Bosque Del Apache Tour
December 5-8, 2021 - Only $450
Contact RADykstra.photo@gmail.com or 858-485-8199
to reserve your place on the tour.
We only accept PAYPAL(3% fee) Zelle, or check/cash.
* Some photos provided by California Wolf Center
Come join us for this wonderful opportunity to photography tens of thousands of wild animals and birds. Bosque Del Apache is a wildlife refuge developed along the upper Rio Grande river, to aid the migration of many species. Approximately 50,000 snow geese and 10,000 sand hill cranes migrate here each winter. These wetlands provide critical habitat, protection, and food for thousands of migrating waterfowl and a bewildering variety of wildlife. In addition to the geese and cranes, many species of ducks, hawks, eagles, blackbirds, ravens, coots, and other birds along with occasional mammals, such as mule deer, coyotes, bob cats, javelina and jackrabbits are seen regularly and up-close. All this and landscape photography locations. BTW, the sunsets are amazing!
Additionally you will receive expert instructions on how to use a digital camera. A week prior to the event we will include an instruction session via Zoom meeting. I'll go over the operation of your camera, with an emphasis on photographing birds in flight, and other wildlife. You will learn about exposure and metering modes, how to best use the focus features of your camera, and what to look for compositionally-wise to create the images you will be proud to hang on your wall. Then each day we will go out on two separate wildlife drives, looking to find the inhabitants of the area. Randy will also guide you to some of the better viewing locations and always be on the lookout for photographic opportunities. You can use this time to ask questions, gather guidance or unique tips to advance your skills and hone your techniques. After the first full day of shooting, time permitting we'll arrange a time and place where you can bring your photos and get reviews, tips or more guidance on how to improve them or just general applause for a job well done!
We will meet the evening of Dec 5th in the hotel, to go over logistical details for the rest of the event.
I have 10 hotel rooms reserved. Cost TBD for now. should be approx $65 per night.(+taxes/fee)
Itinerary:
Prior to trip I will conduct a Zoom meeting to go over all information and photography instruction
Day 1 Transportation to Socorro New Mexico. Meet at 7pm to get next morning's information.
Day 2 Meet for quick breakfast at 5:45-6:00 am. We need to be on site no later than 6:30 am
- Locate and setup for the best opportunity to photograph the morning "blast off".
- Afterwards we'll will take a leisurely tour of the refuge and search for various wildlife. Randy will provide two-way radios so you can hear him provide tips and point out photo opportunities.
- Each day prior or after lunch Randy will allow you the opportunity to have a one hour, One on One session in the field. (this may be limited due to Covid)
- Mid-day free time for lunch or to explore more on your own. (try the Owl Bar & Cafe)
- Meet at visitors center at 3:30pm to look for more wildlife and find a sunset location for golden hour.
Day 3 Meet for quick breakfast at 5:45-6:00 am.
- Once again find the best opportunity to photograph the morning "blast off".
- Continue our search for various wildlife. (may separate into more focused interest groups)
- Opportunities to have One on One session in the field with Randy (this may be limited due to Covid)
- Mid-day free time. 2:00pm meet at hotel for photo review and sharing session.
- Leave hotel at 3:30pm to look for more wildlife and find a sunset location for golden hour.
Day 4 Meet for breakfast 5:45-6:00 am and go to site by 6:30
- Once again find the best opportunity to photograph the morning "blast off".
- Final farewell as tour ends, however,...
- You may continue to search for various wildlife. (on your own or with me as I typically will focus on a single subject and may be in a wait and wait some more mode)
Recommended equipment:
DSLR camera - Lens min 200mm or longer (500mm is better)
Tripod or monopod. Especially for early morning and late afternoon sessions.
Tour Excludes:
- Ground transportation, lodging, food and personal items and any parking fees. (if applicable)
- Optional Hotel package will be available with Group rates. TBA
- National refuge pass ($5 per day)
(unless you have an annual "America the Beautiful" pass)
-Gratuities
Directions and additional materials will be provided after sign up
- Your are responsible for any personal accidents or incidents during event and/or transportation to and from site.
Workshop Includes:
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Camera modes, exposure settings, and autofocus options.
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Understanding “Creative” settings, depth of field, Hyperfocal distance
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Discussion of compositional elements, techniques and concerns
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Wildlife shooting issues, timing, behaviors
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In addition, Randy will be available to answer questions share tips, tricks and suggestions as applicable or on request. He will be available to assist, support and answer any questions and can help you by reviewing specific photos if requested.
Costs: - $450 Includes
- Instructional session.
- 50+ page presentation (free pdf available) - Tips and information about photographing Wildlife.
- Guidance and instruction throughout the refuges
- 1 hour one on one session with Randy to go over photography techniques or skills requested
- Optional share and learn session (some lightroom instructional tips included) (may occur over dinner, or lunch)
- All permits.
$200 non-refundable deposit required to reserve spot.
Balance is due 60 days prior to trip.
(note for all PayPal transactions, an added fee of 3%+$.50 is added to base price)
If you would like to eliminate Paypal fees, I also accept Zelle, via your banking app.
(contact me for proper total amount) Use radykstra.photo@gmail.com to identify my account
Send Deposit Now!
Pay Balance Due
Contact me to sign up for this trip.
* Payments are by PayPal(3%+$0.50 fee) or check/cash. (subject to clearing)
Refund Policy: Reservation deposit is Non-Refundable. Full payment due 90 days prior to event. 50% refund (minus any credit card/Paypal charges) is available up to 60 days prior to event. 25% refund (minus any credit card/Paypal charges). is available up to 30 days prior to event. 30 days or less No Refund available, unless very critical circumstances as determined by the seller, and only if spot can be filled by another participant.
You can sell your spot to another person up to 1 week prior, for a $50 fee. RADykstra Photography (here-forth RAD) reserves the right to cancel any event or activity due to insufficient registration or any unforeseen circumstances. RAD will offer refunds for our cost only (minus Paypal fees and $15 service fee) if RAD has to cancel the event. No other costs such as transportation or other reservations are covered. RAD recommends travel insurance. World Nomads or Allianz are two good sources. Note: no refunds for bad weather. We do all we can to get as much photography as possible given the weather conditions, but we will not place anyone in harms way by going outdoors in harsh weather as determined by guide