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Mastering Birds in Flight
Date: November 4 - 8, 2026
$1,949
Join Lee Hoy on South Padre Island in south Texas for an immersive workshop designed to help you master one of nature photography’s most rewarding challenges: Capturing Birds in Flight.
Photographing birds in flight is an exhilarating pursuit and one of the most technically demanding forms of photography. It requires sharp reflexes, complete command of your gear, and the ability to make split-second adjustments in unpredictable conditions. Without a proven system to guide you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and miss the shot entirely.
What's Included
What's Included
- Pre-workshop Zoom session for prep and Q&A
- Opening Dinner
- 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
5:00 p.m. - Meet at Holiday Inn & Express South Padre Island (6502 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas 78597) for introductions and workshop instructions.
6:00 p.m. - Opening Dinner (Included in Price)
Day Two
Day Two
5:00 a.m. - Depart for Morning Photo Session at South Padre Island Convention Center. This session will feature manual exposure methods, exposing to the right, and understanding our histogram. We will also address wind direction and lighting.
11:00 a.m. - Late Breakfast/Early Lunch in South Padre
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Mid-day break
1:30 p.m. - Post Processing Tips & Tricks (PhotoMechanic, Lightroom Classic, DxO PureRaw)
2:30 p.m. - Depart for South Padre Island Jetty. 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.
Day Three
Day Three
5:00 a.m. - Depart for South Padre Island Convention Center. 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
11:00 a.m. - Late Breakfast/Early Lunch in South Padre
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Mid-day break
2:00 p.m. - Depart for South Padre Island Jetty. We will review parts of the seven systems and also discuss composition elements for birds in flight photography.
Day Four
Day Four
5:00 a.m. - Depart for final session at South Padre Island Birding Center. This session will address challenging bird in flight situations.
9:30 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
South Padre Island, 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.
Dates
The dates for the workshops are November 5 – November 8, 2026. The workshop begins at 3:00 pm on the 5th and concludes at 9:30am on the 8th.
Group Size
Minimum Number of Participants is 8, Maximum is 12. Trip can be run at a lower size with increased trip fee.
Pricing
The price of the workshop is $1949.00 which is paid in full upon registration.*See section below for what is included and not included.
Base Lodging
The workshop leader(s) will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express in South Padre Island. This is where we will meet the first day.
Meals
The opening night’s meal (excluding alcohol) is included in the price of the event, all other meals are the responsibility of the participant.
Transportation
Participants are responsible for traveling to South Padre Island and then around the island during the workshop. We recommend participants carpool as willing and able.
Workshop Related Information
*The price of the workshop includes guide services, pre and post trip zoom meeting, and dinner on the opening night (Thursday, November 5th).
It does not include the following: transportation to and from South Padre Island, Texas; transportation around the island; alcoholic beverages; snacks; trip insurance (highly recommended); meals other than the opening dinner; airfare; entry fees to birding center, 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 South Padre Island Texas.
Pre-Workshop Zoom Meeting
The pre-workshop Zoom Meeting will be Wednesday, September 30th 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
Cancellations
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 November 18, 2026. Participants will receive an email with the meeting link following the workshop.
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