I had been looking at this workshop for 3 years now, but each time I thought that it was going to happen something came up to keep me from going. I enjoy shooting waterfowl and wetland shorebirds more than anything, so when the opportunity came up again I was hoping that this was the year. Fortunately, it was my wonderful wife that made this happen. She knew I wanted to go so she stepped in, handed me the money, and said now you have no excuses! Thank you so much honey!!!!
This trip wasn’t just any old workshop. I was going to shoot next to and be tutored by one of the most respected photographers and videographers in the business, Doug Gardner. Some of you may remember a show on PBS called Wild Photo Adventures a few years back. It was a half hour of terrific photography, but Doug also took the time and explained exactly how to shoot in situations like he was shooting in.

Doug has gone on to produce and film several specials for National Geographic and the BBC. He was also nominated for an Emmy this year!
So of course I was a bit intimidated about shooting next to such an accomplished photographer like Doug, but he put us all at ease very quickly. He treated us like friends and fellow photographers and couldn’t have been nicer. Not only is he a first class photographer, but he is also a world class ballbuster! I knew we would get along just fine!
So for four days I got to learn from the best in an area of Chesapeake Bay that is legendary for attracting large numbers of waterfowl at close range. It was an eye-opener to see so many ducks together in one small area. And most of these ducks were diver ducks. In our area we usually only see diver ducks out in the middle of the lakes. We got the chance to photograph them up close and personal and I took advantage of it. I ended up with about 14,000 images in four days. I know that sounds like a lot, but I could easily taken quite a few more!!!
So I hope you enjoy the following images as much as I enjoyed taking them. It was so nice to spend time with people who enjoy that type of photography as much as I do! I will also post a more complete set of images in the gallery section of this site if you are interested. Click on the images to enlarge….

I met some good photographers on this trip and I can’t thank Doug enough for his help! He taught me some new ideas that will take my photography to the next level and I can’t wait to try them back at home!!!
And whatever you do…. get out and shoot!!!