Photo Field Trip: The Great Sandhill Crane Migration (Online + In-Person)

Photograph one of the great North American bird migrations! In this two session event, you will learn how to successfully photograph Sandhill Cranes landing, standing, and taking off in any weather and light condition. On Saturday, you will meet up in Wisconsin to learn the instructor’s favorite locations as he leads you to the cranes in the early morning light. Don will spend time with each participant to ensure that they are able to get good shots you’ll want to share!

In the webinar portion of this class you will learn:

• Sandhill Crane behavior 
• Migration patterns
• Why Crex Meadows is the place to photograph cranes
• How to photograph migratory birds
• Planning for a bird shoot
• Best practices for photographing birds in flight
• Techniques for photographing birds in groups and flocks
• How to isolate cranes and other birds from backgrounds
• How to work with challenging lighting
• Safety and etiquette during the shoot

In the field portion of class you will:

• Meetup at Crex Meadows Wildlife Management Area in Grantsburg, Wisconsin
• Setup cameras and attach lenses 
• Participate in questions and answer before heading out
• Walk to Don’s pre-scouted Sandhill Crane location
• Setup and capture great shots of migrating cranes in morning light
• Enjoy camaraderie with your peers

The following equipment is recommended for this program:

• Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera capable of ISO up to 8000
• Telephoto zoom lens of up to at least 400mm (Don uses 100-400mm. Others use 150-600mm)
• Rain sleeve in case of rain or mist.
• Microfiber towel for cleaning your lens.
• Clothing appropriate for the weather.
• Snacks and water.
• Teleconverter (optional)

Additional Information: The field trip takes place rain or shine and will require walking on unpaved paths while carrying photography equipment. Please bring lunch or plan to have lunch in the Grantsburg area.

How Webinar Works: Register 1 person with 1 email at a time (you will be asked which email you want the invitation link sent to at checkout). If you would like to register multiple people, please register them each separately with separate emails. Registered attendees will receive the link needed to join in their initial purchase confirmation by email. The Arboretum will also send a reminder email with the link 2 days prior to the start date. Simply click the link at the webinar start time to join! Then the host, Frank, will accept you into the webinar. Send webinar-related questions to the Arboretum webinar host, Frank Meuschke, at [email protected]