Mastering Birds in Flight: A Three-Part Action Photography Workshop (Feb 5, 6 & 13)
Mastering Birds in Flight: A Three-Part Action Photography Workshop (Feb 5, 6 & 13)
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Description
Description
Led by wildlife photographer and longtime instructor Dave Strauss
Format: Classroom Lesson (Thursday, February 5 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm) → Field Session (Friday, February 6 from 8:15am to 9:45am) → Classroom Image Review (Friday, February 15 from 10:30am to 12:00pm)
Enrollment: Limited to 7 participants
Tuition: $199
Learn to Capture Sharp, Beautiful, Confident Images of Birds in Flight
Photographing birds in flight is one of the most rewarding challenges in photography — a blend of timing, technique, patience, and pure joy when everything comes together. In this immersive three-part workshop, wildlife photographer Dave Strauss teaches you how to reliably capture fast, dynamic subjects with clarity and intention.
You’ll learn the camera settings, focusing strategies, observation skills, and field techniques needed to create images that are sharply focused, well exposed, and full of life — whether you're photographing pelicans, terns, swallows, hawks, or even butterflies and dragonflies.
This class is designed for photographers who want to move beyond luck and start shooting with confidence, consistency, and a deeper understanding of action photography in the natural world.
How the Workshop Works
Session 1 — Classroom Lesson (1 hour)
A highly interactive introduction to the craft of photographing birds in flight.
You’ll learn:
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What makes BIF images succeed (and why many fail)
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The gear that truly matters (and what doesn’t)
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Focusing modes and settings for accuracy and speed
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Exposure settings that protect highlights and freeze motion
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How to frame, track, and anticipate movement
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How to work with natural light for dynamic results
Dave uses example images — both mistakes and successes — so you can clearly understand how to improve your own.
Session 2 — Field Session (1.5 hours)
Meet at a nearby, safe location (details shared after registration).
Here, you’ll practice in real-world conditions with Dave coaching you as you shoot.
You’ll learn how to:
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Track birds in different flight patterns
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Use continuous AF to maintain sharpness
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Adjust settings quickly as light changes
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Compose fast-moving subjects with intention
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Capture multiple species under varied behaviors
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Build confidence in timing, framing, and anticipation
You’ll select a few images from this session — both successes and challenges — to bring into the final review.
Session 3 — Image Review + Learning from Each Other (1.5 hours)
Back in the Looking Glass classroom, Dave leads a supportive, constructive image review.
You’ll:
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Receive individualized feedback on your submitted images
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Learn what’s working and why
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Understand how to refine your shooting technique
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See how others approached the same conditions
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Gain practical steps to continue improving
This session brings everything together — reinforcing your learning and accelerating your growth.
Who This Class Is For
This workshop is ideal for intermediate photographers who:
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Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera
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Have at least a 300mm lens (or can rent one from Looking Glass)
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Understand basic exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO)
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Want to dramatically improve their BIF success rate
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Want guided practice and real feedback
(Note: Point & Shoot and bridge cameras are not recommended.)
What to Bring
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DSLR or mirrorless camera
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Lens of 300mm or longer (rentals available)
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Tripod or monopod (recommended; gimbal or tilt-pan head preferred)
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Spare batteries + memory cards
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Notebook for in-class settings and tips
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Weather-appropriate clothing
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A willingness to practice, experiment, and learn
Cancellation Policy
72-hour notice required for a full refund.
About Your Instructor
Dave Strauss is a longtime wildlife photographer and a trusted Looking Glass instructor known for his clarity, warmth, and deeply practical teaching style. His bird photography has inspired countless students to dive deeper into the art of capturing motion, behavior, and the beauty of the natural world.
Why people choose Looking Glass
Why people choose Looking Glass
You could buy gear anywhere. But if you believe photography is personal, you’re in the right place.
At Looking Glass, we’ve spent over 50 years helping photographers feel confident, supported, and inspired—not just stocked up. When you shop with us:
- You get guidance from photographers when you want it, not algorithms
- You support a locally owned store that reinvests in education and community
- You have someone to call, email, or walk in and talk to after the sale—that’s important
- You help ensure that independent, human-centered photography spaces still exist
You already love photography. We’re here to help you unlock what’s next.
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Free shipping for all orders over $150
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Free photo coach session with every new digital camera or lens purchase
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