Schedule a customized photo workshop with Seattle-based photographer Max Waugh. The Pacific Northwest offers several great destinations for nature photography. Join Max on a half-day, full day or multiday tour of some of the best local hot spots. Individuals or groups are welcome, and we can customize the workshop to focus on the skills or subjects you wish to target.

Destinations
There are plenty of local destinations within a couple hours' drive from the Seattle area. Most of these locations are suitable for half- or full day workshops, unless otherwise noted.

Boundary Bay & Reifel Bird Sanctuary
Located across the border in British Columbia, Boundary Bay and Reifel provide a couple of great walking workshop locations. Boundary Bay has hosted rare snowy owls during recent irruptions, and it looks like they're returning in the winter of 2012-13. It's also a good place to spot other birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, falcons and other owl species. Reifel Sanctuary has a good series of wetland trails running through excellent habitat for waterfowl, herons, cranes, raptors, wrens, woodpeckers and the elusive American mink and rare black morph gray squirrel.

Recommended itinerary: full day trip from the Seattle area.

See past photos from Boundary Bay and Reifel: 2013 : 2012

Discovery Park
Seattle's expansive Discovery Park is a great spot for wildlife. In spring there may be good opportunities to find barred owls and other bird life.

Recommended itinerary: half day tour, or combined with Arboretum (see below) for a full day session

See past photos from Discovery Park: 2012

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Located near Olympia, Nisqually is an excellent spot for land-based excursions with a major focus on birds. Major species include: great blue heron, American bittern, several species of waterfowl, eagles, hawks, falcons and great horned owls, raccoons and mink.

Recommended itinerary: half day trip from the Seattle area.

See past photos from Nisqually: 2012

Skagit River Bald Eagles
Every winter the Skagit River plays host to hundreds of bald eagles that flock here to feed on salmon.

Recommended itinerary: full day trip from the Seattle area.

See past eagle photos from Skagit: 2007 : 2006

Skagit Valley
About an hour's drive north of Seattle, the Skagit Valley is a top destination for bird photography. The highlights during winter include short-eared owls and other raptors, migrating swans and geese and other bird life. This can be a very good place for practicing birds-in-flight photography.

Recommended itinerary: half day trip from the Seattle area.

See past photos from Skagit Valley: 2011

Washington Park Arboretum
A great spot for urban wildlife, particularly waterfowl and other birds. The Arboretum is best explored by boat, which gives us better access to certain wetland species. There are also several trails in the area that allow for land-based exploration. Major species seen during Arboretum workshops include: great blue heron, red-winged blackbird (right), mallard duck, wood duck, cinnamon teal, bufflehead, marsh wren, pied-billed grebe, green heron, pileated woodpecker, bald eagle, painted turtle.

Recommended itinerary: half day tour starting with an early morning walk followed by boating.

See past photos from the Arboretum: 2012

Woodland Park Zoo/Northwest Trek
Working in a controlled environment can be very beneficial for practicing photography. Woodland Park Zoo and Northwest Trek both present a variety of wildlife in enclosed environments, perfect for working on basic photography skills.

Recommended itinerary: half to full day trips.

What is Included in the Price of Your Workshop

• Transportation to/from the Seattle area.
• Full photographic instruction during the duration of the workshop.
• Drinking water & light snacks

What is NOT Included

• Entry fees, where applicable.
• Rental fees, when applicable.
• Meals
• Photo equipment*

Rates