Near Famous

No longer do you have to fit your schedule to fixed workshop dates. Now you can make arrangements for an individual workshop when it is convenient for you. You will also have one-on-one instruction and not have to share a hummingbird photography set-up.

Hummingbirds are fascinating photographic subjects and at this workshop you can capture wing-stopping images of hummingbirds in flight as they feed at wildflowers. Past participants have been amazed at the results they obtained at this workshop with their first attempts. Several past participants have had their hummingbird images taken at this workshop published in national calendars and other publications. Join Charles W. Melton in the mountains of southeastern Arizona to photograph a variety of hummingbird species.

Broad-billed Hummingbird feeding at claret cup cactus flowers.

We will be photographing on private property in Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains of southeast AZ. The property is adjacent to the world-renowned Ramsey Canyon Inn which is adjcent to The Nature Conservancy's Ramsey Canyon Preserve.

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 mountains of southeastern Arizona for this informative and fun workshop into the use of high-speed flashes. See and photograph these fabulous gems from close-up. Mornings are the best time to photograph hummingbirds so workshops are scheduled for a 5-hour period from 7am to 12 noon. Reservations must be made well in advance.

WORKSHOP FEE

$300. for a single person for a 5-hour workshop includes instruction and use of flash set-ups.

The workshop fee does not include lodging, transportation, or meals. There are many places to stay in the area. The most convenient would be the Ramsey Canyon Inn. There are other places to stay in the canyon and many more in the city of Sierra Vista, about 10 miles from the workshop location. Information on places to stay will be provided upon request.

For information on openings available please contact Charles W. Melton at cwmelton@nearfamous.com

HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIFICS

I have photographed 14 species of hummingbirds in the area. Hummingbirds are present year-round but not all hummingbird species are present year-round. The most common hummingbirds that occur in the area during spring and summer include Anna's, Black-chinned, Broad-billed, Broad-tailed, Violet-Crowned, and Magnificent or Rivoli's Hummingbirds. Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds migrate through the area at that time. There is also a chance the rarer hummingbirds will show up such as Berylline Hummingbird.

Flashes provided include Nikon, Canon, and Sunpak brands. Participants must bring their own 35mm 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. You must be able to set your camera for manual flash exposures. Hummingbirds are small creatures so lenses should be in the 300mm to 400mm 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.

We will be primarily photographing hummingbirds in flight feeding at flowers. A variety of other hummingbird photography techniques can be taught including hummingbirds on perches and isolated in flight. There is also the possibility of photographing hummingbirds nesting.

LOCATION

The workshop will take place in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona. The Huachucas are one of the premier birding spots in Arizona and hummingbirds are one of their specialties. Photography will take place on private property in Ramsey Canyon, about 10 miles south of Sierra Vista, AZ.

Anna's Hummingbird feeding at Stachys coccinea flowers.

WORKSHOP LEADER

Charles W. Melton has been photographing hummingbirds for more than 30 years and the Huachuca Mountains are one of his favorite locations for hummingbird photography. He specializes in images of hummingbirds feeding from wildflowers and to date has photographed 16 species of hummingbirds in the U.S. in this manner. His hummingbird images are regularly published in books, magazines and calendars.

For information on openings or any additional information please contact Charles W. Melton at cwmelton@nearfamous.com

 

Magnificent Hummingbird feeding at Justicia candicans flowers.

 

Violet-crowned Hummingbird feeding at yellow columbine flower.

 

Broad-tailed Hummingbird male perched.

 

Berylline Hummingbird feeding at penstemon flowers.

 

Broad-billed Hummingbird female on nest.