Near Famous

Hummingbird Photography Workshop and More
with Charles W. Melton

At the renowned The Pond At Elephant Head, Arizona • July 25-28, 2011
Limited to four participants.

Hummingbirds are fascinating photographic subjects and at this workshop you can capture wing-stopping images of hummingbirds in flight as they feed at flowers. We will be photographing at The Pond at Elephant Head, and the blinds, feeding stations, and props will be available for photography of other birds and mammals. Information about the location can be found here.

Broad-billed Hummingbird feeding at Salvia greggii	Black-chinned Hummingbird feeding at Bouvardia ternifolia

Learn how to capture images of Hummingbirds in flight, their iridescent beauty frozen in time. Discover the equipment and techniques used to freeze the wing motion of these tiny jewels. Join widely published hummingbird photographer Charles W. Melton in the scenic landscape south of Tucson, Arizona, during this special time of year. Beginning in early July and extending through August, on the average, the cooling monsoon rains bring this area back to life. The moisture causes the vegetation to resprout during a second spring and many of the birds are back in reproduction mode, singing and nesting. This is also the time of year when many hummingbirds pass through this area on their southward migration.

The workshop is limited to four photographers. A hummingbird flash set-up will be provided for each pair of photographers. Photographers will alternate at these set-ups, which should provide each participant with plenty of photographic opportunities. A variety of hummingbird photography techniques will be taught including hummingbirds at feeders, on perches, isolated in flight, and in flight feeding at flowers. When not photographing at the hummingbird set-ups the blinds, pond, and feeding areas will be available for photography of other subjects.

Flashes provided include Nikon, Canon, and Sunpak brands. Participants must bring their own camera and lens. You do not need to have a Nikon or Canon camera, but your camera must have the capability to plug into the flash set-ups by means of a PC outlet or hot shoe. Hummingbirds are small creatures so lenses should be in the 300mm to 500mm range with the ability to close focus using a macro setting or extension tube. Lenses should be able to focus close enough to cover an area as small as 5x7 inches. The closer your lens can focus, the tighter you will be able to frame the hummingbird. Suitable lenses for Canon cameras may be available for use by participants, but arrangements must be made prior to the workshop.

Hooded Oriole male catching honey bee	Northern Cardinal male perched on cholla cactus skeleton

WORKSHOP DATES

July 25-28, 2011

The first day, July 25, we will meet in the late afternoon or evening for an orientation and presentation on hummingbird photography. The next three days we will be photographing all day.

WORKSHOP FEE

$1,200. per person includes instruction, use of flash set-ups, and access to the facilities of The Pond at Elephant Head.

$200. deposit required to reserve a space.

Balance is due by July 1, 2011.

LOCATION

The workshop will take place at The Pond at Elephant Head located about a one hour drive south of Tucson, Arizona, near the well-known birding and photography hotspot Madera Canyon. Map location here.

Food, lodging, and transportation are not included. The nearest lodging and restaurants are located in Green Valley, Arizona.

WORKSHOP LEADER

Charles W. Melton has been photographing hummingbirds for more than 20 years and conducting hummingbird photography workshops since 1999. He specializes in images of hummingbirds feeding from wildflowers and to date has photographed 15 species of hummingbirds in the U.S. in this manner. His hummingbird images are regularly published in birding magazines, calendars, as well as in many books.

For additional information please contact Charles W. Melton at 520 378-9656, by regular mail, or by e-mail at cwmelton@nearfamous.com

To register for the workshop please print and fill out the section below:

2011 HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Phone(s): ______________________________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________________

Camera Equipment (body, lenses): __________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

A Liability Release form will be sent to you and must be signed and returned before participating in the workshop.

Hummingbird Photography Workshop Fee is $1,200.00

A deposit of $200. is required to reserve a space. The balance is due by July 1, 2011.

Cancellation fee of $200. will apply within 60 days of the workshop. Workshop Fee is nonrefundable within 30 days of the beginning of the workshop unless your space can be filled. All cancellations must be made in writiing.

Enclosed is my check for $ _______________

Please make checks payable to Charles W. Melton.

Mail reservation and payment to:

Charles W. Melton

PO Box 592

Hereford, AZ 85615