Overview

Exotic Birds – Poison Dart Frogs –  Monkeys – Waterfalls – Wild Pacific Beach

All of this and more is to be found in one of the most biologically exciting places on Earth – Coast Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula – and we’d like to share the best of it with you. Envision original primary rainforest rising up a low ridge from a pristine and entirely undeveloped Pacific beach, stretching as far as the eye can see. Native toucans, scarlet macaws, and four species of New World monkeys cruise through the trees, while dramatic waterfalls roar in the jungle. Numerous species of visually striking frogs inhabit the area, including three species of colorful poison dart frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, masked tree frogs, and massive cane toads in their native habitat. Hundreds of exotic bird species abound. In addition to the toucans and macaws, long-tail hermit hummingbirds, trogons, blue-capped manakins, crested caracaras, ibis, various raptors and myriad other species are readily photographed. The forest itself is stunning, with old-growth trees full of character and beautiful graphic compositions just waiting to be discovered.

Instructors Daniel Beltrá and Justin Black will share their creative approaches to photographing rainforest fauna and flora, as well as the dramatic landscape. Hands-on in the field, we will cover long-lens and macro wildlife techniques, control of composition and light, fill-flash, control of focal plane and perspective with tilt-shift lenses, panoramic stitching, and other techniques that can be used to great effect in this amazing place.

CLICK HERE to read Justin Black’s article “Frogs of the Osa” in Outdoor Photographer magazine

Click “read more…” below right for more information and the photo gallery…

Our basecamp, El Remanso eco-lodge, is a uniquely rich and accessible environment to witness and explore the incredible flora and fauna of Central America’s rainforests.  The owners are personal friends of the instructors, and the staff make guests feel like family. It’s a peaceful resort where it’s easy to let go of the hassles of travel logistics and fully immerse yourself in exploring and photographing the beach and waterfalls, monkeys and frogs, gorgeous old-growth trees and various species of land crabs.  Ziplines lead to platforms in the jungle canopy that can offer an ideal shooting perspective.

The staff at El Remanso take great care of us – providing three fresh tropical fruits, a delicious mix of international and local Tico cuisine, not to mention the margaritas – all on an inviting and spacious covered dining deck perched at the top of a canyon, at eye-level with the forest canopy.  Indeed, we’ll bring our long lenses to breakfast to photograph monkeys, macaws and toucans feeding in the trees.  The opportunities to explore don’t stop with the setting sun. A stroll with a naturalist guide around El Remanso just after dark reveals all manner of nocturnal species.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – (December 2) – Travel from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez and El Remanso

Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica – *please see note below regarding scheduling international flights. At 2pm, join fellow participants at SANSA domestic airline terminal adjacent to the main international airport terminal. You will be greeted there by an El Remanso representative who will facilitate your check-in for the private charter flight on a SANSA Cessna Grand Caravan to Puerto Jimenez. The flight itself is incredibly scenic, and a great opportunity to do some aerial photography. Daniel Beltrá, Justin Black, and El Remanso staff will pick up the group at the Puerto Jimenez airstrip for the 45-minute drive to El Remano. Welcome orientation, time to get settled, and cocktails and dinner.

Days 2 through 6 – (December 3-7) – El Remanso and surroundings

This is the workshop itself. We will spend a full five days helping workshop participants make the most of the endless photographic opportunities to be found on El Remanso’s 185 acres, as well as at locations nearby. Most instruction will be carried out through hands-on demonstrations and discussion in the field. In the evenings, we will gather to download, edit, go over digital workflow techniques, and constructively critique participant images to  sessions to ensure that everyone has ample opportunity to learn from the personal visions of participants and instructors alike.

Day 7 – (December 8) – Return to San Jose to catch international flights

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to El Remanso and transfer to Puerto Jimenez to catch our charter flight back to San Jose (landing at SJO at 11:00am) so participants can catch international flights that afternoon.

• Price based on double occupancy: $4,998/person (Single supplement: $497)

• Two-person package cost for one workshop participant and non-participant guest: $7098.00 (double-occupancy; please contact us to arrange this package at info@visionarywild or 202-558-9596)

Included in the program:

• Photographic instruction throughout by Daniel Beltrá and Justin Black
• In-country group charter flights: San Jose – Puerto Jimenez – San Jose
• Group ground transfers: Puerto Jimenez – El Remanso – Puerto Jimenez
• Six nights lodging, all meals, and beverages (including beer, wine, cocktails with dinner) at El Remanso
• Group local transportation
• Naturalist guides
• Group gratuities