Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for anyone with a passion for wildlife, nature, and conservation. Whether you're an enthusiastic beginner looking to improve your photography or an experienced photographer seeking unique wildlife opportunities, you'll receive personalized instruction throughout the week.

Because our group is limited to just eight photographers, I'm able to tailor instruction to each participant's goals and experience level.

How physically demanding is the workshop?

This workshop is an immersive tropical photography experience that takes place entirely in the field. Participants should be comfortable spending long days outdoors in warm, humid rainforest conditions while carrying their own camera equipment.

Our schedule is designed around wildlife activity rather than a typical vacation itinerary. Expect several early mornings for birding and wildlife photography, along with multiple evening and nighttime excursions in search of frogs, reptiles, insects, mammals, and other nocturnal rainforest species. Some night hikes may last several hours and can include walking on uneven trails, through shallow streams, or along riverbeds.

Field conditions vary depending on weather and wildlife activity. You should be prepared for muddy trails, heavy rain, stream crossings, and hiking on uneven terrain. Photographing wildlife often requires patience and flexibility, which may mean kneeling, sitting, or lying on the forest floor for macro photography, or entering ponds and wetlands to safely photograph amphibians during explosive breeding events. Depending on conditions, this may involve standing in water anywhere from ankle-deep to waist- or even chest-deep.

Recreational opportunities throughout the week may also include hiking and swimming in rainforest rivers during free time.

While the workshop is designed to be enjoyable and accessible to most active participants, you should be comfortable hiking several miles each day, carrying your camera gear, and spending extended periods outdoors in a tropical environment. If you have questions about whether the physical demands are a good fit for you, please don't hesitate to contact me—I'm happy to discuss the itinerary and help you determine whether this experience is right for you.

What camera equipment should I bring?

Most modern interchangeable-lens cameras are excellent for this workshop. You do not need the most expensive equipment to create outstanding photographs.

Recommended equipment includes:

  • Mirrorless or DSLR camera

  • Wide-angle lens (15–35mm or similar)

  • Mid-range zoom (24–105mm or similar)

  • Telephoto lens (100–500mm or similar)

  • Macro lens (highly recommended)

  • Flash and accessories

  • Extra batteries and memory cards

  • Lightweight tripod

  • Rain protection for your gear

A complete packing list will be provided after registration.

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?

Absolutely.

Photography instruction is personalized throughout the week, and participants range from enthusiastic hobbyists to experienced professionals.

Whether you're learning manual exposure or refining advanced wildlife techniques, you'll receive guidance appropriate to your experience level.

Do I need a macro lens?

Yes—if you have one.

Nighttime macro photography is one of the highlights of this workshop, and we will spend several evenings photographing rainforest wildlife after dark. Much of this work is best accomplished using flash, and we'll cover both on-camera and off-camera flash techniques throughout the week.

Don't worry if you've never used flash before. I'll provide plenty of hands-on instruction covering everything from basic flash settings and diffusion to more advanced lighting techniques for frogs, reptiles, insects, and other rainforest wildlife. Whether you're completely new to macro flash photography or looking to refine your skills, you'll have many opportunities to learn and practice in the field.

If you don't currently own a flash, feel free to contact me before the workshop. I'm happy to recommend equipment based on your camera system and experience level.

Are non-photographers welcome?

What kinds of wildlife will we photograph?

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Possible photographic subjects include:

  • Treefrogs and glassfrogs

  • Poison frogs

  • Snakes and lizards

  • Scarlet Macaws

  • Toucans

  • Hummingbirds

  • Monkeys

  • Anteaters

  • Butterflies and insects

  • Sea turtles (season permitting)

Because wildlife is wild, no particular species or behavior can ever be guaranteed. Our schedule is designed to maximize opportunities while always prioritizing animal welfare.

Will there be photography instruction?

Yes.

Throughout the workshop we'll cover topics including:

  • Camera settings

  • Wildlife behavior

  • Natural history

  • Composition

  • Lighting

  • Macro photography

  • Bird photography

  • Rainforest techniques

  • Image critique

  • Storytelling through photography

Because of the small group size, much of the instruction is informal and takes place while we're actively photographing wildlife.

Should I bring a flash?

No—but I highly recommend bringing one.

Many of Costa Rica's most iconic subjects—including frogs, insects, and reptiles—are best photographed with a dedicated macro lens.

If you don't own one, I'll gladly recommend rental options before the workshop.

What makes this workshop different?

This is more than a wildlife photography workshop—it's an immersive conservation experience.

As a Costa Rican-American wildlife photographer and conservation biologist, I've spent years conducting ecological research on the Osa Peninsula and working alongside scientists and conservation organizations dedicated to protecting one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Throughout the week, you'll learn not only how to create compelling wildlife photographs, but also the ecological stories behind the species we encounter and the conservation challenges they face.

We'll witness conservation in action by visiting active research and conservation programs, including sea turtle monitoring, rainforest restoration efforts, and other initiatives that protect the Osa Peninsula's extraordinary biodiversity. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to document the scientists, conservationists, and local communities working to preserve these remarkable ecosystems—a unique chance to practice conservation storytelling alongside wildlife photography.

Our field excursions are designed around some of the Osa's most extraordinary natural events. We'll search for colorful treefrogs, snakes, monkeys, macaws, insects, and countless other rainforest species during both day and night excursions. If conditions cooperate, we'll also experience one of Costa Rica's most spectacular wildlife phenomena: the explosive breeding of gliding treefrogs and other rainforest amphibians, where thousands of frogs converge on seasonal ponds over just a few unforgettable mornings.

Throughout the workshop, photography instruction is woven together with tropical ecology, natural history, and conservation science. Rather than simply chasing photographs, we'll learn how understanding animal behavior, ecological relationships, and conservation challenges leads to stronger images—and ultimately, more meaningful stories that inspire others to protect the natural world.

Absolutely!

While this experience is designed with photographers in mind, we also welcome nature enthusiasts who simply want to experience the incredible wildlife and conservation of the Osa Peninsula.

Whether your companion enjoys wildlife watching, tropical ecology, hiking, birding, or learning about conservation, they'll have the opportunity to experience much of what makes this trip so special. Throughout the week, we'll visit active conservation projects, learn from researchers and conservation practitioners, and explore one of the most biodiverse places on Earth through immersive field excursions.

Because photography instruction is woven throughout the experience, some educational sessions and field activities are designed specifically for photographers. However, companions are welcome to participate in the broader adventure whenever possible.

Availability for non-photographer participants is limited and may vary depending on lodging and transportation logistics. If you're interested in bringing a companion, please contact me before registering so we can discuss availability and pricing.

When should I book my flights?

Please wait until your registration has been accepted and your deposit has been received before purchasing international airfare.

Detailed arrival instructions and recommended flights will be included in your welcome packet.

What if I need to cancel?

Because workshop logistics require significant planning and advance commitments, cancellations are subject to our published Terms & Conditions.

The initial deposit is non-refundable, so I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage.

Please review the full Terms & Conditions for detailed cancellation policies.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended.

At a minimum, I encourage participants to have emergency medical coverage while traveling internationally. Coverage for trip cancellation, travel delays, emergency evacuation, and lost baggage or camera equipment can also provide valuable peace of mind.