Wild Wings Photo Adventures
Now in it's 14th year, Wild Wings Photo-Adventures has grown from what began as a weekend with five amateur photographers experiencing the awesome spectacle of thousands of waterfowl, to today's two adventures which cover everything from waterfowl & wildhorses to Osprey & swamp critters in the Carolinas.

     Internationally recognized wildlife photographer Doug Gardner takes great pleasure in sharing his expertise in photographing animals that can be  otherwise hard to approach. Whether you're a professional photographer looking for some great stock images or an advanced-amateur, Doug will guide you into areas teeming with wildlife. Up-close and personal accounts have many participants returning year after year.

     These adventures are geared towards advanced amateurs and professional photographers. You will be put  through the demanding tasks that are required to get great wildlife shots in natural settings. Along with Doug Gardner you will start your mornings 1 hour before sunrise as you find your way through dark woods, swamps and marshes. You will learn how to: find ideal shooting areas, locate or call wildlife, build natural blinds, how to use the weather to your advantage and much more! Don't miss this unbelievable experience as you shoot beside a working pro.

• All day shooting in the field.
• Limited to small personal groups, 4 - 6 people per workshop.
• Physical difficulty: Easy to Strenuous:
  

Waterfowl & Wild Horses

Outer Banks, North Carolina
(Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, Ducks and Wild Horses)
Guides: Doug Gardner & Jared Lloyd

2 Day Adventures (late January - dates TBA)
$550 per person
(includes lodging & meals - breakfast & supper)

3 Day Adventure (early February - dates TBA)
$850 per person
(includes lodging & meals - breakfast & supper)

Our most popular adventure just got better! Join us on our new waterfowl & wild horse adventure on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. You don't want to miss the sight of thousands of snow geese & tundra swans pitching into the decoys and the sounds of these magnificant birds as they buzz your head before landing in front of your lens. You won't be disappointed; Eastern North Carolina is a hotspot for all winter waterfowl.

The biggest change to this adventure is the addition of the wild horses. I have recently teamed up Jared Lloyd who brings to the table an unbelievable knowledge of the geology and history of the Outer Banks and ability to find these elusive wild horses. Jared was literally raised with these beautiful creatures and he knows how to get you in position for spectacular images.

This is a great opportunity to hone your skills and get some spectacular stock shots.

Requirements:

  • 300mm lens or longer & tripod
  • Camouflage outer clothing and chest waders required.
  • Limited to 6 participants per session.
  • Must be able to carry 35 lbs. 100 yards.
  • Must be comfortable working in chest waders.
  • Must be able to walk through rough terrain

Physical Rating: Moderate - Strenuous
Osprey & Swamp Critters 
Lake Marion, South Carolina
$250 per person (Limited to 4 max.)
1 Day Adventure (No meals or lodging included.) 
April 17th - June 6th ( Choose any day!)
 

       Many seasoned photographers find themselves returning to this adventure year after year. Lake Marion is home to one of the largest nesting populations of osprey or “Fish Eagles” in the United States. You will be shooting osprey in a number of different stages of their nesting period. Nest building, breeding, territorial battles, catching fish, feeding their young, and young fledglings testing their wings for the first time. After photographing osprey in the morning we will head for the cypress swamps in the headwaters of the lake. There you can expect “anything,” wading birds, deer, bob cats, raccoons, song birds, reptiles and beautiful scenics. Shooting from our newly customized Pontoon boat makes this photo-adventure comfortable and fun.
Physical Rating: Easy