Mastering Birds in Flight
What's Included
What's Included
- Pre-workshop Zoom session for prep and Q&A
- In-field instruction focusing on all seven system elements
- Opening presentation to introduce the 7-step system
- Post-workshop Zoom image critique
7 Step System
That’s why Lee developed a simple yet powerful 7-step system to help you consistently create striking, award-worthy images. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to develop each of these seven critical elements:
- The Subject
- The Setting
- The Light
- The Autofocus
- The Drive Mode
- The Exposure
- The Composition
This system isn’t about following steps in order; it is about understanding how each element contributes to a compelling image. You’ll learn to master each element independently and apply it at various locations under any conditions. But under Lee’s expert guidance, you’ll improve your technique and gain confidence. His proven 7-step system gives you the tools to adapt, adjust, trust your instincts, and create imagery that reflects your growth and grit as a photographer.
Lee has taught these techniques worldwide, from the Galapagos Islands to Iceland, Zimbabwe, India, Brazil, and Alaska. Now, he’s bringing this knowledge home to Texas, offering a unique opportunity to learn at one of North America’s most visited birding destinations.
Workshop Itinerary
Day One
Day One
3:00 p.m. - Meet at Holiday Inn & Express in Port Aransas (727 Eleventh St, Port Aransas, TX 78373) for introductions and workshop instructions
3:30 p.m. - Depart for Evening Photo Session at Port Aransas Jetty (Participants will need to purchase a beach parking pass at a local gas station). This session will feature manual exposure methods, exposing to the right, and understanding our histogram. We will also address wind direction and lighting.
Day Two
Day Two
7:00 a.m. - Depart for Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. This session will address autofocus techniques such as bump autofocus, bird tracking AF, autofocus point configuration, type of AF, back-button AF, and miscellaneous AF settings.
11:30 a.m. - Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 PM - Mid-day break
3:00 p.m. - Post Processing Tips & Tricks (Lightroom Classic, DxO Pure Raw 3, Silver Effex Pro 3)
5:00 p.m. - Depart for Port Aransas Beach. This session will continue to build upon the prior two sessions and will also discuss drive modes and frames per second, viewfinder refresh rates, and content
Day Three
Day Three
7:00 a.m. - Depart for Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture. This session will discuss elements of composition in bird in flight photography.
11:30 a.m. - Lunch in Port Aransas
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Mid-day break.
3:00 p.m. - Meet at the Holiday Inn & Express in Port Aransas for a voluntary Photo Critique.
5:00 p.m. - Depart for Port Aransas Beach & Jetty
Day Four
Day Four
7:00 a.m. - Depart for final session at LeonabelleTurnbull Birding Center. This session will address challenging bird in flight situations.
10:00 a.m. - Workshop Concludes/Depart for Home
Workshop Highlights
Learn from an OM System Ambassador
Lee has served as an OM System Ambassador since April 2019!
Learn the Seven Part System for Birds in Flight
This system is designed to help the beginner, intermediate, and advanced nature photographer in expanding their preparation, skill and patience so that they capture more visually compelling bird in flight images.
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.
Easy Destination with Many Birds to Photograph
Port Aransas, Texas is a great destination at this time of year. The weather is more mild, the birds are numerous and the locations are not overly challenging.
Trip Video of Highlights will be Provided
The workshop will be recorded through and a trip highlight video will be provided to all participants post workshop!
Workshop Related Information
*The price of the workshop includes guide services, pre and post trip zoom meeting, post workshop highlight video, and dinner on the opening night (Thursday, October 30th).
It does not include the following: transportation to and from Port Aransas; transportation around the island; alcoholic beverages; snacks; trip insurance (highly recommended); meals other than the opening dinner; airfare; beach parking permit; lodging; and any other cost not specifically stated in what is included.
The participant may select any lodging of their choice, the workshop leader(s) will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Port Aransas, Texas. The cost of the beach parking permit is $12 dollars.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting
The pre-workshop Zoom Meeting will be Wednesday, September 3rd, 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
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation on or before July 29th the participant will receive a full refund. Cancellation after July 29th will result in forfeiture of the entire price of the workshop.
Post Workshop Image Critique
The post workshop image critique will be held via Zoom on November 12, 2025. Participants will receive an email with the meeting link following the workshop.