Amazon Rainforest Macro
Photography Workshops

See BiodiversityPhotography.org for information on our photography workshops!

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New: See photo galleries for our 2009 January and July workshops.

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 digital photography 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.

We hold our workshops in several locations on and around the Napo River, the largest tributary of the Amazon River in Ecuador. We will have access to 2,200 hectares of wild rainforest and miles of river systems to explore by foot, vehicle and boat. We will work in the field and studio, and have opportunities to photograph morning, noon, and night. We provide our participants with green accommodations with comfortable beds, hot showers and gourmet food.

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 10 years.

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

Level of Instruction and Gear

*This workshop is best suited to intermediate to advanced and professional photographers. Beginner-level photographers may participate, but will be best served by taking an optional day-long crash course in Quito before the trip departs for the rainforest (contact us for details). Current students may receive college credit through their own institutions as well as a discount on workshop fees.

A recommended outfit includes a DSLR with a "true" macro lens (1:1 magnification ratio), as well as a macro ring flash, ring light, or twin flash. Other helpful items are a good telephoto lens (>300mm, f4.0 or lower), wide angle (at least <17mm) lens, digital slave flash, lightweight tripod and laptop computer. We will have a light box available for some studio work, but often the work is done in the forest, often with the subject in situ, without even touching it. For the scientifically inclined, we will offer instruction in photgraphic methods in herpetology and entomology.

Travel & Expenses

Cost: $2,300 ($2,100 for registered students)

Covered expenses: Airport shuttle, ground transportation in Ecuador, double accommodations for 8 nights (single room supplement $300), catered meals in Ecuador, services of instructors, guides and assistants.

Not covered: Transportation to Quito, Ecuador; alcoholic beverages, tips.

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!