Wildlife Photography in the Bay Area & Beyond: Big and Small (Jan 10 & 17)
Wildlife Photography in the Bay Area & Beyond: Big and Small (Jan 10 & 17)
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Description
Description
From hawks on a power line to insects in your backyard — learn how to photograph wildlife of every size with confidence. (…and then take your new skills with you Africa, Galapagos, or anywhere else!)
Class Overview:
Wildlife isn’t just lions in Africa. It’s shorebirds at the beach, raptors over the marsh, butterflies on milkweed, and the tiny dramas happening in your own garden. In this two-part, small-group workshop, longtime Looking Glass instructor and avid wildlife photographer Dave Strauss will show you how to capture compelling images of animals both far away and up close — using telephoto, wide-angle, and even macro techniques — whether you're on a dream trip or simply spending time close to home.
You’ll learn how to work with available light, dial in your camera settings, and choose the right lens for the moment. Then you’ll go out and practice, and come back for a live review session where Dave walks through your photos and helps you refine your technique.
If you’re ready to move beyond “I got something, but it’s soft / noisy / too far away,” this class is for you.
Who this class is for:
This workshop is designed for intermediate and up photographers who are new to wildlife photography:
- You’re familiar with terms like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, depth of field, even if you’re not 100% confident yet.
- Even if you usually shoot in full AUTO, you’ve used Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or Manual occasionally.
- You’ve tried photographing wildlife or birds and wished the results were sharper, closer, or just… better.
- You want practical guidance, not theory — and you want feedback on your actual work.
If you’ve taken (or are comfortable with the material from) Dave's Fundamentals 101 class, you’re in the right place.
What you’ll learn:
- How to choose the right settings to freeze motion and get tack-sharp wildlife shots — even in less-than-ideal light
- How focal length changes the story: long telephoto for intimacy, wide angle for “animal in its world,” and macro for tiny subjects that still feel epic
- How to read light outdoors and position yourself so your subject pops instead of turning into a silhouette
- How to get close (ethically) and compose in a way that feels alive instead of “I zoomed all the way and hoped”
- How to pick lenses and camera bodies that make wildlife work easier and photos better — including what features and specs actually matter and what’s just marketing
- Simple field assignments you can repeat anytime to keep improving
How the class works:
Session 1 — Technique + Field Assignment
- Date:Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Time: 10:30am–12:30pm
- Location: Looking Glass Photo, Berkeley
Dave will walk you through real examples of wildlife photography at different scales: birds in flight, mammals in the landscape, pollinators, etc. He’ll break down how each image was made — lens choice, camera settings, light, and approach. You’ll leave with a set of specific shooting exercises to try on your own over the coming days.
Your Practice Time
You’ll go out and shoot using the exercises from Session 1. You’ll then send Dave a small selection of your images so he can prep thoughtful feedback.
Session 2 — Image Review + Coaching
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 10:30am–12:30pm
- Location: Looking Glass Photo, Berkeley
We’ll gather again to look at everyone’s images. Dave will spend time on each person’s work — what’s working, what could be stronger, how to solve common challenges like focus, noise, framing, or harsh light. Past students often say this review session is the best part of the entire experience.
What you'll need:
- A mirrorless or DSLR camera
- A telephoto lens that can reach at least 300mm equivalent (for birds / distant subjects)
- Any macro or close-focus option you have (optional but welcome)
Point-and-shoot style cameras generally struggle with fast-moving wildlife. If you’re not sure whether your setup will work, reach out and we’ll let you know.
About your instructor:
Dave Strauss is a longtime Looking Glass instructor and passionate wildlife photographer who has spent years photographing everything from leopards and giraffes abroad to coyotes, bobcats, shorebirds, raptors, and pollinators right here in the Bay Area. Dave is known for his approachable teaching style and his generous, practical critiques — students consistently tell us the review sessions with Dave are where everything finally “clicks”.
Cancellations and Refund Policy:
Refunds are available with a minimum of 72 hours’ cancellation notice prior to the start of class.
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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