Sunset on Elkhorn Slough: A Photography Excursion with Looking Glass (Mar 21)
Sunset on Elkhorn Slough: A Photography Excursion with Looking Glass (Mar 21)
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Sunset Wildlife Photography on Elkhorn Slough (Spring Edition)
Join us for an unforgettable spring sunset wildlife photography experience in the breathtaking Elkhorn Slough—one of California’s most biologically rich estuaries. As winter gives way to longer days and softer evenings, spring brings renewed energy to the Slough, making this a particularly rewarding time to be on the water with a camera.
This immersive evening blends photography, nature, and expert guidance—ideal for photographers who want to experience the subtle shift from daylight to dusk as the ecosystem transitions into evening.
A Three-Part Experience
Session 1 – March 16th (Monday Pre-Trip Prep, 5:30pm-6:30pm via Zoom)
We’ll begin with a preparation session covering camera settings, lens choices, and strategies for working with spring light and wildlife behavior—especially as conditions change quickly near sunset.
Session 2 – March 21 (Saturday Evening Sunset Cruise, 6:00–7:30pm)
We’ll meet in Moss Landing for a 1.5-hour cruise through Elkhorn Slough aboard an electric-powered catamaran. Spring evenings offer gentler contrast and clearer air, with light that lingers and gradually softens. Sunset occurs around 7:20pm, placing us on the water during the full transition from late-afternoon glow into dusk.
As the sun lowers, reflections stretch across calm channels, colors deepen, and the Slough takes on a quieter, more intimate presence. This is an especially compelling moment for photography—where layered light, silhouettes, and subtle motion come together naturally.
March is an active and expressive time in the estuary. Sea otters raft and forage, harbor seals haul out nearby, pelicans and shorebirds move through feeding patterns, and herons, egrets, and raptors take advantage of the last light of day. The mood is lively but unhurried—offering opportunities for images that feel both expansive and quietly observant.
Session 3 – March 29th (Sunday Post-Trip Image Review, 10:00am via Zoom)
We’ll wrap up with a group image review to share photographs, celebrate moments that stood out, and reflect on the experience together.
Why We’re Excited
-
Small Group Experience – A private charter for 12 photographers on a 32-passenger boat means room to move, flexibility, and unobstructed views as light and activity evolve.
-
Expert Guidance – Learn alongside experienced photo instructors and California naturalists who help you anticipate behavior and respond confidently to changing conditions.
-
Eco-Friendly & Ethical – As certified Wildlife Stewards with Sea Otter Savvy, and aboard a quiet electric vessel, we prioritize respect for wildlife and habitat.
-
No Seasickness Worries – The Slough’s protected waters offer a smooth, stable ride—ideal for handheld shooting as light fades.
Know Before You Go
-
Location: Moss Landing, CA (approximately a 2-hour drive from the Berkeley area)
-
Departure Time: Carefully timed with tides and sunset
-
What to Bring: Camera, binoculars, and layered clothing for cooling spring evenings
-
Weekend Tip: A Saturday sunset pairs beautifully with dinner or an overnight stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz—an easy way to turn this into a relaxed coastal escape.
Cancellations for a refund must be received 7 days prior to the pre-trip Zoom date of March 16th
Description
Description
Sunset Wildlife Photography on Elkhorn Slough (Spring Edition)
Join us for an unforgettable spring sunset wildlife photography experience in the breathtaking Elkhorn Slough—one of California’s most biologically rich estuaries. As winter gives way to longer days and softer evenings, spring brings renewed energy to the Slough, making this a particularly rewarding time to be on the water with a camera.
This immersive evening blends photography, nature, and expert guidance—ideal for photographers who want to experience the subtle shift from daylight to dusk as the ecosystem transitions into evening.
A Three-Part Experience
Session 1 – March 16th (Monday Pre-Trip Prep, 5:30pm-6:30pm via Zoom)
We’ll begin with a preparation session covering camera settings, lens choices, and strategies for working with spring light and wildlife behavior—especially as conditions change quickly near sunset.
Session 2 – March 21 (Saturday Evening Sunset Cruise, 6:00–7:30pm)
We’ll meet in Moss Landing for a 1.5-hour cruise through Elkhorn Slough aboard an electric-powered catamaran. Spring evenings offer gentler contrast and clearer air, with light that lingers and gradually softens. Sunset occurs around 7:20pm, placing us on the water during the full transition from late-afternoon glow into dusk.
As the sun lowers, reflections stretch across calm channels, colors deepen, and the Slough takes on a quieter, more intimate presence. This is an especially compelling moment for photography—where layered light, silhouettes, and subtle motion come together naturally.
March is an active and expressive time in the estuary. Sea otters raft and forage, harbor seals haul out nearby, pelicans and shorebirds move through feeding patterns, and herons, egrets, and raptors take advantage of the last light of day. The mood is lively but unhurried—offering opportunities for images that feel both expansive and quietly observant.
Session 3 – March 29th (Sunday Post-Trip Image Review, 10:00am via Zoom)
We’ll wrap up with a group image review to share photographs, celebrate moments that stood out, and reflect on the experience together.
Why We’re Excited
-
Small Group Experience – A private charter for 12 photographers on a 32-passenger boat means room to move, flexibility, and unobstructed views as light and activity evolve.
-
Expert Guidance – Learn alongside experienced photo instructors and California naturalists who help you anticipate behavior and respond confidently to changing conditions.
-
Eco-Friendly & Ethical – As certified Wildlife Stewards with Sea Otter Savvy, and aboard a quiet electric vessel, we prioritize respect for wildlife and habitat.
-
No Seasickness Worries – The Slough’s protected waters offer a smooth, stable ride—ideal for handheld shooting as light fades.
Know Before You Go
-
Location: Moss Landing, CA (approximately a 2-hour drive from the Berkeley area)
-
Departure Time: Carefully timed with tides and sunset
-
What to Bring: Camera, binoculars, and layered clothing for cooling spring evenings
-
Weekend Tip: A Saturday sunset pairs beautifully with dinner or an overnight stay in Monterey or Santa Cruz—an easy way to turn this into a relaxed coastal escape.
Cancellations for a refund must be received 7 days prior to the pre-trip Zoom date of March 16th
