Birding Away!-$15
With Alex Eisengart
Thursday 1PM-2PM
Traveling in order to find birds can be really exciting—you can explore a whole new place to explore, with all new birds! However, it can also be really daunting. Where do you start? You have so much planning to do, and so much to learn. In this talk, Alex reviews everything there is to know about birding away from home in order to come back with the best possible photos.
When and Where to Photograph Birds
on South Padre Island-$15
With Paul Denman
Thursday 2:30 PM-3:30 PM
Photographer Paul Denman shares his indoors classroom program for birders who like to photograph and photographers who would like to know more about bird photography. Most people think of South Padre Island as a hotspot during spring migration, but Paul’s presentation takes you to the best locations for photographing all kinds of birds on South Padre Island throughout the year. In addition, he provides his favorite techniques and tips to help you improve your bird photography, from mastering flight photography to getting down low to capture birds in and above the water.
Deep Dive into Shorebirds
With Alex Eisengart
Saturday 3:30PM-4:30
This talk truly is a deep dive into shorebirds. First, Alex explains what defines a shorebird and which U.S. birds are classified as charadriiformes. As he continues, he covers the amazing feats that shorebirds go through twice yearly—their migrations. Have you ever wondered why some shorebirds look so weird? You'll find out in this talk as well! To wrap things up, Alex explains how to capture the essence of such amazing birds in photographs with some tips and tricks. By the end of this talk, you'll love shorebirds as much as he does!
Digiscoping Demystified-$15
With Clay Taylor, Swarovski Optik Ltd.
Thursday 3:30PM-4:30PM
This indoor workshop held at the Harlingen Convention Center and sponsored by Swarovski Optik, will explain digiscoping – the process of attaching a digital camera or phone to a spotting scope. The workshop will be conducted by Clay Taylor, the Naturalist Market Manager with Swarovski Optik Ltd and a pioneer of digiscoping in the U.S. Clay will cover scope and camera equipment, attachment devices, and tips for success. This class can be taken in conjunction with Digiscoping from the Deck as a field experience or it can be a stand-alone class. Meet at the Harlingen Convention Center assigned breakout room.
Working with Birds in Photoshop-$15
With Esperanza S. Chapa
Friday 1PM-2:00PM
Esperanza will share her program, “Working with Birds in Photoshop” for birders who like to photograph. No matter what skill level you are, you are certain to learn several tips to improve your confidence and Photoshop workflow. Her presentation is a live demonstration of the usual kinds of adjustments that photographers can make when they work with their photographs. This includes removing and changing backgrounds, cleaning up distracting objects such as feathers, sticks, leaves, etc., enhancing and repairing birds’ eyes, and using the liquify filter to increase or reduce the size of a flower, bird, etc.
Graphic artist, designer and photographer from McAllen, Texas. Esperanza
S. Chapa began her love affair with art during her childhood summers on her family’s ranch in Guanajuato, Mexico.
She completed her Bachelor of Visual Arts degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo
LeóLeón in 1993 using the first version of Photoshop! Since then, her work has helped her clients earn national recognition and numerous, prestigious awards year after year. Esperanza has taken the Texas Master Naturalist training and served on the boards of various nature-related organizations in the Rio Grande Valley.
LeóLeón in 1993 using the first version of Photoshop! Since then, her work has helped her clients earn national recognition and numerous, prestigious awards year after year. Esperanza has taken the Texas Master Naturalist training and served on the boards of various nature-related organizations in the Rio Grande Valley.
Getting Close to Things with Wings
(Close-up Photography)-$15
With Melody Lytle
Friday 2:30PM-3:30PM
Expect to see and learn Melody Lytle’s techniques for capturing images of butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, and other insects and critters with wings. Melody shares her expertise and presents her custom slide show that illustrates numerous tips and techniques she uses for photographing things with wings. This includes camera gear, tripod, macro lenses, extension tubes, reflectors and more. This is the perfect classroom session if you plan to attend Melody’s hands-on workshop, Saturday 11/09/24 from 6:30 am - 10:30 am at the West Wildlife Preserve in Rio Hondo.
