Photographers of all types came out to attend this information packed, 2-day workshop at the world renowned Bosque del Apache wildlife refuge near Socorro, New Mexico. Instructors Glenn Hohnstreiter and Jerry Goffe shared a wide range of knowledge and expertise.

The workshop started in the Bosque’s classroom with a presentation by Glenn Hohnstreiter. Covering the dynamic patterns that go into visualizing fine art images, Glenn drew insight from the fine art world to inspire the attendees. Using his fine art landscape prints as examples, Glenn demonstrated the 6 different patterns that go into composing a successful image. Jerry Goffe then presented a slideshow that not only orientated participates with the Bosque and its variety of wildlife, but also spoke on the techniques used to photograph birds. He demonstrated the similarities between wildlife and portrait photographers in their techniques of capturing images. Jerry’s presentation covered everything from the number of eagles that were currently at the refuge – 7 – to why the birds make the Bosque their winter home; the fields that are planted and then knocked down to the right height for the different species. After speaking about the different experiences that would ahead of the participants, it was time to tour the Bosque.

Before sunset the group traveled in a caravan through the farm loop and got a glimpse of the overwhelming number of birds that come to the Bosque in the winter. Traveling to section 3 – a large lake at the entrance of the refuge, everyone was able to capture a “fly-in” experience.

Meeting at 6:00am back at the classroom, participants then traveled to the flight deck to capture the “fly-out” experience. The sunrise was a spectacular variety of deep reds and pinks. The ice on the lake didn’t seem to bother the thousands of birds asleep before dawn. Just as the sun began to rise, all the birds fly, en-mass, only feet above the heads of those on the flight deck.  Within seconds the lake went from crowded to empty. The group then traveled back to section 3 lake to experience the snow geese fly-out. After a break for breakfast, the group resumed with another tour of the farm loop, this time Glenn Hohnstreiter gave a view camera demonstration.

Throughout the workshop both Glenn and Jerry worked with participates on an individual basis. Just before noon, the group toured the marsh loop – making the experience complete with two bald eagles perched over a large lake. The volunteers at the Bosque were always on hand to answer questions and assist in the tour. The entire workshop was an incredible experience that none of the participants will soon forget!