2021 Workshops and Clinics Overview

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Milky Way Workshop Super Moon Clinics Monsoon / Lightning Owl & Raptor Safari Basics of Photography Class Private Instruction

Milky Way & Night Photography Workshops
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Empire Ranch Milky Way IIEmpire Ranch Milky Way IIMade from 5 light frames (captured with a Canon camera) with 5 dark frames by Starry Landscape Stacker 1.6.4. Algorithm: Median
Shoot Date: October 6, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
30.0 sec at f/2.5 0 EV
Lens: 15mm @ 15 mm
ISO: 6400
Traveling Back in LowellTraveling Back in LowellAt the end of time eternal, the path of angels leads to memories of an era now gone and a life more simple. In the small hamlet of Lowell, AZ there is a street that struggles against the modern age. In Lowell, vintage is the present, and the current does not exist.

Like so much of the Southern Arizona High Desert, it is unexpected in the most incredible way. On this night, like a magnet is drawn to its pole, the Milky Way found an earthbound brother, pointing any who would wander its path to this magical place.

The vision of His magnificent creation unfolds for me daily. Be it created through His children or His hand; it is all grand and awe-inspiring. I am blessed to share its witness. I humbly remain His scribe.
Shoot Date: March 6, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Manual 8.0 sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: 15mm @ 15 mm
ISO: 100
__©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: March 28, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF50mm f/1.4 USM | f/16 | ¹⁄₁₃ sec | ISO 100
 

We are pleased to share that we have been named the official City of Wilcox Dark Sky Ambassador!. During our three day workshops, participants will learn to master Milky Way, Star-trail, Deep Sky, and Night Photography in some of the most beautiful dark sky sites in the United States.

Our programs cover:

  • Advanced planning to select the best nights to shoot
  • Location and scene selection to create dramatic, stunning and unique photos
  • Camera settings to ensure your shots turn out beautifully
  • How to use a Star Tracker to achieve better Milky Way and Deep Sky shots
  • Post-processing in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Stacking software to learn stacking and compositing to achieve stellar results.

 

We will also be shooting sunrises and sunsets. Each night will bring a new adventure and fantastic photos. 

Join us as we capture old west windmills, ranches, barns, and ghost towns from under the arch of a brilliant Milky Way. Travel with us to shoot the iconic Saguaro, Barrel, and Prickly Pear Cactus in perspectives only seen at night. Explore with us the pictograph adorned caves and ridges of an otherworldly golden mountain range.  

Rosetta NebulaRosetta NebulaRosetta Nebula
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: January 28, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF300mm f/4L IS USM | f/8.0 | 60.0 sec | ISO 2000
Searching for AndromedaSearching for AndromedaMade from 60 light frames by Starry Sky Stacker 1.3.1. Algorithm: Median Orion NebulaOrion NebulaOrion Nebula
© 2019 RGallucci Photography

When, if ever, I tire of seeing the sky at night, I will know it is time for me to accompany the angels of illumination that have given me such happiness on this journey through the cosmos. Then I too shall become a one, of many, returning to the next starry wanderer all the beauty I have been blessed to see.

I had planned to shoot star-trails last night. Those plans were dashed by the combination of a late Sunday supper of homemade pasta, authentic bolognese sauce, and freshly baked bread, plus a need to finish the lesson plan for tonight's Lightroom and Photoshop Editing class, prevented me from joining my friends. Instead, I decided to practice shooting deep space objects. The Orion Nebula was my first subject.

The Orion Nebula is one of the most visible in the night sky. If fact, if you have a pair of decent binoculars, you will be able to see it. Just look down and to the right of the three stars in a row that make up Orion's belt.

To witness the cosmos is to see the breath of God. I remain His scribe.

Orion Nebula
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Made from 60 light frames by Starry Sky Stacker 1.3.1. Algorithm: Mean


Shoot Date: January 26, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
60.0 sec at f/8.0 Bias:0 EV
ISO: ISO 2000
Lens:EF300mm f/4L IS USM @ 300 mm

 


 

Super Moon Clinic
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Suguaro MoonriseSuguaro MoonriseSuguaro Moonrise
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: May 5, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM | f/8.0 | ¹⁄320 sec | ISO 100
Half Moon over Lady LibertyHalf Moon over Lady LibertyA last minute trip to the Brooklyn Piers last night served as a sharp lesson in the adage "proper planning prevents poor photos." Don't get me wrong; I like this shot. But, it is not the shot I set out to get. About thirty seconds earlier the lower edge of the midsummer moon tottered precariously on Lady Liberty's flame, as if she were delicately balanced on a fragile stage. That is the shot I had hoped to get. Unfortunately, when I got to my vantage point on the Brooklyn Piers, I realized that the wind off the Hudson was creating a lot of camera shake. A couple of test shots proved that I would not get any focused shots with the current gear. I had to run back to the car and get a heavier tripod and lens or abandon the shoot altogether. I chose the car (of course). By the time I returned and got set up I had missed the shot I hoped to get.

As I shared above, this is still a good shot. I just can't help but think that if I had not tried to take the easier path of bringing lighter gear, I would have achieved my goal for the night. In the end, it worked out well. Life is good like that - you make a mistake, you learn a valuable lesson that makes you wiser and better, and sometimes, like last evening, you still end up with some reward.

I hope you enjoy.
Shoot Date: July 31, 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Aperture priority 0.3 sec at f/6.3 ‒ 1 EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM @ 400 mm
ISO: 800
Full Moon on Hoodoo IIFull Moon on Hoodoo IISometimes the best-planned photos take on meaning that was never intended. I believe that may be the case for this image. Everything about this shot came out as I planned it. The full moon rose to the top of this hoodoo just at the end of the golden hour, with the Dragoon mountains still radiating the spectacular golden hue they reflect at sunset. unfortunately, I did not count on the inherent perversion of everyone that I have shown it to thus far. I think it is a great shot. I will let you, the viewer, decide what you see.
Shoot Date: June 26, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Manual ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec at f/9.0 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 329 mm
ISO: 100

Have you ever seen pictures of a giant full moon perched or balancing on a foreground building or landscape and wondered how it's done? In these clinics, you will learn the secrets and techniques on how to capture stunning balancing full moon images. Each one-night supermoon clinic is led by an internationally recognized and published, PhotoPills Moon Master.

Participants will learn the art of Moon photography in some of the most unique dark sky sites in the United States.


The program will cover:

  • Advanced planning to select the best nights and times to shoot
  • Location and scene selection to create dramatic, stunning and unique photos
  • How to align the moon with dramatic foreground objects
  • Camera settings, and lens selection to ensure your shots turn out beautifully
  • Post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop to make your images shine.

Clinics can be combined on consecutive days to create your own customized workshop. 


 

Monsoon & Lightning Clinics
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August StormAugust StormAugust Storm
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: August 14, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM | f/8.0 | 1.3 sec | ISO 100
Medusas LairMedusas LairMedusas Lair
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: August 15, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | f/5.6 | ⅙ sec | ISO 100
A Storm in SonoitaA Storm in SonoitaA Storm in Sonoita
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: July 31, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | EF50mm f/1.4 USM | f/8.0 | ⅕ sec | ISO 100

Southern Arizona is world-renowned for its monsoon season lightning displays. The combination of high altitude, lower clouds, and dry air make for unprecedented strike visibility and viewability. There is little that beats the thrill of chasing a storm during monsoon season and capturing the explosive lightning that accompanies it. According to the National Weather Service Monsoon season in the Southern Arizona High Desert runs from June 15th to September 30th. The best months to chase storms are July and August when there is often a storm every day. 

Our workshops are designed to give participants the knowledge of how to read storm forecasts and predict the locations with the highest probability of capturing dramatic lightning strikes. Our on Call storm chasing clinics allow participants to book up to the day-of to chase storms with our experienced photographers. All participants will learn proper safety measures, camera settings and post-production processing in Lightroom and Photoshop. 

We also offer Build Your Own (BYO) workshops during July and August to accommodate your schedule. 

 

Click on the location to learn more and book your adventure

Date

Location Details
July 16 - July 18 Arizona Storm Chase I Max 4 participants
July 23 - July 25 Arizona Storm Chase II Max 4 participants
July 30 - August 1 Arizona Storm Chase III Max 4 participants
August 13 - August 15 Arizona Storm Chase IV Max 4 participants
     

 


 

 

Private Instruction
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Sunset Storm at Sierra Vista AirportSunset Storm at Sierra Vista AirportSunset Storm at Sierra Vista Airport
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: August 15, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | f/8.0 | 1.3 sec | ISO 100
A revelation at Juniper FlatsA revelation at Juniper FlatsA revelation at Juniper Flats
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: July 15, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM | f/16 | ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec | ISO 100
Bisbee NightBisbee NightBisbee, a small town at the edge of the border, is the eclectic melting pot of Cochise County. A once thriving mining town, it renewed itself as an artists community when the ore petered out. In a place where once the avarice of man hunted for material wealth people now search for the inspiration to create beauty. Bisbee is a place where one can spend a joyous and relaxing day wandering the winding streets, stopping on occasion to look inside the historic buildings no turned into galleries and cafes. Or, you can create an ad-hoc scavnger hunt to see who can find the most of the uniquely iconic Bisbee Art Cars.

I like Bisbee during the day. I love Bisbee during the late night. It is then, when most of the town has turned in, and the lights are low, that Bisbee appears as a shimmering crystal nestled amidst the Mule Mountains. The night is the perfect time to drive up to one of the many overlooks surrounding the city to gaze at the endless nighttime sky. The town takes on a different essence when viewed under the path of angels. It becomes younger and more vibrant when seen against the ancient clock of stars.

Bisbee, a town both old and new is much like my soul. They have both enjoyed a storied past that led to a renewing rejuvenation. It is a humble honor to be gifted with the blessing to share a view of this Southern Arizona High Desert town.

I remain His scribe.

Image inquiries gratefully appreciated.

Bisbee Night
©RGallucci Photography
Shoot Date: March 6, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
7.8 sec at f/2.8 0 EV
Lens: 15mm @ 15 mm
ISO: 6400

Private Instruction - a custom-tailored experience to fulfill your photography goals. Sometimes scheduling or individual needs may prevent participation in our workshops and clinics. To accommodate your personal learning style and schedule, we offer individually customized itineraries based on your requirements.  Designed for one to four people, these workshops are the perfect way to ensure you receive personalized learning.   

Your personalized itinerary can include General Photography, Milky Way and Night Sky Photography, Landscape, Moonscape, Storm Chasing and Post Processing in any combination. Email me for availability.

Date

Location Details
Custom Dates Custom Itinerary

Max 3 participants

The Last GateThe Last GateThe Last Gate
© 2019 RGallucci Photography

About a mile west of the San Pedro River is a primitive road that no cars may travel. The large gate at its origin has three locks to keep them out. But, right next to it is a smaller passageway that is unlocked so people may pass through.

It was on this path, with giant cottonwoods lining the eastern horizon and open fields leading to the Huachuca's on the west, where I found myself this gloaming. It was here that I found a lone gate, whose wire fencing enclosed nothing in particular. It was a gateway to nowhere that on this evening transformed itself into a portal to a mystic view of this southern Arizona high desert paradise. It was a doorway of affirmation to the magnificent beauty of a creation I am honored to witness and share.

I am blessed to be His scribe.

The Last Gate
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com


Shoot Date: February 19, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
¹⁄₁₃ sec at f/16 Bias:‒ 2 EV
ISO: ISO 100
Lens:EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 16 mm
MadnessMadnessMadness! Sheer, overwhelming, massive, madness! That's the first thing that went through my mind when I saw this shot. To put it into perspective look at the lights from the town on the lower right side of the image. Imagine that the mountains that this strike is hitting at over 6,000 feet high. This bolt is over twice the hight of them. It is madness. And, I love it!
Shoot Date: August 6, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority 30.0 sec at f/5.0 0 EV
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 16 mm
ISO: 100
Paradise DefinedParadise DefinedTo experience paradise one must find that place where the heart joins the land in perfect harmony. For me, that place is the High Desert of southern Arizona. It is here that serenity rises with mornings first flickering light and endures throughout all waking moments. Each day brings a new adventure. Each morning delivers a renewed hope.

Morning here is different. There is no morning dew in the high desert. That gorgeous film of moisture gains no footing in the arid desert heat. But we do have its equal. As if God decided it was too grand a vision to deny, during the early morning sunrise shimmering brilliance is born of the suns rays flashing in phosphorescent flashes from the branches of the high desert fauna.

It was amongst this lustrous spectacle that a white stallion stood, serene and majestic, while he surveyed his domain. Surrounded by an aura of golden light he staked his claim as the master of this moment. Here, where generations of his forefathers roamed free, he was at one with the land.

This was the quintessential western landscape, iconic and moving. This was the paradise that I had sought my entire life. In answer to the prayers of a man once lost in the fractured rush of the industrial madness of overpopulated cities, I had arrived home. To capture and relate the beauty of this world is my tribute of thanks to Gods great gift to me. To witness and scribe His glory is my mission. I could not be more blessed.

Paradise Defined
©RGallucci Photography
Shoot Date: November 10, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₁₀₀₀ sec at f/11 ‒ 2 EV
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 16 mm
ISO: 400

 

 


Owl & Raptor Safari
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Ferruginous Pygmy OwlFerruginous Pygmy OwlIn general, Owls are an elusive species to find and photograph in the wild. Most are either nocturnal or crepuscular, making locating them during the day a challenge. This is all the more true with the pygmy and small owls. Most of the members of this clan measure around six inches in height, making finding them in a tree even more difficult. I well remember my first experience with a Northern Saw-whet Owl. It was perched a foot directly over my head yet still invisible to me.

But that was not the case yesterday when we went on a wild adventure into the high southern desert to find the rare (in the USA) Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Mostly seen in south Texas, the chance to see this life bird in Arizona was too tempting to resist. We traveled three hours from the southernmost part of Arizona to the Black Hills west of Tuscon only to find ourselves at a junction to a primitive road. Residents of Arizona are very familiar with primitive roads. They come in many states of primitive from well-groomed dirt highways to rocky thoroughfares that require slow and careful navigation. But for the road ahead of us on the next leg of this journey the term primitive would be an upgrade. We were concerned about continuing.

Stopping to survey the terrain and rest a moment we received a good omen. Ahead of us, perched on the dead scrag of a tall tree, was two Crested Caracara. With our spirits buoyed by this sighting we plunged ahead. After five miles of slow off-camber driving along the rocky, well-rutted route we arrived at the location where another birder had reported the owl. We had planned to spend hours in search but had only gone about 20 minutes when from the bowels of a stand of trees we heard the unmistakable faint hoots of the owl. With three sets of eyes present, we set upon the task of narrowing our search perimeter. A short while later we spotted the bird.

At a diminutive 6 inches tall the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is only defeated for the title of the smallest owl by the even smaller Elf Owl. But our bird had decided to perch in the open space of a bare limb making him loom large. Staying a respectful distance away from the Owl we set up our gear to take our photos.

Rutilant in the morning light, the bird treated us to a show of song and movement for over an hour. A short while after we had begun we heard the reason for the calls. There was a second owl somewhere in the area. A quick 1,000 images later we packed up and headed home.

I will post more images and video of this beautiful bird over the next few days, including some shots of one of its most distinguishing features - the eyes on the back of its head. I was as interested in getting good shots of that as I was of his face.

A day spent with good friends is a blessing. Finding rare species makes it more so. There are no words that I know that can adequately describe the gratitude I feel towards God for allowing me these privileges. I humbly remain His scribe.
Shoot Date: December 8, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/5.6 1 ²⁄₃ EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM @ 400 mm
ISO: 100
Western Screech Owl IWestern Screech Owl IThe text message was short, "Do you want to see a Western Screech Owl?". That akin to asking me if I want to breath. I called out to my beautiful bride and asked if she wanted to shoot over to Battiste Bed & Breakfast to see an Owl. She answered with, "You had me at Owl." I quickly dumped the Chili I was in the middle of cooking into a slow cooker, and we jumped in the car and headed to the B&B.

What Tony didn't tell me was that the Owl was wide open in a deep, low cavity of a gnarly old tree. That is not something that happens often. At least not to me. The Western Screech Owl is only about eight inches tall and has only been a tiny spot in a tree in my past viewings. This viewing was another of the many southern Arizona dreams come true. We spent about 30 minutes with the bird, limiting our time so as not to disturb it. It was more than ample time to get some pictures and video.

Afterward, we retreated to the blind in the B&B's backyard, taking in the incredible landscape architecture while watching dozens of hummingbirds race about. There was Violet Crowned, Costa, a possible Lucifers and the other usual suspects. I could have spent the day there, but ultimately, I had to get back to the chili. In about seven hours it will be done. I can't wait. It will be a perfect end to what, so far, is an extraordinary day.
Shoot Date: September 21, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Manual ¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM +2x @ 800 mm
ISO: 500
Elf Owl IIElf Owl IIThe tiniest raptor. At about five inches tall the Elf Owl has the distinction of being the smallest owl in the world. I thought that Northern Saw-Whet Owls were tiny until I met this little bird. A summer resident of Southern Arizona Saguaro Cactus and Riparian woods, these Owls can be distinctly heard as night settles over the high desert landscape. But hearing and seeing are two very different things. The best place to see one is at Batiste Bed Breakfast and Birds. Each night visitors are welcome (there is a very modest fee) to sit under the exquisite Arizona starry nights and wait for the Owls to leave their nest to begin their hunt. It is a great experience.
Shoot Date: April 9, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Manual ¹⁄₆₀ sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: EF400mm f/2.8L USM +2x @ 800 mm
ISO: 400
ferruginous pygmy owl Western Screech Owl Elf Owl

All workshops offer participants the opportunity to book bonus days to go on an Owl / Raptor Safari.

Owl Species can include Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Elf Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Western Screech Owl, Whiskered Screech-Owl, Great-horned Owl, Barn Owl, and Short-eared Owl*All workshops offer participants the opportunity to book bonus days to go on an Owl / Raptor Safari.

Raptor Species can include Ferruginous Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gray Hawk, Black Hawk, Swainson Hawk, Harris Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Prarie Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin*

*Owl and Raptor availability determined by the time of year.  

 

Ferruginous HawkFerruginous HawkSoaring through the cold winter skies of southern Arizona's high desert sky-island valleys in search of prey, the Ferruginous Hawk is the largest of all the North American raptors. Stunningly regal in its stiff-winged flight this Buteo rules the fallow fields it stalks in search of prey. At around two feet long, with just under a six-foot wingspan, this hawk is similar in size to the Upland Buzzard of Central Asia, its distant relative. In the late Pleistocene, they shared the skies over the Alaska Siberia land bridge. Today, the species dominates its realm alone.

The high desert of southern Arizona is home to the largest diversity of animal life in the United States. Within that ecosystem, the Ferruginous Hawk sits as the top predator in the sky. Pity the poor prairie dog or jackrabbit that gets caught in its talons. To see one perched on one of the numerous utility poles that line the primitive roads around Whitewater Draw is a revelation. To watch one in flight is doubly so.

I remain humbly thankful to God for granting me the opportunity to witness the beauty of the high desert region and share it with others. I am blessed to be His scribe.
Shoot Date: December 15, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/6.3 ²⁄₃ EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 320
Kestral on the HuntKestral on the HuntKestral on the Hunt
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shoot Date: January 24, 2020
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM | f/8.0 | ¹⁄₆₄₀ sec | ISO 160
Harris's HawkHarris's HawkHere is a truth that might be understood only by another birder. I set a goal of 100 species for January which I missed by five birds because I got lazy. So today I figured I would visit our local Harris's Hawk to start to get caught up. I imagined it would be like other times I went to see this majestic raptor - a quick look in a distant tree before it flew off. Oh boy, was I wrong in the best possible way!

From down the block, I spotted the hawk perched upright on the top of a 50 foot pine tree. It seemed that it was far enough and high enough from the road that driving by to get the sun at my back would not spook it. Parking well away I cautiously walked towards the bird using a stand of trees as cover. When I found the right angle, I started to shoot and capture some video. Ten seconds into the session the bird turned to show its profile. I was gobsmacked at how stunning it looked. I took a few more shots, thanked the bird for its cooperation and left. It was a good day!

Harris's Hawks are unique amongst North American raptors in that they create strong social bonds with one another. Groups of seven hawks living and hunting together are not unusual. A hawk of the southwest, they can be found in Texas, New Mexico and, of course, my beloved Southern Arizona high desert.

I am blessed to witness and share the beauty of His world and gratefully remain His scribe.
Shoot Date: February 12, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Manual ¹⁄1000 sec at f/8.0 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 640
Ferruginous Hawk Kestral in Flight Harris Hawk

 

 
 

 

Covid-19 Update
Due to the restrictions required to ensure the health and safety of our participants we have postponed all clinics and workshops from April 1st, 2020 through September 30, 2020