Practical Bird Photography Workshop
Shoot Smarter. Shoot Intentionally. Grow Confidence.
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African Raptor Centre
Join professional wildlife photographer Rory Baker for a practical, hands-on bird photography workshop at the African Raptor Centre in Tala Private Reserve. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience photographing birds, this workshop is designed to help you develop the technical skills and confidence needed to consistently create stronger, more intentional bird photographs.
This is not simply a photography talk. Throughout the morning you will learn about techniques in group sessions before immediately applying the techniques in the field under Rory's guidance. With access to a variety of magnificent raptors, you'll have the opportunity to practice photographing perched birds, birds in flight and birds within aviaries while receiving individual coaching and feedback.
No matter your current skill level, you'll leave with a better understanding of bird photography, improved confidence in your camera settings, and practical techniques you can immediately apply whenever you're photographing birds in the wild.
Confidence comes from understanding!
Investment
R400 per person
Excludes: Tala/Raptor Centre entrance fee.
Includes: Tea / Coffee and cookies.
What you will Learn
- Camera settings and auto focus
- Exposure and lighting
- Composition and backgrounds
- Birds on a perch, birds in flight and birds in an aviary
- Lightroom Classic workflow (Bonus Session)
Who Should Attend
Suitable for beginners through to experienced photographers. Whether you're photographing your first bird or refining your technique, you'll receive practical guidance throughout the morning.
Places are strictly limited to ensure everyone receives individual attention. Reserve your place today.
It's not about the camera—it's about understanding how to use it. Whatever camera system you own, you'll learn practical techniques that will help you create sharper, more compelling bird photographs.
If you're unsure how the auto focus or tracking system works on your particular camera, please send me the make and model before the workshop. I'll have the relevant manual on hand and will be happy to help you configure your camera during the day so you can get the best possible performance during the practical sessions.
What you should Bring
This workshop is suitable for:
- Camera - the one in your bag is the best one.
- Telephoto lens (recommended).
- Spare battery.
- Empty memory cards.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Hat and sunscreen.
No matter your current skill level, you'll leave with a better understanding of bird photography, improved confidence in your camera settings, and practical techniques you can immediately apply whenever you're photographing birds in the wild.
Workshop Overview
Early Morning (Optional)
Participants are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the wildlife and bird photography opportunities that Tala Private Reserve offers before the workshop begins.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the wildlife and bird photography opportunities that Tala Private Reserve offers before the workshop begins.
9:30 am: Welcome at the African Raptor Centre
Meet at the African Raptor Centre where tea and coffee will be available. Jacqui and the team from the African Raptor Centre will welcome the group and introduce the important conservation work carried out by the centre. This session will also include a comprehensive safety briefing covering the correct behaviour around birds of prey and the procedures that all photographers are required to follow throughout the morning.
Meet at the African Raptor Centre where tea and coffee will be available. Jacqui and the team from the African Raptor Centre will welcome the group and introduce the important conservation work carried out by the centre. This session will also include a comprehensive safety briefing covering the correct behaviour around birds of prey and the procedures that all photographers are required to follow throughout the morning.
9:45 am – 2:30 pm: Photography Presentation and Photographs
Participants will have the opportunity throughout the workshop to photograph a variety of birds housed within the aviaries. Rory will provide demonstrations and individual assistance where necessary.
Practical Session - Birds in Flight Session
Practical Session - Vulture Feeding Experience
The workshop concludes with the Raptor Centre's impressive vulture feeding. This provides a unique opportunity to photograph dramatic interactions, behaviour, wing displays and environmental images while putting into practice everything learned during the morning. Rory will continue assisting participants throughout this final session.
Rory will present an interactive session focused on core principles that apply across three birding scenarios, while highlighting the differences between them:
✅️ Birds in Flight
✅️ Birds on a Perch
✅️ Birds in a Cage
The core principles will include:
➡️ Camera Setup
➡️ Auto Focus
➡️ Exposure & Light
➡️ Composition & Camera Position
➡️ Practical Field Techniques
After the presentation we will start the practical photography sessions:
Practical Session - Birds in Aviaries
Participants will have the opportunity throughout the workshop to photograph a variety of birds housed within the aviaries. Rory will provide demonstrations and individual assistance where necessary.
Practical Session - Birds in Flight Session
One of the highlights of the morning. The African Raptor Centre's magnificent birds in flight, providing outstanding opportunities to practice flight photography. Rory will coach participants throughout the session - expect plenty of opportunities to refine your technique and improve your success rate.
Practical Session - Vulture Feeding Experience
The workshop concludes with the Raptor Centre's impressive vulture feeding. This provides a unique opportunity to photograph dramatic interactions, behaviour, wing displays and environmental images while putting into practice everything learned during the morning. Rory will continue assisting participants throughout this final session.
2:15 pm - Wrap Up
We will get together at the end for a short wrap up and Q&A session to answer any questions.
BONUS SESSION - Post Processing
All participants will be invited to an Online Post Processing Session using Lightroom Classic. During this session Rory will discuss the following:
- Evaluate images for sharpness, exposure and composition.
- Selecting your strongest images.
- Simple Lightroom Classic techniques to enhance colour, detail and impact.
- Developing an efficient workflow from capture to finished image.
