek more than photographs: those who want to connect deeply with the wild spirit of the Atlantic Forest. Are you ready to step into the wilderness of Bahia?
During the expedition, we will have the opportunity to search for fascinating species such as the recently described Lachesis rhombeata, the Atlantic Forest bushmaster, and the striking Bothrops bilineatus subspecies. Lachesis rhombeata is a venomous viper of great biological and conservation importance, restricted to the Atlantic Forest and considered one of its most emblematic serpents. The Bothrops bilineatus subspecies, with its vivid green tones and elegant lines, is an arboreal snake admired worldwide for its beauty and uniqueness. We will also look for the iconic “Pingo de Ouro” (Brachycephalus), a tiny golden frog endemic to this region, whose bright coloration and rarity make it a symbol of the hidden treasures of the Atlantic Forest. These species, found nowhere else on Earth, highlight the global importance of this biome and the privilege of exploring it up close.
This workshop will focus on teaching you the specific skills related to macro photography with and without flash, with macro lenses and telephoto lenses. This not just a photo tour, you can expect your macro photography skills to improve dramatically as two photographers teach you about exposure, focus, fieldcraft, composition, post processing and so much more!
What's Included
What's Included
- Pre-workshop Zoom session for prep and Q&A
- Pre-workshop videos for Part 2: Fieldcraft Mentorship
- Accommodations for 7 nights (base price for double occupancy)
- Transportation to and from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) and during the workshop within Jackson Hole and Grand Teton NP
- In-field instruction focusing on OM System winter landscape and wildlife photography
- In-field post processing training for landscape and wildlife photography
- Post-workshop Zoom image critique
Mastering Macro Photography with OM System
Lee and Ramon have created a workshop to help you master macro photography!
- Learn the foundational elements of macro photography with macro and telephoto lenses.
- Program a custom mode(s) on your OM System camera for macro.
- Learn how to maximize your autofocus for macro photography.
- Learn how to use manual exposure mode for macro photography.
- Learn how to use TTL and manual flash exposure settings.
- Learn how to use supplemental lighting for macro photography.
- Learn how to use a wide angle lens for creative macro images.
- Learn how to photograph reptiles, amphibians, and insects during the day and night.
- Learn how to compose your macro images for maximum visual impact.
This workshop will primarily teach you macro photography with macro and telephoto lenses, flash, supplemental lighting, and natural light.
Workshop Itinerary
Day One
Day One
Arrival Day
- Participants Should Fly Overnight to Sau Paulo Or Brasilia and then catch an afternoon flight to Ilheus. We recommend a minimum of three hours between flights in Sau Paulo or Brasilia.
- Travel to Trilha do Pequi Preto for opening dinner and spend the night.
Day Two
Day Two
Trilha do Pequi Preto | Lagoa e Riacho
Afternoon to Night (15:30–22:30):
- Start with a late-afternoon trail at the headquarters of PESC,
- bordering a lagoon and a small stream.
- Level: Easy
- Habitat: Floodplain forest and aquatic margin zones.
- Likely observations: Lachesis muta (Surucucu-pico-de-jaca), Bothrops jararaca, and diverse amphibians active at dusk.
Dinner (21:00): At the lodge or field-style if activity remains high.
- Overnight: PESC headquarters.
Day Three
Day Three
Estrada da Tibina | Lago de Floresta (Setor Sul do PESC)
Afternoon to Night (15:30–23:00):
- Trail along an old forest road leading to a forest lake in the southern sector of PESC.
- Level: Easy technical
- Habitat: Terra firma forest near aquatic systems.
- Likely observations: Lachesis muta, aquatic turtles, forest cockroaches, and amphibians vocalizing along the lake
- margins.
Dinner (21:30): Picnic-style or after return, depending on activity.
Overnight: PESC southern sector field base.
Day Four
Day Four
Jardim dos Beija-Flores | Serra Central do PESC (Pingo de Ouro Day)
Morning (07:00–11:00):
- Early hike in montane forest to search for Atelopus sp. “pingo de ouro”, active during daylight hours.
- Level: Moderate technical
- Habitat: Serra and rocky stream systems in the central region of PESC.
- Likely observations: Atelopus sp. (yellow morph), Bothrops bilineatus smaragdinus, and diurnal reptiles.
Lunch (12:00): In the field or at headquarters.
Estrada da Tibina | Lago de Floresta (Setor Sul do PESC)
Afternoon to Night (15:30–23:00):
- Trail along an old forest road leading to a forest lake in the southern sector of PESC.
- Level: Easy technical
- Habitat: Terra firme forest near aquatic systems.
- Likely observations: Lachesis muta, aquatic turtles, forest cockroaches, and amphibians vocalizing along the lake margins.
Dinner (21:30): Picnic-style or after return, depending on activity.
Overnight: PESC southern sector field base
Day Five
Day Five
Trilha do Mangue Branco | APA Itacaré–Serra Grande
Afternoon to Night (16:00–22:00):
- Trail through mangrove–forest transition zones connecting the APA Itacaré–Serra Grande region.
- Level: Easy
- Habitat: Coastal forest ecotone with swampy patches.
- Likely observations: Snakes, amphibians, spiders, and occasional mammals.
Dinner (21:00): Riverside restaurant or lodge.
Overnight: Itacaré region.
Day Six, Seven & Eight
Day Six, Seven & Eight
Trilha do Pequi Preto | Lagoa e Riacho
Afternoon to Night (15:30–22:30):
- Start with a late-afternoon trail at the headquarters of PESC, bordering a lagoon and a small stream.
- Level: Easy
- Habitat: Floodplain forest and aquatic margin zones.
- Likely observations: Lachesis muta (Surucucu-pico-dejaca), Bothrops jararaca, and diverse amphibians active at dusk.
Dinner (21:00): At the lodge or field-style if activity remains high.
Overnight: PESC headquarters.
Day Nine
Day Nine
Morning Macro, Travel to Ilheus for Afternoon Flights Home
- Breakfast
- Morning Macro Photography on Grounds
- Finish Packing
- Departure to Ilhéus for afternoon flights home
- Flights should be no earlier than 3:00 PM departure
Workshop Highlights
Learn from an OM System Ambassador & Local Photographer
Lee has served as an OM System Ambassador since April 2019! Ramon is a professional biologist and photographer who has explored many areas of Brazil!
Learn How to Maximize Your Camera Settings for Macro Photography
Program a custom mode or modes for macro so that you quickly access the important settings for Autofocus, exposure, using flash, computational features like focus stacking or focus bracketing, and so much more!
Pre and Post Workshop Zoom Meetings to Facilitate the Learning Process
This workshop includes a group pre-workshop zoom meeting to help you prepare for the trip by discussing clothing, camera gear, accessories, travel suggestions, and more. It also includes a post workshop group zoom meeting for an image critique discussion for those who opt to share images for critique. Both sessions will be recorded and provided for repeated viewing.
Workshop is Located in an Area Where other Photographers Don't Go!
The state of Bahia offers some of the last remaining Atlantic rainforest habitat in Brazil! The macro photographer will discover some very rare and rarely photographed species!
Dates
The dates for the workshop are January 13 - 21, 2027.
Group Size
Minimum Number of Participants is 5, Maximum is 8.
Pricing
The price of the workshop is $6,249.00 with a $540.00 single supplement. The total is paid in full upon registration.*See sections above and below for what is included and not included.
Base Lodging
We will stay in basic lodging in towns near our destinations.
Meals
All meals from lunch on the first day, until breakfast on the final day is included.
Transportation
Participants will be greeted at the lhéus (IOS – Jorge Amado Airport) and transportation from the airport, during the workshop and the return trip to the airport.
Nearest Airport
Participants will need to fly into lhéus (IOS – Jorge Amado Airport). See below for note on airline travel.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting
The pre-workshop Zoom Meeting will be Wednesday, October 1st at 7:00 PM CST/8:00 PM EST. Participants will receive an email with the link within one week of the date of the meeting.
Air Transportation
Coming Soon!
Cancellation Policy
I no longer offer cancellations on my workshops. If the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is fully refundable minus a 15% cancellation fee.
We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons. Should cancellation be required due to severe weather, an alternate date will be scheduled at no additional charges.
No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.
We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. For insurance quotes and estimates visit www.travelex.com.
Post Workshop Image Critique
The post workshop image critique will be held via Zoom on February 10, 2027. Participants will receive an email with the meeting link following the workshop.
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