Amazon Rainforest Macro Photography Workshops

August 1-10, 2009; January 24-February 2, 2010

Length: 10 Full Days

Instructor: Paul S. Hamilton, PhD

Levels: Intermediate to Professional

Subjects: Frogs, Insects, Lizards, Snakes, and More

Location: Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador

Fees: $2,600 ($2,300 for currently enrolled students)

Maximum Enrollment: 8

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New: See our gallery from the latest workshop.

Join us for a unique experience with a tour documenting the diversity of frogs, lizards, snakes, and insects with macro photography in the Amazon Rainforest. This workshop will focus on methods for working with wildlife, creativity, photographic equipment and technique, as well as scientific and environmental applications of photography. We believe that photography is a central means for both documenting biological diversity and conveying the natural beauty and value of nature to the world. Come with us for this once in a lifetime adventure in a wild corner of the wildest ecosystem on Earth: the Amazon Rainforest.

Expeditions are led by Paul S. Hamilton, PhD, an ecologist who applies photography in both scientific and artistic realms. His work has been featured in numerous publications, and his artwork is displayed in the homes of over 100 clients. He has been traveling to and capturing images of Ecuador for the past 8 years.

The photos you are viewing were all taken by Paul at our study sites for this workshop. Jatun Sacha and Tiputini are two world-class research stations featuring some of greatest biodiversity on Earth. Jatun Sacha is home to some 170 species of reptile and amphibian. In fact, every hike in the forest yields a new species of animal for even the most experienced naturalists. Some of these animals are indeed new to science as a whole. At Tiputini, larger animals may be spotted, such as Anacondas and Black Caiman. As a diversion, we will have the opportunity to do a "river float": jumping in the Tiputini River with life preservers and floating downstream for an afternoon. Macaws and toucans, and up to 12 species of monkey can be seen along the way! There will be opportunities to photograph these tougher subjects as well. We will be traveling by chartered busses and canoes throughout the expedition.

We will also be visiting parts of Quito and the highlands, including a day trip to Otavalo, with its indigenous craft markets and stunning montane landscapes.

Best of all, about half of your registration fees go directly back into our organization to help with our important work in conservation ecology.

Requirements

This workshop is offered to intermediate to advanced and professional photographers. A recommended outfit includes a DSLR with a "true" macro lens (1:1 magnification ratio), as well as a macro ring or twin flash or light. Other helpful items are a good telephoto lens (>300mm, f4.0 or lower), wide angle (<14mm) lens, digital slave flash, lightweight tripod and laptop computer. We will have a light box available for some studio work, but most of the work is done in the forest, often with the subject in situ, without even touching it.

Travel

All necessary on-the-ground expenses are covered, but participants must pay for and arrange their own transportation to Quito, Ecuador. We will plan on picking you up at the airport on the first day of the expedition and dropping you off on the last. If you wish to arrive early or stay late, advance arrangements can be made. US citizens need a current passport to travel to Ecuador that is valid for at least six months past your return date. Residents of other countries should inquire as to the most current travel requirements. You are advised to carry traveler's insurance which, at a minimum, covers both equipment loss and medical evacuation coverage. You are also advised to consult with a medical professional to discuss health risks associated with travel to Ecuador.

We take a maximum of eight participants per trip, so sign up soon!

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