Bald Eagles - © 2003 Greg Downing

Homer Alaska, is the best place on Earth to photograph Bald Eagles. Join Greg Downing and Arthur Morris for a once in a lifetime opportunity to photograph these magnificent birds at close range, perched and in flight, while learning alongside two accomplished bird photographers.

About Homer:

Southwest of Anchorage, the seaside town of Homer overlooks the Kachemak Bay and scenic Kenai Mountains. A narrow point of land extends over four miles into the bay, called the Homer Spit, and even in winter the water generally remains clear of ice. The Eagles gather along the spit, due to an abundant supply of fish and unfrozen waters. For many years, Jean, the Eagle Lady has fed the Eagles fish, attracting them in large numbers to this area. Bald Eagles perch along the sandy shores on rocks, upturned trees, and even on tall lights and boat masts. Other birds also congregate here, including Rock Sandpipers, Northwestern Crows, and a variety of gulls. In the bay, where some areas are over three hundred feet deep, although unlikely, whales may be spotted in the water, as well as Porpoise, Sea Otters, and Common Murres.

Bald Eagle - © Greg Downing

About The Workshop:

Scheduled in early March 2006, these workshops are planned around the height of Bald Eagle presence in Homer. There will be a maximum of six participants per instructor, so each will have the opportunity to receive individualized attention and instruction to ensure their photography workshop objectives are met. An assistant will also be on hand to help.

Flights are available into Homer directly on scheduled Air Carriers from Anchorage, or you can stop in Anchorage instead which is about a five hour drive from Homer. The workshop will focus on Bald Eagles, but we may also take advantage of other opportunities as they present themselves. Lenses of 400mm or greater are a must for bird photography, and tripods will be necessary in some cases.

Accommodations:

The group will stay at Lands End Resort, right where the action is. Eagles congregate right on the hotel grounds and perch on the building. A block of rooms has been reserved for the participants and a meeting room will be available for our use throughout the workshop. Daily critiques and slide shows will ensure real-time learning using state of the art digital equipment.

Other opportunities:

Flying into Anchorage and allowing yourself time to make the roughly five hour drive to Homer can provide for some fantastic photographic opportunities. The scenery is just breathtaking in places, and sometimes Dall Sheep and Bald Eagles can be found along the way. While in Homer, water taxies are readily available for trips around the bay in search of Sea Otters. Views from the bay are also spectacular.

Bald Eagle - © Greg Downing

Conditions:

Winter weather in Homer is varied and we will work on being adept at shooting in different conditions. We plan to photograph regardless of cold, rainy or snowy weather unless conditions are too severe. Attire should be layers of warm clothing with water resistant outer layers.

Homer, Alaska has long been a destination for nature photographers seeking photographs of the majestic Bald Eagle. Literally hundreds of these birds, in varying stages of development, congregate in a small area on the Homer spit, giving us ample opportunity to photograph these majestic Eagles in action.

Bald Eagle - © Greg Downing

You can expect to get insanely close to these Eagles, providing unprecedented opportunities to make close up images, which would otherwise be impossible anywhere else in the wild. Join us in February 2005 to capture some images of your own and hone your bird photography skills with us!

Dates and Cost:

(Transportation, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.)

March 3-7 (5-days) $1,699

March 8-12 (5-days) $1,699

March 3-12 (All 10-days) $3,198 (savings of $200)

If you would like to register for either or both of these workshops, please fill out the registration form below. ( * = Required Field ) A deposit of $500 is required to reserve your spot.

During the registration process you will have the opportunity to make your deposit via PayPal, although checks or money orders are greatly appreciated. If paying by check or money order you should still use the registration for below, but you will be given payment instructions via e-mail within 48 hours of receipt of your registration.