Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop
Come join me on an amazing adventure to one of the most biologically diverse locations on the planet, Costa Rica. Here we will spend our time learn a variety of different camera techniques and skills as we photograph scarlet macaws, cormorants, kingfishers, hummingbirds, caimans, lizards, monkeys, turtles, toucans, tanagers, honeycreepers, parrots, and much much more. If you are looking for a wildlife photography workshop that provides you the opportunity to photograph some of the most colorful and amazing wildlife species on the planet while learning how to be a better photographer, this workshop is geared just for you!
Trip Dates
January 7th – 15th, 2024
Tuition Costs
$4850
Group Size
8
Difficulty Level
Easy
Important Details: Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop
- To join this workshop you will start your adventure by booking a flight to and from the Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO) on any major airline.
- From there we will pick you up in our private bus to begin our amazing wildlife adventure.
- Throughout this adventure, we will provide you with a mixture of wildlife photography opportunities which include finding a variety of species organically in their own natural environments, photographing birds from man-made perches & feeders, and macro night photography excursions.
- My team and I will work with you to make sure you learn to master a variety of different wildlife focused techniques such as photographing birds in flight, shooting in low light situations, expanding your plane of focus, understanding AF tracking, macro photography skills using both natural and artificial light and much more…
- While the workshop starts and ends in San Jose, giving you the opportunity to visit a handful of different Costa Rican providences throughout our time in this amazing country.
- Our night photography excursions will offer amazing opportunities to photograph a mixture of poison dart frogs, lizards, owls, insects, and even bats. They are truly a highlight of this trip!
- This trip is gear to photographers of every different skill level, from beginners to professionals. We will work hard to make sure we meet you on your level, answering each of your questions when we are out in the field as well as when we have some down time at our hotels to focus on the post processing side of things.
What is Included?
- All Photography Instruction
- All Ground Transportation in Costa Rica
- All Accommodations in Costa Rica
- All Required Permits or Entrance Fees
- Most Breakfast Meals
What is Not Included?
- All Flights To & From Costa Rica
- Lunchs & Dinners, Snacks & Alcohol
- Travel Insurance Costs
- Any Gifts
- Tips for our Guides & Drivers
Payment for Costa Rica Wildlife Photography Workshop
If this workshop is sold out and you want to be notified if a spot opens up for this trip or any other, click HERE!
* please read the workshop F.A.Q. section on this page to learn more about visiting Costa Rica and check out our cancellation policies if you have any questions.
While many photography workshops in Costa Rica focus on the most touristed National Parks in the country, this workshop is different. Our time will be spent exploring 5 different Costa Rican Providences that offer some of the best-hidden gems in the country when it comes to wildlife experiences. Away from the crowds, you will have the unique opportunity to explore the lesser-traveled northern part of Costa Rica, making this workshop an incredible experience not matter if this is your first time to Central America or even if you have visited Costa Rica numerous times before.
Where in Costa Rica Are We Going?
- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
- Boca Tapada, San Carlos
- Sarapiqui, Costa Rica
- Quetzales National Park
- and much more...
What Is In Colby's Gear Bag For This Trip?
Cameras
Lenses
- Sony 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 GM or
- Sony 200-600 f/5.6-6.3 G
- Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM or Sony 600mm f/4 GM
- Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
Camera Bag
Tripod/Gimbal Head
Join the Workshop Waitlist to learn more about any upcoming adventures...
Join the Workshop Waitlist to learn more about any upcoming adventures...
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
A GREAT question! As a professional wildlife, landscape, and travel photographer for the last 18 years, I have been very fortunate to have worked all over the globe, both as a photographer and a photo instructor. I started my career working forNational Geographic as a photography instructor in South America and currently, I average around 10-15 workshops each year. I am a firm believer in an organic to teaching photography, which involves a mixture of technical, philosophical, and hands-on learning that gives you the best opportunity to make the most out of each of our workshops. Our goal is to meet you at your level and work together to help you achieve your goals.
The workshop begins on January 7th, 2024 in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO airport code). You would want to arrive in the early morning on the 7th or choose to fly in a day earlier to give yourself more time to adjust and get over any jetlag.
*Please confirm your flights with me before purchasing anything to make sure everything lines up
The workshop ends on January 15th, 2024 in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO airport code). I will drop everyone off either at the airport or at a hotel of your choice near the airport in the mid afternoon on the 15th.
*Please confirm your flights with me before purchasing anything to make sure everything lines up
For this workshop, you will fly in and out of the San Jose, Costa Rica Airport (SJO).
It is recommended by the Costa Rican government to purchase separate travel insurance before entering the country. I recommend THIS one or World Nomads.
We will be staying in comfortable 3 star and above accommodations throughout our time in Costa Rica. Our goal is to get you as close to the amazing wildlife as possible, which means we found accommodations that will put us right inside the jungle where we will be photographing each day.
Yes, your tuition fees as based on the idea that you will be sharing a room with another workshop client of the same sex. If you wish to have your own private room, that can be arranged for an additional $750 USD charge.
With the focus on wildlife photography, you will want to have a camera that is capable of shooting at high FPS (Frames Per Second). Additionally, using longer-telephoto lenses will allow you to fill more of the frame with your subjects. Refer to the “Gear” section above on this page for more information.
This workshop is not overly challenging in terms of physical activity involved. While we will have some walks/hikes in the jungle and forests, they are not overly challenging in terms of physical difficulty.
My goal is to have each of my clients feel safe, healthy, and comfortable throughout the workshop. We will abide by any local or federal COVID-19 regulations put out by the Costa Rican government.
To learn more about Colby Brown Photography workshops in general, please visit our FAQ page…
Meet Your Instructors & Guides
Colby Brown
Owner/Photographer/Author
Colby Brown is a photographer, photo educator and author based out of Eastern Pennsylvania. Specializing in landscape, travel and humanitarian photography, his photographic portfolio spans the four corners of the globe and all 7 continents. Not too long after picking up his first digital camera in 2006, Colby was leading workshops for National Geographic in South America, further spurring his love for both travel and photo education. In 2011, he founded The Giving Lens, an organization that blends photo education with support for various non-governmental organizations (NGO) and causes around the world, such as child education, clean drinking water projects, and women’s rights.
Testimonials
Just came back recently from an amazing photographers tour to Costa Rica, with Photographer Colby Brown. Even though I have quite a long experience as an armature photographer, this was my first such tour. What a first time experience, the trip was! The trip was perfectly organized with great planning and perfect timing placing us in the prefect spots with the perfect timing to get the best shots possible.(...)
No matter where I choose to travel with Colby Brown on a workshop, I always learn new tricks! Costa Rica was no exception. Despite all the concerns over Covid, I was never uncomfortable or felt at risk. I chose Costa Rica for the abundance of wildlife and the opportunity to take my macro photography to a new level with flash. Colby was patient and gave us so many opportunities to learn. We traveled to(...)
I really enjoyed the Costa Rica workshop. We went to some stunning locations and the trip was very varied - from boat trips along the river to rainforest walks, a butterfly sanctuary, nighttime outings and a trip into the mountains to see beautiful quetzals and hummingbirds. This was my first experience of macro photography and using a flash and having developed the skills it is something I look forward to(...)
Other Workshops Worth Checking Out!
Bolivia Astro Photography Workshop
Join me in Bolivia for an incredible adventure focuses on astro, landscape and wildlife photography as we explore the famous Salar de Uyuni with its glass like reflections as well as the high-altitude lagunas full of a variety of different species of Flamingos.
The Faroe Islands Photography Workshop
Join me next Summer as we explore one of the most remote and wild landscapes destinations left on the planet, the Faroe Islands. Between the incredible mountains, seascapes, waterfalls and hiking paths, now is the time to visit this amazing destination before it gets too popular like it's cousins Iceland & Norway.
Alaska Bald Eagle Photography Workshop
Come join me on an amazing adventure to Haines, Alaska to witness and photograph one of the largest gatherings of the American Bald Eagle on the planet. Every November, thousands of bald eagles descend upon the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in anticipation of the final salmon run in the region.
Discover Cuba
With this adventure, our focus will be on capturing the beauty of the Cuban people, culture, and architecture throughout the Island of Cuba. From the classic cars and ocean side highways in Havana to the cobblestone streets of Trinidad and everything in between. With so much uncertainty in the US/Cuban relationship, NOW is the time to go!
Wildlife Photography Workshop in Brazil Jaguars of the Pantanal
The Pantanal region of Brazil is known as the land of the Jaguar. Nowhere else on Earth is there a higher concentration of these elusive big cats than this remote region of Southern Brazil, close to the Southern Amazon Basin. In addition to Jaguars, you will see Caimen, Capybara and a wide assortment of birds.
Iceland Winter Photo Workshop – Ice Caves & Auroras
Winter in Iceland is one of those unique experiences that everyone should have at least once in their life. With this workshop, we will focus our time on the South of Iceland, focusing our time on Ice Caves, Northern Lights, and glaciers, but we will also photograph a number of waterfalls such as Gullfoss, Bruarfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogarfoss and more.
Patagonia Photography Workshop Adventure
April 12th - 21st, 2023
Patagonia is one of the most wild, beautiful & dramatic mountain ranges on the planet. We split our time between the incredible Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, home to both Cerro Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy.
Dolomites Photography Workshop
Come join us on an adventure of a lifetime to the amazing Italian Dolomites. We will photograph and explore incredible mountain peaks, beautiful reflected lakes and gorgeous fall colors as we move throughout one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No one wants to miss out on a trip of a life time…but things do happen. In those situations, the following applies…
The first thing to note is that deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable. In addition, all cancellations are subject to a minimum of a $150 service charge to cover PayPal transaction fees. In most situations, we ask for the remaining balance of a workshop is to be paid 120 days from the start of the workshop in question. If you wish to cancel within 120 days from the start of a workshop and we find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your deposit and the $150 processing fee) or transfer to another workshop with no penalties or fees.
If we don’t find someone to fill your spot, what does your refund window actually look like?
120 Days or More...
Your deposit will be transferable to another Colby Brown Photography Workshop without issue.
90 to 120 Days
You will receive a refund of 50% of the full tuition fees minus the non-refundable deposit.
Less Than 90 Days...
If you wish to cancel within 90 days of your workshop starting, you are not entitled to a refund.
