{"product_id":"sunrise-on-elkhorn-slough-a-photography-excursion-with-looking-glass-aug-15","title":"Summer Golden Hour Wildlife Photography on Elkhorn Slough (Aug 15)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"504\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"504\"\u003eSaturday, August 15, 2026, 6:45–8:15am\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"790\"\u003eJoin us for an unforgettable summer morning of wildlife photography on Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s most biologically rich coastal estuaries. Shortly after sunrise, we’ll head onto the water as the day begins to unfold across the marsh and the Slough comes alive with wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"792\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003eThis immersive experience brings together photography, nature, and expert guidance. It is designed for photographers who want to observe wildlife more closely while photographing from a boat, and work creatively with the soft, changing light of an early coastal morning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"wnm8ha\" data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003eA Three-Part Experience\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1w47h9l\" data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1122\"\u003eSession 1\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1190\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1190\"\u003ePre-Trip Preparation, via Zoom\u003cbr data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1159\"\u003eTuesday, August 11th at 6:00pm (duration is roughly 1 hour)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1527\"\u003eWe’ll begin with a preparation session covering what to expect on the boat, recommended camera settings, lens choices, and strategies for photographing wildlife in changing morning light. We’ll also discuss techniques for anticipating animal behavior, working from a moving platform, and responding quickly when an opportunity appears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1w47h9m\" data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1542\"\u003eSession 2\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1608\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1608\"\u003eSummer Golden Hour Cruise\u003cbr data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1574\"\u003eSaturday, August 15, 6:45–8:15am\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1733\"\u003eWe’ll meet in Moss Landing for a private 1.5-hour cruise through Elkhorn Slough aboard a quiet, electric-powered catamaran.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"2183\"\u003eOur departure is shortly after sunrise, placing us on the water as low morning light begins to spread across the estuary. Depending on the coastal conditions, we may encounter clear, directional sunlight, softly filtered light through the marine layer, or a little of both. Each creates different possibilities for wildlife portraits, reflections, backlighting, silhouettes, and wider photographs that show animals within the surrounding landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2489\"\u003eElkhorn Slough supports abundant wildlife throughout the year, including sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, herons, egrets, shorebirds, and many other species. Summer also brings its own seasonal character, with Caspian terns among the birds visitors may encounter. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2491\" data-end=\"2761\"\u003eSea otters may be resting, grooming, or foraging at the surface. Harbor seals gather along the banks, while pelicans and terns move above the channels in search of food. Herons and egrets watch the shallows, and smaller shorebirds explore the exposed edges of the marsh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"3081\"\u003eSummer mornings on the Slough can feel remarkably calm and spacious. The coastal air is cool, the water is often protected from the stronger winds that develop later in the day, and the early hour gives us time to slow down, watch carefully, and photograph the quieter interactions that make this ecosystem so special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1w47h9n\" data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3096\"\u003eSession 3\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3098\" data-end=\"3166\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3098\" data-end=\"3166\"\u003ePost-Trip Image Review, via Zoom\u003cbr data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3135\"\u003eTuesday, August 25th at 6:00 p.m. (duration is roughly 1 hour)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3512\"\u003eWe’ll come together again for a group image review to share photographs, celebrate moments that stood out, and discuss what we learned from the morning. This is an opportunity to receive supportive feedback, see how other photographers responded to the same conditions, and reflect on both the technical and experiential sides of the excursion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"xq2w0t\" data-start=\"3514\" data-end=\"3534\"\u003eWhy We’re Excited\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3760\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3536\" data-end=\"3562\"\u003eSmall Group Experience\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3562\" data-end=\"3565\"\u003eWe have privately chartered a 32-passenger boat for just 12 photographers. That means more room to move, greater flexibility, and clearer views when wildlife appears on either side of the vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3762\" data-end=\"3953\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3762\" data-end=\"3795\"\u003eBeautiful Early-Morning Light\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3798\"\u003eOur cruise begins shortly after sunrise, giving us the opportunity to photograph with low, changing light before the sun climbs higher into the summer sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"4187\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3997\"\u003eSummer Wildlife and Seasonal Character\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3997\" data-end=\"4000\"\u003eThe Slough remains full of wildlife throughout the summer, while the marsh takes on warmer, drier tones that create a beautiful setting for environmental portraits and wider compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4189\" data-end=\"4398\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4189\" data-end=\"4208\"\u003eExpert Guidance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4208\" data-end=\"4211\"\u003eExperienced photography instructors and California naturalists will help you identify wildlife, anticipate behavior, adjust to changing light, and make thoughtful decisions in the moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4400\" data-end=\"4613\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4400\" data-end=\"4428\"\u003eEco-Friendly and Ethical\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4428\" data-end=\"4431\"\u003eAs certified Wildlife Stewards with Sea Otter Savvy, and aboard a quiet electric vessel, we prioritize respectful wildlife viewing and minimal disturbance to the animals and habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4615\" data-end=\"5003\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4615\" data-end=\"4644\"\u003eSmooth, Stable Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4644\" data-end=\"4647\"\u003eThe calm, protected waters of Elkhorn Slough provide a remarkably steady platform for handheld photography, without the rolling conditions associated with an open-ocean excursion. The boat operator describes its cruises as taking place on calm waters with opportunities to observe otters, seals, and abundant birdlife. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"17khnje\" data-start=\"5005\" data-end=\"5026\"\u003eKnow Before You Go\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5028\" data-end=\"5121\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5028\" data-end=\"5041\"\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moss Landing, California, approximately a two-hour drive from the Berkeley area\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5028\" data-end=\"5121\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"81\" data-end=\"100\"\u003eTransportation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Transportation to and from Moss Landing is not provided. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the departure location.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5168\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5142\"\u003eExcursion Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e Saturday, August 15, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5170\" data-end=\"5198\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5170\" data-end=\"5186\"\u003eCruise Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6:45–8:15am\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5200\" data-end=\"5391\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5200\" data-end=\"5218\"\u003eWhat to Bring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Camera, binoculars, and layered clothing. Even in August, mornings on the Monterey Bay coast can begin cool, with temperatures and light changing as the marine layer lifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5393\" data-end=\"5652\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5393\" data-end=\"5409\"\u003eWeekend Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because we’ll be back on shore by 8:15am, the rest of the day is wide open. Consider staying overnight nearby and making a weekend of it, with time to explore Monterey, Santa Cruz, the coast, or the Elkhorn Slough Reserve after the excursion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5654\" data-end=\"5751\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCancellations for a refund must be received at least seven days (on or before August 8th) before the pre-trip Zoom session.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Looking Glass","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52811766825280,"sku":"EXCURSION_ELKHORN_AUG152026","price":279.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/6218\/8352\/files\/elkhorn-slough-1_da134a78-1d3e-4a18-8108-a83a3b5b97de.jpg?v=1756407005","url":"https:\/\/www.lookingglassphoto.com\/products\/sunrise-on-elkhorn-slough-a-photography-excursion-with-looking-glass-aug-15","provider":"Looking Glass Photographic Outfitters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}